2007 Saturn AURA Owner Manual M
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This manual describes features that may be
available in this model, but your vehicle may not
have all of them. For example, more than one
entertainment system may be offered or your
vehicle may have been ordered without a front
passenger or rear seats.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.
SATURN and the SATURN Emblem are registered
trademarks, and the name AURA is a trademark
of Saturn Corporation. GENERAL MOTORS
and GM are registered trademarks of General
Motors Corporation.
Canadian Owners
A French language copy of this manual can be
obtained from your dealer/retailer or from:
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.
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 15864099 B Second Printing
©2006 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
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How to Use This Manual
{CAUTION:
Many people read the owner manual from
beginning to end when they first receive their new
vehicle to learn about the vehicle’s features
and controls. Pictures and words work together
to explain things.
These mean there is something that could
hurt you or other people.
We tell you what the hazard is and what to do to
help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read
these cautions. If you do not, you or others could
be hurt.
Index
A good place to quickly locate information about
the vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual.
It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual
and the page number where it can be found.
A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do Not
do this” or “Do Not let
this happen.”
Safety Warnings and Symbols
There are a number of safety cautions in this
book. A box with the word CAUTION is used to
tell about things that could hurt you or others if you
were to ignore the warning.
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Vehicle Damage Warnings
Vehicle Symbols
You will also find notices in this manual.
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along
with the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific component,
control, message, gage, or indicator.
Notice: These mean there is something that
could damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage
the vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be
covered by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could
be costly. The notice tells what to do to help avoid
the damage.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the
following topics:
• Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
• Features and Controls in Section 2
• Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
• Climate Controls in Section 3
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
There are also warning labels on the vehicle
which use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
• Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in
Section 3
• Audio System(s) in Section 3
• Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
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These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:
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Section 1
Seats and Restraint Systems
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Front Seats
Manual Seats
{CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while
the vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and confuse you,
or make you push a pedal when you do
not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only
when the vehicle is not moving.
Lift the bar located under the front of the seat to
unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it
and release the bar. Try to move the seat with
your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.
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Power Seats
Manual Lumbar
On vehicles with this
feature, the handle is
located on the outboard
side of the seat.
Move the handle up repeatedly to decrease
lumbar support. Move the handle down repeatedly
to increase lumbar support.
In vehicles with power seats, the controls used to
operate them are located on the outboard side
of the seat.
To adjust the seat, do any of the following:
• Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding
the control forward or rearward.
• Raise or lower the front part of the seat cushion
by moving the front of the control up or down.
• Raise or lower the rear part of the seat cushion
by moving the rear of the control up or down.
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Press the top of the switch again to go to the low
heat setting. The indicator light will be lit next
to the number 1.
Heated Seats
Your vehicle may have heated front seats.
Press the bottom of the switch to turn the
feature off.
The buttons are located
on the outboard side of
the driver’s and front
passenger’s seats.
The heated seat feature will turn off when the
ignition is turned off.
Press the top of the switch to turn the
feature on. The seat will heat to the high
setting. The indicator light above the switch will
be lit next to the number 2.
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Reclining Seatbacks
{CAUTION:
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
If the seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on the
seatback to be sure it is locked.
{CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while
the vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and confuse you,
or make you push a pedal when you do not
want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
On seats with manual reclining seatbacks,
the lever used to operate them is located on the
outboard side of the seat.
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Power Reclining Seatbacks
To recline the seatback, do the following:
1. Lift the recline lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, then
release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure
it is locked.
To return the seatback to an upright position,
do the following:
If the seats have power reclining seatbacks,
the control used to recline them is located on the
outboard side of the seat behind the power
seat control.
• To recline the seatback, tilt the top of the
control rearward.
• To bring the seatback forward, tilt the top of
the control forward.
1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to
the seatback and the seatback returns to the
upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it
is locked.
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{CAUTION:
Sitting in a reclined position when your
vehicle is in motion can be dangerous.
Even if you buckle up, your safety belts
cannot do their job when you are reclined
like this.
The shoulder belt cannot do its job. In a
crash, you could go into it, receiving neck
or other injuries.
The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a
crash the belt could go up over your
abdomen. The belt forces would be there,
not at your pelvic bones. This could cause
serious internal injuries.
Do not have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is
moving.
For proper protection when the vehicle is
in motion, have the seatback upright.
Then sit well back in the seat and wear
your safety belt properly.
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Pull the restraint up
to raise it. To lower
the head restraint,
press the button,
located on the top
of the seatback,
and push the
Head Restraints
restraint down.
The rear seat head restraints are also adjustable.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the
restraint is at the same height as the top of
the occupant’s head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.
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Power Lift Seat
Rear Seats
Split Folding Rear Seat
With this feature, you can fold either side of the
seatback down for more cargo space. Make sure
the front seat is not reclined. If it is, the rear
seatback will not fold down all the way.
Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety
belts still fastened may cause damage to the
seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle
the safety belts and return them to their normal
stowed position before folding a rear seat.
To adjust a power lift seat up or down:
1. Move the seat forward or rearward to the
desired position.
2. Press the top or bottom of the power lift seat
switch, located on the outboard side of the
driver’s seat, to raise or lower the seat.
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{CAUTION:
A safety belt that is improperly routed,
not properly attached, or twisted will not
provide the protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the rear
seatback, always check to be sure that
the safety belts are properly routed and
attached, and are not twisted.
To lower the rear seatback, pull on the seat tab
located on the outboard side of the seatback
cushion and fold the seatback down. This allows
you direct access to the trunk.
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on the
seatback to be sure it is locked.
To raise the rear seatback, follow these steps:
1. Raise the seatback up and make sure it latches.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is
locked in position.
3. Make sure that the safety belts are properly
stowed over the seatback in all three positions.
When the seat is not in use, it should be kept in
the upright locked position.
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Safety Belts
{CAUTION:
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
This 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.
{CAUTION:
Do not let anyone ride where he or she
cannot wear a safety belt properly. If you
are in a crash and you are not wearing a
safety belt, your injuries can be much
worse. You can hit things inside the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be
seriously injured or killed. In the same
crash, you might not be, if you are
buckled up. Always fasten your safety
belt, and check that your passengers’
belts are fastened properly too.
Your vehicle has indicators to remind you and
your passengers to buckle your safety belts.
on page 190.
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In most states and in all Canadian provinces,
the law says to wear safety belts. Here is why:
They work.
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast
as it goes.
You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do
have a crash, you do not know if it will be a
bad one.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be
so serious that even buckled up, a person
would not survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people who buckle up
can survive and sometimes walk away. Without
belts they could have been badly hurt or killed.
After more than 40 years of safety belts in
vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes
buckling up does matter... a lot!
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a
seat on wheels.
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Put someone on it.
Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.
The rider does not stop.
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The person keeps going until stopped by
something. In a real vehicle, it could be the
windshield...
or the instrument panel...
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Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an
accident if I am wearing a safety belt?
A: You could be — whether you are wearing a
safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a
safety belt, even if you are upside down. And
your chance of being conscious during and
after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get
out, is much greater if you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I
have to wear safety belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental systems only; so
they work with safety belts — not instead of
them. Every airbag system ever offered
for sale has required the use of safety belts.
Even if you are in a vehicle that has airbags,
you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That is true not only in frontal
collisions, but especially in side and other
collisions.
or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle
does. You get more time to stop. You stop
over more distance, and your strongest bones
take the forces. That is why safety belts
make such good sense.
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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far
from home, why should I wear safety belts?
This part is only for people of adult size.
A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are
in an accident — even one that is not your
fault — you and your passengers can be hurt.
Being a good driver does not protect you
from things beyond your control, such as
bad drivers.
Be aware that there are special things to know
about safety belts and children. And there
are different rules for smaller children and babies.
If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see
everyone’s protection.
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).
First, you will want to know which restraint
systems your vehicle has.
We will start with the driver position.
Safety belts are for everyone.
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The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the
belt across you very quickly. If this happens,
let the belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
Driver Position
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to
wear it properly.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it
clicks.
1. Close and lock the door.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is
secure. If the belt is not long enough,
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.
To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle
the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. Move the shoulder belt height adjuster to the
height that is right for you. Improper shoulder
belt height adjustment could reduce the
effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.
on page 31.
3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across
you. Do not let it get twisted.
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6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the
shoulder belt.
It may be necessary to pull stitching on the
safety belt through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and
snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a
crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.
And you would be less likely to slide under the lap
belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at
your abdomen. This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the
body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or
crash.
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Q: What is 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 will not give
nearly as much protection this way.
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{CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt
is too loose. In a crash, you could slide
under the lap belt and apply force at your
abdomen. This could cause serious or
even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be
worn low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs.
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Q: What is 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.
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Q: What is 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 are not 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.
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Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured by a twisted
belt. In a crash, you would not have the
full width of the belt to spread impact
forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight
so it can work properly, or ask your
retailer to fix it.
A: The belt is twisted across the body.
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Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment
Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt
adjuster to the height that is right for you.
Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of
the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt
should be away from your face and neck, but not
falling off your shoulder. Improper shoulder
belt height adjustment could reduce the
effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.
To move it down,
squeeze the buttons (A)
on the sides of the
height adjuster and
move the height
adjuster to the desired
position.
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.
You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up
on the shoulder belt guide.
After you move the adjuster to where you want it,
try to move it down without squeezing the
buttons to make sure it has locked into position.
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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the
mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is
more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash.
For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to
making safety belts effective is wearing them
properly.
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely
to be seriously injured if they do not wear
safety belts.
Right Front Passenger Position
To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s
page 24.
The right front passenger’s safety belt works the
same way as the driver’s safety belt — except
for the following.
If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out
all the way, you will engage the child restraint
locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go
back all the way and start again.
When the safety belt is not in use, slide the latch
plate up the safety belt webbing. The latch
plate should rest on the stitching on the safety
belt, near the guide loop.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder
belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low
as possible, below the rounding, throughout
the pregnancy.
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Rear Seat Passengers
It is very important for rear seat passengers to
buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted
people in the rear seat are hurt more often in
crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who are not safety belted
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash.
And they can strike others in the vehicle who are
wearing safety belts.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All rear seat positions have lap-shoulder belts.
Here is how to wear one properly.
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across
you. Do not 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.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is
secure.
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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
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle
the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low
and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs.
In a crash, this applies force to the strong
pelvic bones. And you would 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.
3. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the
shoulder part.
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The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and
across the chest. These parts of the body are
best able to take belt restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or
a crash.
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder
belt is too loose. In a crash, you would
move forward too much, which could
increase injury. The shoulder belt should
fit against your body.
To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle.
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Here is how to install a comfort guide to the
safety belt:
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
Rear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide
added safety belt comfort for older children
who have outgrown booster seats and for
some adults. When installed on a shoulder
belt, the comfort guide positions the belt away
from the neck and head.
There is one guide for each outboard
passenger position in the rear seat.
1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the
edge of the seatback and the interior body
to remove the guide from its storage clip.
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2. Slide the guide under and past the belt.
The elastic cord must be under the belt.
Then, place the guide over the belt and insert
the two edges of the belt into the slots of
the guide.
3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies
flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt
and the guide on top.
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{CAUTION:
A safety belt that is not properly worn may
not provide the protection needed in a
crash. The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and across
the chest. These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.
4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt
page 33. Make sure that the shoulder
belt crosses the shoulder.
To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze
the belt edges together so that you can take
them out of the guide. Pull the guide upward to
expose its storage clip, and then slide the
guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward
and slide them in between the seatback and
the interior body, leaving only the loop of
the elastic cord exposed.
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Safety Belt Pretensioners
Safety Belt Extender
Your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the
driver and right front passenger. Although you
cannot see them, they are part of the safety belt
assembly. They help tighten the safety belts during
the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal
and near frontal crash if the threshold conditions
for pretensioner activation are met. And, if your
vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt
pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in
a side crash.
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you,
you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your retailer
will order you an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so
the extender will be long enough for you. To help
avoid personal injury, do not let someone else
use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit.
The extender has been designed for adults.
Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it,
just attach it to the regular safety belt. For more
information, see the instruction sheet that comes
with the extender.
Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in
a crash, you will need to get new ones, and
probably other new parts for your safety belt
system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts
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Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?
Child Restraints
A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt
and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt
can provide. The shoulder belt should not
cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit
snugly below the hips, just touching the
Older Children
top of the thighs. It should never be worn over
the abdomen, which could cause severe or
even fatal internal injuries in a crash.
According to accident statistics, children are safer
when properly restrained in the rear seating
positions than in the front seating positions.
In a crash, children who are not buckled up can
strike other people who are buckled up, or can be
thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need
to use safety belts properly.
Older children who have outgrown booster seats
should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
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Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder
belt, but the child is so small that the
shoulder belt is very close to the child’s
face or neck?
{CAUTION:
Never do this.
A: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a
window, move the child toward the center of
the vehicle. Also see Rear Safety Belt
sitting in the center rear seat passenger
position, move the child toward the safety belt
buckle. In either case, be sure that the
shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so
that in a crash the child’s upper body would
have the restraint that belts provide.
Here two children are wearing the same
belt. The belt cannot 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.
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{CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is
behind the child. If the child wears the
belt in this way, in a crash the child might
slide under the belt. The belt’s force
would then be applied right on the child’s
abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just
touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force
to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.
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Infants and Young Children
{CAUTION:
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.
Children can be seriously injured or
strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped
around their neck and the safety belt
continues to tighten. Never leave children
unattended in a vehicle and never allow
children to play with the safety belts.
Every time infants and young children ride in
vehicles, they should have the protection provided
by appropriate restraints. Young children should
not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone,
unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need
to use a child restraint.
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{CAUTION:
People should never hold a baby in their
arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby does
not weigh much — until a crash. During a
crash a baby will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it. 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.
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{CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close
to, any airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection for
adults and older children, but not for
young children and infants. Neither the
vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them. Young
children and infants need the protection
that a child restraint system can provide.
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Q: What are the different types of add-on
child restraints?
{CAUTION:
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.
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
For most basic types of child restraints, there
are many different models available. When
purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is
designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is,
the restraint will have a label saying that it
meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
strongest part of an infant’s body, the back
and shoulders. Infants always should be
secured in appropriate infant restraints.
The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that
come with the restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular child restraint.
In addition, there are many kinds of restraints
available for children with special needs.
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Child Restraint Systems
{CAUTION:
The body structure of a young child is
quite unlike that of an adult or older child,
for whom the safety belts are designed.
A young child’s hip bones are still so
small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt
may not remain low on the hip bones, as
it should. Instead, it may settle up around
the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt
would apply force on a body area that is
unprotected by any bony structure.
This alone could cause serious or fatal
injuries. Young children always should be
secured in appropriate child restraints.
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.
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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.
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Q: How Should I Use a Child Restraint?
A: 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. To help reduce injuries, an
add-on child restraint must be secured in
the vehicle. With built-in or add-on child
restraints, the child has to be secured within
the child restraint.
When choosing an add-on child restraint, be
sure the child restraint is designed to be
used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label
saying that it meets federal motor vehicle
safety standards. Then follow the instructions
for the restraint. You may find these
instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both.
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.
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A child can be endangered in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle.
Securing an Add-on Child Restraint in
the Vehicle
When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to
the instructions that come with the restraint
which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet,
or both, and to this manual. The child restraint
instructions are important, so if they are not
available, obtain a replacement copy from the
manufacturer.
{CAUTION:
A child can be seriously injured or killed
in a crash if the child restraint is not
properly secured in the vehicle. Make sure
the child restraint is properly installed in
the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt
or LATCH system, following the
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can
move around in a collision or sudden stop and
injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly
secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even
when no child is in it.
instructions that came with that restraint,
and also the instructions in this manual.
To help reduce the chance of injury, the child
restraint must be secured in the vehicle.
Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a
lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system.
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Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint
{CAUTION:
There are several systems for securing the child
within the child restraint. One system, the
A child can be seriously injured or killed
in a crash if the child is not properly
secured in the child restraint. Make sure
the child is properly secured, following
the instructions that came with that
restraint.
three-point harness, has straps that come down
over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle
together at the crotch. The five-point harness
system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps, and
a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip
straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that
are attached to a flat pad which rests low against
the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has
straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield
that swings up or to the side.
Because there are different systems, it is important
to refer to the instructions that come with the
restraint. A child can be endangered in a crash if
the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
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Where to Put the Restraint
{CAUTION:
Accident statistics show that children are safer if
they are restrained in the rear rather than the
front seat.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the right
front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a
forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a
booster seat; and children, who are large
enough, using safety belts.
Even though the passenger sensing
system is designed to turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbag (if equipped) if the
system detects a rear-facing child restraint,
no system is fail-safe, and no one can
guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a
rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because
the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the
airbag deploys.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Configurations for Use of Two Child
Restraints
CAUTION: (Continued)
A. Child restraint using
LATCH
under some unusual circumstance, even
though it is turned off. We recommend
that rear-facing child restraints be secured
in a rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off.
B. Occupant prohibited
If you need to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger seat as
far back as it will go. It is better to secure
the child restraint in a rear seat.
A. Occupant prohibited
B. Child restraint using
LATCH
If you need to secure more than one child restraint
in the rear seat, review the following illustrations.
Depending on where you place the child restraint
or the size of the child restraint, you may not
be able to access certain safety belt assemblies or
LATCH anchors for additional passengers or
child restraints.
A. Child restraint using
LATCH
B. No occupant
recommended
C. Child restraint or
occupant using
safety belt
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Configurations for Use of Three Child
Restraints
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH)
A. Child restraint or
occupant using
safety belt
The LATCH system holds a child restraint during
driving or in a crash. This system is designed
to make installation of a child restraint easier.
The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle
and attachments on the child restraint that
are made for use with the LATCH system.
Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint
is properly installed using the anchors, or use the
vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint,
following the instructions that came with that
restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.
When installing a child restraint with a top tether,
you must also use either the lower anchors or the
safety belts to properly secure the child restraint.
A child restraint must never be installed using only
the top tether and anchor.
A. Child restraint or
occupant using
safety belt
B. Child restraint using
LATCH
Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to
secure the child restraint properly.
In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle,
you need a child restraint that has LATCH
attachments. The child restraint manufacturer
will provide you with instructions on how to
use the child restraint and its attachments.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint
can move around in a collision or sudden stop
and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint in your
vehicle — even when no child is in it.
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The following explains how to attach a child
restraint with these attachments in your vehicle.
Top Tether Anchor
Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints
have lower anchors and attachments or top
tether anchors and attachments.
Lower Anchors
A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child
restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built
into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B)
on the child restraint connects to the top tether
anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward
movement and rotation of the child restraint
during driving or in a crash.
Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the
vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each
LATCH seating position that will accommodate a
child restraint with lower attachments (B).
Your child restraint may have a single tether (A)
or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single
attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the
anchor.
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Some child restraints with top tethers are
designed for use with or without the top tether
being attached. Others require the top tether
always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires
that forward-facing child restraints have a top
tether, and that the tether be attached. In the
United States, some child restraints also have
a top tether. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for your child restraint.
Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor
Locations
i (Top Tether Anchor):
Seating positions with
top tether anchors.
j (Lower Anchor):
Seating positions with
two lower anchors.
If the child restraint does not have a top tether,
one can be obtained, in kit form, for many
child restraints. Ask the child restraint
manufacturer whether or not a kit is
available.
Rear Seat
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To assist you in locating the lower anchors,
each rear anchor position has a label, near the
crease between the seatback and the seat
cushion, showing where the anchors are located.
The top tether anchors are located behind the rear
seat on the filler panel.
Do not secure a child restraint in the right front
passenger’s position if a national or local law
requires that the top tether be attached, or if the
instructions that come with the child restraint
say that the top tether must be attached. There is
no place to attach the top tether in this position.
Accident statistics show that children are safer
if they are restrained in the rear rather than
page 52 for additional information.
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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System
{CAUTION:
Each top tether anchor and lower anchor
in the vehicle is designed to hold only one
child restraint. Attaching more than one
child restraint to a single anchor could
cause the anchor or attachment to come
loose or even break during a crash.
A child or others could be injured if this
happens. To help prevent injury to people
and damage to your vehicle, attach only
one child restraint per anchor.
{CAUTION:
If a LATCH-type child restraint is not
attached to anchors, the restraint will not
be able to protect the child correctly. In a
crash, the child could be seriously injured
or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type
child restraint is properly installed using
the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety
belts to secure the restraint, following the
instructions that came with that restraint,
and also the instructions in this manual.
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Notice: Contact between the child restraint or
the LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s
safety belt assembly may cause damage to
these parts. Make sure when securing unused
safety belts behind the child restraint that
there is no contact between the child restraint
or the LATCH attachment parts and the
vehicle’s safety belt assembly.
{CAUTION:
Children can be seriously injured or
strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped
around their neck and the safety belt
continues to tighten. Secure any unused
safety belts behind the child restraint so
children cannot reach them. Pull the
shoulder belt all the way out of the
retractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has
one, after the child restraint has been
installed. Be sure to follow the instructions
of the child restraint manufacturer.
Folding an empty rear seat with the safety
belts secured may cause damage to the safety
belt or the seat. When removing the child
restraint, always remember to return the safety
belts to their normal, stowed position before
folding the rear seat.
If you need to secure more than one child restraint
in the rear seat, see Where to Put the Restraint
on page 52. Depending on where you place
the child restraint, you may not be able to access
certain safety belt assemblies or LATCH
anchors for additional passengers or child
restraints.
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You cannot secure three child restraints using the
LATCH anchors in the rear seat at the same
time, but you can install two of them. If you want
to do this, install one LATCH child restraint in
the passenger-side position, and install the other
one either in the driver-side position or in the
center position. Refer to the following illustration to
learn which anchors to use.
Make sure to attach the child restraint at the
proper anchor location.
This system is designed to make installation of
child restraints easier. When using lower anchors,
do not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead
use the vehicle’s anchors and child restraint
attachments to secure the restraints. Some
restraints also use another vehicle anchor to
secure a top tether.
1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to
the lower anchors. If the child restraint does
not have lower attachments or the desired
seating position does not have lower anchors,
secure the child restraint with the top tether
and the safety belts. Refer to your child
restraint manufacturer instructions and the
instructions in this manual.
1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired
seating position.
1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
1.3. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments on the child restraint to
the lower anchors.
A. Passenger Side Rear Seat Lower Anchors
B. Center Rear Seat Lower Anchors
C. Driver Side Rear Seat Lower Anchors
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2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends
that the top tether be attached, attach and
tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor,
if equipped. Refer to the child restraint
If the position you are
using does not have a
head restraint and
you are using a dual
tether, route the
instructions and the following steps:
tether over the
seatback.
2.1. Find the top tether anchor.
2.2. If the position you are using has an
adjustable head restraint, raise it.
2.3. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether
according to the child restraint
instructions and the following
instructions:
If the position you are
using has an adjustable
head restraint and
If the position you are
using does not have a
head restraint and
you are using a single
tether, route the
tether over the
seatback.
you are using a single
tether, route the
tether under the head
restraint and in between
the head restraint
posts. See Head
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If the position you are
using has an adjustable
head restraint and
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position
you are using a dual
tether route the
tether under the head
restraint and in between
the head restraint
posts. See Head
If your child restraint has the LATCH system,
If your child restraint does not have the LATCH
system, you will be using the lap-shoulder
belt to secure the child restraint in this position.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came
with the child restraint. Secure the child in the
child restraint when and as the instructions say.
3. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
1. Put the child restraint on the seat.
2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and
shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt
through or around the restraint. The child
restraint instructions will show you how.
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3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button
is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle
the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way
out of the retractor to set the lock.
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6. If your child restraint manufacturer
recommends using a top tether, attach and
tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor.
Refer to the instructions that came with the
child restraint and see Lower Anchors
7. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, if the top tether is
attached to the top tether anchor, disconnect
it. Unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go
back all the way. The safety belt will move
freely again and be ready to work for an adult or
larger child passenger.
5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child
restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt
to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and
feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor.
If you are 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.
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position
Your vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer
place to secure a forward-facing child restraint.
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In addition, your vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
when an infant in a rear-facing infant seat or a
small child in a forward-facing child restraint
or booster seat is detected. See Passenger
on this, including important safety information.
CAUTION: (Continued)
Even though the passenger sensing
system is designed to turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbag if the system detects a
rear-facing child restraint, no system is
fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an
airbag will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is turned off.
We recommend that rear-facing child
restraints be secured in the rear seat,
even if the airbags are off.
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put
a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is
because the risk to the rear-facing child is so
great, if the airbag deploys.
If you need to secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the right front seat, always
move the front passenger seat as far back
as it will go. It is better to secure the child
restraint in a rear seat.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the right
front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag.
If your child restraint has the LATCH system,
CAUTION: (Continued)
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There is no top tether anchor at the right front
seating position. Do not secure a child seat in this
position if a national or local law requires that
the top tether be anchored or if the instructions
that come with the child restraint say that the top
tether must be anchored. See Lower Anchors
the child restraint has a top tether.
Your vehicle has airbags. See Passenger Sensing
rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear
seat, even if the airbags are off. If your child
restraint is forward-facing, move the seat as far
back as it will go before securing the child restraint
in this seat.
1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before
securing the forward-facing child restraint.
on page 10.
You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure
the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow
the instructions that came with the child restraint.
Secure the child in the child restraint when and as
the instructions say.
When the passenger sensing system has
turned off the right front passenger’s frontal
airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag, the off indicator on the passenger
airbag status indicator should light and stay lit
when you start the vehicle. See Passenger
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and
shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt
through or around the restraint. The child
restraint instructions will show you how.
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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button
is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle
the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way
out of the retractor to set the lock.
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If the airbags are off, the off indicator will be lit
and stay lit when you start the vehicle.
If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the
child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall
the child restraint.
If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting
the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to
make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not
pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion.
If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s
seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible.
Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped
under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint.
6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child
restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt
to tighten the lap portion of the belt and
feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor.
If you are 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. You should not be able
to pull more of the belt from the retractor
once the lock has been set.
If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in
the child restraint in a rear seat position in
the vehicle and check with your dealer/retailer.
To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the
vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.
The safety belt will move freely again and be
ready to work for an adult or larger child
passenger. When the safety belt is not in use,
slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing.
The latch plate should rest on the stitching on the
safety belt, near the guide loop.
7. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
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Here are the most important things to know about
the airbag system:
Airbag System
Your vehicle has the following airbags:
• A frontal airbag for the driver.
{CAUTION:
• A frontal airbag for the right front passenger.
• A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
driver.
You can be severely injured or killed in a
crash if you are not wearing your safety
belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing
your safety belt during a crash helps
reduce your chance of hitting things
inside the vehicle or being ejected from it.
Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. All airbags are designed
to work with safety belts, but do not
replace them.
• A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
right front passenger.
• A roof-mounted side impact airbag for the
driver and passenger directly behind the driver.
• A roof-mounted side impact airbag for the right
front passenger and the person seated directly
behind that passenger.
Airbags are designed to supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Even though today’s
airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk
of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all
airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.
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{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Frontal airbags for the driver and right
front passenger are designed to deploy in
moderate to severe frontal and near frontal
crashes. They are not designed to inflate in
rollover, rear crashes, or in many side
crashes. And, for some unrestrained
occupants, frontal airbags may provide
less protection in frontal crashes than
more forceful airbags have provided in
the past.
Both frontal and side impact airbags
inflate with great force, faster than the
blink of an eye. If you are too close to an
inflating airbag, as you would be if you
were leaning forward, it could seriously
injure you. Safety belts help keep you in
position for airbag inflation before and
during a crash. Always wear your safety
belt even with frontal airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible while
still maintaining control of the vehicle.
Occupants should not lean on or sleep
against the door.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags and
roof-mounted side impact airbags are
designed to inflate in moderate to severe
crashes where something hits the side of
your vehicle. They are not designed to
inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear
crashes.
Everyone in your vehicle should wear a
safety belt properly — whether or not there
is an airbag for that person.
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There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the
{CAUTION:
Anyone who is up against, or very close to,
any airbag when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder
belts offer the best protection for adults,
but not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor
its airbag system is designed for them.
Young children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint system can
provide. Always secure children properly
in your vehicle. To read how, see Older
airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system
for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is
an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 190 for more information.
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The seat-mounted side impact airbag for the driver
is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to
the door.
The seat-mounted side impact airbag for the right
front passenger is in the side of the passenger’s
seatback closest to the door.
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The roof-mounted side impact airbag for the driver
and the person seated directly behind the driver
is in the ceiling above the side windows.
The roof-mounted side impact airbag for the right
front passenger and the person seated directly
behind that passenger is in the ceiling above the
side windows.
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When Should an Airbag Inflate?
{CAUTION:
The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal
airbags are designed to inflate in moderate
to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes.
If something is between an occupant and
an airbag, the airbag might not inflate
properly or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inflating airbag
must be kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an airbag, and
do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any
other airbag covering. Never secure
anything to the roof of your vehicle by
routing the rope or tie-down through any
door or window opening. If you do, the
path of an inflating airbag will be blocked.
Do not let seat covers block the inflation
path of a side impact airbag. The path of
an inflating airbag must be kept clear.
But they are designed to inflate only if the impact
exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold.
Deployment thresholds take into account a variety
of desired deployment and non-deployment
events and are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate
and help restrain the occupants. Whether your
frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based
on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends
largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact,
and how quickly your vehicle slows down.
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In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal
airbags, which adjust the restraint according
to crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic
frontal sensors, which help the sensing system
distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and
a more severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, these airbags inflate at a level less
than full deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your
vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not
move or deform, the threshold level for the
reduced deployment is about 12 to 16 mph
(19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold level for a
full deployment is about 18 to 25 mph
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash
speeds. For example:
• If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the
airbags could inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a moving object.
• If the vehicle hits an object that deforms,
the airbags could inflate at a different
crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object
that does not deform.
• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole),
the airbags could inflate at a different crash
speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object
(like a wall).
(29 to 40.2 km/h). The threshold level can vary,
however, with specific vehicle design, so that it
can be somewhat above or below this range.
• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle,
the airbags could inflate at a different crash
speed than if the vehicle goes straight into
the object.
Frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger)
are not intended to inflate during vehicle
rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
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The side impact airbags are intended to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact
airbag will inflate if the crash severity is above
the system’s designed “threshold level.”
The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle
design. Side impact airbags are not intended
to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts. A side impact airbag is
intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle
that is struck, unless the passenger sensing
system has turned off the passenger’s
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag
sensing system detects that the vehicle is
in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release
of gas from the inflator, which inflates the
airbag. The inflator, airbag and related hardware
are all part of the airbag modules. Frontal
airbag modules are located inside the steering
wheel and the instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are
also airbag modules in the side of the front
seatbacks closest to the door. For vehicles with
roof-mounted side impact airbags, there are
also airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle,
near the side window.
seat-mounted side impact airbag. See Passenger
In any particular crash, no one can say whether
an airbag should have inflated simply because of
the damage to a vehicle or because of what
the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inflation
is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle
of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle
slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts.
For side impact airbags, inflation is determined by
the location and severity of the impact.
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How Does an Airbag Restrain?
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inflates?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact
the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided
by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually.
But the frontal airbags would not help you in
many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear
impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because
an occupant’s motion is not toward the airbag.
Side impact airbags would not help you in many
types of collisions, including many frontal or
near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts.
After frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact
airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly
that some people may not even realize an airbag
inflated. Roof-mounted side impact airbags
may still be at least partially inflated minutes after
the vehicle comes to rest. Some components
of the airbag module — the steering wheel hub for
the driver’s airbag, the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s bag, the side of the
seatback closest to the door for the seat-mounted
side impact airbags, and the area along the
ceiling of your vehicle near the side windows for
roof-mounted side impact airbags — may be
hot for a short time. The parts of the airbag that
come into contact with you may be warm, but not
too hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver
from seeing out of the windshield or being able
to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people
from leaving the vehicle.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything
more than a supplement to safety belts, and then
only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions for the driver’s and right front
passenger’s frontal airbags, and only in moderate
to severe side collisions for vehicles with side
impact airbags.
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In many crashes severe enough to inflate the
airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle
deformation. Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front passenger airbag.
{CAUTION:
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the vehicle
after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door. If you
experience breathing problems following
an airbag deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
• Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system. If you do not get
them, the airbag system will not be there to help
protect you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for your vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
• Your vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information
after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and
• Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can mean
that an airbag system will not work properly.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically
unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and
turn the hazard warning flashers on when the
airbags inflate. You can lock the doors, turn the
interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning
flashers off by using the controls for those features.
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The passenger sensing system will turn off the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag under certain
conditions. The driver’s airbags are not part of the
passenger sensing system.
Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger’s position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible when you start
your vehicle in the instrument panel.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors
that are part of the right front passenger’s seat and
safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the
presence of a properly-seated occupant and
determine if the right front passenger’s frontal
airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag should
be enabled (may inflate) or not.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if
they are restrained in the rear rather than the
front seat.
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on
and off, will be visible during the system check.
When the system check is complete, either
the word ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for
on or the symbol for off, will be visible. See
We recommend that children be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a
forward-facing child seat; an older child riding
in a booster seat; and children, who are large
enough, using safety belts.
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A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a
rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because
the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the
airbag deploys.
CAUTION: (Continued)
rear-facing child restraint, no system is
fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that
an airbag will not deploy under some
unusual circumstance, even though it is
turned off. We recommend that rear-facing
child restraints be secured in the rear
seat, even if the airbags are off.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the right
front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag.
If you need to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger seat as
far back as it will go. It is better to secure
the child restraint in a rear seat.
Even though the passenger sensing
system is designed to turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbag if the system detects a
CAUTION: (Continued)
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The passenger sensing system is designed to turn
off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag if:
When the passenger sensing system has turned
off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact airbag, the off
indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that
the airbags are off. See Passenger Airbag
• The right front passenger seat is unoccupied.
• The system determines that an infant is
present in a rear-facing infant seat.
If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove
the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall
the child restraint following the child restraint
manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a
on page 64.
• The system determines that a small child is
present in a child restraint.
• The system determines that a small child is
present in a booster seat.
• A right front passenger takes his/her weight off
of the seat for a period of time.
If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting
the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to
make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not
pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion.
• The right front passenger seat is occupied by
a smaller person, such as a child who has
outgrown child restraints.
• Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.
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If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s
seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible.
Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped
under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints
on page 15.
The passenger sensing system is designed to
enable (may inflate) the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
anytime the system senses that a person of
adult size is sitting properly in the right front
passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing
system has allowed the airbags to be enabled,
the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you
that the airbags are active.
Remove any additional material from the seat
cushion before reinstalling or securing the
child restraint.
For some children who have outgrown child
restraints and for very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not turn off the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag, depending upon
the person’s seating posture and body build.
Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown
child restraints should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is an airbag
for that person.
If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in
the child restraint in a rear seat position in
the vehicle, and check with your dealer/retailer.
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If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it
could be because that person is not sitting properly
in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off
and ask the person to place the seatback in
the fully upright position, then sit upright in the
seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the
person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the
vehicle and have the person remain in this position
for two to three minutes. This will allow the
system to detect that person and then enable
the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position
on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking,
which helps the passenger sensing system
maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety
Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the importance of
proper restraint use.
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A thick layer of additional material, such as a
blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such
as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers
can affect how well the passenger sensing
system operates. You may want to consider not
using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment.
modifications that can affect how the system
operates.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever comes on
and stays on, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag system.
If this ever happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an adult-size
person sitting in the right front passenger’s
seat may not have the protection of the
page 190 for more on this, including
important safety information.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s
seat or between the passenger’s seat
cushion and seatback may interfere with
the proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
{CAUTION:
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in
several places around your vehicle. You do
not want the system to inflate while someone is
working on your vehicle. Your retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing
your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase
a service manual, see Service Publications
For up to 10 seconds, after the ignition is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an airbag can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are
close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part
of the airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and make sure
the person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.
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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my airbag system?
Q: Is there anything I might add to the front
or sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A: Changing or moving any parts of the
front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, overhead console, ceiling
headliner, ceiling and pillar garnish trim,
roof-mounted airbag modules, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
If you have questions, call Customer
A: Yes. If you add things that change your
vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height,
front end or side sheet metal, they may keep
the airbag system from working properly.
Also, the airbag system may not work properly
if you relocate any of the airbag sensors.
If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance
before you modify your vehicle. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
page 422.
Assistance. The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. See Customer
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Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers,
and have them repaired or replaced. The airbag
system does not need regular maintenance.
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Notice: If you damage the covering for the
driver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag,
or the airbag covering on the driver’s and
right front passenger’s seatback, or the side
impact airbag covering on the ceiling near the
side windows, the bag may not work properly.
You may have to replace the airbag module
in the steering wheel, both the airbag module
and the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s airbag, the airbag module and
seatback for the driver’s and right front
passenger’s seat-mounted side impact airbags,
or side impact airbag module and ceiling
covering for the roof-mounted side impact
airbag. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings.
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder
light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates,
retractors and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety
belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job,
have it repaired. Keep safety belts clean and dry.
information.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
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If the LATCH system was being used during a
more severe crash, you may need new LATCH
system parts.
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage may also mean you may need to have
LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or
replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary
even if the belt or LATCH system was not being
used at the time of the collision.
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems
in your vehicle. A damaged restraint
system may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in serious injury
or even death in a crash. To help make sure
your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected
and any necessary replacements made as
soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace
airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag
system earlier in this section.
If an airbag inflates, you may also need to replace
the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety
belt assemblies. Be sure to do so. Then the new
assemblies will be there to help protect you in
a collision.
After a crash you may need to replace the driver
and front passenger’s safety belt assemblies,
even if the airbags have not deployed. Have your
safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle
has been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness
light stays on after you start your vehicle or
while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 190.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts
or LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be
necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they
would be if worn during a more severe crash,
then you need new parts.
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✍ NOTES
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Section 2
Features and Controls
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Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous for many
reasons, children or others could be badly
injured or even killed. They could operate
the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows
will function with the keys in the ignition
and they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.
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One key is used for the ignition and all locks.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
When a new vehicle is delivered to the dealer/
retailer, the key has a key tag. This tag has a
bar-coded key code that tells your dealer/retailer
how to make extra keys. This tag may be removed
and kept by your dealer/retailer. If it has not been
removed, keep the tag in a safe place. If you lose
your key, your dealer/retailer can easily make
another one by using the key code. See Roadside
information.
Your vehicle may have a Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) system. The RKE system operates on
a radio frequency subject to Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your
vehicle, you may have to damage the vehicle
to get in. Be sure you have spare keys.
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
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This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
At times you may notice a decrease in range.
This is normal for any remote keyless entry
system. If the transmitter does not work or if you
have to stand closer to your vehicle for the
transmitter to work, try this:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
• Check the distance. You may be too far from
your vehicle. You may need to stand closer
during rainy or snowy weather.
Changes or modifications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
• Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to
the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
• Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
• If you are still having trouble, see your retailer
or a qualified technician for service.
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The following functions may be available if your
vehicle has the remote keyless entry system.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
/(Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle has
this feature, the engine may be started from
outside the vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See “Remote Vehicle Start” later in this section for
more detailed information.
The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked,
and the trunk can be opened from about 3 feet
(1 m) up to 197 feet (60 m) away with the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. If your vehicle
has the remote vehicle start feature, you can also
start the vehicle’s engine with the RKE transmitter.
Q(Lock): Press the lock button to lock all the
doors. The interior lamps turn off after all of
the doors are closed. If enabled through the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the remote lock
feedback can be programmed to have the
horn chirp and/or the turn signals flash when the
RKE transmitter is used to lock the vehicle’s doors.
See “LOCK HORN” and “LIGHT FLASH” under
information.
Pressing the lock button may also arm the content
theft-deterrent system. See Content
Remote Keyless Entry
with Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
without Remote Start
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K(Unlock): Press the unlock button to unlock the
driver’s door. If the button is pressed again
within five seconds, all remaining doors unlock.
The interior lamps turn on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the remote unlock
feedback can be programmed to have the
horn chirp and/or the turn signals flash when the
RKE transmitter is used to unlock the vehicle’s
doors. See “UNLOCK HORN” and “LIGHT FLASH”
for more information.
V(Remote Trunk Release): Press and hold this
button for about one second to open the trunk.
The trunk can be opened with the transmitter when
the vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h) or
when the ignition is off.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): Press and
release this button to locate your vehicle. The horn
sounds three times and the headlamps and turn
signals flash three times. Press and hold the
button for about three seconds to initiate the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the headlamps
and turn signals flash for 30 seconds. Press the
button again to cancel the panic alarm.
If enabled through the DIC, and it is dark enough
outside, the vehicle’s high-beam headlamps,
parking lamps, and back-up lamps turn on each
time the unlock button on the transmitter is pressed.
These exterior lamps stay on for 20 seconds, or
until a door is opened. See “EXT (Exterior)
page 211 for additional information.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your retailer. Remember to
bring any remaining transmitters with you when
you go to your retailer. Each vehicle can have
a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.
Pressing the unlock button on the RKE transmitter
disarms the content theft-deterrent system.
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Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your RKE
transmitter should last about four years.
The battery is weak if the transmitter will not work
at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter
works, it is probably time to change the battery.
If the battery is low, a KEY FOB BATT (Battery)
LOW message will display in the vehicle’s DIC.
Notice: When replacing the battery, use
care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static
from your body transferred to these surfaces
may damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter do
the following:
1. Insert a flat object, with a thin edge, into the
notch located below the vehicle locator/panic
alarm button, and separate the bottom
half from the top half of the transmitter.
2. Remove the battery and replace it with the
new one. Make sure the positive (+) side of
the battery faces up. Use one three-volt,
CR2032, or equivalent, type battery.
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3. Put the two halves back together. Make sure
the cover is on tight, so water does not get
inside the transmitter.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may
require a person using remote start to have
the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote starting
of vehicles.
4. Test the operation of the transmitter with
the vehicle.
Remote Vehicle Start
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature
that allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
When the remote start system is active and the
vehicle has an automatic climate control system,
it will automatically regulate the inside temperature.
Normal operation of the system will return after the
ignition key is turned to ON.
You can start your vehicle’s engine from about
197 feet (60 m) away. However, the range may be
less while the vehicle is running, and as a result
you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it
off than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, see Remote
additional information.
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After entering the vehicle during a remote start,
insert and turn the key to ON to drive the vehicle.
/(Remote Start): If your vehicle has the remote
start feature, the RKE transmitter will have a
button with this symbol on it.
The engine will shut off automatically after
10 minutes, unless a time extension has been
done or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the
ignition switch and turned to ON.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature,
do the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following. The parking lamps turn off to indicate
the engine is off.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock
button, then immediately press and hold
the transmitter’s remote start button until the
vehicle’s turn signal lamps flash.
• Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and
press and release the remote start button.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps
turn on and remain on while the engine
is running.
• Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
• Turn the ignition switch ON and then OFF.
If it is the first remote start since the vehicle
has been driven, repeat these steps, while the
engine is still running, to extend the engine
running time by 10 minutes. Remote start can
be extended one time.
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The remote start feature provides two separate
starts per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes
of engine running time.
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if
any of the follow occur:
• The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
If the remote start procedure is used again before
the first 10 minute time frame has ended, the
first 10 minutes will immediately expire and
the second 10 minute time frame will start.
• The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
• The vehicle’s hood is open.
• The hazard warning flashers are on.
After your vehicle’s engine has been started
two times using the remote vehicle start button,
the vehicle’s ignition must be turned to ON
using the key before the remote start procedure
page 117 for information regarding the ignition
positions on your vehicle.
• The engine coolant temperature is too high.
• The oil pressure is low.
• Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature
are shipped from the factory with the remote
start system enabled. The system may be enabled
or disabled through the DIC. See “REMOTE
page 211 for additional information.
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Doors and Locks
CAUTION: (Continued)
Door Locks
• Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock your vehicle whenever
you leave it.
• Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this from
happening.
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
• Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not open it.
You increase the chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if
the doors are not locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the
doors whenever you drive.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your
vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
From the outside, use your key or Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter, if the vehicle has one.
Turn the key counterclockwise to unlock the door.
From the inside, lock and unlock the door by
moving the manual lock knob down and up, or by
using the power door lock switches.
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Power Door Locks
Delayed Locking
The power door lock switches are located on the
driver’s and front passenger’s door.
This feature allows the driver to delay the locking of
the vehicle. It will not operate with the key in the
Press the top of the switch to unlock all doors.
Press the bottom of the switch to lock all doors.
Press the driver’s power door lock switch or the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter lock
button once. With the key removed from the
ignition and the driver’s door open, the following
occurs:
The rear doors do not have power door lock
switches. Rear seat passengers must use
the manual lock knob on their doors.
• Three chimes sound to signal the delay.
Door Ajar Reminder
If one of the doors is not fully closed while the
ignition is on and the shift lever is moved out of
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) the following will occur:
• All doors will lock and the turn signals flash
once five seconds after the last door has
been closed.
• The horn chirps if the horn chirp feature is
enabled. See DIC Vehicle Personalization
on page 211.
• A chime will sound.
• The DOOR AJAR message will display
through the Driver Information Center (DIC)
until the door is closed. See DIC Warnings and
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If a door is opened before the five seconds has
elapsed, the doors do not lock until five seconds
after all doors are closed.
Programmable Automatic Door
Locks
Your vehicle is programmed at the factory to lock all
doors automatically when the following are met:
If the power door lock switch or the transmitter
lock button is pressed twice when leaving
the vehicle, the doors lock immediately.
• All doors are closed.
If the power door unlock switch or the transmitter
unlock button is pressed, the doors unlock
immediately and do not lock automatically after
the doors are closed.
• The ignition is on.
• The shift lever is moved out of PARK (P).
This feature cannot be disabled.
This feature is turned on at the factory but may be
turned off through the Driver Information Center
page 211.
When the shift lever is moved back to PARK (P),
all doors will unlock.
If someone needs to exit the vehicle once the
doors are locked, have that person use the manual
lock knob or power door unlock switch.
The power door unlock function can be
programmed through prompts displayed on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). These prompts
allow you to choose unlock settings. See DIC
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To set the locks, do the following:
Rear Door Security Locks
1. Insert the key into the security lock slot and
turn it so the slot is in the horizontal position.
Your vehicle has rear door security locks.
These prevent passengers from opening the rear
doors from the inside.
2. Close the door.
When you want to open a rear door when the
security lock is on, do the following:
The rear door security
locks are located on the
inside edge of each
rear door.
1. Unlock the door by lifting the rear door
manual lock, using the power door lock switch,
or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter, if the vehicle has one.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door security lock, do the
following:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot
Security Lock Label
shown
and turn it so the slot is in the vertical position.
The rear doors must be open to access them.
The label showing lock and unlock positions
is located near the lock.
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Lockout Protection
{CAUTION:
This feature prevents the driver’s door from being
locked using the power door locks, if the key is
left in the ignition and a door is open.
It can be dangerous to drive with the
trunk lid open because carbon monoxide
(CO) gas can come into your vehicle.
You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Press the power door lock switch to lock all the
doors and then unlock the driver’s door.
Press and hold the power door lock switch for
more than three seconds to override this feature.
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:
• Make sure all other windows are shut.
• Turn the fan on your heating or
cooling system to its highest speed
and select the control setting that will
force outside air into your vehicle.
See Climate Control System.
If the key is removed from the ignition, or if
the manual door lock or the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter is used, the key could still
be locked inside the vehicle. Always remember
to take the key with you.
Trunk
To open the trunk from the outside, press the
trunk release button on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter.
• If you have air outlets on or under
the instrument panel, open them all
the way.
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Remote Trunk Release
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
Press the button located
on the driver’s door
near the map pocket to
open the trunk.
The trunk can only be opened while the vehicle is
in PARK (P).
Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk
release handle as a tie-down or anchor point
when securing items in the trunk as it
could damage the handle. The emergency
trunk release handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling
them to open the trunk from the inside.
There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk
release handle located inside the trunk on
the trunk latch. This handle glows following
exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to
open the trunk from the inside.
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Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets
in a vehicle with the windows closed is
dangerous. They can be overcome by
the extreme heat and suffer permanent
injuries or even death from heat stroke.
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
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Express-Down Window
Power Windows
The driver’s window has an express-down feature.
This switch is labeled AUTO. Press the front of
the switch part way, and the driver’s window opens
a small amount. If the front of the switch is
pressed all the way down and released, the
window goes all the way down automatically.
The power window
switches are located on
the armrest on the
driver’s door. In addition,
each passenger door
has a switch for its
own window.
To stop the window while it is lowering, pull the
front of the switch momentarily. To raise the
window, pull and hold the front of the switch.
Express-Up Window
Your vehicle may have this feature on the driver’s
window. Pull the switch up to the second
position and release the switch to activate the
express-up feature. To stop the window as
it is raising, pull up or press down briefly on the
switch again.
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Programming the Power Windows
Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature
If the battery on your vehicle has been recharged,
disconnected, or is not working, you will need
to reprogram the driver’s power window for the
express-up feature to work. Replace or recharge
the vehicle’s battery before reprogramming.
If any object is in the path of the window when the
express-up is active, the window stops at the
obstruction and auto-reverse to a preset factory
position. Weather conditions such as severe icing
may also cause the window to auto-reverse.
The window returns to normal operation once the
obstruction or condition is removed.
To program the driver’s window, follow these steps:
1. With the ignition in ACC, ON, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active,
close all doors.
Express Window Anti-Pinch Override
2. Press and hold the power window switch until
the window is fully open.
{CAUTION:
3. Pull the power window switch up until the
window is fully closed.
If express override is activated, the
window will not reverse automatically.
You or others could be injured and the
window could be damaged. Before you
use express override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
4. Continue holding the switch up for
approximately two seconds after the window
is completely closed.
The window is now reprogrammed.
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In an emergency, the anti-pinch feature can be
overridden in a supervised mode. Hold the window
switch all the way up to the second position.
The window rises for as long as the switch is held.
Once the switch is released, the express mode
is re-activated.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the
visors. You can also remove them from the center
mount and swing them to the side, to block out
glare from the side.
Your vehicle may have lighted visor vanity mirrors
located on the passenger and driver’s side visor.
When you lift the cover, the light will turn on.
In this mode, the window can still close on an
object in its path. Use care when using the
override mode.
Window Lockout
The driver’s power window controls also include a
lockout button.
o (Window Lockout): Press the lockout button
to stop the rear passengers from using their
window switches. The driver and front passenger
can still operate all the windows with the lock
on. When the red part of the switch is visible you
have returned to normal window operation.
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The system will arm thirty seconds after all the
doors are closed, or sixty seconds with any
door open.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some
cities. Although your vehicle has a number of
theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing
we put on it can make it impossible to steal.
If you press the lock button on the transmitter a
second time while all the doors are closed,
the system will arm immediately. The system
will still arm in sixty seconds if a door is open.
When the open door is closed, the system
will arm.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have
a content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
The security light, located on the instrument panel
cluster, comes on to indicate that arming has
been initiated. Once the system is armed,
the security light will flash once every
three seconds.
If the security light is flashing twice per second,
this means that a door is open.
Arming the System
If you do not want to arm the system, lock the car
with the lock levers on the doors.
With the ignition off, you can arm the system
by pressing the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter lock button.
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Disarming the System
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
To disarm the system:
To turn off the system alarm:
• Press the RKE transmitter unlock button.
• Turn the ignition to ON to disarm the system.
• Press the lock button on the RKE transmitter.
The system will then re-arm itself.
• Press the unlock button on the RKE
Once the system is disarmed, the security light will
stop flashing.
transmitter. This will also disarm the system.
• Insert the key in the ignition and turn it on.
This will also disarm the system.
How the System Alarm is Activated
To activate the system if it is armed:
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
• Open the driver’s door or trunk. This will
cause a ten second pre-alarm chirp followed
by a thirty second full alarm of horn and lights.
If you hear three chirps when the unlock or lock
button is pressed on the RKE transmitter, it means
that the content theft security system alarm was
previously triggered.
• Open any other door. This will immediately
cause a full alarm of horn and lights for
thirty seconds.
• Open the hood. If the vehicle has the remote
start feature, it will activate the full alarm.
When an alarm event has finished, the system will
re-arm itself automatically.
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PASS-Key® III+
The PASS-Key® III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry
Canada.
Changes or modifications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
PASS-Key® III+ uses a radio frequency
transponder in the key that matches a decoder in
your vehicle.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
PASS-Key® III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key® III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent
system. PASS-Key® III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you do not
have to do anything special to arm or disarm the
system. It works when you insert or remove
the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key® III+ system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it prevents
the vehicle from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of
electrical key codes.
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
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When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does
not start and the security light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on, the key may have a
damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and
try again.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key® III+ to get a new key blank that
is cut exactly as the ignition key that operates
the system.
To program the new key:
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be not damaged, try another ignition
key. At this time, you may also want to check the
does not start with the other key, your vehicle
needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first
key may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can
service the PASS-Key® III+ to have a new key
made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
page 427.
It may be possible for the PASS-Key® III+ decoder
to “learn” the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be
programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If your vehicle was first sold in Canada, or if all
the currently programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your dealer/retailer or a
locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ to have
keys made and programmed to the system.
1. Verify that the new key has a 1 stamped
on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine
will not start, see your dealer/retailer for
service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON position within five seconds of the
original key being turned to the OFF position.
The security light will turn off once the key
has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
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If you are ever driving and the security light comes
on and stays on, you may be able to restart
your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key® III+
system, however, is not working properly and
must be serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle is not protected by the
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice: Your vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:
• Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Do not
exceed 5,000 engine rpm. Avoid
PASS-Key® III+ system at this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key® III+ key,
see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key® III+ to have a new
key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms
or deactivates the theft deterrent system in
the vehicle.
downshifting to brake, or slow, the vehicle.
• Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
the new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
• Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle
and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
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ACC (ACCESSORY): This position lets you use
things like the radio and windshield wipers
while the engine is not running.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn it to four different
positions.
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
R(ON): This position unlocks the ignition.
It is also the position to where the key returns
after you release the switch and the engine starts.
The switch will stay in this position while the
engine is running. But even while the engine is not
running, you can use ON to operate the electrical
accessories, and to display some instrument
panel warning lights.
Notice: Using a tool to force the key from
the ignition switch could cause damage
or break the key. Use the correct key and turn
the key only with your hand. Make sure the
key is in all the way. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACC or ON position with the engine off.
You might not be able to start your vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
/(START): This position starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to the ON position
for normal driving.
9(OFF): This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. It also locks the ignition
and transaxle. A warning chime sounds if the
driver’s door is opened while the ignition is off and
the key is left in the ignition.
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The power windows, heated seats, and sunroof
will work until any door is opened.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime sounds, when the driver’s door is
opened. Always remember to remove the key from
the ignition and take it with you. This locks your
ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
The radio continues to work until the driver’s door
is opened.
All these features operate when the key is in the
ON or ACC.
Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
The battery could be drained if the key is left in
the ignition while your vehicle is parked. You might
not be able to start your vehicle after it has
been parked for an extended period of time.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
• Audio System
Notice: Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
• Power Windows
• Heated Seats (if equipped)
• Sunroof (if equipped)
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets warm. Do not
These features continue to work up to 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned to OFF.
race the engine immediately after starting it.
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Operate the engine and transaxle gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or −18°C), it could be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists
in starting the engine and protects
pedal all the way to the floor and holding it
there as you hold the key in START for up to
a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transaxle gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
components. If the ignition key is turned to the
START position, and then released when
the engine begins cranking, the engine
will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for
many seconds, cranking will be stopped after
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor
damage. To prevent gear damage, this system
also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC or OFF position.
Notice: Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your retailer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
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The adjustable pedal feature is meant to be used
with the adjustable seat and adjustable steering
wheel controls to reach a safe and comfortable
position.
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
If your vehicle has this feature, you can change
the position of the throttle and brake pedals.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since
the pedals cannot move farther away from the
standard position, but can move rearward
for better pedal reach.
Adjust the throttle and brake pedals to reach a
comfortable and safe operating position by pushing
the right and left arrow to move the pedals
either closer or further from your body.
The ignition must be off or the vehicle in PARK (P)
for this feature to work. The feature will not work
if your foot is pushing on the throttle or brake
pedal. Remove your foot from the pedals
and press the switch again.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have this feature. In very cold
weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant
heater can provide easier starting and better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the
coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum
of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the
coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle may
also have an internal thermostat in the plug end of
the cord. This will prevent operation of the
The switch used to
adjust the pedals
is located on the
left side of the
instrument panel.
engine coolant heater when the temperature is at
or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.
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4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts. If you do
not, it could be damaged.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. The engine coolant heater cord is
located near the air cleaner box on the
passenger side of the engine compartment.
page 308 for more information on location.
How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and
some other things. Instead of trying to list
everything here, we ask that you contact your
retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
3. Plug the cord 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 will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
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Automatic Transaxle Operation
{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.
Do not 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. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a
XE Model
XR Model
Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located
on the console between the seats.
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.
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Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system.
You have to apply your regular brake first and then
press the shift lever button before you can shift
from PARK (P). If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and
then push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then press
the shift lever button and move the shift lever into
another gear.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed is dangerous.
Unless your foot is firmly on the brake
pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive
gear while your engine is running at high
speed.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage
the transaxle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Shift to
REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging your
transaxle, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
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DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
INTERMEDIATE (I): This position, available on
the XE model, is also used for normal driving.
However, it reduces vehicle speed without
using your brakes for slight downgrades
where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate
due to steepness of grade. If constant upshifting
or downshifting occurs while driving up steep
hills, this position can be used to prevent
repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of DRIVE (D) when
driving on hilly, winding roads and when towing
a trailer, so that there is less shifting between
gears.
• Going less than 35 mph (56 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
• Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator all the way down.
Notice: If your vehicle seems to accelerate
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster,
and you continue to drive your vehicle that
way, you could damage the transaxle.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
You can drive in LOW (L) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and DRIVE (D)
for higher speeds until then.
LOW (L): This position, available on the
XE model, gives you even more engine braking
but lower fuel economy than INTERMEDIATE (I).
You can use LOW (L) on hills. It can help control
your speed as you go down steep mountain roads,
but then you would also want to use your brakes
off and on. You can use LOW (L) on very
steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift
lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift
into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly
enough.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, See “Skidding”
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Notice: If you drive in LOW (L) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), you could damage your engine
and/or transaxle. Use DRIVE (D) or
INTERMEDIATE (I) as much as possible.
Shift into LOW (L) only if your vehicle is going
slower than 65 mph (105 km/h).
TAP-shift
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward
to MANUAL (M).
While driving in manual mode, the transaxle will
remain in the driver selected gear. When coming
to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will
automatically shift into FIRST (1) gear.
Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle.
If you are stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to
hold the vehicle in place.
MANUAL (M): This position, available on the
XR model, allows you to change gears similar to a
manual transaxle. If your vehicle has this feature,
see TAP-shift.
2. Press the (+) plus paddle located on top of
the steering wheel controls forward to
upshift, or push the backside of the shift
paddle rearward to downshift.
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The Driver Information Center (DIC) in the
instrument cluster will change from the currently
displayed message to the letter “M”, For MANUAL
position, and a number indicating the requested
gear range when moving the shift lever forward or
rearward.
SECOND (2) /THIRD (3) Gear Start
Feature
Notice: If you attempt a third gear start while
trailering or towing a heavy load, you will
notice reduced engine power. This could
overheat and damage your transaxle. Do not
attempt a third gear start while trailering
or towing your vehicle.
If your vehicle has the 6-speed transaxle, when
accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to shift into
SECOND (2), or THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear,
and light application of the gas pedal, may allow
you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.
While using the TAP-shift feature the transaxle will
have firmer shifting and sportier performance.
You can use this for sport driving or when climbing
hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for
more power or engine braking.
The transaxle will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (RPM):
With the TAP-shift feature, the vehicle can
accelerate from a stop in SECOND (2) or
THIRD (3).
• The transaxle will not automatically shift to
the next higher gear if the engine RPM is
too high.
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the
MANUAL (M) position.
• The transaxle will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the engine RPM is too high.
2. With the vehicle stopped, press the plus (+)
paddle forward to select SECOND (2) or
THIRD (3) gear. The vehicle will start
from a stop position in SECOND (2) or
THIRD (3) gear.
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired
drive gear.
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The PUSH PARK PEDAL message will also
appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC) to
remind you to release the parking brake. See DIC
Parking Brake
To set the parking
brake, push down the
parking brake pedal with
your left foot. If the
ignition is on, the brake
system warning light
will come on. See Brake
on page 194.
Notice: Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill,
To release the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down
momentarily on the parking brake pedal with
your left foot until you feel the pedal release. If the
parking brake is not released when you begin to
drive, the brake system warning light will be
on and a chime will sound warning you that the
parking brake is still on.
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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow.
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. Do not leave your
vehicle with the engine running.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot
and set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing
the button on the shift lever while pushing the
shift lever all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P)
and the parking brake is firmly set before leaving
it. After moving the shift lever into PARK (P),
hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if
you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without first pushing the shift lever button.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked in PARK (P).
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Torque Lock
Shifting Out of Park (P)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of
the vehicle can put too much force on the parking
pawl in the transaxle. It could be 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
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system.
To shift out of PARK (P):
1. Apply the regular brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired gear.
If you are still unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift
lever out of PARK (P) before you release the
parking brake.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press
the shift lever button again.
If torque lock does occur, you might need to have
another vehicle push your vehicle a little uphill
to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transaxle, this should let you pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from
PARK (P), consult your dealer/retailer.
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Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the
gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you
cannot see or smell. It can cause
unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
• The exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
• Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
• Your vehicle was damaged in a
collision.
• Your vehicle was damaged when
driving over high points on the road
or over road debris.
• Repairs were not done correctly.
• Your vehicle or the exhaust system
has been modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
• Drive it only with all the windows
down to blow out any CO; and
• Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under your vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
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Running the Engine While Parked
{CAUTION:
It is better not to park with the engine running.
But if you ever have to, here are some things
to know.
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not 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.
To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to PARK (P).
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust
into your vehicle. See the earlier caution
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your
vehicle even if the climate control fan is at
the highest setting. One place this can
happen is a garage. Exhaust — with
CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in
a garage with the engine running.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle
page 128.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
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Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®
Mirrors
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving
position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly
behind your vehicle. Hold the mirror in the
center to move it up or down and side to side.
The day/night adjustment allows you to adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the lamps behind
you. Push the tab forward for daytime use and
pull it for nighttime use.
There are also OnStar® buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror face. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how to subscribe
for more information about the services OnStar®
provides.
Manual Rearview Mirror
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving
position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly
behind your vehicle. Hold the mirror in the
center to move it up or down and side to side.
The day/night adjustment allows you to adjust the
mirror to avoid glare from the lamps behind
you. Push the tab forward for daytime use and
pull it for nighttime use.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or
similar material dampened with glass cleaner.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror housing.
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Compass Operation
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar® and Compass
Press the on/off button once to turn the compass
on or off.
Your vehicle may have an automatic dimming
rearview mirror with a compass and OnStar®.
The automatic dimming feature enables the mirror
to sense nighttime glare from vehicle headlamps
from behind and automatically dim to reduce
the glare to a safe level. The automatic dimming
feature turns on each time the vehicle is started.
When the ignition and the compass feature are
on, the compass will show two character boxes for
a few seconds. After a few seconds, the mirror
will display the current compass direction.
Compass Calibration
If after a few seconds the display does not show a
compass direction, (N for North for example),
there may be a strong magnetic field interfering
with the compass. Such interference may be
caused by a magnetic antenna mount, note pad
holder, or similar object. If the letter C appears
in the compass window, the compass may need to
be reset or calibrated.
O: This is the on/off button.
Press and hold the on/off button until the indicator
light located to the left of the button goes out
indicating the feature is off. To turn the feature
back on, press and hold the on/off button until the
indicator light comes on.
There are also OnStar® buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror face. See your retailer
for more information on the system and how to
on page 135 for more information about the
services OnStar® provides.
The mirror can be calibrated by driving the vehicle
in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the
display reads a direction.
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Compass Variance
Compass variance is the difference between
earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north.
If the mirror is not adjusted for compass
variance, the compass could give false readings.
The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving
the factory. It will be necessary to adjust the
compass to compensate for compass variance if
the vehicle is driven outside zone eight. Under
certain circumstances, such as a long distance,
cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust the
compass variance.
To adjust for compass variance, do the following:
1. Find your current location and variance
zone number on the zone map that follows.
2. Press and hold the on/off button until a zone
number appears on the display.
3. Once the zone number appears on the
display, press the on/off button quickly
until you reach the correct zone number.
If C appears in the compass window,
the compass may need calibration. See
“Compass Calibration” listed previously.
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OnStar® System
Outside Power Mirrors
The controls for the
outside power mirrors
are located on the inside
of the vehicle near
the driver’s side mirror.
OnStar® uses several innovative technologies and
live advisors to provide you with a wide range
of safety, security, information, and convenience
services. If your airbags deploy, the system is
designed to make an automatic call to OnStar®
Emergency advisors who can request emergency
services be sent to your location. If you lock
your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar® at
Use the selector switch located above the four-way
control panel to choose either the left or right
outside mirror. Then press the control pad to move
the selected mirror in the desired direction.
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to
unlock your doors. If you need roadside
Adjust each mirror so you can see the side of
your vehicle and the area beside and behind your
vehicle.
assistance, press the OnStar® button and they
can contact Roadside Service for you.
Heated Outside Mirrors
If your vehicle has this feature, the surface of the
outside mirrors will heat when the rear window
defogger is activated. See “Rear Window
Defogger” under Automatic Climate Control
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OnStar® service is provided to you subject to the
OnStar® Terms and Conditions. You may cancel
your OnStar® service at any time by contacting
OnStar®. A complete OnStar® Owner’s Guide and
the OnStar® Terms and Conditions are included in
the vehicle’s OnStar® Subscriber glove box
literature. For more information, visit onstar.com or
onstar.ca, contact OnStar® at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) or TTY 1-877-248-2080, or press
the OnStar® button to speak with an OnStar®
advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Not all OnStar® features are available on all
vehicles. To check if your vehicle is equipped to
provide the services described below, or for a
full description of OnStar® services and system
limitations, see the OnStar® Owner’s Guide in your
glove box or visit onstar.com.
For more information, press the OnStar® button to
speak with an advisor. Some OnStar® services
(such as Remote Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Location Assistance) may not be available
until you register with OnStar®.
Available Services with Safe & Sound® Plan
• Automatic Notification of Airbag Deployment
• Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN)
(If equipped)
• Link to Emergency Services
• Roadside Assistance
• Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
• AccidentAssist
• Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
• OnStar® Vehicle Diagnostics
• GM Goodwrench® On Demand Diagnostics
• OnStar® Hands-Free Calling with
30 complimentary minutes
• OnStar® Virtual Advisor (U.S. Only)
OnStar® Services
For new vehicles with OnStar®, the Safe & Sound
Plan, or the Directions & Connections® Plan is
included for one year from the date of purchase.
You can extend this plan beyond the first year,
or upgrade to the Directions & Connections® Plan.
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OnStar® Virtual Advisor
Available Services included with Directions
& Connections® Plan
OnStar® Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar®
Hands-Free Calling that uses your minutes
to access location-based weather, local traffic
reports, and stock quotes. By pressing the phone
button and giving a few simple voice commands,
you can browse through the various topics.
See the OnStar® Owner’s Guide for more
• All Safe and Sound Plan Services
• Driving Directions - Advisor delivered or
OnStar® Turn-by-Turn Navigation (If equipped)
• RideAssist
• Information and Convenience Services
information (Only available in the continental U.S.).
OnStar® Steering Wheel Controls
OnStar® Hands-Free Calling
OnStar® Hands-Free Calling allows eligible
OnStar® subscribers to make and receive calls
using voice commands. Hands-Free Calling is
fully integrated into the vehicle, and can be used
with OnStar® Pre-Paid Minute Packages.
Hands-Free Calling may also be linked to a
Verizon Wireless service plan in the U.S. or a
Bell Mobility service plan in Canada, depending on
eligibility. To find out more, refer to the OnStar®
Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speak
with an OnStar® advisor by pressing the
OnStar® button or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that
can be used to interact with OnStar® Hands-Free
page 241 for more information.
On some vehicles, you may have to hold the
button for a few seconds and give the command
“ONSTAR” in order to activate the OnStar®
Hands-Free Calling feature.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to
dial numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial
phone extensions. See the OnStar® Owner’s
Guide for more information.
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How OnStar® Service Works
Not all services are available everywhere,
particularly in remote or enclosed areas, or at
all times.
OnStar® service that involves location information
about your vehicle cannot work unless GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed and available in
that place as well.
Your vehicle must have a working electrical
system (including adequate battery power) for the
OnStar® equipment to operate. There are other
problems OnStar® cannot control that may prevent
OnStar® from providing OnStar® service to you
at any particular time or place. Some examples are
damage to important parts of your vehicle in an
accident, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather
or wireless phone network congestion.
In order to provide you with OnStar® services,
your vehicle’s OnStar® system has the capability
of recording and transmitting vehicle information.
This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar® Call Center at the time of an OnStar®
button press, Emergency button press or if
your airbags or AACN system deploys. The vehicle
information usually includes your GPS location
and, in the event of a crash, additional information
regarding the accident that your vehicle has
been involved in (e.g. the direction from which
your vehicle was hit). When you use the Virtual
Advisor feature of OnStar® Hands-Free Calling,
your vehicle also sends OnStar® your GPS
location so that we can provide you with
location-based services.
Your Responsibility
OnStar® service cannot work unless your vehicle
is in a place where OnStar® has an agreement
with a wireless service provider for service in that
area. OnStar® service also cannot work unless
you are in a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar® has hired for that area
has coverage, network capacity and reception
when the service is needed, and technology
that is compatible with the OnStar® service.
You may need to increase the volume of your
radio to hear the OnStar® advisor. If the light next
to the OnStar® buttons is red, this means that
your system is not functioning properly and should
be checked by your dealer/retailer. If the light
appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar®
subscription has expired. You can always press
the OnStar® button to confirm that your OnStar®
equipment is active.
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Universal Home Remote System
System Identification
Your vehicle may have a Universal Home
Remote System.
Determine which Universal Home Remote your
vehicle has and then read the pages following
for instructions on programming your specific
system.
If there are three round LED indicator lights above
the Universal Home Remote buttons, follow the
instructions under Universal Home Remote System
Operation (With Three Round LED).
For help or information on the Universal Home
Remote System, call the customer assistance
phone number under Customer Assistance Offices
on page 426.
If there is one triangular Light Emitting Diode
(LED) indicator light above the Universal Home
Remote buttons, follow the instructions under
Universal Home Remote System Operation
(With One Triangular LED).
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Universal Home Remote System
Universal Home Remote System
Operation (With One Triangular LED)
The Universal Home Remote System provides a
way to replace up to three hand-held
Radio-Frequency (RF) transmitters used to
activate devices such as garage door openers,
security systems, and home lighting.
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.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
If there is one triangular Light Emitting Diode
(LED) indicator light above the Universal Home
Remote buttons, follow the instructions below.
Do not use the Universal Home Remote with
any garage door opener that does not have
the stop and reverse feature. This includes
any garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982. If you have a newer garage
door opener with rolling codes, please be sure
to follow Steps 6 through 8 to complete the
programming of your Universal Home Remote
Transmitter.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
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Read the instructions completely before attempting
to program the Universal Home Remote.
Because of the steps involved, it may be helpful to
have another person available to assist you in
the programming steps.
Programming the Universal Home
Remote System
To program up to three devices:
1. Press and hold down the two outside
Universal Home Remote buttons, releasing
only when the Universal Home Remote
indicator light begins to flash, after
20 seconds. Do not hold down the buttons
for longer than 30 seconds and do not
repeat this step to program a second
and/or third hand-held transmitter to the
remaining two Universal Home Remote
buttons.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for use in
other vehicles as well as for future Universal
Home Remote programming. It is also
recommended that upon the sale of the vehicle,
the programmed Universal Home Remote
buttons should be erased for security purposes.
See “Erasing Universal Home Remote Buttons”
later in this section.
When programming a garage door, it is advised to
park outside of the garage. Be sure that people
and objects are clear of the garage door or
gate operator you are programming.
2. Hold the end of your hand-held transmitter
about 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from
the Universal Home Remote buttons
while keeping the indicator light in view.
It is recommended that a new battery be
installed in your hand-held transmitter for
quicker and more accurate transmission of the
radio-frequency signal.
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3. At the same time, press and hold both the
desired Universal Home Remote button and
the hand-held transmitter button. Do not
release the buttons until Step 4 has been
completed.
If the indicator light stays on continuously,
programming is complete and your device
should activate when the Universal Home
Remote button is pressed and released.
To program the remaining two Universal Home
Remote buttons, begin with Step 2 under
“Programming Universal Home Remote.”
Do not repeat Step 1 as this will erase all
of the programmed channels.
Some entry gates and garage door openers
may require you to substitute Step 3 with
the procedure noted in “Gate Operator and
Canadian Programming” later in this section.
If the indicator light blinks rapidly for
two seconds and then turns to a constant
light, continue with Steps 6 through 8
following to complete the programming of
a rolling-code device, most commonly,
a garage door opener.
4. The indicator light will flash slowly at first and
then rapidly after Universal Home Remote
successfully receives the frequency signal
from the hand-held transmitter. Release both
buttons.
5. Press and hold the newly-trained Universal
Home Remote button and observe the
indicator light.
6. Locate in the garage, the garage door opener
receiver (motor-head unit). Locate the “Learn”
or “Smart” button. This can usually be
found where the hanging antenna wire is
attached to the motor-head unit.
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7. Firmly press and release the “Learn” or
“Smart” button. The name and color of
the button may vary by manufacturer.
Gate Operator and Canadian
Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter
signals to time out or quit after several seconds
of transmission. This may not be long enough
for Universal Home Remote to pick up the signal
during programming. Similarly, some U.S. gate
operators are manufactured to time out in
the same manner.
You will have 30 seconds to start Step 8.
8. Return to the vehicle. Firmly press and hold
the programmed Universal Home Remote
button for two seconds, then release it.
Immediately press and hold the same button
a second time for two seconds, then
release it. Immediately, press and hold the
same button a third time for two seconds,
then release.
If you live in Canada, or you are having difficulty
programming a gate operator or garage door
opener by using the “Programming Universal
Home Remote” procedures, regardless of where
you live, replace Step 3 under “Programming
Universal Home Remote” with the following:
The Universal Home Remote should now
activate the rolling-code device.
To program the remaining two Universal Home
Remote buttons, begin with Step 2 of
“Programming Universal Home Remote.” Do not
repeat Step 1, as this will erase all previous
programming from the Universal Home Remote
buttons.
Continue to press and hold the Universal Home
Remote button while you press and release every
two seconds (cycle) the hand-held transmitter
button until the frequency signal has been
successfully accepted by the Universal Home
Remote. The Universal Home Remote indicator
light will flash slowly at first and then rapidly.
Proceed with Step 4 under “Programming
Universal Home Remote” to complete.
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Using Universal Home Remote
Reprogramming a Single Universal
Home Remote Button
Press and hold the appropriate Universal Home
Remote button for at least half of a second.
The indicator light will come on while the signal
is being transmitted.
To program a device to Universal Home Remote
using a Universal Home Remote button
previously trained:
1. Press and hold the desired Universal Home
Remote button. Do not release the button.
Erasing Universal Home Remote
Buttons
2. The indicator light will begin to flash after
20 seconds. While still holding the Universal
Home Remote button, proceed with Step 2
under “Programming Universal Home Remote”
shown earlier in this section.
To erase programming from the three Universal
Home Remote buttons:
1. Press and hold down the two outside buttons
until the indicator light begins to flash, after
20 seconds. Do not hold the two outside
buttons for longer than 30 seconds.
For help or information on the Universal Home
Remote System, call the customer assistance
phone number under Customer Assistance Offices
on page 426.
2. Release both buttons.
The Universal Home Remote is now in the training
(learning) mode and can be programmed at any
time beginning with Step 2 under “Programming
Universal Home Remote” shown earlier in this
section.
Individual buttons cannot be erased, but they
can be reprogrammed. See “Reprogramming a
Single Universal Home Remote Button” following
this section.
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Read the instructions completely before attempting
to program the transmitter. Because of the steps
involved, it may be helpful to have another
person available to assist you in programming
the transmitter.
Universal Home Remote System
Operation (With Three Round LED)
Be sure to keep the original remote control
transmitter for use in other vehicles, as well as, for
future programming. You only need the original
remote control transmitter for Fixed Code
programming. It is also recommended that upon
the sale or lease termination of the vehicle,
the programmed buttons should be erased for
security purposes. See “Erasing Universal Home
Remote Buttons” later in this section.
Your vehicle may have the Universal Home
Remote System. If there are three round Light
Emitting Diode (LED) indicator lights above
the Universal Home Remote buttons, follow the
instructions below.
When programming a garage door, it is advised to
park outside of the garage. Be sure that people
and objects are clear of the garage door or
security device you are programming.
This system provides a way to replace up to
three remote control transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door openers, security
systems, and home automation devices.
Do not use this system with any garage door
opener that does not have the stop and reverse
feature. This includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982.
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To program up to three devices:
Programming Universal Home
Remote — Rolling Code
Most garage door openers sold after 1996 are
Rolling Code units.
Programming a garage door opener involves
time-sensitive actions, so read the entire procedure
before you begin. If you do not follow these
actions, the device will time out and you will have
to repeat the procedure.
1. From inside the vehicle, press the two outside
buttons at the same time for one to
two seconds, and immediately release them.
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3. Immediately return to your vehicle. Press and
hold the universal home remote button that
you would like to use to control the garage
door until the garage door moves. The
indicator light, above the selected button,
should slowly blink. You may need to hold the
button from five to 20 seconds.
4. Immediately, within one second, release
the button when the garage door moves.
The indicator light will blink rapidly until
programming is complete.
5. Press and release the same button again.
The garage door should move, confirming
that programming is successful and complete.
2. Locate in the garage, the garage door opener
receiver (motor-head unit). Locate the “Learn”
or “Smart” button. It can usually be found
where the hanging antenna wire is attached to
the motor-head unit and may be a colored
button. Press this button. After you press this
button, you will have 30 seconds to complete
the following steps.
To program another Rolling Code device such as
an additional garage door opener, a security
device, or home automation device, repeat
Steps 1 through 5, choosing a different function
button in Step 3 than what you used for the garage
door opener.
If these instructions do not work, you probably
have a Fixed Code garage door opener. Follow the
Programming instructions that follow for a Fixed
Code garage door opener.
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To program up to three devices:
Programming Universal Home
Remote — Fixed Code
Most garage door openers sold before 1996 are
Fixed Code units.
Programming a garage door opener involves
time-sensitive actions, so read the entire procedure
before you begin. If you do not follow these
actions, the device will time out and you will have
to repeat the procedure.
1. To verify if you have a Fixed Code garage
door opener, remove the battery cover on
your hand held transmitter supplied by
the manufacturer of your garage door opener
motor. If you see a row of dip switches
similar to the graphic above, you have a Fixed
Code garage door opener. If you do not see
a row of dip switches, return to the previous
section for Programming Universal Home
Remote – Rolling Code.
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Example of Eight Dip Switches with Two Positions
Example of Eight Dip Switches with Three Positions
Your panel of switches may not appear
exactly as they do in the examples above,
but they should be similar.
The switch positions on your hand-held
transmitter may be labeled, as follows:
• A switch in the up position may be labeled
as “Up,” “+,” or “On.”
• A switch in the down position may be
labeled as “Down,” “−,” or “Off.”
• A switch in the middle position may be
labeled as “Middle,” “0,” or “Neutral.”
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2. Write down the eight to 12 switch settings
from left to right as follows:
3. From inside your vehicle, first firmly press all
three buttons at the same time for about
three seconds. Release the buttons to
put the Universal Home Remote into
programming mode.
• When a switch is in the up position,
write “Left.”
• When a switch is in the down position,
write “Right.”
• If a switch is set between the up and down
position, write “Middle.”
The switch settings that you wrote down
in Step 2 will now become the button
strokes you enter into the Universal Home
Remote in Step 4. Be sure to enter the
switch settings that you wrote down in
Step 2, in order from left to right, into
the Universal Home Remote, when
completing Step 4.
4. The indicator lights will blink slowly.
Enter each switch setting from Step 2 into
your vehicle’s Universal Home Remote.
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You will have two and one-half minutes to
complete Step 4. Now press one button on the
Universal Home Remote for each switch
setting as follows:
7. Immediately release the button when the
garage door moves. The indicator light will
blink rapidly until programming is complete.
8. Press and release the same button again.
The garage door should move, confirming
that programming is successful and complete.
• If you wrote “Left,” press the left button in
the vehicle.
• If you wrote “Right,” press the right button
in the vehicle.
To program another Fixed Code device such as an
additional garage door opener, a security device,
or home automation device, repeat Steps 1-8,
choosing a different button in Step 6 than what you
used for the garage door opener.
• If you wrote “Middle,” press the middle
button in the vehicle.
5. After entering all of the switch positions,
again, firmly press and release all three
buttons at the same time. The indicator lights
will turn on.
Using Universal Home Remote
Press and hold the appropriate button for at least
half of a second. The indicator light will come
on while the signal is being transmitted.
6. Press and hold the button you would like to
use to control the garage door until the
garage door moves. The indicator light above
the selected button should slowly blink.
You may need to hold the button from five to
55 seconds.
Reprogramming Universal Home
Remote Buttons
You can reprogram any of the three buttons by
repeating the instructions.
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Erasing Universal Home Remote
Buttons
Storage Areas
Glove Box
Open the glove box by lifting up on the lever.
Close the glove box with a firm push.
You should erase the programmed buttons when
you sell or terminate your lease.
To erase either Rolling Code or Fixed Code on
the Universal Home Remote device:
Cupholder(s)
1. Press and hold the two outside buttons at the
same time for approximately 20 seconds, until
the indicator lights, located directly above
the buttons, begin to blink rapidly.
2. Once the indicator lights begin to blink,
release both buttons. The codes from all
buttons will be erased.
For help or information on the Universal Home
Remote System, call the customer assistance
phone number under Customer Assistance Offices
on page 426.
There are two removable cupholders and additional
storage areas located at the rear of the shift lever.
To access, push the button and the cover will slide
back automatically. To close, slide the cover
forward and lock into place.
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Center Console Storage Area
Your vehicle has a center console with two storage
areas. To access the upper tray storage, lift the
passenger side lever. To access the lower storage
area, lift the driver side lever.
Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net located
on each side of the trunk to help keep small
loads, like grocery bags, in place during sharp
turns or quick stops and starts.
The net is not designed for larger, heavier items.
Pull down the door on the back of the center
console to use the rear seat cupholders.
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To stop the sunroof from express opening, press
the switch again. If the sunshade is closed, it
will open automatically when the sunroof opens
past the vented position.
Sunroof
If your vehicle has a
sunroof, the switch is
located on the headliner
between the map lamps.
A deflector will automatically raise when the
sunroof is opened. The deflector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.
To close the sunroof, press the front of the switch
and hold it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof
will stop if the switch is released. Close the
sunshade by hand.
The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an electrical failure.
The sunroof will only operate while the ignition is
in ON or in ACC, or if Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory
Notice: If you force the sunshade forward of
the sliding glass panel, damage will occur
and the sunroof may not open or close
properly. Always close the glass panel before
closing the sunshade.
Press the back of the switch and release it to
open the sunroof to the vent position. From the
vent position, press and release the back of
the switch to express-open the sunroof.
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Sunroof - Panoramic
If the vehicle has a panoramic sunroof, it has
four glass panels that tilt or stack upon each other,
when the sunroof control is turned to the vent or
one of three opened positions. There is a separate
control for the automatic sunshade.
The sunroof will only operate while the ignition is
ON or in ACC, or if Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power
The panoramic sunroof control is located on the
headliner. From the closed position, turn the
control clockwise to vent the sunroof or open it to
three different positions.
0 (Closed Position): Turn the control to this
position to close the panoramic sunroof.
1 (Vent Position): Turn the control to this
position to vent the panoramic sunroof. The front
glass panel of the sunroof will tilt forward and
the sunshade will automatically retract to the vent
position.
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2 (First-Open Position): Turn the control to this
position to open the panoramic sunroof about
a third of the way. The second glass panel
will retract and the fourth glass panel will stack
above the roof. The sunshade will automatically
retract to this position.
Sunshade
The automatic sunshade
control is located on the
headliner, between
the map lamp controls.
3 (Second-Open Position): Turn the control to
this position to open the panoramic sunroof about
half-way. The second glass panel will retract
and the third panel will stack in front of the fourth
glass panel. The sunshade will automatically
retract to this position.
The sunshade can be independently opened or
closed while the panoramic sunroof is closed.
To express-open or express-close the sunshade,
press and release the control rearward or
forward. The sunshade will retract to the full-open
or closed position. To stop the movement of
the sunshade, press the control a second time.
To close the sunshade to a particular position,
continue to press the control and release it when
the desired position is reached.
4 (Full-Open Position): Turn the control to this
position to completely open the panoramic sunroof.
The second glass panel retracts and stacks in
front of the third and fourth panels. The sunshade
will automatically retract to the full-open position.
To lessen wind noise in this position, use the
automatic sunshade control and close the
sunshade to the comfort stop position.
See “Sunshade” following.
Anti-Pinch Feature
Neither the panoramic sunroof nor the sunshade
can be opened or closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.
If an object is in the path of the sunroof when it is
closing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the object
and stop the sunroof from closing at the point of
obstruction. The sunroof will then reverse direction.
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Section 3
Instrument Panel
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✍ NOTES
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The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
page 186.
page 167.
M. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
page 241.
D. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
page 117.
O. Climate Control System or Automatic Climate
Control System. See Climate Control System
F. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. See
G. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped). See
page 120.
H. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
on page 122.
I. Fog Lamps Button (If Equipped). See
page 217.
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Hazard Warning Flashers
Other Warning Devices
The hazard warning flashers let you warn the
police and others that you have a problem. The
front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on
and off.
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set them up
at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m)
behind your vehicle.
Horn
The hazard warning
flasher button is located
towards the center of
the instrument panel.
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
A tilt and telescope wheel lets you adjust the
steering wheel before you drive. The steering wheel
can be raised to the highest level to give your legs
more room when you enter and exit the vehicle.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn
signal lamps flash on and off. Press the button
again to turn the flashers off.
The lever that lets you tilt and telescope the
steering wheel is located on the left side of the
steering column.
While the hazard warning flashers are on, the turn
signals do not work.
The hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position the key is in, and even if the key is not
in the ignition switch.
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Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
To tilt and telescope the steering wheel, pull down
the lever. Then move the steering wheel up or
down or backward or forward into a comfortable
position. Pull the lever up to lock the steering
wheel in place.
• G Turn and Lane-Change Signals. See
• 53 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.
page 164.
Do not adjust the tilt and telescope lever
while driving.
page 164.
page 170.
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Turn and Lane-Change Signals
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and
two downward (for left) positions. These positions
let you signal a turn or a lane change.
To change the headlamps from low beam to
high beam, push the turn signal/multifunction lever
toward the front of the vehicle.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or
down. When the turn is finished, the lever
returns automatically to the normal position.
This light on the
instrument panel
cluster comes on if
the high beam lamps
are turned on while
the ignition is on.
An arrow on the
instrument panel
cluster flashes in the
direction of the turn or
lane change.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low
beam, pull the turn signal lever toward the rear
of the vehicle.
To signal a lane change, raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever returns
by itself when it is released.
If the arrows flash rapidly or do not go on at all as
you signal a turn or lane change, a signal bulb
could be burned out and other drivers will not see
your turn signal.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam
headlamps to signal a driver in front of you that
you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever
toward you until the high-beam headlamps
come on, then release the lever to turn them off.
Replace burned out bulbs to help avoid an
accident. Also, check the appropriate fuses. See
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x(Delay): While the lever is in the intermittent
position, turn the intermittent adjust band with
this symbol on it up or down to select a shorter or
longer delay between wiping cycles. To the left
of the adjust band are bars, increasing in size from
bottom to top, that indicate the frequency of the
wipes. Smaller bars mean the wipers movement is
less frequent. Larger bars mean the movement
is more frequent.
Windshield Wipers
6 (Low Speed): Move the lever up to the
first setting past intermittent, for steady wiping at
low speed.
Use this lever, located on the right side of the
steering wheel, to operate the windshield wipers.
1 (High Speed): Move the lever up to the
second setting past intermittent, for wiping
at a high speed.
9(Off): Move the lever to this position to
turn off the windshield wipers.
8(Mist): Move the lever all the way down to
this position for a single wiping cycle. Hold it there
until the windshield wipers start; then let go.
The windshield wipers stop after one wiping cycle.
If additional wiping cycles are needed, hold the
lever down longer.
&(Intermittent; Speed Sensitive Wipers): Move
the lever to this position for intermittent or speed
sensitive operation. The amount of delay time
varies between wiping cycles due to the delay
setting selected or the speed of the vehicle.
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Damaged wiper blades can prevent you from
seeing well enough to drive safely. Clear ice and
snow from the wiper blades before using them
to prevent damage.
Windshield Washer
To wash the windshield, press the button at the
end of the lever until the washers begin.
If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades
do become damaged, get new blades.
{CAUTION:
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker stops the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload. If
the motor gets stuck, turn the wipers off, clear
away the snow or ice, and then turn the wipers
back on.
In freezing weather, do not use your
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
When the button is released, the washers stop,
but the wipers continue to wipe about three times
or resume the previous speed.
As an added safety feature, if the wipers are on
for more than 15 seconds, the vehicle’s headlamps
turn on automatically. They turn off 15 seconds
after the wipers are turned off.
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Setting Cruise Control
Cruise Control
Cruise control lets you 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 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when
you are not using cruise, you might hit a
button and go into cruise when you do not
want to. You could be startled and even
lose control. Keep the cruise control switch
off until you want to use cruise control.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
The cruise control
buttons are located on
the steering wheel.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
I (On/Off): Press I to turn the cruise control
system on and off.
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RES+ (Resume): Press RES+ to resume a set
speed and to accelerate the speed.
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set the cruise control at a desired
speed and then apply the brakes. This disengages
the cruise control. The cruise symbol in the
instrument panel cluster also goes out indicating
cruise is no longer engaged. To return to the
previously set speed, you do not need to
SET− (Set): Press SET– to set a speed and to
decrease the speed.
[ CANCEL: Press [ to cancel cruise control.
To set a speed do the following:
go through the set process again. Once the
vehicle is at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more, you can briefly press the RES+.
1. Press I to turn cruise control on. The
indicator light on the button comes on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET− and release it. The cruise
symbol displays in the instrument panel
cluster to show the system is engaged.
This takes the vehicle back up to the previously
chosen speed and stays there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
• If the cruise control system is already
engaged, press the RES+. Hold it there until
you reach the desired speed, and then release
the button.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) or Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control automatically disengages. See Traction
road conditions allow, the cruise control can be
used again.
• To increase the vehicle’s speed in very small
amounts, briefly press the RES+ and then
release it. Each time this is done, the vehicle
goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
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Of course, applying the brakes ends cruise
control. Many drivers find this to be too much
trouble and do not use cruise control on steep hills.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already engaged:
Ending Cruise Control
• Push and hold the SET− until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
There are three ways to disengage the cruise
control:
• To slow down in very small amounts, briefly
push the SET−. Each time this is done, the
vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
• Step lightly on the brake pedal; when cruise
control disengages, the cruise symbol in the
instrument panel cluster goes out.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
• Press the on/off button, to turn off the cruise
control system.
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle’s
speed. When you take your foot off the pedal,
the vehicle slows down to the previous cruise
control speed that was set earlier.
• Press the cancel button.
When cruise control disengages, the cruise
symbol in the instrument panel cluster
goes out.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
Erasing Speed Memory
How well your cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle’s speed, load, and the
steepness of the hills. When going up steep
hills, you might have to step on the accelerator
pedal to maintain the vehicle’s speed. When going
downhill, you might have to brake or shift to a
lower gear to keep the vehicle at a lower speed.
When you turn off the cruise control or the
ignition, the cruise control set speed memory
is erased.
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AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System): Turn the
band to this position to automatically turn on
the Daytime Running Lamps during daytime, and
the headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps
at night.
Headlamps
P(Off/On): Turn the band to this position to turn
on the Automatic Headlamp System. In Canada,
this position only works when a vehicle is in
the PARK (P) position.
To turn on the Automatic Headlamp System, turn
the switch to off/on. To turn them off, turn the
switch to off/on again. This is a momentary control
switch that springs back when released. The
Automatic Headlamp System always turns on at
the beginning of an ignition cycle.
The band on the lever on the outboard side of the
steering column operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp control has the following
four positions:
Headlamps on Reminder
2(Headlamps): Turn the band to this
position to turn on the headlamps, parking
lamps, and taillamps.
If you open the driver’s door and turn off the
ignition while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.
;(Parking Lamps): Turn the band to this position
to turn on the parking lamps and taillamps only.
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Headlamps Off in PARK (P)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
This feature works when the ignition is ON and it
is dark outside. To turn the headlamps off
when it is dark outside but keep other exterior
lights on, turn the exterior lamp control to
the parking lamp position. In this position, the
parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps,
license plate lamps and instrument panel lights
are on, but the headlamps are off.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL are helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles first sold
in Canada. The vehicle has a light sensor on top of
the instrument panel that controls the DRL. Make
sure it is not covered, or the head lamps will be on
when they are not needed.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other
lamps when it is dark outside, turn the exterior
lamp control to the AUTO or headlamp position.
The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when the
following conditions are met:
This feature will not work for Canadian vehicles.
• The ignition is on.
Delayed Headlamps
• The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The delayed headlamps feature keeps the
headlamps on for 20 seconds after the key is
turned to OFF, then the headlamps automatically
turn off.
• The exterior lamps control is in the parking
lamps only position (This applies only to
vehicles that are first sold in Canada).
• The light sensor detects daytime light.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp
feature while it is active turn the turn signal/
multifunction lever up one position and then
back to AUTO.
• The parking brake is released or the vehicle is
not in PARK.
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When the DRL system is on, the taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, parking lamps, and instrument
panel lights are not on unless you turn the
exterior lamps control to the parking lamp position.
driving under bridges or bright overhead street
lights does not affect the system. The DRL
and automatic headlamp systems will only be
affected when the light sensor sees a change in
lighting lasting longer than this delay.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the
regular headlamp system when they are needed.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. Once you leave the garage, it takes
about one minute for the automatic headlamp
system to change to DRL if it is light outside. During
that delay, the instrument panel cluster may not be
as bright as usual. Make sure the instrument panel
brightness control is in the full bright position. See
“Instrument Panel Brightness Control” under
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic
headlamp system turns on the headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such
as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, and
the instrument panel lights. The radio lights
will also be dim.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel that controls the automatic
headlamp system. Make sure it is not covered or
the automatic headlamp system will be on
when it is not needed.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the
exterior light switch to the off/on position. For
Canadian vehicles, the transaxle must stay
in PARK (P) for this function.
There is a delay in the transition between the
daytime and nighttime operation of the DRL and
the automatic headlamp systems so that
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the
regular headlamps when they are needed.
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Fog Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
If your vehicle has fog
lamps, the fog lamp
button is located on
the instrument panel,
to the left of the
The control for this
feature is located on
the instrument panel
to the left of the
steering wheel.
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lights.
Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. An
indicator light in the button will glow when the fog
lamps are on. Push the button again to turn
the fog lamps off.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off
when the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps turn off while the high-beam
headlamps are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the
headlamps to be on along with the fog lamps.
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Dome Lamp
Entry/Exit Lighting
Your vehicle might have a dome lamp without a
switch. If the dome lamp has a switch, the
following are the settings.
The lamps inside the vehicle come on when any
door is opened. These lamps fade out about
20 seconds after all of the doors have been closed
or when the ignition is turned to ON. They also
go on when you press the unlock symbol button or
the horn symbol on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) system transmitter.
9(Off): Move the lever to this position to turn
the lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door): Move the lever to this position so that
the lamp comes on when a door is opened.
The lamps inside the vehicle stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from
the ignition to provide light as you exit.
+(On): Move the lever to this position to turn
the dome lamp on.
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Parade Dimming
Trunk Lamp
Parade dimming is a separate lighting mode that
comes on while the parking lamps are turned
on during the day. It prevents the display lights and
indicator lights from being dim, while the parking
lamps are used during the day.
The trunk lamp comes on when the trunk is open
and turns off when it is closed.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery run-down feature
designed to protect the vehicle’s battery.
Overhead Console Reading Lamps
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading lamps, or
dome lamp) is left on when the ignition is
turned off, the battery run-down protection system
automatically shuts the lamp off after 20 minutes.
This prevents draining of the battery.
The vehicle may have reading lamps on the
overhead console. These lamps come on when the
doors are opened if the lamp switch is not in the
OFF position. Press the side of each lamp to turn
them on and off, while the doors are closed.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of
the following:
Overhead Ambient Lighting
These lamps will automatically turn on and off as
controlled by the light sensor located on top of
the instrument panel.
• Open any door.
• Press any Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter button.
• Press the power door lock switch.
• Press the remote trunk release.
• Turn the lamp that was left on to off and then
to on again.
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Certain electrical accessories may not be
compatible with the accessory power outlet and
could result in blown vehicle or adapter fuses.
If you experience a problem, see your retailer
for additional information on the accessory
power outlet.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
There are two accessory power outlets.
One accessory power outlet is inside the center
storage console and the other is located on
the center storage console below the climate
controls.
Notice: Adding any electrical equipment to
your vehicle can damage it or keep other
components from working as they should. The
repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not use equipment exceeding
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
To use an outlet, lift the protective cap. When not
in use, always cover the outlet with the protective
cap. The accessory power outlet is operational
at all times.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to
follow the proper installation instructions included
with the equipment.
Notice: Leaving electrical equipment plugged
in for an extended period of time while the
vehicle is off will drain the battery. Power is
always supplied to the outlets. Always unplug
electrical equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that exceeds
the maximum 20 ampere rating.
Notice: Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug because the
power outlets are designed for accessory
power plugs only.
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To change the air delivery settings, turn the right
knob to select one of the following:
Climate Controls
H(Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument
Climate Control System
panel outlets.
With this system you can control the heating,
cooling and ventilation for your vehicle. If
your vehicle has the remote start feature, the
climate control system functions as part of
the remote start feature. See Remote Keyless
)(Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the air to
the instrument panel outlets, and the remaining
air to the floor outlets. Some air can be directed
toward the side windows.
6(Floor): This mode directs most of the air to
the floor outlets with some air directed to the
side window outlets and windshield.
:(Outside Air): Press the right side of this
button to turn the outside air mode on. Air
from outside the vehicle will circulate throughout
the vehicle. When the button is pressed, an
indicator light comes on. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used
with the recirculation mode. Pressing this button
will cancel the recirculation mode.
Operation
9(Fan): Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan
speed. The fan must be on to run the
air-conditioning compressor.
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Temperature Control: Turn the center knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase
or decrease the temperature inside your vehicle.
?(Recirculation): Press the left side of the
button to turn the recirculation mode on. The
air inside the vehicle will be recirculated through
the climate control system and the vehicle,
not from outside your vehicle. This mode is helpful
when trying to limit odors from entering the
vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button
is pressed, an indicator light above the button
comes on. The recirculation indicator light blinks
three times if you try to use recirculation in a mode
in which it cannot function. Only use this mode
when it is needed for comfort, since window
fogging rapidly occurs if the air conditioning
compressor is not engaged.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower,
use the engine coolant heater, if vehicle has one,
to provide warmer air faster to the vehicle. An
engine coolant heater warms the coolant the
engine uses that provides heat to warm the inside
of your vehicle. For more information, see
#(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn
the air conditioning system on or off. When
the air conditioning button is pressed, an indicator
light will come on to show it is activated.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture
from the air, so a small amount of water dripping
underneath the vehicle while it is idling or after
the engine is turned off is normal.
Pressing this button will cancel the outside air
mode. When switching to the defog or defrost
modes the system automatically moves from
recirculation to outside air. When the vehicle or
fan is turned off and back on, the system defaults
to outside air automatically. Only use recirculation
mode when it is needed for comfort, since
window fogging can occur.
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control system is used properly. There are
two modes to choose from to clear fog or frost
from your windshield. Use the defog mode to clear
the windows of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside
air escape; then close them. This helps reduce the
time it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also
helps the air conditioning system operate
more efficiently.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or
defrost mode.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the C vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
-(Defog): This mode splits the air between the
windshield and the floor outlets with a small amount
directed to the side windows. When this mode is
selected, the system automatically turns off
recirculation. The air-conditioning compressor will
run unless the outside temperature is at or below
freezing. The air-conditioning compressor operates
although the indicator light is not on. The
air-conditioning indicator light turns off when defog
is selected. If the air-conditioning button is pressed
while in defog mode, the indicator light will turn on.
If the button is pressed again, the light will turn off.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in
the defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
3. Select # air conditioning.
4. Select the ? recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of
time can cause the air inside of the vehicle to
become too dry. To prevent this from happening,
after the air in the vehicle has cooled, turn the
recirculation mode off.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate
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1(Defrost): This mode directs most of the air to
the windshield with some air directed to the
floor vents. In this mode, the system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle. The
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
air-conditioning compressor does not run unless
the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
The air-conditioning compressor operates although
the indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning
indicator light turns off when defrost is selected. If
the air-conditioning button is pressed while in
defrost mode, the indicator light turns on. If the
button is pressed again, the light turns off.
Recirculation cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.
< REAR: Press this button to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An indicator light
comes on to show that the rear window defogger
is activated. Be sure to clear as much snow
from the rear window as possible.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the
button is pressed. If turned on again, the defogger
only runs for about seven minutes before turning
off. The defogger can also be turned off by
pressing the button again or by turning off the
engine.
To help clear the windshield quickly, do
the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above
50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window defogger
remains on once the button is pressed.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
If your vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the
surface of the outside mirrors heat when the rear
window defogger is activated. See Outside
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If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the
rear defogger automatically turned on if it is
cold outside. When the vehicle transitions out of
the remote start mode, the rear defogger turns off.
Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, you can
automatically control the heating, cooling, and
ventilation in your vehicle. If your vehicle has the
remote start feature, the automatic climate
control system functions as part of the remote
start feature. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
Notice: Do not use anything sharp on the
inside of the rear window. If you do, you could
cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license,
tape, a decal or anything similar to the
defogger grid.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it is
activated, the climate control system heats and
cools the inside of the vehicle using the modes
that were set before the vehicle was turned
off. The climate control knobs will remain active
during a remote start. However, the climate control
buttons will be inactive until the ignition is turned
on by the key. If the fan knob is left in the OFF
position, the climate control system will not operate
during remote start.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic): Select AUTO on both the fan
speed control and the air delivery mode control
knobs to activate the automatic system. When
automatic operation is active the system will
control the inside temperature and air delivery.
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Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on
the top of the instrument panel near the
windshield. This sensor regulates air
temperature based on the intensity of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower
right side of the climate control faceplate, as
this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in
cold weather, the system delays turning on the
fan until warm air is available. The length of
delay depends on the engine coolant
1. Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the
AUTO position.
The current set temperature displays. When
AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet is automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor
runs while the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will
normally be set to outside air. If it is hot
outside, the air inlet may automatically switch
to recirculate inside air to help quickly cool
down your vehicle.
temperature. Turning the fan knob overrides
this delay and changes the fan to the
selected speed.
Manual Operation
You can also manually adjust the air delivery
mode or fan speed.
2. Set the temperature.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is
recommended. Allow about 20 minutes for the
system to regulate. Press the up or down arrow
temperature buttons to adjust the temperature
setting as necessary. If the temperature is set
at 60°F (15°C) the system remains at the
maximum cooling setting. If the temperature is
set at 90°F (32°C) the system remains at the
maximum heat setting. Choosing either
maximum setting does not cause the vehicle to
heat or cool any faster.
9(Off): Select this position on the fan knob to
turn off the entire climate control system.
Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is directed
to the floor. The direction can be changed by
changing the mode position. The temperature can
also be adjusted using either the up or down
arrow temperature buttons.
9(Fan): Turn the knob with the fan symbol to
manually adjust the fan speed.
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from outside your vehicle. This mode is helpful
when trying to limit odors from entering the vehicle
and for maximum air conditioning performance
in hot weather. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light above the button comes on. The
recirculation indicator light blinks three times if
you try to use recirculation in a mode in which it
cannot function. Only use this mode when it
is needed for comfort, since window fogging
rapidly occurs if the air conditioning compressor is
not engaged.
H(Vent): Use this mode to direct air to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Use this mode to direct half of the
air to the instrument panel outlets, and the
remaining air to the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Use this mode to direct most of the
air to the floor outlets with some air directed to the
side window outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and
defrosting can be found later in this section.
Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the
system reverts to the auto recirculation function.
:(Outside Air): Press the right side of this
button to turn the outside air mode on. Air
from outside the vehicle will circulate throughout
the vehicle. When the button is pressed, an
indicator light comes on. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used
with the recirculation mode. Pressing this button
will cancel the recirculation mode.
If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or
floor, the light on the button flashes three times
and then goes out to indicate that this is not
allowed. This is to prevent window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the
system in recirculation for extended periods of
time can cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows.
To clear the fog, select either defog or defrost.
Make sure the air conditioning is on. Allow the air
conditioning to run automatically to help
dehumidify the air.
?(Recirculation): Press the left side of the
button to turn the recirculation mode on. The
air inside the vehicle recirculates through
the climate control system and the vehicle, not
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Temperature Control: Press the up and down
arrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
Heating: On cold days when using manual
operation of the automatic system, use floor mode
to deliver air to the floor outlets. To warm or
cool the air delivered, push the temperature
buttons to the desired setting.
#(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn
the air conditioning compressor on and off. A
light above the button comes on while the
air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO
mode, the system runs the air conditioning
automatically to cool and dehumidify the air
entering the vehicle.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it
takes for your vehicle to cool down. Then
keep your windows closed for the air conditioner
to work its best.
On cool, but sunny days while using manual
operation of the automatic system, use bi-level to
deliver warm air to the floor and cooler air to
the instrument panel outlets. To warm or cool the
air delivered, press the temperature buttons to
the desired setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to
AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing the
temperature buttons.
The heater works best if the windows are
kept closed.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate
control system is used properly. There are
two modes to choose from to clear fog or frost
from your windshield. Use the defog mode to clear
the windows of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly.
-(Defog): Turn the mode knob to this position
to select the defog setting. which will deliver
air to the floor and windshield outlets. Use this
setting to clear the windows of fog or moisture.
In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidifies
the air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO
mode, the system maximizes its performance by
using recirculation as necessary.
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If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains
on once the button is pressed.
0(Defrost): Turn the mode knob to this position
to defrost the windshield. The system automatically
controls the fan speed if defrost is selected from
the AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F
(4°C) or warmer, the air conditioning compressor
automatically runs to help dehumidify the air
and dry the windshield. The air conditioning
indicator light blinks three times if the compressor
is turned off while in this mode.
If your vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the
surface of the outside mirrors will also heat when
the rear window defogger is activated. See
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the
rear defogger automatically turns on if it is
cold outside. The indicator light will not be on.
When the vehicle transitions out of remote
start mode the rear defogger turns off.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear window. Do not
adhere anything to the defogger grid lines
in the rear glass. These actions may damage
the rear defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
<(Rear): Press this button to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. An indicator light above
the button comes on to show that the rear
window defogger is activated.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the
button is pressed. If additional warming time is
needed, press the button again.
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Remote Start Climate Control Operation
Operation Tips
If your vehicle has remote start and it is activated,
the climate control system heats and cools the
inside of the vehicle using the previous system
settings before the vehicle was turned off.
The climate control knobs will remain active during
a remote start. However, the climate control
buttons will be inactive until the ignition is turned
on by the key. If the fan knob is left in the OFF
position, the climate control system will not operate
during remote start.
• Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the
air inlets at the base of the windshield that
may block the flow of air into your vehicle.
• Do not use non-GM approved hood deflectors
as they could adversely affect the performance
of the system.
• Keep the path under the front seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside of
your vehicle more effectively.
• When an objectionable odor outside the
vehicle is encountered, use the recirculation
mode, with the temperature knob at a
With the automatic climate control system, the
climate control displays “RS” in place of the
temperature to indicate that remote start is
activated. For best performance, turn both the fan
and mode knobs to AUTO. If the temperature
is cold enough and the mode knob is set to AUTO,
the system begins in defrost to clear the windows.
comfortable setting to prevent the odor from
entering the vehicle through the ventilation
system. This can be helpful when driving
through a long tunnel with poor ventilation.
However, extended usage of this mode in cold
or cool weather can cause window fogging.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the lever located in the center of each outlet
by moving it either side-to-side or up and
down, to change the direction and amount of
airflow in the vehicle.
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Gages can indicate when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often
gages and warning lights work together to let you
know when there is a problem with your vehicle.
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages on
your vehicle. The pictures help to locate them.
When one of the warning lights comes on and
stays on as you are driving, or when one of the
gages shows there may be a problem, check
the section that tells you what to do about
it. Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
So please get to know your vehicle’s warning lights
and gages. They can be a big help.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to
cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying
attention to the warning lights and gages could 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. As
the details show on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they are working. If
you are familiar with this section, you should
not be alarmed when this happens.
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You
will know how fast you are going, how much fuel you are using, and many other things you will need
to drive safely and economically. Your vehicle has this instrument panel cluster, which includes indicator
warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages.
United States version shown, Canada Similar
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Speedometer and Odometer
Tachometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in
miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
for more information.
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United
States) or kilometers (used in Canada).
Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
The digital odometer will read 999,999 if someone
tries to turn it back.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle
needs a new odometer installed. If the new
one can be set to the mileage total of the old
odometer, then it must be. But if it can’t, then it is
set at zero and a label must be put on the
driver’s door to show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was installed.
Your tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime
will come on for several seconds to remind
people to fasten their safety belts, unless the
driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay
on for several
seconds, then it will
flash for several more.
This chime and light is repeated if the driver
remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far you have
driven since you last reset it.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither
the chime nor the light will come on.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset through
the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC
information.
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Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag
symbol. The system checks the airbag’s
electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells
you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the airbag sensor, the
pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring and
the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For
more information on the airbag system, see Airbag
Several seconds after the key is turned to ON or
START, a chime will sound for several seconds to
remind the front passenger to buckle their safety
belt. This would only occur if the passenger airbag
page 80 for more information. The passenger
safety belt light will also come on and stay on for
several seconds, then it will flash for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the
passenger remains
unbuckled and
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will flash
for a few seconds.
Then the light should go
out. This means the
system is ready.
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither
the chime nor the light will come on.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,
your airbag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
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Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
{CAUTION:
Your vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
Your instrument panel has a passenger airbag
status indicator.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after
you start your vehicle, it means the airbag
system may not be working properly. The
airbags in your vehicle may not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate without
a crash. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have your vehicle serviced right
away if the airbag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle.
United States
Canada
When the ignition key is turned to ON or START,
the passenger airbag status indicator will light
ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off,
for several seconds as a system check. Then,
after several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on
or off symbol to let you know the status of the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
The airbag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON.
If the light does not come on then, have it fixed so
it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
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If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it means that
the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag are enabled
(may inflate).
Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate
a rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun
visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat
in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
If the on indicator comes on when you have
a rear-facing child restraint installed in the
right front passenger’s seat, it means that
the passenger sensing system has not
turned off the passenger’s frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact airbag. A
child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inflates. This is
Even though the passenger sensing
system is designed to turn off the
passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag if the
system detects a rear-facing child
restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no
one can guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual circumstance,
even though it is turned off. We
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front passenger’s
seat if the airbag is turned on.
recommend that rear-facing child
restraints be secured in the rear seat,
even if the airbag is off.
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If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the
airbag status indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has turned off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag. See Passenger Sensing
important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on briefly
when you turn on the
ignition, but the
engine is not running,
as a check to show you
it is working.
If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there
may be a problem with the lights or the passenger
sensing system. See your retailer for service.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it
stays on, or comes on while you are driving,
you may have a problem with the charging system.
It could indicate that you have problems with a
generator drive belt, or another electrical problem.
Have it checked right away. Driving while this
light is on could drain your battery.
{CAUTION:
If the off indicator and the airbag
readiness light ever come on together, it
means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens,
have the vehicle serviced promptly,
because an adult-size person sitting in the
right front passenger seat may not have
the protection of the airbags. See Airbag
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner.
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When the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will also come on when you set your
parking brake. The light will stay on if your parking
brake does not release fully. If it stays on after
your parking brake is fully released, it means you
have a brake problem.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop you. For good
braking, though, you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) may display a
BRAKE FLUID message. See DIC Warnings
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.
Try turning off and restarting the vehicle one or
two times, if the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Towing Your Vehicle
on page 284.
United States
Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn
the ignition key to ON. If it does not come on then,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
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If the light stays on, turn the ignition to off. If the
light comes on and the chime sounds when
you are driving, pull your vehicle over to a safe
location and stop as soon as possible. Turn
the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the light still stays on, or comes
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, you still have brakes, but you do
not have antilock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on, you do not have
antilock brakes and there is a problem with
your regular brakes. See Brake System Warning
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light
is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to an accident.
If the light is still on after you have pulled
off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System
Warning Light
The ABS warning light will come on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to ON. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it fixed so
it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
This light will come on
when your engine is
started and may stay on
for several seconds.
This is normal.
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Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light will come on
briefly when you turn
the ignition to RUN.
If your vehicle has the
Traction Control System
(TCS), this light may
come on for the
following reasons:
• If you turn the system off by pressing the TC
(traction control) button located on the center
console, the light will come on and stay on. To
turn the system back on, press the button again
and the warning light should go out.
This light will also come on when one or more of
your tires are significantly underinflated.
A CHECK TIRE PRESS DIC message will
accompany the light, see DIC Warnings and
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to
do so. If underinflated, inflate to the proper
information.
This light will flash for 60 seconds and then turn
on solid if a problem is detected with the Tire
Pressure Monitor system. See Tire Pressure
• If there is a brake system problem that is
specifically related to traction control, the TCS
will turn off and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes
on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the system is turned on, your vehicle
needs service.
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If the enhanced traction control system warning
light comes on and stays on for an extended
period of time when the system is turned on, your
vehicle needs service.
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light
If your vehicle has the
enhanced traction
control system, this light
may come on for the
following reasons:
Electronic Stability Control
Indicator Light
Your vehicle may have
the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system.
• If you turn the system off by pressing the
enhanced traction control button located on the
center console, the light will come on and
stay on. To turn the system back on, press the
button again and the warning light should
go out.
You may feel or hear the system working, this is
page 256 for more information.
• If there is a brake system problem that is
specifically related to enhanced traction
control, the enhanced traction control will turn
off and the warning light will come on.
When the ESC indicator light is on and either the
SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF Driver Information
Center (DIC) message is displayed, the system will
not assist the driver to maintain directional
control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving
page 206 for more information.
The TRACTION OFF message will also appear in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) with this
page 206 for more information.
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Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This light indicates that
the engine coolant has
overheated or the
radiator cooling fan is
not working.
This light will come on briefly when you turn on
the ignition as a check to show you it is working.
United States
Canada
If the light comes on and the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving conditions, pull off
the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the
engine as soon as possible.
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area,
the light comes on and you hear a chime, your
engine is too hot! It means that your engine
coolant has overheated.
information.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions and the gage reads hot,
you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle
and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
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Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well, your vehicle’s
fuel economy might not be as good, and the
engine might not run as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs that might not be
covered by your warranty.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
Notice: Modifications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modifications to
these systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This may also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. See Accessories
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed to
assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
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 does
not come on, have it repaired.
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This light will also come on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park
your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light
remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”
following. If the light is still flashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your retailer for service as
soon as possible.
• Light Flashing — A misfire condition has
been detected. A misfire increases vehicle
emissions and may damage the emission
control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
• Light On Steady — An emission control
system malfunction has been detected on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
If the Light Is Flashing
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
The following may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A
loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the
light off.
• Reducing vehicle speed
• Avoiding hard accelerations
• Avoiding steep uphill grades
• If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
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Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The
condition will usually be corrected when the
electrical system dries out. A few driving trips
should turn the light off.
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality 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.) This will be detected by the system
and cause the light to turn on.
Here are some things you need to know in order
to help your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if you have recently
replaced your battery or if your battery has
run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for
lack of OBD system readiness, your retailer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light
turn off, your retailer can check the vehicle. Your
retailer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
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Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has low
engine oil pressure, this
light will stay on after
you start your engine, or
come on and you will
hear a chime when you
are driving.
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is
low. If you do, your engine can become so
hot that it catches fire. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced.
This indicates that your engine is not receiving
enough oil. The engine could be low on oil,
or could have some other oil problem. Have it
fixed immediately.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
This light will come on briefly when you turn on
the ignition as a check to show you it is working. If
it does not come on with the ignition on, you
may have a problem with the bulb. Have it fixed
right away.
Security Light
For information
regarding this light, see
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Cruise Control Light
Fuel Gage
This light comes on
whenever you set the
cruise control.
The light goes out when the cruise control is
more information.
United States
Canada
Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you
have left, when the ignition is on. When the
indicator nears empty, a LOW FUEL message will
appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
more information. You still have a little fuel left,
but you should get more soon. The arrow on
the fuel gage points to side of the vehicle with the
fuel door.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on
when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
page 164 for more information.
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Here are four things that some owners ask about.
These are normal and do not indicate a problem
with your fuel gage:
The DIC buttons are
located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
• At the service station, the gas pump shuts off
before the gage reads full.
• It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than
the gage indicated. For example, the gage
may have indicated the tank was half full, but
it actually took a little more or less than
half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
• The indicator moves a little when you turn a
corner or speed up.
q (Information): Press this button to scroll
through the vehicle information mode displays.
• The gage goes back to empty when you turn
off the ignition.
r (Reset): Press this button to reset some
vehicle information mode displays, select a
personalization menu mode setting, or
acknowledge a warning message.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center
(DIC). The DIC display gives you the status of
many of your vehicle’s systems. The DIC is also
used to display driver personalization menu modes
and warning/status messages. All messages will
appear in the DIC display, located at the bottom of
the instrument panel cluster.
Press and hold the information and reset buttons
at the same time for one second, then release
the buttons to enter the personalization menu. See
more information.
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TRIP A or TRIP B
DIC Operation and Displays
Press the information button until TRIP A or
TRIP B is displayed. These modes show the
current distance traveled since the last reset for
each trip odometer in either miles (mi) or
kilometers (km). Both odometers can be used at
the same time.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. The
DIC has different modes which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons. The button functions
are detailed in the following.
Information Modes
Each trip odometer can be reset to zero separately
by pressing and holding the reset button for a
few seconds while the desired trip odometer
is displayed.
q (Information): Press this button to scroll
through the following vehicle information modes:
Outside Air Temperature and Odometer
FUEL RANGE
Press the information button until the outside
air temperature and the odometer are displayed.
This mode shows the temperature outside of
the vehicle in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or
degrees Celsius (°C) and the total distance
the vehicle has been driven in either miles (mi) or
kilometers (km). The outside air temperature
will appear on the left side of the DIC display and
the odometer will appear on the right side of
the display.
Press the information button until FUEL RANGE is
displayed. This mode shows the remaining
distance you can drive without refueling in either
miles (mi) or kilometers (km). It is based on
fuel economy and the fuel remaining in the tank.
When the fuel level is low, FUEL RANGE LOW
will display.
The fuel economy data used to determine fuel
range is an average of recent driving conditions.
As your driving conditions change, this data is
gradually updated. The FUEL RANGE mode
cannot be reset.
To change the DIC display to English or metric
units, see “UNITS” under DIC Vehicle
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It will show 100% when the system is reset after
an oil change. It will alert you to change your oil on
a schedule consistent with your driving conditions.
ECON (Economy)
Press the information button until ECON is
displayed. This mode shows how many miles per
gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)
your vehicle is getting based on current and past
driving conditions.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring
the oil life, additional maintenance is recommended
in the Maintenance Schedule in this manual.
Press and hold the reset button while ECON is
displayed to reset the average fuel economy.
Average fuel economy will then be calculated
starting from that point. If the average fuel
economy is not reset, it will be continually updated
each time you drive.
Always reset the engine oil life system after an oil
change. See “How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
page 315.
AV (Average) SPEED
DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem
detected in one of your vehicle’s systems.
Press the information button until AV SPEED is
displayed. This mode shows the vehicle’s average
speed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h).
A message clears when the vehicle’s condition is
no longer present. To acknowledge a message
and clear it from the display, press and hold any of
the DIC buttons. If the condition is still present,
the warning message comes back on the next time
the vehicle is turned off and back on. With most
messages, a warning chime sounds when
the message displays. Your vehicle may have
other warning messages.
Press and hold the reset button while AV SPEED
is displayed to reset the average vehicle speed.
OIL LIFE
Press the information button until OIL LIFE is
displayed. The engine oil life system shows
an estimate of the oil’s remaining useful life.
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When this message is acknowledged and cleared
from the display, the engine oil life system
must still be reset separately. See Engine Oil Life
on page 406 for more information.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch.
for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the fuel cap has not
been fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make
sure that it is on properly. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn
the message off.
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch.
for more information.
BRAKE FLUID
CHECK TIRE PRESS (Pressure)
This message displays, while the ignition is on,
when the brake fluid level is low. The brake system
warning light on the instrument panel cluster
also comes on. See Brake System Warning Light
on page 194 for more information. Have the
brake system serviced by your retailer as soon
as possible.
This message displays when the tire pressure in
one or more of the tires needs to be checked. If a
tire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as
soon as you can. Have the tire pressures checked
and set to those shown on the Tire Loading
the low tire pressure warning light comes on. See
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine
oil has expired and it should be changed.
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CRUISE ENGAGED
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), this message displays when ESC is
assisting you with directional control of the vehicle.
You may feel or hear the system working and
see this message displayed in the DIC. Slippery
road conditions may exist when this message
is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
This message may stay on for a few seconds after
ESC stops assisting you with directional control
of the vehicle. This is normal when the system is
page 256 for more information.
This message displays when the cruise control
for more information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the
vehicle’s doors are not closed properly. Make sure
that the door(s) are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
retailer immediately.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), this message displays and the ESC light
on the instrument panel cluster comes on
solid when ESC is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Electronic Stability Control
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can
affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your retailer for service as soon as possible.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air
temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions. Adjust your driving accordingly.
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KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
LOW TRACTION
This message displays if the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the
battery in the transmitter. See “Battery
Replacement” under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) or the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the system is actively
limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions
may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message stays
on for a few seconds after the system stops
limiting wheel spin. See Enhanced Traction
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low
on fuel. Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
information.
LOW WASHER FLUID
This message displays when the vehicle’s
windshield washer fluid is low. Fill the windshield
washer fluid reservoir to the proper level as
soon as possible. See Windshield Washer Fluid
on page 334.
LOW OIL LEVEL
On some vehicles, this message displays when
the vehicle’s engine oil is low. Fill the oil to
the proper level as soon as possible. See Engine
page 312 for information on the kind of oil to use
and the proper oil level.
PUSH PARK PEDAL
This message displays if the parking brake is left
more information.
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SERVICE AIR BAG
SERVICE TRACTION
This message displays when there is a problem
with the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced
by your retailer immediately.
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) or the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and a chime sounds when
the system is not functioning properly. The ETS
or TCS light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. This light stays on solid as long as the
detected problem remains present. When
this message displays, the system is not working.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See Enhanced
page 196 for more information. Have the system
serviced by your retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), this message displays and a chime sounds
if there has been a problem detected with ESC.
The ESC light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. This light stays on solid as long as
the detected problem remains present. When
this message displays, the system is not working.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See Electronic
more information.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) or the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays and the ETS or
TCS light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when the system is turned off.
If this message turns on while you are driving,
pull off the road as soon as possible and
stop carefully. Try resetting the system by turning
the ignition off and then back on. If this message
still stays on or turns back on again while you are
driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the
ESC inspected by your retailer as soon as
possible.
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Adjust your driving accordingly. See Enhanced
page 196 for more information.
To change feature settings, use the following
procedure:
Entering Personalization Menu
1. Turn the ignition on while the vehicle is
stopped.
To avoid excessive drain on the battery,
it is recommended that the headlamps are
turned off.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not
closed completely. Make sure that the trunk is
for more information.
2. Press and hold the information and reset
buttons at the same time for one second, then
release to enter the personalization menu.
If the vehicle speed is greater than 2 mph
(3 km/h), only the UNITS menu will be
accessible.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has personalization capabilities that
allow you to program certain features to a preferred
setting. All of the features listed may not be
available on your vehicle. Only the features
available will be displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the features were set
when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since
that time.
3. Press the information button to scroll through
the available personalization menu modes.
Press the reset button to scroll through
the available settings for each mode.
If you do not make a selection within
ten seconds, the display will go back to the
previous information displayed.
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REMOTE START
Personalization Menu Modes
OIL LIFE RESET
If your vehicle has remote start, this feature allows
remote start to be turned off or on. Remote start
allows you to start the engine from outside of
the vehicle using your Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter. When REMOTE START
appears on the display, press and hold the reset
button for at least one second to scroll through the
available settings:
When this feature is displayed, you can reset the
engine oil life system. To reset the system,
page 205 for more information.
UNITS
OFF: The remote start feature will be disabled.
This feature allows you to select the units of
measurement in which the DIC will display the
vehicle information. When UNITS appears on the
display, press and hold the reset button for at
least one second to scroll through the available
settings:
ON (default): The remote start feature will
be enabled.
See “Remote Vehicle Start” under Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 96
for more information.
ENGLISH (default in United States): All
information will be displayed in English units.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
METRIC (default in Canada): All information will
be displayed in metric units.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
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LOCK HORN
UNLOCK HORN
If your vehicle has Remote Keyless Entry (RKE),
this feature, which allows the vehicle’s horn to
chirp every time the lock button on the RKE
transmitter is pressed, can be enabled or disabled.
When LOCK HORN appears on the display,
press and hold the reset button for at least
one second to scroll through the available settings:
If your vehicle has Remote Keyless Entry (RKE),
this feature, which allows the vehicle’s horn to
chirp on the first press of the unlock button on the
RKE transmitter, can be enabled or disabled.
When UNLOCK HORN appears on the display,
press and hold the reset button for at least
one second to scroll through the available settings:
OFF (default): The horn will not chirp on the
first press of the lock button on the RKE
transmitter. The horn will still chirp on the second
press.
OFF (default): The horn will not chirp when the
unlock button on the RKE transmitter is pressed.
ON: The horn will chirp on the first press of
the unlock button on the RKE transmitter.
ON: The horn will chirp on the first press of the
lock button on the RKE transmitter.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
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LIGHT FLASH
DELAY LOCK
If your vehicle has Remote Keyless Entry (RKE),
this feature, which allows the vehicle’s exterior
hazard/turn signal lighting to flash every time the
lock, unlock, or trunk release buttons on the
RKE transmitter are pressed, can be enabled or
disabled. When LIGHT FLASH appears on
the display, press and hold the reset button for at
least one second to scroll through the available
settings:
This feature, which delays the actual locking of the
vehicle, can be enabled or disabled. When
DELAY LOCK appears on the display, press and
hold the reset button for at least one second
to scroll through the available settings:
ON (default): The doors will not lock until
five seconds after the last door is closed. You can
temporarily override delayed locking by pressing
the power lock switch or the lock button on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter a
second time.
OFF: The exterior hazard/turn signal lighting will
not flash when the lock, unlock, or trunk release
buttons on the RKE transmitter are pressed.
OFF: The doors will lock immediately when
pressing the power lock switch or the lock button
on the RKE transmitter.
ON (default): The exterior hazard/turn signal
lighting will flash when the lock, unlock, or trunk
release buttons on the RKE transmitter are
pressed.
information.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
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AUTO UNLK (Unlock)
UNLK (Unlock)
This feature, which allows the vehicle to
This screen displays only if DRIVER or ALL is
selected for the AUTO UNLK feature. This feature
determines when the automatic door unlocking
will occur. When UNLK appears on the display,
press and hold the reset button for at least
automatically unlock certain doors, can be enabled
or disabled. When AUTO UNLK appears on the
display, press and hold the reset button for at least
one second to scroll through the available settings:
one second to scroll through the available settings:
ALL (default): All of the doors will automatically
unlock.
KEY OFF: The door(s) will unlock when the key
is turned off.
DRIVER: The driver’s door will automatically
unlock.
SHIFT TO P (Park) (default): The door(s) will
unlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
NONE: None of the doors will automatically unlock.
You will need to manually unlock the doors.
page 104 for more information.
page 104 for more information.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
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EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS
LANGUAGE
This feature allows you to select the language in
which the DIC will display. When LANGUAGE
appears on the display, press and hold the reset
button for at least one second to scroll through the
available settings:
If your vehicle has Remote Keyless Entry (RKE),
this feature, which allows the vehicle’s exterior
perimeter lighting to turn on each time the unlock
button on the RKE transmitter is pressed, can
be enabled or disabled. When EXT LIGHTS
appears on the display, press and hold the reset
button for at least one second to scroll through the
available settings:
ENGLISH (default): The DIC will display all
information in English.
FRENCH: The DIC will display all information in
French.
OFF: The exterior perimeter lighting will not turn
on when the unlock button on the RKE
transmitter is pressed.
SPANISH: The DIC will display all information in
Spanish.
GERMAN: The DIC will display all information in
German.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and exit out
of the personalization menu mode.
ON (default): The exterior perimeter lighting will
turn on when the unlock button on the RKE
transmitter is pressed.
Exiting Personalization Menu
The personalization menu will be exited when any
of the following conditions occur:
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
• A ten second time period has elapsed.
• The ignition is turned off.
• The end of the personalization menu list is
reached.
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• Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Notice: Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD
player, CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way
radio, make sure that it can be added by
checking with your dealer/retailer. Also, check
federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be
added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has
been added.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
Here are some ways in which you can help
avoid distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
• Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
• Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio
system can be played even after the ignition
is turned off. See Retained Accessory Power
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• To decrease the time or date, press the left
© SEEK arrow or s REV (reverse)
button, or turn the f (tune) knob, located
on the upper right side of the radio.
Setting the Time
If your vehicle has a radio with a single CD player,
the radio has a H (clock) button for setting the
time and date.
The date does not automatically display. The only
way to see the date is by pressing the H button
while the radio is on. The date with display
times out after a few seconds and goes back to
the normal radio and time display.
To set the time and date, follow these instructions:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press the H button and the HR, MIN, MM,
DD, YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and
year) displays.
If your vehicle has a radio with a six-disc CD
player, the radio has a MENU button instead of
the clock button to set the time and date.
3. Press the pushbutton located under any
one of the labels that you want to change.
Every time the pushbutton is pressed again,
the time or the date if selected, increases
by one.
To set the time and date, follow these instructions:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press the MENU button. Once the clock
option displays.
• Another way to increase the time or date, is
to press the right ¨ SEEK arrow or \
FWD (forward) button.
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3. Press the pushbutton located under that label.
The HR, MIN, MM, DD, YYYY displays.
To change the time default setting from 12 hour to
24 hour or to change the date default setting
from month/day/year to day/month/year, follow
these instructions:
4. Press the pushbutton located under any
one of the labels that you want to change.
Every time the pushbutton is pressed again,
the time or the date if selected, increases
by one.
1. Press the H button and then the pushbutton
located under the forward arrow label. Once
the time 12H and 24H, and the date
MM/DD/YYYY (month, day, and year) and
DD/MM/YYYY (day, month, and year)
displays.
• Another way to increase the time or date, is
to press the right ¨ SEEK arrow or \
FWD (forward) button.
2. Press the pushbutton located under the
desired option.
• To decrease the time or date, press the left
© SEEK arrow or s REV (reverse)
button, or turn the tune knob, located on
the upper right side of the radio.
3. Press the clock or MENU button again to
apply the selected default, or let the screen
time out.
The date does not automatically display. The only
way to see the date is by pressing the MENU
button and then the H button while the radio is on.
The date with display times out after a few
seconds and goes back to the normal radio and
time display.
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display. In rare cases, a radio station can broadcast
incorrect information that causes the radio features
to work improperly. If this happens, contact the
radio station.
Radio with CD (MP3)
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in
the 48 contiguous United States and Canada.
XM™ offers a large variety of coast-to-coast
channels including music, news, sports, talk,
traffic/weather (U.S. subscribers), and children’s
programming. XM™ provides digital quality
audio and text information that includes song title
and artist name. A service fee is required in
order to receive the XM™ service. For more
information, contact XM™; In the U.S. at
www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696)
or in Canada at www.xmradio.ca or call
Radio with CD shown, Radio with
Six-Disc CD similar
Radio Data System (RDS)
1-877-GET-XMSR (438-9677).
The audio system has a Radio Data System (RDS).
The RDS feature is available for use only on FM
stations that broadcast RDS information. This
system relies upon receiving specific information
from these stations and only works when the
information is available. While the radio is tuned to
an FM-RDS station, the station name or call letters
Playing the Radio
O (Power/Volume): Press the O (power) knob
to turn the system on and off.
Turn the O(volume) knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease
the volume.
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Speed Compensated Volume (SCV): The radio
has Speed Compensated Volume (SCV). While
SCV is on, the radio volume automatically adjusts
to compensate for road and wind noise as
driving speed changes. That way, the volume level
should sound about the same as you drive. To
activate SCV:
© SEEK ¨: Press the left © or right ¨ SEEK
arrow to go to the previous or to the next
station and stay there.
To scan stations, press and hold either the left ©
or right ¨ SEEK arrow for a few seconds until
a beep sounds. The radio goes to a station, plays
for a few seconds, then goes to the next station.
Press either the left © or right ¨ SEEK
arrow again to stop scanning.
1. Set the radio volume to the desired level.
2. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
The radio seeks and scans stations only with a
strong signal that are in the selected band.
3. Press the pushbutton under the AUTO
VOLUM label on the radio display.
4. Press the pushbutton under the desired Speed
Compensated Volume setting (OFF, Low, Med,
or High) to select the level of radio volume
compensation. The display times out after
approximately 10 seconds. Each higher setting
allows for more radio volume compensation at
faster vehicle speeds.
4 (Information) (XM™ Satellite Radio Service,
MP3, and RDS Features): Press the 4 button
to display additional text information related to the
current FM-RDS or XM™ station, or MP3 song.
A choice of additional information such as:
Channel, Song, Artist, and CAT can appear.
Continue pressing the 4 button to highlight
the desired label, or press the pushbutton
positioned under any one of the labels and the
information about that label displays.
Finding a Station
BAND: Press this button to switch between AM,
FM, or XM™ (if equipped). The selection displays.
While information is not available, No Info displays.
f (Tune): Turn the f knob to select radio stations.
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3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons
until a beep sounds. When that pushbutton
is pressed and released, the station that was
set, returns.
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station
favorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to
your favorite stations using the presets, favorites
button, and steering wheel controls if the
page 246.
4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radio
station you want stored as a favorite.
The number of favorites pages can be setup using
the MENU button. To setup the number of
favorites pages, perform the following steps:
FAV (Favorites): A maximum of 36 stations can
be programmed as favorites using the
1. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
six pushbuttons positioned below the radio station
frequency labels and by using the radio favorites
page button (FAV button). Press the FAV button to
go through up to six pages of favorites, each
having six favorite stations available per page.
Each page of favorites can contain any
combination of AM, FM, or XM™ (if equipped)
stations. To store a station as a favorite, perform
the following steps:
2. Press the pushbutton located below the
FAV 1-6 label.
3. Select the desired number of favorites pages
by pressing the pushbutton located below the
displayed page numbers.
4. Press the FAV button, or let the menu time
out, to return to the original main radio
screen showing the radio station frequency
labels and to begin the process of
1. Tune to the desired radio station.
2. Press the FAV button to display the page
where you want the station stored.
programming your favorites for the chosen
amount of numbered pages.
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To return to the manual mode, press the EQ
button until Manual displays or start to manually
adjust the bass, midrange, or treble by pressing
the f knob.
Setting the Tone
(Bass/Midrange/Treble)
BASS/MID/TREB (Bass, Midrange, or
Treble): To adjust bass, midrange, or treble,
press the f knob until the tone control labels
display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired
label, or press the pushbutton positioned under
the desired label. Turn the tune knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to adjust the highlighted
setting. The highlighted setting can also be
adjusted by pressing either the left © or right ¨
SEEK arrow, \ FWD (forward) or s REV
(reverse) button until the desired levels are
obtained. If a station’s frequency is weak, or has
static, decrease the treble.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade): To adjust balance
or fade, press the f knob until the speaker control
labels display. Continue pressing to highlight the
desired label, or press the pushbutton positioned
under the desired label. Turn the f knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the
highlighted setting. The highlighted setting can
also be adjusted by pressing either the left © or
right ¨ SEEK arrow, \ FWD or s REV
button until the desired levels are obtained.
To quickly adjust bass, midrange, or treble to the
middle position, press the pushbutton positioned
under the BASS, MID, or TREB label for more than
two seconds. A beep sounds and the level
adjusts to the middle position.
To quickly adjust balance or fade to the middle
position, press the pushbutton positioned under
the BAL or FADE label for more than two seconds.
A beep sounds and the level adjusts to the
middle position.
To quickly adjust all tone and speaker controls to
the middle position, press the f knob for more
than two seconds until a beep sounds.
To quickly adjust all speaker and tone controls to
the middle position, press the f knob for more than
two seconds until a beep sounds.
EQ (Equalization): Press this button to select
preset equalization settings.
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Undesired XM™ categories can be removed
through the setup menu. To remove an undesired
category, perform the following:
Finding a Category (CAT) Station
CAT (Category): The CAT button is used to find
XM™ stations while the radio is in the XM™
mode. To find XM™ channels within a desired
category, perform the following:
1. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
2. Press the pushbutton located below the XM
CAT label.
1. Press the BAND button until the XM™
frequency displays. Press the CAT button to
display the category labels. Continue pressing
the CAT button until the desired category
name displays.
3. Turn the f knob to display the category you
want removed.
4. Press the pushbutton located under the
Remove label until the category name
along with the word Removed displays.
2. Press either of the two buttons below the
desired category label to immediately tune
to the first XM™ station associated with that
category.
5. Repeat the steps to remove more categories.
Removed categories can be restored by pressing
the pushbutton under the Add label when a
removed category displays or by pressing the
pushbutton under the Restore All label.
3. Turn the f knob, press the buttons below the
right or left arrows displayed, or press the left
© or right ¨ SEEK arrow to go to the
previous or to the next XM™ station within the
selected category.
Categories cannot be removed or added while the
vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).
4. To exit the category search mode, press the
FAV button or BAND button to display your
favorites again.
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Radio Messages
Playing a CD(s) (Six-Disc CD Player)
LOAD ^: Press the LOAD ^ button to load CDs
into the CD player. This CD player holds up to
six CDs.
Calibration Error: The audio system has been
calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If
Calibration Error displays, it means that the radio
has not been configured properly and your
vehicle must be returned to your dealer/retailer for
service.
To insert one CD, do the following:
1. Press and release the LOAD ^ button.
2. Wait for the message to insert the disc.
3. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into
the slot, label side up. The player pulls the
CD in.
Locked: This message displays when the
THEFTLOCK® system has locked up the radio.
Take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer for service.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error
To insert multiple CDs, do the following:
cannot be corrected, contact your dealer/retailer.
1. Press and hold the LOAD ^ button for
two seconds. A beep sounds and Load
All Discs displays.
2. Follow the displayed instruction on when to
insert the discs. The CD player takes up to
six CDs.
Radio Messages for XM™ Only
section for further detail.
Playing a CD (Single CD Player)
3. Press the LOAD ^ button again to cancel
Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up.
The player pulls it in and the CD should begin
playing.
loading more CDs.
If the ignition or radio is turned off, with a CD in the
player, it stays in the player. While the ignition or
radio is turned on, the CD starts playing where it
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source.
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When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol displays
on the CD. As each new track starts to play,
the track number displays.
Notice: If a label is added to a CD, or more
than one CD is inserted into the slot at a time,
or an attempt is made to play scratched or
damaged CDs, the CD player could be
damaged. While using the CD player, use only
CDs in good condition without any label,
load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player
and the loading slot free of foreign materials,
liquids, and debris.
The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm)
single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs
and the smaller CDs are loaded in the same
manner.
If playing a CD-R or CD-RW, the sound quality
can be reduced due to CD-R or CD-RW quality,
the method of recording, the quality of the
music that has been recorded, and the way the
CD-R or CD-RW has been handled. There can be
an increase in skipping, difficulty in finding
tracks, and/or difficulty in loading and ejecting. If
these problems occur, check the bottom surface of
the CD. If the surface of the CD is damaged,
such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the CD will
not play properly. If the surface of the CD is
more information.
Do not add any label to a CD, it could get caught
in the CD player. If a CD is recorded on a
personal computer and a description label is
needed, try labeling the top of the recorded CD
with a marking pen.
If an error displays, see “CD Messages” later in
this section.
Z EJECT: Press the Z EJECT button to eject
CD(s). To eject the CD that is currently playing,
press and release the Z EJECT button. A beep
sounds and Ejecting Disc displays. Once the
disc is ejected, Remove Disc displays. The CD
can be removed. If the CD is not removed,
after several seconds, the CD automatically pulls
back into the player and begins playing.
If there is no apparent damage, try a known
good CD.
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For the Six-Disc CD player, press and hold the
Z EJECT button for two seconds to eject
all discs.
RDM (Random): With the random setting, the
tracks can be listened to in random, rather
than sequential order, on one CD or all CDs in a
six-disc CD player. To use random, do one of
the following:
f (Tune): Turn the f knob to select tracks on
the CD currently playing.
• Press the CD/AUX button, or for a single CD
player, insert a disc partway into the slot of
the CD player. A RDM label displays.
© SEEK ¨: Press the left © SEEK arrow to
go to the start of the current track, if more than
ten seconds have played. Press the right ¨ SEEK
arrow to go to the next track. If either the left © or
right ¨ SEEK arrow is held, or pressed multiple
times, the player continues moving backward or
forward through the tracks on the CD.
To play the tracks from the single CD in
random order, press the pushbutton positioned
under the RDM label until Random Current
Disc displays. Press the pushbutton again to
turn off random play.
• Press the CD/AUX button, or for a six-disc CD
s REV (Reverse): Press and hold the s
REV button to reverse playback quickly within a
track. Sound is heard at a reduced volume.
Release the s REV button to resume playing
the track. The elapsed time of the track displays.
player, press and hold the LOAD ^ button. A
beep sounds and Load All Discs displays.
Insert one or more discs partway into the slot
of the CD player.
To play tracks from all CDs loaded in a
six-disc CD player in random order, press the
pushbutton positioned under the RDM
label until Randomize All Discs displays. Press
the same pushbutton again to turn off
random play.
\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold
the s FWD button to advance playback quickly
within a track. Sound is heard at a reduced
volume. Release the s FWD button to resume
playing the track. The elapsed time of the
track displays.
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BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio
while a CD is playing. The CD remains inside the
radio for future listening.
CD Messages
CHECK DISC: If this message displays and/or
the CD ejects, it could be for one of the following
reasons:
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button to play
a CD while listening to the radio. The CD icon
and a message showing disc and/or track number
displays when a CD is in the player. Press this
button again and the system automatically
searches for an auxiliary input device, such as a
portable audio player. If a portable audio player is
not connected, No Input Device Found displays.
• It is very hot. When the temperature returns to
normal, the CD should play.
• You are driving on a very rough road.
When the road becomes smoother, the CD
should play.
• The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or
upside down.
Playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc
• The air is very humid. If so, wait about an
hour and try again.
If your radio system has a single CD (MP3) player
or a six-disc CD (MP3) player, it is capable of
playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW disc. For more
information on how to play an MP3 CD-R or
in this section.
• There could have been a problem while
burning the CD.
• The label could be caught in the CD player.
If the CD is not playing correctly, for any
other reason, try a known good CD.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot
be corrected, contact your dealer/retailer. If the
radio displays an error message, write it down and
provide it to your dealer/retailer while reporting
the problem.
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BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio
while a portable audio device is playing. The
portable audio device continues playing, so you
might want to stop it or turn it off.
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack
The radio system has an auxiliary input jack
located on the lower right side of the faceplate.
This is not an audio output; do not plug the
headphone set into the front auxiliary input jack.
However, an external audio device such as
an iPod, laptop computer, MP3 player, CD
changer, or cassette tape player, etc. can be
connected to the auxiliary input jack for use as
another source for audio listening.
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button to play
a CD while a portable audio device is playing.
Press this button again and the system begins
playing audio from the connected portable audio
player. If a portable audio player is not
connected, No Input Device Found displays.
Drivers are encouraged to set up any auxiliary
device while the vehicle is in PARK (P). See
information on driver distraction.
Using an MP3
MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc
The radio plays MP3 files that were recorded on a
CD-R or CD-RW disc. The files can be recorded
with the following fixed bit rates: 32 kbps, 40 kbps,
56 kbps, 64 kbps, 80 kbps, 96 kbps, 112 kbps,
128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps, 224 kbps,
256 kbps, and 320 kbps or a variable bit rate.
Song title, artist name, and album are available for
display by the radio when recorded using ID3
tags version 1 and 2.
To use a portable audio player, connect a 3.5 mm
(1/8 inch) cable to the radio’s front auxiliary
input jack. When a device is connected, press the
radio CD/AUX button to begin playing audio
from the device over the vehicle speakers.
O (Power/Volume): Turn the O knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
volume of the portable player. Additional
volume adjustments might be needed from the
portable device if the volume is not loud or
soft enough.
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Compressed Audio
• Avoid subfolders. The system can support up to
8 subfolders deep, however, keep the total
number of folders to a minimum in order to
reduce the complexity and confusion in trying to
locate a particular folder during playback.
The radio also plays discs that contain both
uncompressed CD audio (.CDA files) and MP3
files. By default the radio reads only the
uncompressed audio and ignore the MP3 files.
Pressing the CAT button toggles between
compressed and uncompressed audio format.
• Make sure playlists have a .mp3 or .wpl
extension (other file extensions might
not work).
MP3 Format
• Minimize the length of the file, folder or playlist
names. Long file, folder, or playlist names, or a
combination of a large number of files and
folders, or playlists can cause the player to be
unable to play up to the maximum number of
files, folders, playlists, or sessions. If you wish
to play a large number of files, folders, playlists,
or sessions, minimize the length of the file,
folder, or playlist name. Long names also take
up more space on the display, potentially
getting cut off.
If you burn your own MP3 disc on a personal
computer:
• Make sure the MP3 files are recorded on a
CD-R or CD-RW disc.
• Do not mix standard audio and MP3 files on
one disc.
• The CD player is able to read and play a
maximum of 50 folders, 50 playlists, and
255 files.
• Create a folder structure that makes it easy to
find songs while driving. Organize songs by
albums using one folder for each album.
Each folder or album should contain 18 songs
or less.
• Finalize the audio disc before you burn it.
Trying to add music to an existing disc can
cause the disc not to function in the player.
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Playlists can be changed by using the previous
and next folder buttons, the f knob, or the seek
buttons. An MP3 CD-R or CD-RW that was
recorded using no file folders can also be played.
If a CD-R or CD-RW contains more than the
maximum of 50 folders, 50 playlists, and 255 files,
the player lets you access and navigate up to
the maximum, but all items over the maximum are
not accessible.
Empty Directory or Folder
If a root directory or a folder exists somewhere in
the file structure that contains only
folders/subfolders and no compressed files directly
beneath them, the player advances to the next
folder in the file structure that contains compressed
audio files. The empty folder does not display.
No Folder
When the CD-R or CD-RW contains only
Root Directory
compressed files, the files are located under the
root folder. The next and previous folder functions
do not display on a CD-R that was recorded
without folders or playlists. When displaying the
name of the folder the radio displays ROOT.
The root directory of the CD-R or CD-RW is
treated as a folder. If the root directory has
compressed audio files, the directory is displayed
as F1 ROOT. All files contained directly under
the root directory are accessed prior to any root
directory folders. However, playlists (Px) are
always accessed before root folders or files.
When the CD-R or CD-RW contains only playlists
and compressed audio files, but no folders, all
files are located under the root folder. The folder
down and the folder up buttons search playlists
(Px) first and then goes to the root folder.
When the radio displays the name of the folder
the radio displays ROOT.
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Track names longer than 32 characters or
four pages are shortened. The display does not
show parts of words on the last page of text
and the extension of the filename does not display.
Order of Play
Tracks recorded to the CD-R or CD-RW are
played in the following order:
• Play begins from the first track in the first
playlist and continues sequentially through
all tracks in each playlist. When the last track
of the last playlist has played, play continues
from the first track of the first playlist.
Preprogrammed Playlists
Preprogrammed playlists that were created using
WinAmp™, MusicMatch™, or Real Jukebox™
software can be accessed, however, they cannot
be edited using the radio. These playlists are
treated as special folders containing compressed
audio song files.
• Play begins from the first track in the first
folder and continues sequentially through
all tracks in each folder. When the last track of
the last folder has played, play continues
from the first track of the first folder.
Playing an MP3
Insert a CD-R partway into the slot (Single CD
Player), or press the load button and wait for the
message to insert disc (Six-Disc CD Player),
label side up. The player pulls it in, and the CD-R
or CD-RW should begin playing.
When play enters a new folder, the display does
not automatically show the new folder name unless
you have chosen the folder mode as the default
display. The new track name displays.
File System and Naming
If the ignition or radio is turned off with a CD-R or
CD-RW in the player, it stays in the player.
When either are turned back on, the CD-R starts
to play where it stopped, if it was the last
selected audio source.
The song name that displays is the song name
that is contained in the ID3 tag. If the song name is
not present in the ID3 tag, then the radio displays
the file name without the extension (such
as .mp3) as the track name.
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As each new track starts to play, the track number
and song title displays.
S c (Previous Folder): Press the pushbutton
positioned under the Folder label to go to the
first track in the previous folder.
Z EJECT: Press this button to eject CD-R(s) or
CD-RW(s). To eject the CD-R or CD-RW that is
currently playing, press and release this button. A
beep sounds and Ejecting Disc displays. Once
the disc is ejected, Remove Disc displays.
The CD-R or CD-RW can be removed. If the
CD-R or CD-RW is not removed, after several
seconds, the CD-R or CD-RW automatically pulls
back into the player and begins playing. For
the Six-Disc CD player, press and hold the eject
button for two seconds to eject all discs.
c T(Next Folder): Press the pushbutton
positioned under the Folder label to go to the first
track in the next folder.
s REV (Reverse): Press and hold this button
to reverse playback quickly within an MP3
file. Sound is heard at a reduced volume. Release
this button to resume playing the file. The
elapsed time of the file displays.
\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold this
button to advance playback quickly within an MP3
file. Sound is heard at a reduced volume.
Release this button to resume playing the file. The
elapsed time of the file displays.
f (Tune): Turn this knob to select MP3 files on
the CD-R or CD-RW currently playing.
© SEEK ¨: Press the left SEEK arrow to go to
the start of the current MP3 file, if more than
10 seconds have played. Press the right SEEK
arrow to go to the next MP3 file. If either
SEEK arrow is held or pressed multiple times, the
player continues moving backward or forward
through MP3 files on the CD.
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RDM (Random): With the random setting, MP3
files on the CD-R or CD-RW can be listened to
in random, rather than sequential order, on
one CD-R/CD-RW or all discs in a six-disc CD
player. To use random, do one of the following:
h (Music Navigator): Use the music navigator
feature to play MP3 files on the CD-R or CD-RW in
order by artist or album. Press the pushbutton
located below the music navigator label. The player
scans the disc to sort the files by artist and album
ID3 tag information. It can take several minutes to
scan the disc depending on the number of MP3 files
recorded to the CD-R or CD-RW. The radio can
begin playing while it is scanning the disc in the
background. When the scan is finished, the CD-R
or CD-RW begins playing again.
1. To play MP3 files from the CD-R or CD-RW in
random order, press the pushbutton positioned
under the RDM label until Random Current
Disc displays. Press the same pushbutton
again to turn off random play.
2. To play songs from all CDs loaded in a six-disc
CD player in random order, press the
pushbutton positioned under the RDM label
until Randomize All Discs displays. Press the
same pushbutton again to turn off random play.
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Once the disc has scanned, the player defaults to
playing MP3 files in order by artist. The current
artist playing is shown on the second line of the
display between the arrows. Once all songs by that
artist are played, the player moves to the next artist
in alphabetical order on the CD-R or CD-RW and
begins playing MP3 files by that artist. To listen to
MP3 files by another artist, press the pushbutton
located below either arrow button. The CD goes to
the next or previous artist in alphabetical order.
Continue pressing either button until the desired
artist displays.
Once all songs from that album are played, the
player moves to the next album in alphabetical
order on the CD-R or CD-RW and begins playing
MP3 files from that album.
To exit the music navigator mode, press the
pushbutton below the Back label to return to normal
MP3 playback.
BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio
while a CD is playing. The CD remains inside the
radio for future listening.
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button to play
a CD while listening to the radio. The CD icon
and a message showing disc and/or track number
displays while a CD is in the player. Press this
button again and the system automatically
searches for an auxiliary input device such as a
portable audio player. If a portable audio player is
not connected, No Input Device Found displays.
To change from playback by artist to playback by
album, press the pushbutton located below the Sort
By label. From the sort screen, push one of the
buttons below the album button. Press the
pushbutton below the back label to return to the
main music navigator screen. Now the album name
is displayed on the second line between the arrows
and songs from the current album begins to play.
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XM Radio Messages
Radio Display Message
Condition
Action Required
XL (Explicit
Language Channels)
XL on the radio display,
after the channel name,
indicates content with
explicit language.
These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a
customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
XM Updating
No XM Signal
Loading XM
Updating encryption code The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, and
no action is required. This process should take no longer
than 30 seconds.
Loss of signal
The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in a
location that is blocking the XM™ signal. When you move
into an open area, the signal should return.
Acquiring channel audio
The audio system is acquiring and processing audio and
(after four second delay) text data. No action is needed. This message should
disappear shortly.
Channel Off Air
Channel Unavail
Channel not in service
This channel is not currently in service. Tune to
another channel.
Channel no longer
available
This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned.
Tune to another station. If this station was one of the
presets, choose another station for that preset button.
No Artist Info
No Title Info
Artist Name/Feature
not available
No artist information is available at this time on this channel.
The system is working properly.
Song/Program Title
not available
No song title information is available at this time on this
channel. The system is working properly.
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Radio Display Message
Condition
Action Required
No CAT Info
Category Name
not available
No category information is available at this time on this
channel. The system is working properly.
No Information
CAT Not Found
XM TheftLocked
No Text/Informational
message available
No text or informational messages are available at this time
on this channel. The system is working properly.
No channel available for
the chosen category
Theftlock® active
There are no channels available for the selected category.
The system is working properly.
The XM™ receiver in the vehicle could have previously
been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™
receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this
message appears after having your vehicle serviced, check
with your dealer/retailer.
XM Radio ID
Radio ID label (channel 0) If tuned to channel 0, this message alternates with the
XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown
Radio ID not known
(should only be if
hardware failure)
If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, there
could be a receiver fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Check XM Receivr
XM Not Available
Hardware failure
If this message does not clear within a short period of time,
the receiver could have a fault. Consult with your
dealer/retailer.
XM™ Not Available
If this message does not clear within a short period of time,
the receiver could have a fault. Consult with your
dealer/retailer.
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Rear Seat Audio Controls
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
The following function is controlled by the
main radio:
Your vehicle might have rear seat audio (RSA).
This feature lets rear seat passengers listen to and
control any of the sources, such as the radio or
CD(s). An audio or radio source can be listened to
but cannot be changed from the rear seat if the front
seat passengers have selected the same source
from the front seat controls. For example, the radio
station selected with the front seat controls cannot
be changed by the rear seat control(s).
Front seat passengers can turn the RSA off by
quickly pressing the front radio power knob twice.
The front seat audio controls always have priority
over the RSA controls. If the front seat
passengers switch to the same source as the
RSA, the RSA no longer controls the source.
The following functions are controlled by the
RSA system:
The RSA can be operated while the main radio
is off.
n (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to
decrease the volume. The left knob controls
the left wired headphones and the right knob
controls the right wired headphones.
The wired headphones (not included) or the
wireless headphones (included) can be heard.
Wired headphones connect to the outlets on the
RSA system. The rear seat passengers have
control of the volume for each set of wired
headphones.
O (Power): Press this button to turn the system
on or off. The rear speakers are muted when
the RSA power is turned on.
Adjust the volume on the wireless headphones by
turning the volume control on each headset.
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SRCE (Source): Press this button to play a CD
when listening to the radio. If your vehicle has a
six-disc CD player and other CDs are loaded, the
inactive CDs remains inside the radio for future
listening.
Headphones
The RSA includes two wireless headphones that
are dedicated to this system. These headphones
are used to listen to media such as CDs or
radio. The wireless headphones have an On/Off
button and a volume control.
BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1,
FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped).
Push the power button to turn on the headphones.
An indicator light located on the headphones
comes on. If the light does not come on,
the batteries might need to be replaced. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this section for more
information. Switch the headphones to Off when
not in use.
1–6 (Preset): Press this button to go to the next
preset radio station. This function is inactive if
the front seat passengers are listening to the radio.
While a CD is playing in the six-disc CD changer,
press this button to select the next CD, if
multiple CDs are loaded. This function is inactive if
the front seat passengers are listening to a CD.
Infrared transmitters are located on the rear seat
audio faceplate. The headphones shut off
automatically to save the battery power if the RSA
shuts off or if the headphones are out of range
of the transmitters for more than three minutes. If
you move too far forward or step out of the
vehicle, the headphones lose the audio signal.
©¨ (Seek): While listening to the radio,
press the seek arrows to go to the next or the
previous station and stay there. This function is
inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to
the radio.
While a CD is playing, press the left seek arrow to
go to the start of the current track if more than
eight seconds have played. Press the right seek
arrow to go to the next track on the CD. This
function is inactive if the front seat passengers are
listening to a CD.
The headphones automatically turn off after
four hours of continuous use.
To adjust the volume on the headphones, use the
volume control located on the right side.
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For optimal audio performance, the headphones
must be worn correctly. The symbol L (Left)
appears on the upper left side, above the ear pad
and should be positioned on the left ear. The
symbol R (Right) appears on the upper right side,
above the ear pad and should be positioned on
the right ear.
Battery Replacement
To change the batteries on the headphones, do
the following:
1. Turn the screw to loosen the battery door
located on the left side of the headphones.
Slide the battery door open.
2. Replace the two batteries in the compartment.
Make sure that they are installed correctly,
using the diagram on the inside of the battery
compartment.
Notice: Do not store the headphones in heat
or direct sunlight. This could damage the
headphones and repairs will not be covered by
your warranty. Keep the headphones stored
in a cool, dry place.
3. Replace the battery door and tighten the
door screw.
If the foam ear pads attached to the headphones
become worn or damaged, the pads can be
replaced separately from the headphone set.
Contact your dealer/retailer for more information.
If the headphones are to be stored for a long
period of time, remove the batteries and keep them
in a cool, dry place.
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They include the following:
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK® is designed to discourage theft of
your vehicle’s 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 does not operate
and LOCKED displays.
+ − (Volume): Press the plus or minus button to
increase or to decrease the volume.
©¨: Press the seek arrows to go to the
previous or the next stored radio station and stay
there. Press and hold the seek arrows briefly
to reverse back to the previous station or
to advance to the next station, with a strong signal
in the selected band.
With THEFTLOCK® activated, the radio cannot
operate if stolen.
While a CD is playing, press the seek arrows to
go to the previous or to the next track. Press and
hold the seek arrows briefly to continue reversing
back or advancing ahead to other tracks within
the disc.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Radio controls are
located on the right side
of the steering wheel.
If your vehicle has
this feature, some audio
controls can be
g (Mute/Voice Activation): Press this button to
mute the system. Press this button again to
turn the sound on. If your vehicle has OnStar®,
press and hold this button for two seconds
to activate voice on the OnStar® system. See the
for more information.
adjusted at this location.
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FM Stereo
Radio Reception
FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals
only reach about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
Frequency interference and static can occur
during normal radio reception if items such as cell
phone chargers, vehicle convenience accessories,
and external electronic devices are plugged
into the accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the item from the
accessory power outlet.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM,
tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out.
In addition, traveling or standing under heavy
foliage, bridges, garages, or through tunnels could
cause loss of the XM™ signal for a period of
time. The radio might display NO XM SIGNAL to
indicate interference.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for
FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other. For
better radio reception, most AM radio stations
boosts the power levels during the day, and then
reduce these levels during the night. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power lines
interfere with radio reception. When this happens,
try reducing the treble on your radio.
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Care of Your CDs
Backglass Antenna
Handle CDs carefully. Store them in their original
cases or other protective cases and away from
direct sunlight and dust. The CD player scans the
bottom surface of the disc. If the surface of a
CD is damaged, such as cracked, broken,
or scratched, the CD does not play properly or not
at all. If the surface of a CD is soiled, take a
soft, lint free cloth or dampen a clean, soft cloth in
a mild, neutral detergent solution mixed with
water, and clean it. Make sure the wiping process
starts from the center to the edge.
The AM-FM antenna is integrated with the rear
window defogger, located in the rear window. Make
sure that the inside surface of the rear window is
not scratched and that the lines on the glass are not
damaged. If the inside surface is damaged, it could
interfere with radio reception. Also, for proper radio
reception, the antenna connector at the top-center
of the rear window needs to be properly attached to
the post on the glass.
Notice: Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting
with metallic film. The metallic film in some
tinting materials will interfere with or distort the
incoming radio reception. Any damage
caused to your backglass antenna due to
metallic tinting materials will not be covered
by your warranty.
Do not touch the bottom side of a CD while
handling it; this could damage the surface. Pick up
CDs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of
the hole and the outer edge.
Care of the CD Player
Notice: Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window may damage
the rear window antenna and/or the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not clear the
inside rear window with sharp objects.
Do not use CD lens cleaners for CD players
because the lens of the CD optics can become
contaminated by lubricants.
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Because this antenna is built into the rear window,
there is a reduced risk of damage caused by
car washes and vandals.
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System
The XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is located on
the roof of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of
snow and ice build up for clear radio reception.
If static is heard on the radio, when the rear
window defogger is turned on, it could mean that
a defogger grid line has been damaged and
the grid line must be repaired.
A vehicle with a sunroof might not get the
best performance from the XM™ system if the
sunroof is open.
If adding a cellular telephone to your vehicle, and
the antenna needs to be attached to the glass,
make 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.
Loading items onto the roof of your vehicle can
interfere with the performance of the XM™ system.
Make sure the XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is
not obstructed.
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Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
{CAUTION:
Defensive driving really means “Be ready
for anything.” On city streets, rural roads,
or expressways, 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 and be ready. Rear-end collisions
are about the most preventable of
Defensive Driving
The best advice anyone can give about driving is:
Drive defensively.
Please start with a very important safety device in
your vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They
accidents. Yet they are common. Allow
enough following distance. Defensive
driving requires that a driver concentrate
on the driving task. Anything that distracts
from the driving task makes proper
defensive driving more difficult and can
even cause a collision, with resulting
injury. Ask a passenger to help do these
things, or pull off the road in a safe place to
do them. These simple defensive driving
techniques could save your life.
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Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half
the adult population — choose never to drink
alcohol, so they never drive after drinking.
For persons under 21, it is against the law in
every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good
medical, psychological, and developmental
reasons for these laws.
Drunken Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and
driving is a national tragedy. It is 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:
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink
alcohol and then drive. But what if people do?
How much is “too much” if someone plans
to drive? It is a lot less than many might think.
Although it depends on each person and situation,
here is some general information on the problem.
• 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. In recent years, more
than 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths
have been associated with the use of alcohol,
with more than 300,000 people injured.
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of
someone who is drinking depends upon
four things:
• The amount of alcohol consumed
• The drinker’s body weight
• The amount of food that is consumed before
and during drinking
• The length of time it has taken the drinker to
consume the alcohol
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According to the American Medical Association, a
180 lb (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce
(355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with
a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would
reach the same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce
(120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if
each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of liquors like
whiskey, gin, or vodka.
It is the amount of alcohol that counts. For example,
if the same person drank three double martinis
(3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour,
the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent.
A person who consumes food just before or during
drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
There is a gender difference, too. Women
generally have a lower relative percentage of body
water than men. 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 will when each has the same
number of drinks.
The law in most U.S. states, and throughout
Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent.
In some other countries, the limit is even lower.
For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France
and Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial
drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent.
The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to
six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we have
seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the
drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.
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But the ability to drive is affected well below a
BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that
the driving skills of many people are impaired at a
BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the
effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired
at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics
show that the chance of being in a collision
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of
having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent,
the chance of this driver having a collision is
12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent,
the chance is 25 times greater!
There is something else about drinking and driving
that many people do not know. Medical research
shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make
crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the
brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that when
anyone who has been drinking — driver or
passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance
of being killed or permanently disabled is
higher than if the person had not been drinking.
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very
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 will be careful” is not the right answer. What if
there is 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.
dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be
affected by even a small amount of
alcohol. You can have a serious — or even
fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
Please do not drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking. Ride home in
a cab; or if you are with a group, designate
a driver who will not drink.
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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 is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control of your vehicle. See Traction
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might
be less with one driver and as long as two or
three seconds or more with another. Age, physical
condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight
all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and
frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,
a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
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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. The brakes may not have
time to cool between hard stops. The 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.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that
will help prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive
away, ABS will check itself. You might hear
a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you might even notice that the
brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
If there is a problem
with ABS, this warning
light will stay on.
See Antilock Brake
on page 195.
Adding non-Saturn accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and
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ABS can change the brake pressure faster than
any driver could. The computer is programmed
to make the most of available tire and road
conditions. This can help you steer around the
obstacle while braking hard.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving
safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of
you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking.
Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the brakes at each
wheel.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving
updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
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Remember: ABS does not 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 will not
have time to apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System
(TCS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially
useful in slippery road conditions. The system
operates only if it senses that one or both of the
front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system reduces
engine power and may also upshift the
transmission to limit wheel spin. You may feel or
hear the system working, but this is normal.
Also, the traction control system activates the
appropriate corner brakes to gain even quicker
control to limit wheel spin. The LOW TRACTION
message will appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when the traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly and let antilock work for you.
You might hear the antilock pump or motor
operate, and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this
is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to safely use
it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
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The TCS operates in all transmission shift lever
positions except PARK (P), NEUTRAL (N) or
REVERSE (R). But the system can upshift
the transmission only as high as the shift lever
position you’ve chosen, so you should use
the lower gears only when necessary. See
If you press the TC button once, the TCS will turn
off, the TRACTION OFF message will display
and the TCS warning light will come on. The
StabiliTrak® system will stay on. Press the
TC button again to turn the system back on.
The TCS warning light will go off. If you press and
hold the TC button, the StabiliTrak® system and
the traction control system will turn off. Press
the TC button again to turn StabiliTrak® and the
traction control system back on. For more
page 256.
This light is located on
the instrument panel
cluster.
When you turn the system off, the TCS warning
light will come on and stay on. If the Traction
Control System is limiting wheel spin when you
press the button to turn the system off, the warning
light will come on – but the system won’t turn off
right away. It will wait until there’s no longer a
current need to limit wheel spin.
When the system is on, this warning light will
come on to let you know if there’s a problem, or if
the system has been turned off. When this light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories
can affect your vehicle’s performance.
page 297 for more information.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the TCS on.
But you can turn the system off if you prefer.
To turn the system on or off, press the traction
control button (TC) located on the center console.
In order to effectively “rock” the vehicle, you
will need to turn off TCS.
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The Enhanced Traction System operates in all
transmission shift lever positions except PARK (P),
NEUTRAL (N) or REVERSE (R). But the system
can upshift the transmission only as high as
the shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you
should use the lower gears only when necessary.
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions.
The system operates only if it senses that one or
both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power and may also
upshift the transmission to limit wheel spin. You
may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal. The LOW TRACTION message
will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the traction control system is limiting
wheel spin.
This light is located on
the instrument panel
cluster.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
enhanced traction system begins to limit wheel
spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise
When the system is on, this light will come on and
stay on to let you know if there’s a problem, or
if the system has been turned off. When this 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 ETS on.
But you can turn the system off if you prefer.
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To turn the system on or off, press the traction
control button (TC) located on the center console.
In order to effectively “rock” the vehicle, you
will need to turn off the traction control system.
Electronic Stability Control
Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system which combines antilock
brake, traction and stability control systems
and helps the driver maintain directional control of
the vehicle in most driving conditions.
When you turn the system off, the ETS warning
light will come on and stay on and the TRACTION
OFF message will display. If the ETS is limiting
wheel spin when you press the button to turn the
system off, the warning light will come on – but
the system won’t turn off right away. It will wait
until there’s no longer a current need to limit
wheel spin.
When you first start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic
checks to ensure there are no problems. You may
hear or feel the system working. This is normal and
does not mean there is a problem with your vehicle.
The system should initialize before the vehicle
reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). In some cases, it may
take approximately two miles of driving before the
system initializes.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The ETS warning
light should go off.
The ESC light is located
on the instrument panel
cluster.
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If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC
light will be on solid, and the ESC OFF or
SERVICE ESC message will be displayed in the
DIC. If the vehicle has gone through heavy
acceleration or braking during the first two miles
after starting your vehicle, these messages and the
ESC light may also appear. If this is the case,
your vehicle does not need servicing. Turn your
vehicle off and back on again to reset the system.
If the SERVICE ESC message appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and your vehicle
hasn’t gone through hard acceleration or braking
in the first two miles, your vehicle should be taken
in for service.
When the system is turned off, the TRACTION
OFF message will first appear followed by the ESC
OFF message. The ESC OFF and TCS OFF
indicator lights will also appear to warn the driver
that both traction control and ESC are disabled.
It is recommended to leave the system on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn the system off if your vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want
to “rock” your vehicle to attempt to free it. It may
also be necessary to turn off the system when
driving in extreme off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. See If Your Vehicle is
When the ESC off light is on and either the
SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF message is displayed,
the system will not assist the driver to maintain
directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See DIC Warnings and
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the system. The ESC
OFF and SERVICE ESC messages and the ESC
OFF light will be on solid to warn the driver that
ESC is disabled and requires service. If the problem
does not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, you
should see your retailer for service. See DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 206.
The traction control part of ESC can be turned off or
back on by pressing the ESC button. To disable
both traction control and ESC, press and hold the
button briefly.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories
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covered by your warranty. Reduce engine
power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively
while these lights and this message are
displayed.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the ESC
system. Traction control limits wheel spin by
reducing engine power to the wheels (engine
speed management) and by applying brakes to
each individual wheel (brake-traction control)
as necessary.
The traction control system may activate on
dry or rough roads or under conditions such as
heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt
upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this
happens, you may notice a reduction in
acceleration, or may hear a noise or vibration.
This is normal.
The traction control system is enabled
automatically when you start your vehicle, and it
will activate and display the LOW TRACTION
message if it senses that any of the wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving.
If you turn off traction control, the TCS OFF
warning light will come on and the TRACTION
OFF message will be displayed The ESC system
will remain operational unless it is turned off.
For more information on the traction active
message, see Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 204.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the ESC ACTIVE message will appear
and the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to use cruise
again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines
that a problem exists with the system. If the
problem does not clear itself after restarting the
vehicle, you should see your retailer for service.
Notice: If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle
to spin excessively while the ESC, ABS and
brake warning lights and the SERVICE ESC
message are displayed, you could damage
the transfer case. The repairs would not be
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories
can affect your vehicle’s performance. See
more information.
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Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to
do their work where the tires meet the road.
Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control.
Steering
If your vehicle has the hydraulic power steering
system and you lose power steering assist
because the engine stops or the power steering
system is not functioning, you can steer, but it will
take much more effort.
Steering Tips
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up
on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here is why:
vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you
should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted
speeds are based on good weather and road
conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will
want to go slower.
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while
the front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.
Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories
The traction you can get in a curve depends on
the condition of the tires and the road surface,
the angle at which the curve is banked, and your
speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
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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 cannot; there is not room.
That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First apply the brakes. See Braking
on page 250. It is better to remove as much speed
as you can from a possible collision. Then steer
around the problem, to the left or right depending
on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention
and a quick decision. If you are holding the
steering wheel at the recommended 9 and
3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full
180 degrees very quickly without removing either
hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly,
and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you
have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.
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Off-Road Recovery
Passing
You may find that your vehicle’s right wheels have
dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while you are 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. A simple
maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a
two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move,
since the passing vehicle occupies the same
lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds.
A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief
surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly
put the passing driver face to face with the worst
of all traffic accidents — the head-on collision.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off
the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge
of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel
up to one-quarter turn until the right front tire
contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering
wheel to go straight down the roadway.
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So here are some tips for passing:
• When it looks like a chance to pass is coming
up, start to accelerate but stay in the right
lane and do not get too close. Time your move
so you will be increasing speed as the time
comes to move into the other lane. If the way
is clear to pass, you will have a running
• Drive ahead. Look down the road, to the
sides, and to crossroads for situations
that might affect your passing patterns. If you
have any doubt whatsoever about making
a successful pass, wait for a better time.
start that more than makes up for the distance
you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause you to cancel
your pass, you need only slow down and drop
back again and wait for another opportunity.
• Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings,
and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead
that might indicate a turn or an intersection,
delay your pass. A broken center line
usually indicates it is all right to pass, providing
the road ahead is clear. Never cross a solid
line on your side of the lane or a double solid
line, even if the road seems empty of
approaching traffic.
• If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow
vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that
someone is not trying to pass you as you pull
out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to
glance over your shoulder and check the
blind spot.
• Check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and start your left lane change signal
before moving out of the right lane to pass.
When you are far enough ahead of the passed
vehicle to see its front in your vehicle’s inside
mirror, activate the right lane change signal and
move back into the right lane. Remember that
an outside convex mirror makes the vehicle you
just passed seem farther away from you than it
really is.
• Do not get too close to the vehicle you want
to pass while you are awaiting an opportunity.
For one thing, following too closely reduces
your area of vision, especially if you are
following a larger vehicle. Also, you will not
have adequate space if the vehicle ahead
suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a
reasonable distance.
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• Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time
on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing
the next vehicle.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and
by not overdriving those conditions. But skids
are always possible.
• Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too
rapidly. Even though the brake lamps are not
flashing, it might be slowing down or starting
to turn.
The three types of skids correspond to your
vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid,
the wheels are not rolling. In the steering or
cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
• If you are being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps
you can ease a little to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough
friction where the tires meet the road to do what the
driver has asked.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps
avoid only the acceleration skid. If your traction
control system is off, then an acceleration
skid is also best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to
steer and constantly seek an escape route or
area of less danger.
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If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off
the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the
way you want the vehicle to go. If you start
steering quickly enough, your vehicle may
straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid
if it occurs.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to
be impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night
vision problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
• Drive defensively.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow,
ice, gravel, or other material is on the road.
For safety, you will want to slow down and adjust
your driving to these conditions. It is important
to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
• Since you cannot see as well, slow down and
keep more space between you and other
vehicles.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by
shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the
surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding.
Learn to recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to
make a mirrored surface — and slow down when
you have any doubt.
• Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only
so much road ahead.
• In remote areas, watch for animals.
• If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe
place and rest.
Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
helps avoid only the braking skid.
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No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But as we get older these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might require at least twice as
much light to see the same thing at night as a
20-year-old.
Keep the windshield and all the glass on your
vehicle clean — inside and out. Glare at night is
made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even
the inside of the glass can build up a film caused
by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and
flash more than clean glass would, making the
pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
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 are driving, do not
wear sunglasses at night. They might cut down on
glare from headlamps, but they also make a lot
of things invisible.
Remember that the headlamps light up far less
of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve.
Keep your eyes moving; that way, it is easier
to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as
the headlamps should be checked regularly
for proper aim, so should your eyes be
examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from
night blindness — the inability to see in
dim light —and are not even aware of it.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or
even several seconds, for your eyes to re-adjust
to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare,
as from a driver who does not lower the high
beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps,
slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into
the approaching headlamps.
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have much tread left, you will get even less
traction. It is 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.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see.
Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good
shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see
road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings,
the edge of the road, and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment
in good shape and keep your windshield washer
fluid reservoir filled with washer fluid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or
when strips of rubber start to separate from the
inserts.
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble.
On a wet road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn
as well because your tire-to-road traction is not
as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires do not
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Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can
if your tires do not have much tread or if the
pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a
lot of water is standing on the road. If you can
see reflections from trees, telephone poles,
or other vehicles, and raindrops dimple the
water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They
may not work as well in a quick stop and
may cause pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds.
There just is not a hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down
when it is raining.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car wash, apply the brake pedal
lightly until the brakes work normally.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
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. But if you cannot,
Notice: If you drive too quickly through
deep puddles or standing water, water can
come in through the engine’s air intake
and badly damage the engine. Never drive
through water that is slightly lower than the
underbody of your vehicle. If you cannot avoid
deep puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
try to slow down before you hit them.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can
build up under your tires that they can actually ride
on the water. This can happen if the road is wet
enough and you are going fast enough. When your
vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact
with the road.
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Driving Through Flowing Water
City Driving
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. If you try to drive through flowing
water, as you might at a low water
crossing, your vehicle can be carried
away. As little as six inches of flowing
water can carry away a smaller vehicle.
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore
police warning signs, and otherwise be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
One of the biggest problems with city streets is
the amount of traffic on them. You will want
to watch out for what the other drivers are doing
and pay attention to traffic signals.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
• Besides slowing down, allow some extra
following distance. And be especially careful
when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself
more clear room ahead, and be prepared to
have your view restricted by road spray.
• Have good tires with proper tread depth.
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Here are ways to increase your safety in city
driving:
Freeway Driving
• 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.
• Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You will save time and
• Treat a green light as a warning signal.
A traffic light is there because the corner is
busy enough to need it. When a light
turns green, and just before you start to move,
check both ways for vehicles that have not
cleared the intersection or may be running the
red light.
Mile for mile, freeways — also called thruways,
parkways, expressways, turnpikes, or
superhighways — are the safest of all roads.
But they have their own special rules.
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The most important advice on freeway driving is:
Keep up with traffic and keep to the right.
Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers
are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks
a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on a
freeway as a passing lane.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
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. The exit speed is usually posted. 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
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed
to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it
is slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want
to pass.
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too many
miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable
clothing and shoes you can easily drive in.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors.
Then use your turn signal.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly
over your shoulder to make sure there is not
another vehicle in your blind spot.
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Of course, you will find experienced and able
service experts at dealers/retailers all across the
United States and Canada. They are ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at
the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir
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. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
• Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
• Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you
checked all levels?
• Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
• Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inflated to the recommended pressure?
Then here are some tips:
• Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated,
with a comfortably cool interior.
• Weather Forecasts: What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
• Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors
and your instruments frequently.
• If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap,
get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
• Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that
can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Hill and Mountain Roads
• Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check
all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transaxle. These parts
can work hard on mountain roads.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could
get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or
even none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine assist
the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different
from driving in flat or rolling terrain.
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• Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Do not swing wide
or cut across the center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your own lane.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. The brakes
will have to do all the work of slowing
down. They could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would then have
poor braking or even none going down a
hill. You could crash. Always have the
engine running and your vehicle in gear
when you go downhill.
• As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There
could be something in your lane, like a stalled
car or an accident.
• You may see highway signs on mountains that
warn of special problems. Examples are long
grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling
rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these
and take appropriate action.
• Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when
you go down a steep or long hill.
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Driving on Snow or Ice
Winter Driving
Most of the time, those places where the tires
meet the road probably have good traction.
Here are some tips for winter driving:
• Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
However, if there is snow or ice between the tires
and the road, you can have a very slippery
situation. You have a lot less traction, or grip, and
need to be very careful.
• You might want to put winter emergency
supplies in your trunk.
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. And, if you will be driving under severe
conditions, include a small bag of sand, a
piece of old carpet, or a couple of burlap bags to
help provide traction. Be sure you properly
secure these items in your vehicle.
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What is 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
can offer the least traction of all. You can get
wet ice when it is about freezing, 32°F (0°C), and
freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves your
vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop
on a slippery road. Even though you have ABS,
begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 251.
• Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.
Whatever the condition — smooth ice, packed,
blowing, or loose snow — drive with caution.
• Watch for slippery spots. The road might be
fine until you hit a spot that is covered with
ice. On an otherwise clear road, ice patches
can appear in shaded areas where the
If you have the Traction Control System (TCS),
it will improve your ability to accelerate when
driving on a slippery road. But you can turn the
TCS off if you ever need to. You should turn
the TCS off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck
you have TCS, slow down and adjust your
driving to the road conditions. Under certain
conditions, you might want to turn the TCS off,
such as when driving through deep snow
and loose gravel, to help maintain vehicle motion
at lower speeds. See Traction Control System
on page 256.
sun cannot reach, such as around clumps of
trees, behind buildings, or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the surrounding
roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice
ahead of you, brake before you are on it.
Try not to brake while you are actually on the
ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
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If You Are Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in
a serious situation. You should probably stay
with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you
are near help and you can hike through the
snow. Here are some things to do to summon
help and keep yourself and your passengers safe:
• Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
• Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police
that you have been stopped by the snow.
• Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket
around you. If you do not have blankets or
extra clothing, make body insulators
from newspapers, burlap bags, rags,
floor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to
keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be
careful.
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Run your engine only as long as you must.
This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it
go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat
that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
You will need a well-charged battery to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
the headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
{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
cannot 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 the
exhaust pipe. And check around again
from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.
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transaxle back and forth, you can destroy the
transaxle. See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck,
you will need to spin the wheels, but you do not
want to spin your wheels too fast. The method
known as rocking can help you get out when you
are stuck, but you must use caution.
For information about using tire chains on your
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear
the area around the front wheels. Turn off any
traction or stability system. See Traction Control
between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and
press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning
the wheels in the forward and reverse directions,
you will cause a rocking motion that could free
your vehicle. If that does not get your vehicle
out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out.
If your vehicle does need to be towed out, see
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. And, the transaxle or
other parts of the vehicle can overheat.
That could cause an engine compartment
fire or other damage. When you are stuck,
spin the wheels as little as possible. Do not
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as
shown on the speedometer.
Notice: Spinning the wheels can destroy parts
of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you
spin the wheels too fast while shifting the
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Tire and Loading Information Label
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how
much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the Certification/Tire
label. Two labels on your vehicle show how
much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the Vehicle
Certification label.
{CAUTION:
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar
(B-pillar). With the driver’s door open, you will find
the label attached below the door lock post
(striker). The Tire and Loading Information label
lists the number of occupant seating positions (A),
and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in
kilograms and pounds.
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (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.
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The Tire and Loading Information label also lists
the tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D).
For more information on tires and inflation, see
page 356.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
There is also important loading information on the
Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle,
see “Certification Label” later in this section.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity for your vehicle.
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, see Towing a
on towing a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
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Example 1
Description
Example 2
Description
Item
Total
Item
Total
Maximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 1 =
Maximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 2 =
A
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
A
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
Subtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg) × 2 =
Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight =
Subtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg) × 5 =
B
C
300 lbs (136 kg)
700 lbs (317 kg)
B
C
750 lbs (340 kg)
Available Cargo Weight = 250 lbs (113 kg)
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Certification Label
Example 3
Description
Item
Total
Maximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 3 =
Subtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs
(91 kg) × 5 =
A
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
A vehicle specific Certification label is found on
the rear edge of the driver’s door.
B
C
1,000 lbs (453 kg)
The label shows the gross weight capacity of your
vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, cargo, and tongue
weight if pulling a trailer.
Available Cargo Weight = 0 lbs (0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information
label for specific information about your vehicle’s
maximum vehicle capacity weight and seating
positions. The combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never exceed your
vehicle’s maximum vehicle capacity weight.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either
the front or rear axle.
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{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (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.
Things you put inside your vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
• Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
• Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child
Notice: Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
restraint in your vehicle.
• When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
• Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else are put inside the vehicle, they will
go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will
keep going.
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With the proper preparation and equipment,
many vehicles can be towed in these ways.
See “Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Here are some important things to consider
before you do recreational vehicle towing:
Consult your retailer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
page 427.
• What is the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind a
motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle Towing”
following.
• How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they
can tow.
• Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a
motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy
towing, towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground, and dolly towing, towing your vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
• Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
you would prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, you will want to make sure your vehicle is
prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving
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4. To prevent the battery from draining while the
vehicle is being towed, remove the following
fuse from the instrument panel fuse block:
(IGN SENSOR). See Instrument Panel Fuse
Dinghy Towing
When dinghy towing, the vehicle should be run at
the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel
stop for about five minutes. This will ensure proper
lubrication of transmission components.
5. Turn the ignition key to ACC.
6. Shift your transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
7. Release the parking brake.
Remember to reinstall the IGN SENSOR fuse
once you have reached your destination.
Notice: If you exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while
towing your vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing
your vehicle.
You may dinghy tow your vehicle from the front
following these steps:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF.
3. Set the parking brake.
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Dolly Towing
To tow your vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and a dolly:
Notice: Towing your vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs would not
be covered by the warranty. Never have your
vehicle towed from the rear.
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the gear shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the
ignition key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position.
5. Release the parking brake.
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Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with
the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify
the trailering capacity of your vehicle, you should
read the information in “Weight of the Trailer”
that appears later in this section. Trailering
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
is different than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, durability
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.
If you do not 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.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety
rules. Many of these are important for your safety
and that of your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires
are forced to work harder against the drag of
the added weight. The engine is required
to operate at relatively higher speeds and under
greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more,
the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.
Notice: Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this part and see
your dealer/retailer for important information
about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
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• Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a
trailer. Don’t drive faster than the maximum
posted speed for trailers, or no more than
55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on your
vehicle’s parts.
If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
• 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.
• Don’t tow a trailer when the outside
temperature is above 100°F (38°C).
Three important considerations have to do
with weight:
• Consider using a sway control. You can ask a
hitch retailer about sway controls.
• the weight of the trailer,
• the weight of the trailer tongue
• and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
• Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first
1000 miles (1600 km) your new vehicle
is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that
you tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and don’t make starts at full throttle.
This helps your engine and other parts of
your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs
(454 kg). But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig.
For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used
to pull a trailer are all important. It can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your
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vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the
vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming
only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all
the required trailering equipment. The weight
of additional optional equipment, passengers and
cargo must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
You can ask your retailer for trailering information
or advice.
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the
total loaded trailer weight (B). If you’re using a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded trailer
weight (B).
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
page 279 for more information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer
and then the tongue, separately, to see if the
weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able
to get them right simply by moving some items
around in the trailer.
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Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Safety Chains
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information label. See Loading Your
over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the
weight of the trailer tongue.
You should always attach chains between your
vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety
chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes
separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the
bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you
can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Hitches
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:
• The rear bumper on your vehicle is not
intended for hitches. Do not attach rental
hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it.
Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not
attach to the bumper.
Trailer Brakes
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try to tap
into your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you
do, both brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the
trailer brakes, so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
• Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later
when you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal
them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle. See Engine
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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.
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as you would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a
good deal longer when towing a trailer, you’ll need
to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before you can return to your lane.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and
platform (and attachments), safety chains,
electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror
adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start
your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just
move that hand to the left. To move the trailer
to the right, move your hand to the right. Always
back up slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
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When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
Making Turns
instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
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.
Driving on Grades
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.
Notice: Do not tow on steep continuous
grades exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended,
higher than normal engine and transmission
temperatures may result and damage your
vehicle. Frequent stops are very important to
allow the engine and transmission to cool.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
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.
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring.
See your retailer if you need information.
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
flash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce
your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If your engine does overheat,
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3. When the chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
You really should not park your
vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill.
If something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured, and
both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
• start your engine
• shift into a gear, and
• release the parking brake.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift
into PARK (P).
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the
chocks.
When parking uphill, turn your wheels away
from the curb. When parking downhill,
turn your wheels into the curb.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
2. Have someone place chocks behind the trailer
wheels.
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Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often
when you’re pulling a trailer. See Scheduled
Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid
(don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant,
drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review this information
before you start your trip.
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. See Engine
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If you get a flat tire while towing a trailer, be sure
to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
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Section 5
Service and Appearance Care
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Accessories and Modifications
Service
When you add non-Saturn accessories to your
vehicle they can affect your vehicle’s performance
and safety, including such things as, airbags,
braking, stability, ride and handling, emissions
systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like anti-lock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. Some of these accessories
may even cause malfunction or damage not
covered by warranty.
Your Saturn retailer knows your vehicle best and
wants you to be happy with it. We hope you
will go to your retailer for all your service needs.
You will get genuine Saturn parts and
Saturn-trained and supported service people.
We hope you will want to keep your Saturn vehicle
all Saturn.
Genuine Saturn parts have one of these marks.
Saturn accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on your
vehicle. Your Saturn retailer can accessorize your
vehicle using genuine Saturn accessories.
When you go to your Saturn retailer and ask for
Saturn accessories, you will know that
Saturn-trained and supported service technicians
will perform the work using genuine Saturn
accessories.
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California Proposition 65 Warning
CAUTION: (Continued)
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and
systems (including some inside the vehicle), many
fluids, and some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals.
• 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.
Doing Your Own Service Work
If you want to do some of your own service work,
you should 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 Publications
{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.
• Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement
parts, and tools before you attempt any
vehicle maintenance task.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work, see
page 86.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of any service
work you perform. See Maintenance Record
on page 418.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN
Code N), use regular unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane
rating is less than 87, you might notice an audible
knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine
needs service.
Things you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airflow around it. This may
cause wind noise and affect windshield washer
performance. Check with your retailer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of your vehicle.
To help keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, Saturn recommends
the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline.
If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN
Code 7), use regular unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 87 or higher. For best
performance or trailer towing, you could choose to
use middle grade 89 octane unleaded gasoline.
If the octane rating is less than 87, you might
notice an audible knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, the engine needs service.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that
identifies your vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the
top left of the instrument panel. See Vehicle
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Gasoline Specifications
Additives
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specification D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). Saturn recommends against the use
page 300 for additional information.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United
States are now required to contain additives
that will help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing your emission
control system to work properly. In most cases,
you should not have to add anything to your fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required to meet
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves
clean, or if your vehicle experiences problems due
to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that
is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Also, your retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certified to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on
fuels that meet California specifications. See the
underhood emission control label. If this fuel is not
available in states adopting California emissions
standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on
fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission
control system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn on and your
vehicle may fail a smog-check test. See Malfunction
your authorized Saturn retailer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is caused by the
type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by
your warranty.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as
ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines
may be available in your area. We recommend that
you use these gasolines if they comply with the
specifications described earlier. However,
E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used
in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels.
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Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Do not use
fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage would
not be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside
the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might
be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or
any other fuel not recommended in the previous
text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of
improper fuel would not be covered by your
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you
buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT.
We recommend against the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of
spark plugs and the performance of the emission
control system may be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp may turn on. If this occurs, return to
your retailer for service.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business
in the country where you will be driving.
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Filling the Tank
{CAUTION:
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire
can cause bad injuries. To help avoid
injuries to you and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the pump island.
Turn off your engine when you are
refueling. Do not smoke if you are near
fuel or refueling your vehicle. Do not use
cellular phones. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away from fuel. Do not
leave the fuel pump unattended when
refueling your vehicle. This is against the
law in some places. Do not re-enter the
vehicle while pumping fuel. Keep children
away from the fuel pump; never let
children pump fuel.
The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged
fuel door on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
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{CAUTION:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the
fuel cap too quickly. If you spill fuel and
then something ignites it, you could be
badly burned. This spray can happen if
your tank is nearly full, and is more likely
in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly
and wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then
unscrew the cap all the way.
To open the fuel door, apply pressure in the
center of the rear edge of the fuel door and it will
pop open.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill
the tank and wait a few seconds after you have
finished pumping before removing the nozzle.
Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;
if the cap is released too soon, it will spring
back to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from
the hook on the fuel door.
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When replacing the fuel cap, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully
installed. The diagnostic system can determine
if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. See Malfunction Indicator
{CAUTION:
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of
fuel by shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant. Leave the
area immediately.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center
(DIC), the CHECK GAS CAP message will be
displayed if the fuel cap is not properly installed.
Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to
get the right type. Your dealer/ retailer 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 may
damage your fuel tank and emissions system.
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Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION: (Continued)
{CAUTION:
• Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Contact should
be maintained until the filling is
complete.
• Do not smoke while pumping
gasoline.
Never fill a portable fuel container while it
is in your vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite the
gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned
and your vehicle damaged if this occurs.
To help avoid injury to you and others:
• Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
• Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping gasoline.
• Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup
bed, or on any surface other than the
ground.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Hood Release
Checking Things Under
the Hood
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the hood
release handle with
this symbol on it.
It is located
{CAUTION:
inside the vehicle to
the left of the
steering column.
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.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine
parts and start a fire. These include
liquids like fuel, 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.
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3. Lift the hood.
4. After the hood is slightly lifted, it will continue
to open to the full position. Before closing the
hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Lower the hood until the lifting force
of the strut is reduced, then release the
hood to latch fully. Check to make sure the
hood is closed and repeat the process if
necessary.
2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and push
the secondary hood release handle toward
the driver side of the vehicle.
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G. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” under Windshield
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When you open the hood on the 3.6L V6 engine, this is what you see:
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H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” under Automatic
Transaxle Fluid (3.5L V6 Engine) on page 319
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View).
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” under Windshield
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Checking Engine Oil
Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the 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.
If your vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine and the
LOW OIL LEVEL message appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), check the engine oil
level right away. For more information, see LOW
OIL LEVEL under DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 206.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
You should check the engine oil level regularly;
the LOW OIL LEVEL message in vehicles with the
3.5L V6 engine is an added reminder.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you
do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. 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.
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This section explains what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and
When to Add Engine Oil
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets above
the upper mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could be damaged.
See Engine
on page 308 for the
location of the engine
oil fill cap.
3.5L Engine
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating range.
Push the dipstick all the way back in when
you are through.
of the dipstick, you need to add at least one quart/
liter of oil. But you must use the right kind.
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• SAE 5W-30
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is
best for your vehicle.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.
• Oils meeting these
requirements should
have the starburst
symbol on the
container. This
symbol indicates that
the oil has been
certified by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
Look for this information on the oil container, and
use only those oils that are identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst
symbol on the front of the oil container.
Look for three things:
• GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting GM
Standard GM6094M. Look for and use only
an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
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Notice: Use only engine oil identified as
meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing
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.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and filter.
This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change
will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil
life system to work properly, you must reset the
system every time the oil is changed.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide
easier cold starting and better protection for
the engine at extremely low temperatures.
When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON message will
page 206. Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible
that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the
oil life system might not indicate that an oil change
is necessary for over a year. However, the engine
oil and filter must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be reset. Your
dealer/retailer has trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine parts and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all you need for good
performance and engine protection.
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If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since
your last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
3. Press and hold the ENTER button for at least
one second. An ACKNOWLEDGED display
message will appear for three seconds or until
the next button is pressed. This will tell you
the system has been reset. See DIC Vehicle
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
4. Turn the ignition to OFF.
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to
change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle
use. Whenever the oil is changed, reset the
system so it can calculate when the next oil
change is required. If a situation occurs where you
change the oil prior to a CHANGE OIL SOON
message being turned on, reset the system.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON message comes back
on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can
be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not 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
dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.
After changing the engine oil and filter, the system
must be reset. To reset the oil life system:
1. With the CHANGE OIL SOON message
displayed, press either of the DIC buttons
to clear the CHANGE OIL SOON message.
page 206.
2. Display OIL LIFE RESET on the DIC.
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Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of used oil, ask your
dealer/retailer, a service station, or a local
recycling center for help.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter
from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to
release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains
caked with dirt, a new filter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter,
do the following:
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
for the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the Maintenance II
intervals and replace it at the first oil change
after each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval. See
information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each engine
oil change.
1. Remove the spring clamps that hold the
cover on.
2. Lift off the cover.
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{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner not only
cleans the air; it helps to stop flames if
the engine backfires. If it is not there and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off.
3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
4. Align the filter correctly using alignment tab.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire
can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/filter in
place when you are driving.
5. Install cover by guiding the tabs on the rim of
the top cover into the bottom hinges and turn
the cover down to close it.
6. The spring clips will engage easily, if the
cover is properly seated.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(3.5L V6 Engine)
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(3.6L V6 Engine)
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid
level. A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for
fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to
the dealer/retailer service department and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
be sure to use the transaxle fluid listed in
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in Additional
use the transaxle fluid listed in Recommended
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic
transaxle fluid may damage your vehicle, and
the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use the automatic transaxle
fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and
How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer
service department.
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If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage
the transaxle. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the transaxle to overheat.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
the transaxle fluid.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift
lever in PARK (P).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the
shift lever through each gear, pausing for
about three seconds in each one. Then,
position the shift lever in PARK (P).
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transaxle fluid level if you have been driving:
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to
five minutes.
• When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow
these steps:
• At high speed for quite a while.
• In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
• While pulling a trailer.
The transaxle fluid
dipstick handle has
this symbol on it, and
is located near the front
of the engine
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).
compartment.
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
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for more information on location.
How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle fluid to use. See
1. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean
rag or paper towel.
2. Reinstall it back in all the way, wait
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.
three seconds and then pull it back out again.
1. Remove the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much fluid, generally less
than a half pint (0.24 L). Do not overfill.
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic
transaxle fluid may damage your vehicle, and
the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use the automatic transaxle
fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The fluid level must be within the
cross hatched area.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range,
reinstall the dipstick back in all the way.
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained,
reinstall the dipstick back in all the way.
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• Protect against rust and corrosion.
Engine Coolant
• Help keep the proper engine temperature.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for five years or
150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs
first, if you add only DEX-COOL® extended
life coolant.
• Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at the
first maintenance service after each
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Any repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in your
vehicle.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with engine overheating, see Engine
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL® coolant will:
• Give freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C).
• Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
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Notice: If you use an improper coolant
mixture, your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost would not be
covered by your warranty. Too much water
in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other parts.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water
and one-half DEX-COOL® coolant which will
not damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant
mixture, you do not need to add anything else.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a
year, have your dealer/retailer check your
cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Notice: If you use extra inhibitors and/or
additives in your vehicle’s cooling system,
you could damage your vehicle. Use only the
proper mixture of the engine coolant listed
in this manual for the cooling system.
page 415 for more information.
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can
boil before the proper coolant mixture will.
Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, your
engine could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. Your engine
could catch fire and you or others could
be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.
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Checking Coolant
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when
the engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn the surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — when
the engine and radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When
your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the FULL COLD mark or slightly higher.
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the
rear of the engine compartment.
for more information on location.
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Adding Coolant
Pressure Cap
If you need more coolant, add the proper
DEX-COOL® coolant mixture at the surge tank,
but only when the engine is cool. If the surge tank
is empty, a special fill procedure is necessary.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and possible engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
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. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Engine Overheating
You will find an engine coolant temperature gage
as well as an engine coolant temperature
warning light on your vehicle’s instrument panel
cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
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Notice: 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.
a safe place in an emergency.
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. 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 No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An overheat warning, can indicate a
serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too
hot when you:
If you keep driving when the vehicles
engine is overheated, the liquids in it can
catch fire. You or others could be badly
burned. Stop your engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
• Climb a long hill on a hot day.
• Stop after high-speed driving.
• Idle for long periods in traffic.
• Tow a trailer.
information on driving to a safe place in
an emergency.
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If you get the overheat warning with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in
NEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe
to do so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.
This emergency operating mode allows your
vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists, an overheat protection mode
which alternates firing groups of cylinders helps
prevent engine damage. In this mode, you
will notice a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest
fan speed and open the windows as
necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you
can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for
about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come
back on, you can drive normally.
indicate an overheat condition exists. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park
your vehicle right away.
Notice: After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. The engine oil will be
severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant
loss, change the oil and reset the oil life
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and
get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.
You might decide not to lift the hood but to get
service help right away.
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Cooling System
{CAUTION:
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is
what you will see:
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 surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at or above the
FULL COLD mark on the front of the coolant surge
tank. If it is not, you may have a leak at the
pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else
in the cooling system.
3.5L V6 Engine shown, 3.6L V6 Engine similar
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
B. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
C. Pressure Cap
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Notice: Engine damage from running your
engine without coolant is not covered by
your warranty.
{CAUTION:
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®
may cause premature engine, heater core, or
radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing sooner, at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Any repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in
your vehicle.
Heater and radiator hoses, and other
engine parts, can be very hot. Do not
touch them. If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak.
If you run the engine, it could lose all
coolant. That could cause an engine fire,
and you could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on,
check to see if the electric engine cooling fans
are running. If the engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not, your vehicle
needs service.
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If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add
coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
Notice: This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure
could cause your engine to overheat and
be severely damaged.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system can blow out and burn
you badly. They are under pressure, and if
you turn the coolant surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — they can come out at
high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and coolant surge
tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see
if coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant
is visible but the coolant level is not at or above
the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant
at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it. See Engine
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{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can
boil before the proper coolant mixture will.
Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, your
engine could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. Your engine
could catch fire and you or others could
be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.
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. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
1. You can remove the
coolant surge tank
pressure cap
when the cooling
system, including
the coolant
surge tank pressure
cap and upper
Notice: 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.
radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
about two or two and one-half turns. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow
any pressure still left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
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4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off,
start the engine and let it run until you can
feel the upper radiator hose getting hot.
Watch out for the engine cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level
is lower than the FULL COLD mark, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant
surge tank until the level reaches the FULL
COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
See your dealer/retailer, if necessary.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly,
and remove it.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the
proper mixture, to the FULL COLD mark on
the front of the surge tank. Wait about
five minutes, then check to see if the level is
below the FULL COLD mark. If the level
is below the FULL COLD mark, add additional
coolant to bring the level up to the mark.
Repeat this procedure until the level remains
constant at the FULL COLD mark for at
least five minutes.
on page 308 for
reservoir location.
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If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine, the fluid
level should be between the MIN (Minimum) and
MAX (Maximum) marks when the engine is cold.
and at the MAX mark when the engine is hot. If the
fluid is at the MIN mark when the engine is cold or
hot, power steering fluid should be added.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power
steering fluid unless a leak is suspected in the
system, or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss
in this system could indicate a problem. Have
the system inspected and repaired.
The fluid level should be within the crosshatch
area on the dipstick.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
If the fluid is at or below the ADD mark on the
dipstick, add just enough fluid to bring the
level within the crosshatch area.
To check the power steering fluid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine
compartment cool down.
What to Use
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Always use the proper fluid.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid may damage
your vehicle and the damages may not be
covered by your warranty. Always use
the correct fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants Recommended Fluids and
5. Remove the cap again and look at the
fluid level on the dipstick
If your vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine, the fluid
level should be between the ADD and HOT marks
when the engine is cold, and at the HOT mark
when the engine is hot. If the fluid is at the ADD
mark when the engine is cold or hot, power
steering fluid should be added.
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Notice:
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
• When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure
to read the manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below freezing,
use a fluid that has sufficient protection against
freezing.
• Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to
freeze and damage your washer fluid tank
and other parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean as well
as washer fluid.
Adding Washer Fluid
• Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.
When the windshield washer fluid reservoir is low,
a LOW WASHER FLUID message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC
information.
• Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
the vehicle’s windshield washer system
and paint.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid
until the tank is full. See
Overview on page 308
for reservoir location.
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So, it is not a good idea to top off the brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you
add fluid when the linings are worn, then you will
have too much fluid when you get new brake
linings. You should add or remove brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder reservoir is
filled with DOT-3 brake
fluid. See Engine
on page 308 for the
location of the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has 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.
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 the
brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later the brakes will not work well.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the
BRAKE FLUID message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays. See DIC Warnings and
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Notice:
What to Add
• Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake system can
damage brake system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3
brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only. See Recommended Fluids
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
• 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 Washing Your Vehicle
on page 385.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake
system, the brakes may not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always use the
proper brake fluid.
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Some driving conditions or climates can cause a
brake squeal when the brakes are first applied
or lightly applied. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound when the
brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving, except when you
are pushing on the brake pedal firmly.
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 torque
page 401.
Brake linings should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.
{CAUTION:
Brake Pedal Travel
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon the brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your
vehicle serviced.
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without
the vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
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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.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested
with top-quality brake parts. When you replace
parts of the braking system — for example, when
the brake linings wear down and you need
new ones put in — be sure you get new approved
replacement parts. If you do not, the brakes
might not work properly. For example, if someone
puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between the front and rear
brakes can change — for the worse. The braking
performance you have come to expect can
change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for
25 days or more, remove the black, negative (−)
cable from the battery. This will help keep the
battery from running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
around a battery without getting hurt.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery.
When it is time for a new battery, see your
dealer/retailer for one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 308
for battery location.
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Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or
pulling it will not work, and it could damage
your vehicle.
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start
your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a
12-volt battery with a negative ground system.
Notice: If the other vehicle’s system is not a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
vehicles with 12-volt systems with negative
grounds to jump start your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
• They contain acid that can burn you.
• They contain gas that can explode
or ignite.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper
cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are
not touching each other. If they are, it could
cause a ground connection you do not
want. You would not be able to start your
vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage
the electrical systems.
• They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling,
set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start procedure. Put
an automatic transaxle in PARK (P) or
a manual transaxle in NEUTRAL before
setting the parking brake.
Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in
costly damage to your vehicle that would
not be covered by your warranty.
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Notice: If you leave your radio or other
accessories on during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Always turn off your radio and other
The negative (–) terminal is located under a
black tethered cap on the battery. See Engine
more information on location. Flip the caps up
to access the positive (+) and negative (–)
terminals.
accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into
the cigarette lighter or the accessory power
outlet. Turn off the radio and all lamps that are
not needed. This will avoid sparks and help
save both batteries. And it could save
the radio!
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
Find the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on each vehicle. Your
vehicle’s positive (+) terminal is located under
a red tethered cap on the battery.
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{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
Be sure the battery has enough water.
You do not need to add water to the
battery installed in your new vehicle. But
if a battery has filler caps, be sure the
right amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that first. If you
don’t, explosive gas could be present.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not 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
things you should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+)
terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (−)
will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part
or to a remote negative (−) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on your
skin, flush the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) or
you will get a short that would damage
the battery and maybe other parts too. And do
not connect the negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal on the dead battery
because this can cause sparks.
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6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
Use a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect
it to the positive (+) terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to
the negative (−) terminal of the good battery.
Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything until the
next step. The other end of the negative (−)
cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to
a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a
remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with
the dead battery.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable
at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead
battery, but not near engine parts that move.
The electrical connection is just as good there,
and the chance of sparks getting back to the
battery is much less.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery
and run the engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead
battery. If it will not start after a few tries,
it probably needs service.
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Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always
connect and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other metal.
To disconnect the jumper cables from both
vehicles, do the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
other vehicle.
5. Return the caps over the positive (+) and
negative (–) terminals to their original
positions.
Jumper Cable Removal
A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or
Remote Negative (–) Terminal
B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and
Remote Negative (–) Terminals
C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal
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Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulb to use, see Replacement
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your retailer.
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. Turn Signal Lamp
B. Stoplamp/Taillamp
C. Backup Lamp
D. Sidemarker Lamp
If a stoplamp or a taillamp needs to be replaced,
see your dealer/retailer.
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To replace a sidemarker lamp, turn signal lamp, or
a back-up lamp:
5. Remove the taillamp assembly.
6. Remove the wiring harness from the taillamp
assembly by lifting the release tab.
more information.
7. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to
remove it.
2. Remove the convenience net, if the vehicle
has one.
8. Pull the bulb from the socket.
9. Install a new bulb.
3. Remove the wing nuts holding the trunk trim.
10. Reverse Steps 2 through 6 to reinstall the
taillamp assembly.
4. Remove the three wing nuts, which hold the
taillamp assembly, from inside the vehicle.
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3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and
pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
License Plate Lamp
To replace the license plate lamp bulb:
4. Install the new bulb.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the
lamp assembly.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp
Back-up Lamp
Bulb Number
921
License Plate Lamp and Rear
Sidemarker Lamp
168
Turn Signal Lamp
3156
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact
your dealer/retailer.
1. Remove the two screws holding the license
plate lamp assembly to the fascia.
2. Turn and pull the license plate lamp forward
through the fascia opening.
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Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for
wear or cracking. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 406 for more information on wiper blade
inspection.
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. Here is how to
remove the wiper blade:
3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector
and make sure the grooved areas are fully set
in the locked position.
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away
from the windshield.
For the proper type and size, see Normal
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of
the blade, and turn the blade assembly away
from the arm connector.
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Tires
CAUTION: (Continued)
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your Saturn Warranty
booklet for details. For additional information refer
to the tire manufacturer’s booklet included with
your vehicle.
• Underinflated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting accident could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are cold. See
• Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a
pothole. Keep tires at the
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
recommended pressure.
• Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much friction. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
• Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if
your vehicle’s tires have been
damaged, replace them.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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(A) Tire Size: The tire size is a combination of
letters and numbers used to define a particular
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the “Tire Size”
illustration later in this section for more detail.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The examples below show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a compact spare
tire sidewall.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification): Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have
a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation):
The Department of Transportation (DOT) code
indicates that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
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(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters
and numbers following DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identification
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire
was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both
sides of the tire, although only one side may have
the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number
of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance factors:
treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance.
For more information see Uniform Tire Quality
Compact Spare Tire Example
(G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
(A) Temporary Use Only: The compact spare
tire or temporary use tire has a tread life of
approximately 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should
not be driven at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h).
The compact spare tire is for emergency use when
a regular road tire has lost air and gone flat.
If your vehicle has a compact spare tire,
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(B) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number
of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(E) Tire Inflation: The temporary use tire or
compact spare tire should be inflated to 60 psi
(420 kPa). For more information on tire pressure
page 356.
(C) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters
and numbers following the DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identification
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire
was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both
sides of the tire, although only one side may have
the date of manufacture.
(F) Tire Size: A combination of letters and
numbers define a tire’s width, height, aspect ratio,
construction type, and service description.
The letter T as the first character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary use only.
(D) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
(G) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification): Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have
a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
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(C) Aspect Ratio: A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high as
it is wide.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger vehicle tire size.
(D) Construction Code: A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: The United
States version of a metric tire sizing system.
The letter P as the first character in the tire size
means a passenger vehicle tire engineered
to standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(E) Rim Diameter: Diameter of the wheel
in inches.
(F) Service Description: These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certified to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certified to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
(B) Tire Width: The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
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Cold Tire Pressure: The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
page 356.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Curb Weight: The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
Accessory Weight: This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
DOT Markings: A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
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Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Normal Occupant Weight: The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). See Loading Your Vehicle
on page 279.
Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air pressure.
Occupant Distribution: Designated seating
positions.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A tire used on
light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that
faces outward when mounted on a vehicle.
The side of the tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same moldings on the other
sidewall of the tire.
Load Index: An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum
air pressure to which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto
the sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible inflation pressure
for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure: Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation
pressure as shown on the tire placard. See
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.
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Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are laid at 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards): A tire information system that
provides consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire. See Uniform
Rim: A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the tread
and the bead.
Vehicle Capacity Weight: The number of
designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. See Loading
Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assigned
to a tire indicating the maximum speed at
which a tire can operate.
Traction: The friction between the tire and the
road surface. The amount of grip provided.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Tread: The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Vehicle Placard: A label permanently attached to
a vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight
and the original equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure. See “Tire and
Loading Information Label” under Loading
Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands, sometimes
called wear bars, that show across the tread of
a tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread
page 363.
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A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to your vehicle. This label shows
your vehicle’s original equipment tires and the
correct inflation pressures for your tires when they
are cold. The recommended cold tire inflation
pressure, shown on the label, is the minimum
amount of air pressure needed to support
Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to
operate effectively.
Notice: Do not let anyone tell you that
under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under-inflation), you can get the following:
your vehicle’s maximum load carrying capacity.
For additional information regarding how much
weight your vehicle can carry, and an example of
the Tire and Loading Information label, see
your vehicle affects vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load your vehicle with more weight
than it was designed to carry.
• Too much flexing
• Too much heat
• Tire overloading
• Premature or irregular wear
• Poor handling
• Reduced fuel economy
When to Check
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),
you can get the following:
Check your tires once a month or more. Do not
forget to check the compact spare tire, it should be
at 60 psi (420 kPa). For additional information
regarding the compact spare tire, see Compact
• Unusual wear
• Poor handling
• Rough ride
• Needless damage from road hazards
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How to Check
Tire Pressure Monitor System
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are
Your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS). This system uses radio and
sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
Sensors are mounted onto each tire and
wheel assembly, except for the spare tire.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in
your vehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial
tires may look properly inflated even when they
are under-inflated. Check the tire’s inflation
pressure when the tires are cold. Cold means your
vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours
or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire
inflation pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading Information
label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the
inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on
the metal stem in the center of the tire valve.
Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
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As an added safety
feature, your vehicle
has been equipped
with a tire pressure
monitoring system
(TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale
when one or more
of your tires is
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is
not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
significantly
under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
When a low tire pressure condition is detected,
the TPMS illuminates the low tire pressure warning
symbol on the instrument panel cluster, and at
the same time the CHECK TIRE PRESS message
appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
display.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
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The low tire pressure warning symbol on the
instrument panel cluster, and the CHECK TIRE
PRESS message appear at each ignition
Notice: Do not use a tire sealant if your vehicle
has Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquid sealant
can damage the tire pressure monitor sensors.
cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more
of the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable.
See your Saturn retailer for service if all TPMS
sensors are installed and the error message
comes on and stays on.
The tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and
then turn off as you start to drive. This could
be an early indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and need to be inflated to the
proper pressure.
TPMS Sensor Identification Codes
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification
code. Any time you replace one or more of
the TPMS sensors or rotate the vehicle’s tires, the
identification codes need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel position. The sensors are matched,
to the tire/wheel positions, in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side front tire,
passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear tire
using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your Saturn
retailer for service.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and the correct inflation
pressure for your vehicle’s tires when they
for an example of the tire information label and
its location on your vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire
The TPMS sensors may also be matched to each
tire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing
the tire’s air pressure. When increasing the tire’s
pressure, do not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
Your vehicle’s TPMS system can warn you about a
low tire pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection and
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You have two minutes to match each tire and wheel
position. If it takes longer than two minutes to match
any tire and wheel position, the matching process
stops and you need to start over.
6. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s valve
stem. Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air pressure for about
eight seconds. The horn chirp, which may take
up to 30 seconds to sound, sounds one time
and all the turn signals flash one time to
confirm that the sensor identification code has
been matched to the tire/wheel position. To
decrease the tire’s air-pressure use the pointed
end of the valve cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
The TPMS matching process is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON with the
engine off.
3. Press and hold both the Lock and Unlock
buttons on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter, at the same time, for
approximately five seconds or until you hear
the horn sound twice.
7. The passenger side front turn signal comes
on to indicate that corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the passenger side
front tire and repeat the procedure in Step 6.
4. The horn sounds twice to indicate the TPMS
receiver is ready to learn TPMS sensors.
The driver side front turn signal also comes
on to indicate that corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned.
8. The passenger side rear turn signal comes on
to indicate that corner’s sensor is ready to be
learned. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire and repeat the procedure in Step 6.
5. Start with the driver side front tire.
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9. The driver side rear turn signal comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor is ready to be
learned. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 6.
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.
10. After hearing the single horn chirp for the driver
side rear tire, two additional horn chirps sound
to indicate the tire learning process is done.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
11. Set all four tires to the recommended air
pressure level as indicated on the tire and
loading information label.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
and Science Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
12. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
1. This device may not cause interference.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science
Canada
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules
and with Industry and Science Canada.
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Do not include the compact spare tire in your
tire rotation.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
more information.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The
first rotation is the most important. See Scheduled
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after 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. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this;
but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt
When rotating your tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
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• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or
snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it
• The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
is 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.
• The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage
that cannot be repaired well because of the
size or location of the damage.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires
for your vehicle. The original equipment tires
installed on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specification (TPC spec)
system rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that you get tires with
the same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that are designed to
give the same performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original tires.
You need a new tire if any of the following
statements are true:
• You can see the indicators at three or more
places around the tire.
• You can see cord or fabric showing through
the tire’s rubber.
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GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over
a dozen critical specifications that impact the
overall performance of your vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall by the tire manufacturer.
If the tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC spec number will be followed by an MS
for mud and snow. See Tire Sidewall Labeling
on page 349 for additional information.
CAUTION: (Continued)
to your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct
size, brand, and type of tires on all
wheels. It is all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle,
the wheel rim flanges could develop
cracks after many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing
a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the
wheels on your vehicle.
Mixing tires could cause you to lose
control while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes, brands, or types (radial
and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may also cause damage
CAUTION: (Continued)
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If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load range, speed
rating, and construction type (radial and
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your
vehicle may not provide an acceptable
level of performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are
selected. You may increase the chance
that you will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use Saturn specific wheel and
tire systems developed for your vehicle,
and have them properly installed by a
Saturn certified technician.
bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s original tires.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on
the Tire and Loading Information label. This
label is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar
for more information about the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size
than your original equipment wheels and tires,
this may affect the way your vehicle performs,
including its braking, ride and handling
characteristics, stability, and resistance to rollover.
Additionally, if your vehicle has electronic
systems such as, anti-lock brakes, traction control,
and stability control, the performance of these
systems can be affected.
additional information.
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Treadwear
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
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 (1.5) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which
grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
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Temperature – A, B, C
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned
and balanced carefully at the factory to give you
the longest tire life and best overall performance.
Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire
balancing will not be necessary on a regular basis.
However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your
vehicle pulling to one side or the other, the
alignment may need to be checked. If you notice
your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, your tires and wheels may need to be
rebalanced. See your retailer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly
rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace
it (except some aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your dealer/retailer if
any of these conditions exist.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Your dealer/retailer will know the kind of wheel
you need.
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Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset and
be mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground
clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance
to the body and chassis.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with
new Saturn original equipment parts. This way,
you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle
can be dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your vehicle,
make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in
which you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts for replacement.
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You cannot know how it has
been used or how far it has been driven.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
If you have to replace a wheel, use a new
Saturn original equipment wheel.
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Tire Chains
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s
tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
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:
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance
can cause damage to the brakes,
suspension or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could cause
you to lose control of your vehicle and you
or others may be injured in a crash.
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your
foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering
wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position,
and then gently brake to a stop well out of the
traffic lane.
Use another type of traction device only if
its manufacturer recommends it for use on
your vehicle and tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions. To help avoid
damage to your vehicle, drive slowly,
readjust or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle, and do not spin
your vehicle’s wheels. If you do find
traction devices that will fit, install them on
the front tires.
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A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any rear blowout
remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get
the vehicle under control by steering the way
you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy
and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road if possible.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel
damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on
your vehicle’s hazard warning flashers. See
information.
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall on you or other people. You and
they could be badly injured or even killed.
Find a level place to change your tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from moving:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided with your
vehicle is designed only for changing a
flat tire. If it is used for anything else, you
or others could be badly injured or killed
if the vehicle slips off the jack. Use the
jack provided with your vehicle only for
changing a flat tire.
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
CAUTION: (Continued)
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use the
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
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When your vehicle has a flat tire, use the following
example as a guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks.
CAUTION: (Continued)
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart
while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in
the vehicle.
To be even more certain the vehicle will
not move, you should put blocks at the
front and rear of the tire farthest away
from the one being changed. That would
be the tire, on the other side, at the
opposite end of the vehicle.
The following information tells you how to use the
jack and change a tire.
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4. Remove the wing nut holding the jack
in place.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you will need is located in the trunk.
5. Remove the extension bolt that is clipped
to the jack. You need this later to store the
flat tire.
more information.
2. Lift the handle on the spare tire cover. The
handle can hook on the front edge of the
trunk’s weatherstrip to hold the cover out of
the way.
6. Remove the jack and wheel wrench from
the trunk.
The tools you will be using include the wheel
wrench (A) and jack (B).
3. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise and
remove it. Then remove the compact
page 381 for more information.
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1. Turn the plastic wing nut counterclockwise to
loosen the wheel wrench.
3. Extend the handle on the wheel wrench by
pressing the button with your index finger
and pulling on the end of the wrench.
You must do this before using the wheel
wrench.
2. Unhook the wheel wrench from the jack.
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Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. Please
more information.
2. If your vehicle has a wheel cover or hubcap
that has plastic wheel nut caps, then loosen
the plastic nut caps. You might need to
use the wheel wrench to loosen them. Do not
pry off wheel covers or center caps that
have plastic wheel nut caps.
3. Remove the wheel cover or center cap from
the wheel to locate the wheel nuts.
4. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel
nuts. Do not remove them yet.
If your vehicle has a wheel cover or hubcap
without plastic wheel nut caps, carefully pry on
the edge of the plastic wheel trim to remove
it from the wheel to find the wheel nuts.
Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you
have the flat repaired or replaced.
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{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:
5. Position the lift head at the jack location
nearest the flat tire. Make sure all of the
jack lift head is touching the jacking flange
under the body. Do not place the jack under a
body panel. The lower body panel has an
arrow to aid in locating the jacking location.
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.
6. Put the compact spare tire near the flat tire.
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8. Remove all of the
wheel nuts.
9. Remove the flat tire.
7. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off
the ground so there is enough room for
the compact spare tire to fit underneath the
wheel well.
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11. Install the compact spare tire.
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts
to which it is fastened, can make the
wheel nuts become loose after time.
The wheel could come off and cause an
accident. When changing a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from the places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an
emergency, a cloth or a paper towel can
be used to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to
get all the rust or dirt off.
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.
Because the nuts might come loose.
The vehicle’s wheel could fall off, causing
a serious accident.
12. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded
end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten
each nut by hand until the wheel is held
against the hub.
10. Remove any rust or
dirt from the wheel
bolts, mounting
surfaces, and
spare wheel.
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{CAUTION:
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel
to come loose and even come off. This
could lead to an accident. Be sure to use
the correct wheel nuts. If you have to
replace them, be sure to get new GM
original equipment wheel nuts. Stop
somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to
the proper torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications on page 401
for wheel nut torque specification.
13. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel
wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack
completely.
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. See
the wheel nut torque specification.
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14. Tighten the wheel
nuts firmly in a
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
crisscross sequence,
as shown, with
the wheel wrench.
{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.
Notice: Wheel covers will not fit on your
vehicle’s compact spare. If you try to put a
wheel cover on the compact spare, the cover or
the spare could be damaged.
To store the flat tire and jack in the compact spare
tire compartment:
more information.
2. Remove the bolt extension (in the yellow
sleeve) from the jack and remove the
center cap from the wheel.
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6. With the yellow cap in place to prevent the
wheel from being scratched, screw the bolt
extension onto the bolt through the wheel
nut hole.
7. Remove the yellow cap from the bolt extension.
8. Secure the tire and wheel with the larger
wing nut.
3. Place the jack over the bolt (A) on the floor,
making sure it contacts the bolt as shown,
and thread the jack retainer nut until it
contacts the jack.
4. With the valve stem up, place the tire on the
compartment floor with the rear of the tire
beneath the trim panel (tire may not lay
completely flat).
A. Cover
F. Jack, Wheel
Wrench, and Bolt
Extension
5. Line up the center hole of the wheel with
the bolt.
B. Retainer
C. Spare Tire
D. Wing Nut
E. Bracket
G. Bolt
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The compact spare is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire
as soon as you can. See Compact Spare Tire
on page 381. See the storage instructions label to
replace your compact spare into your trunk
properly.
Notice: When the compact spare is installed,
do not 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.
Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
Compact Spare Tire
And do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated
when the vehicle was new, it can lose air after
a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly.
It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
Notice: Tire chains will not fit your compact
spare. Using them can damage your vehicle
and can damage the chains too. Do not use tire
chains on your compact spare.
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle,
stop as soon as possible and make sure the
spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare
is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles
(5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have
the full-size tire repaired or replaced at your
convenience. Of course, it is best to replace the
spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The spare tire will last longer and be in good
shape in case it is needed again.
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they were not intended. Use glass cleaner only on
glass. Remove any accidental over-spray from
other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its
best if it is cleaned often. Although not always
visible, dust and dirt can accumulate on your
upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet, fabric, leather,
and plastic surfaces. Regular vacuuming is
recommended to remove particles from your
upholstery. It is important to keep your upholstery
from becoming and remaining heavily soiled.
Soils should be removed as quickly as possible.
Your vehicle’s interior may experience extremes of
heat that could cause stains to set rapidly.
Notice: If you use abrasive cleaners when
cleaning glass surfaces on your vehicle, you
could scratch the glass and/or cause damage
to the rear window defogger. When cleaning
the glass on your vehicle, use only a soft cloth
and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that may
become concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing
space. Before using cleaners, read and adhere
to all safety instructions on the label. While
cleaning your vehicle’s interior, maintain
adequate ventilation by opening your vehicle’s
doors and windows.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and
garments that transfer color to your home
furnishings may also transfer color to your
vehicle’s interior.
Dust may be removed from small buttons and
knobs using a small brush with soft bristles.
Your retailer has a product for cleaning your
vehicle’s glass. Should it become necessary, you
can also obtain a product from your retailer to
remove odors from your vehicle’s upholstery.
When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use
cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces
being cleaned. Permanent damage may result
from using cleaners on surfaces for which
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Do not clean your vehicle using the following
cleaners or techniques:
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush
• Never use a knife or any other sharp object to
remove a soil from any interior surface.
attachment frequently to remove dust and loose
dirt. A canister vacuum with a beater bar in
the nozzle may only be used on floor carpet and
carpeted floor mats. For soils, always try to remove
them first with plain water or club soda. Before
cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil
as possible using one of the following techniques:
• Never use a stiff brush. It can cause damage
to your vehicle’s interior surfaces.
• Never apply heavy pressure or rub
aggressively with a cleaning cloth. Use of
heavy pressure can damage your interior and
does not improve the effectiveness of soil
removal.
• For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
• Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoid
laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. Using too much soap will leave
a residue that leaves streaks and attracts dirt.
For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops per
gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.
• For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
• Do not heavily saturate your upholstery while
cleaning.
• Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result
from the use of many organic solvents such
as naptha, alcohol, etc.
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To clean, use the following instructions:
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with
water or club soda.
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth dampened with a
mild soap solution can be used to gently remove
dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters or removers
on plastic surfaces. Many commercial cleaners and
coatings that are sold to preserve and protect
soft plastic surfaces may permanently change the
appearance and feel of your interior and are
not recommended. Do not use silicone or
wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently
rub toward the center. Continue cleaning,
using a clean area of the cloth each time it
becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a
mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric
cleaner or spot lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be
used, test a small hidden area for colorfastness
first. If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may result, clean
the entire surface.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on
your instrument panel. The increase in gloss
may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a
paper towel can be used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
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The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm
or cold water.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
Do not wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the
sun. Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong
soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the
vehicle well, removing all soap residue completely.
You can get approved cleaning products from your
page 389. Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives.
All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and
not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could
stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an
all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you
do, it may severely weaken them. In a
crash, they might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean safety belts
only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During
very cold, damp weather frequent application may
be required. See Recommended Fluids and
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and
a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps
and lenses. Follow instructions under Washing
Washing Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty,
depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.
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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 in a
garage or covered whenever possible.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your
vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove
residue from the paint finish. You can get approved
cleaning products from your Saturn retailer. See
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Your vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss
to the colored basecoat. Always use waxes
and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish.
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or
a mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly
when cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime,
sap, and a buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments
may cause wiper streaking. Replace the wiper
blades if they are worn or damaged.
Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only non-abrasive
waxes and polishes that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish on your vehicle.
Wipers can be damaged by:
• Extreme dusty conditions
• Sand and salt
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and
other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s finish if
they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle
as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces
to remove foreign matter.
• Heat and sun
• Snow and ice, without proper removal
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Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminum
wheels could damage the wheels. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Use chrome polish on chrome wheels only.
Aluminum Wheels
Notice: Chrome wheels and other chrome trim
may be damaged if you do not wash your
vehicle after driving on roads that have been
sprayed with magnesium, calcium or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust. Always
wash your vehicle’s chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the
painted surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive
cleaners, cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning
brushes on them because the surface could
be damaged. Do not use chrome polish on
aluminum wheels.
Notice: If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or
cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, you could damage the
surface of the wheel(s). The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Use
only approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Notice: If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that has silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes, you could damage
the aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Never drive a vehicle equipped with aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels through an
Keep the 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.
automatic car wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes.
387
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Tires
Finish Damage
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with
tire cleaner.
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in
the finish should be repaired right away. Bare
metal will corrode quickly and may develop into
major repair expense.
Notice: Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any overspray
from all painted surfaces on your vehicle.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with
touch-up materials available from your Saturn
retailer. Larger areas of finish damage can
be corrected in your Saturn retailer’s body and
paint shop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair
shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and
dust control can collect on the underbody. If these
are not removed, corrosion and rust can develop
on the underbody parts such as fuel lines,
frame, floor pan and exhaust system even though
they have corrosion protection.
repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while maintaining
the warranty.
At least every spring, flush these materials from
the underbody with plain water. Clean any
areas where mud and debris can collect. Dirt
packed in close areas of the frame should
be loosened before being flushed. Your Saturn
retailer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.
388
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Chemical Paint Spotting
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
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,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint surface.
Description
Usage
Polishing Cloth
Wax-Treated
Interior and exterior
polishing cloth.
Tar and Road
Oil Remover
Removes tar, road oil,
and asphalt.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, we
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the
Chrome Cleaner
and Polish
Use on chrome or
stainless steel.
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles
(20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs first.
White Sidewall
Tire Cleaner
Removes soil and black
marks from whitewalls.
Vinyl Cleaner
Glass Cleaner
Cleans vinyl.
Removes dirt, grime,
smoke, and fingerprints.
Removes dirt and grime
from chrome wheels and
wire wheel covers.
Chrome and Wire Wheel
Cleaner
Removes dust,
fingerprints, and surface
contaminants. Spray on
wipe off.
Finish Enhancer
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Description
Usage
Vehicle Identification
Removes swirl marks, fine
scratches, and other light
surface contamination.
Swirl Remover Polish
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Removes light scratches
and protects finish.
Cleaner Wax
Cleans, shines, and
protects in one easy step.
No wiping necessary.
Foaming Tire Shine
Low Gloss
Medium foaming
shampoo. Cleans and
lightly waxes.
Wash Wax Concentrate
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It
appears on a plate in the front corner of the
instrument panel, on the driver side. You can see
it if you look through the windshield from outside
your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle
Certification and Service Parts labels and the
certificates of title and registration.
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.
Quickly and easily
removes spots and stains
from carpets, vinyl, and
cloth upholstery.
Spot Lifter
Odorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather, and carpet.
Odor Eliminator
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Engine Identification
Electrical System
The eighth character in the VIN is the engine
code. This code helps you identify your vehicle’s
engine, specifications, and replacement parts.
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice: Do not add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your retailer
first. Some electrical equipment can damage
your vehicle and the damage would not
be covered by your warranty. Some add-on
electrical equipment can keep other
Service Parts Identification Label
This label is on the inside of the glove box.
It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
The label has the following information:
components from working as they should.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Model designation
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to your
vehicle, see Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
• Paint information
• Production options and special equipment
Do not remove this label from the vehicle.
391
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Windshield Wiper Fuses
Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by an
internal 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.
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected
from short circuits by a combination of fuses,
circuit breakers and fusible links. This greatly
reduces the chance of damage caused by
electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If
the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse.
Be sure to replace a bad fuse with a new one of
the identical size and rating.
Power Windows and Other
Power Options
Fuses in the fuse block protect the power windows.
When the current load is too heavy, the fuse opens
protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed.
There are three fuse blocks in your vehicle: one in
the center of the instrument panel, one in the
engine compartment and one in the trunk.
There is a fuse puller located on the instrument
panel fuse block. It can be used to easily remove
fuses from the fuse block.
392
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The instrument panel fuse block is located on the
passenger’s side of the vehicle, on the lower
portion of the instrument panel near the floor.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Remove the panel cover to access the fuse
block, then remove the fuse block cover to access
the fuses.
393
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Your vehicle might not have all the fuses and features listed.
394
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Fuses
Usage
Fuses
Usage
POWER
REAR WIPER
POWER
WINDOWS
HVAC CTRL
(IGN)
HVAC
BLOWER
DOOR LOCK
ROOF/HEAT
SEAT
NOT
INSTALLED
Not Used
Power Mirrors
Not Used
MIRRORS
Power Windows
NOT
INSTALLED
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
Control (Ignition)
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
Blower Switch
Cruise Control Switch, Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
RUN/CRANK
HVAC
BLOWER HIGH Blower - High Speed Relay
Door Locks
CLUSTER/
THEFT
ONSTAR
NOT
INSTALLED
Instrument Panel Cluster, Theft
Deterrent System
OnStar®
Sunroof, Power Windows
Not Used
Not Used
NOT
INSTALLED
Not Used
AIRBAG (IGN) Airbag (Ignition)
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
AIRBAG
(BATT)
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER
HVAC CTRL
(BATT)
Airbag (Battery)
Spare Fuse Holder
Spare Fuse Holder
Spare Fuse Holder
Spare Fuse Holder
Control Diagnostic Link Connector
(Battery)
PEDAL
WIPER SW
IGN SENSOR
STRG WHL
ILLUM
NOT
INSTALLED
RADIO
INTERIOR
LIGHTS
Adjustable Pedals
Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
Ignition Switch
Steering Wheel Illumination
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER
FUSE PULLER Fuse Puller
Not Used
Audio System
Interior Lamps
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Fuses
Usage
Air Conditioner Clutch
Electronic Throttle Control
Engine Control Module IGN 1 (LZ4)
Transmission Control Module
Ignition 1
Mass Airflow Sensor (LY7)
Emission
Left Headlamp Low-Beam
Horn
Right Headlamp Low-Beam
Front Fog Lamps
Left Headlamp High-Beam
Right Headlamp High-Beam
Engine Control Module BATT (LY7)
Windshield Wiper
Fuses
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
41
Usage
Body Control Module 1
Body Control Module Run/Crank
Rear Electrical Center 1
Rear Electrical Center 2
Anti-lock Brake System
Body Control Module 2
Starter
Not Used
Transmission Control Module
Battery
Ignition Module (LZ4); Injectors,
Ignition Coils Odd (LY7)
Injectors (LZ4); Injectors, Ignition
Coils Even (LY7)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
42
43
44
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
45
46
47
50
51
Post Cat 02 Sensor Heaters
Daytime Running Lamps
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
Driver Power Window
Anti-lock Brake System (IGN 1)
Engine Control Module IGN 1 (LY7)
Cooling Fan 1
Engine Control Module BATT (LZ4)
Cooling Fan 2
Run Relay, Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning Blower
19
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Rear Compartment Fuse Block
Relays
28
Usage
Cooling Fan 1
29
30
Cooling Fan Series/Parallel
Cooling Fan 2
31
Starter
32
33
Run/Crank, Ignition
Powertrain
34
35
Air Conditioning Clutch
High Beam
36
37
Front Fog Lamps
Horn
38
39
40
48
Low-Beam Headlamp
Windshield Wiper 1
Windshield Wiper 2
Daytime Running Lamps
Stoplamps
The rear compartment fuse block is located in the
trunk of the vehicle. Access the fuse block
through the trunk panel on the driver’s side of the
rear cargo area.
49
Diodes
Usage
27
Wiper
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Fuses
Usage
Passenger Seat Controls
Driver Seat Controls
Not Used
Fuses
Usage
1
2
3
4
5
Belt Alternator Starter (BAS)
Park Lamps, Instrument Panel
Dimming
6
7
Not Used
Not Used
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Fuses
8
Usage
Relays
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Usage
Rear Window Defogger
Park Lamps
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Back-up Lamps
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Sunroof Controls
Not Used
Not Used
Audio Amplifier
Heated Seat Controls
Not Used
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System, XM™ Satellite Radio
Back-up Lamps
Not Used
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Trunk Release
Fuel Pump
Cargo Lamp
Not Used
38 (Diode)
Auxiliary Power Outlets
Not Used
Trunk Release
Rear Defog
Heated Mirrors
Fuel Pump
400
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Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to
Capacities
Application
English
Metric
For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your retailer for more
information.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a
Automatic Transaxle (Bottom Pan Removal)
Automatic Transaxle – 4 Speed
Automatic Transaxle – 6 Speed
Cooling System
7.0 qt
9.5 qt
6.6 L
9.0 L
3.5L V6 Engine and 3.6L V6 Engine
Engine Oil with Filter
9.7 qt
9.2 L
3.5L V6 Engine
4.0 qt
5.5 qt
3.8 L
5.2 L
3.6L V6 Engine
Fuel Tank
16.3 gal
100 lb ft
61.7 L
140 Y
Wheel Nut Torque
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
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Engine Specifications
Engine
3.5L V6
3.6L V6
VIN Code
Transaxle
Automatic
Automatic
Spark Plug Gap
0.040 inches (1.0 mm)
0.044 inches (1.1 mm)
N
7
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Using the Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule
We at Saturn want to help you keep your vehicle
in good working condition. But we do not know
exactly how you will 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.
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level
and change as recommended.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice: Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, replacement parts, and
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may
need more frequent checks and replacements.
So please read the following and note how
you drive. If you have any questions on how to
keep your vehicle in good condition, see your
Saturn retailer.
recommended fluids and lubricants as
prescribed in this manual are necessary to keep
your vehicle in good working condition. Any
damage caused by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be covered by warranty.
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 is 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. To help protect our environment,
and to keep your vehicle in good condition, be
sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
This schedule is for vehicles that:
• carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits. You will find these limits
on the Tire and Loading Information label.
• are driven on reasonable road surfaces within
legal driving limits.
404
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page 406 should be performed when indicated.
information.
When you go to your Saturn retailer for your
service needs, you will know that Saturn-trained
and supported service technicians will perform the
work using genuine Saturn parts.
If you want to purchase service information,
page 435.
{CAUTION:
what should be checked, when to check it, and
what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle
in good condition.
Performing maintenance work on a
vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do
some jobs, you can be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance work only if
you have the required know-how and the
proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, see your retailer to
have a qualified technician do the work.
page 298.
The proper replacement parts, fluids, and
lubricants to use are listed in Recommended
When your vehicle is serviced, make sure these
are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine Saturn parts.
Some maintenance services can be complex.
So, unless you are technically qualified and have
the necessary equipment, you should have
your Saturn retailer do these jobs.
405
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When the CHANGE OIL SOON message appears,
certain services, checks, and inspections are
required. Required services are described in the
following for “Maintenance I” and “Maintenance II.”
Generally, it is recommended that your first service
be Maintenance I, your second service be
Maintenance II, and that you alternate
Maintenance I and Maintenance II thereafter.
However, in some cases, Maintenance II might be
required more often.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE OIL SOON message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, it
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible
that, if you are driving under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate that
vehicle service is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and filter must be changed
at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained
service technicians who will perform this work
using genuine parts and reset the system.
Maintenance I — Use Maintenance I if the
message comes on within 10 months since the
vehicle was purchased or Maintenance II
was performed.
Maintenance II — Use Maintenance II if the
previous service performed was Maintenance I.
Always use Maintenance II whenever the message
comes on 10 months or more since the last
service or if the message has not come on at all
for one year.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset
accidentally, you must service your vehicle within
3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last service.
Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
page 315 for information on the Engine Oil Life
System and resetting the system.
406
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Scheduled Maintenance
Service
Maintenance I Maintenance II
•
•
•
•
•
Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (j).
Inspect engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace filter. See Engine Air
Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection and
page 412.
•
•
Inspect brake system. See footnote (a).
•
•
•
•
Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels and add fluid as
needed.
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.
•
•
Inspect suspension and steering components. See footnote (b).
Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c).
Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d).
•
•
•
•
•
Inspect restraint system components. See footnote (e).
Lubricate body components. See footnote (f).
3.6L Engine Only: Check automatic transmission fluid level and add fluid
as needed.
•
•
Inspect throttle system. See footnote (g).
407
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Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (I or II) after the indicated
miles (kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
25,000
(40 000)
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
Service and Miles (Kilometers)
(80 000) (120 000) (160 000) (200 000) (240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or
leaks.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.
Replace engine air cleaner filter. See
3.5L (Code N) V6 Engine Only: Change
automatic transmission fluid and filter
(severe service only). See footnote (h).
•
•
•
•
•
•
3.6L (Code 7) V6 Engine Only: Change
automatic transmission fluid (severe
service). See footnote (l).
3.6L (Code 7) V6 Engine Only: Change
automatic transmission fluid (normal
service).
•
•
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires. An Emission Control Service.
408
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Additional Required Services (cont’d)
25,000
(40 000)
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
Service and Miles (Kilometers)
(80 000) (120 000) (160 000) (200 000) (240 000)
Engine cooling system service (or every
five years, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i).
•
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (m).
•
(c) Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with
genuine parts as needed. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
Maintenance Footnotes
(a) Visually 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. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b) Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear. Inspect electric power
steering cables for proper hook-up, binding,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect hydraulic power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(d) Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and
wiper blades, if contaminated. Replace wiper
blades that are worn or damaged. See Windshield
Wiper Blade Replacement on page 347 and
Windshield and Wiper Blades on page 386 for
more information.
409
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(e) Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.
(h) Change automatic transmission 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.
(f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges
and latches, hood hinges and latches, and trunk lid
hinges and latches. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require
changing.
(i) Drain, flush, and refill cooling system.
This service can be complex; you should have
your dealer/retailer perform this service.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(g) Check 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 or cruise control cables.
410
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(j) A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired and the fluid level checked. Add fluid
if needed.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be
performed at the intervals specified to help ensure
the safety, dependability, and emission control
performance of your vehicle. Your Saturn retailer
can assist you with these checks and services.
(k) If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
(l) Change automatic transmission fluid if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more
of these conditions:
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at
once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added
to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper
ones, as shown in Recommended Fluids and
− 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, the fluid does not require changing.
(m) Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage. Replace belt if
necessary.
411
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At Each Fuel Fill
At Least Once a Month
It is important to perform these underhood checks
at each fuel fill.
Tire Inflation Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget
to check the spare tire. See Inflation - Tire
spare tire is stored securely. See Changing a Flat
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
further details.
Notice: It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.
Failure to keep the engine oil at the proper
level can cause damage to the engine not
covered by your warranty.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage
highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System
service notification. Check the tires for wear
and, if necessary, rotate the tires. See Tire
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL® coolant mixture if necessary.
details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir and add
the proper fluid if necessary.
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Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked
on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the
page 127.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if
it starts.
Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON,
but do not start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever
out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift
lever moves out of PARK (P), contact your
Saturn retailer for service.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear.
The vehicle should start only in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle starts in any
other position, contact your Saturn retailer
for service.
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Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular
brake, set the parking brake.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set,
try to turn the ignition to OFF in each shift lever
position.
• To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transaxle in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure
from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the
vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
• The ignition should turn to OFF only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
• The ignition key should come out only in OFF.
Contact your Saturn retailer if service is required.
• To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
PARK (P). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
Contact your Saturn retailer if service is required.
{CAUTION:
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take
care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
When you are doing this check, your
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of your vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
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Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Power
GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Steering
System
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number, or specification can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
(if equipped)
Automatic
Transmission Transmission Fluid.
DEXRON®-VI Automatic
Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Key Lock
Cylinders
Engine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Engine Oil
Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
Latch, Pivots, in Canada 992723) or lubricant
Spring Anchor, meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
and
Release Pawl
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL®
page 322.
Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine
Coolant
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
Hood and
Door Hinges
Hydraulic
Delco® Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
Brake System equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer
Optikleen® Washer Solvent.
Weatherstrip in Canada 10953518) or
Conditioning Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
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Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your
Saturn retailer.
ACDelco® Part
Part
Part Numbers
Numbers
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Engine Oil Filter
3.5L V6 Engine
22676970
A1627C
89017342
89017524
PF61
PF48
3.6L V6 Engine
Spark Plugs
3.5L V6 Engine
12591131
12597464
41-100
41-990
3.6L V6 Engine
Windshield Wiper Blades
Driver’s Side – 23.6 inches (60.0 cm)
15779416
15779415
—
—
Passenger’s Side – 21.0 inches (53.0 cm)
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Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the
following record pages. You should retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
Odometer
Reading
Maintenance I or
Maintenance II
Date
Serviced By
Services Performed
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Maintenance Record (cont’d)
Odometer
Reading
Maintenance I or
Maintenance II
Date
Serviced By
Services Performed
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Maintenance Record (cont’d)
Odometer
Reading
Maintenance I or
Maintenance II
Date
Serviced By
Services Performed
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STEP TWO: Should you need additional
assistance, in the U.S., contact the Saturn
Customer Assistance Center by calling
1-800-553-6000. In Canada, contact the
Saturn Customer Communication Centre at
1-800-263-1999. A Saturn Customer Assistance
Center team member will handle your call and
assist in providing product and warranty
information, the nearest retailer location, roadside
assistance, brochures, literature and discuss
any concerns you may have.
Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important
to your retailer and to Saturn. Together we are
committed to providing our customers with
unparalleled service, before, during, and after the
purchase of a Saturn vehicle, for total customer
satisfaction. We call this the Saturn Difference.
Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction
or the operation of your vehicle are resolved by
your retailer’s sales or service departments.
If, for any reason, your ownership experience falls
below your expectations, we suggest you take
the following action:
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in
order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please
have the following information available to give
the Customer Assistance Representative:
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
This 17-digit number can be found on the
vehicle registration or title, on the upper driver
side corner of the dash, or on your roadside
assistance key card.
STEP ONE: Contact the Retail Customer
Assistance Liaison. Any member of the retail
management team has the authority and the desire
to resolve your concerns. Normally, concerns
can be quickly resolved at this level.
• The name of your selling and servicing
retail facility.
• Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
• Your daytime and evening phone numbers.
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When contacting Saturn, please remember that
your concern will likely be resolved at a retailer’s
facility. That is why we suggest you follow
Step One first if you have a concern.
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 is generally heard within 40 days.
If you do not agree with the decision given in your
case, you can reject it and proceed with any
other venue for relief available to you.
STEP THREE (U.S. Owners): Both Saturn and
its retailers are committed to making sure you are
completely satisfied with your Saturn vehicle.
However, if you continue to remain unsatisfied
after following the procedure outlined in Steps One
and Two, Saturn and its retailers offer the
additional assistance of a neutral party through
our voluntary participation in a mediation/arbitration
program called Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Auto Line.
Contact the BBB Auto Line Program by using the
toll-free telephone number or by writing them
at the following address:
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
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. This program
is available at no cost to you, our customer.
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by
vehicle age, mileage and other factors. Saturn
Corporation reserves the right to change eligibility
limitations and/or discontinue its participation in
this program.
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STEP THREE (Canadian Owners):
For further information concerning eligibility in
the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP), call toll-free 1-800-207-0685.
Alternatively, you may call the Saturn Customer
Communication Centre, 1-800-263-1999, or
you may write to:
General Motors Participation in the
Mediation/Arbitration Program
In the event that you do not feel your concerns
have been addressed after following the procedure
outlined in Steps 1 and 2, General Motors of
Canada Limited has committed to binding
arbitration of owner disputes involving
factory-related vehicle service claims. The
program provides for the review of the facts
involved by an impartial third party arbiter, and
may include an informal hearing before the arbiter.
The program is designed so that the entire
dispute settlement process, from the time you file
your complaint to the final decision, should be
completed in approximately 70 days. We believe
our impartial program offers advantages over
courts in most jurisdictions because it is informal,
quick, and free of charge.
Mediation/Arbitration Program
c/o Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Limited
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
Your inquiry should be accompanied by your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
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My GM Canada (Canada only)
Online Owner Center
My GM Canada is a password-protected section
of gmcanada.com where you can save information
on GM vehicles, get personalized offers, and
use handy tools and forms with greater ease.
Online Owner Center
(United States only)
The Owner Center is a resource for your Saturn
ownership needs. Specific vehicle information can
be found in one place.
Here are a few of the valuable tools and services
you will have access to:
The Online Owner Center allows you to:
− My Showroom: Find and save information on
vehicles and current offers in your area.
• Get e-mail service reminders.
− My Dealers/Retailers: Save details such as
address and phone number for each of
your preferred GM Dealers or Retailers.
• Access information about your specific
vehicle, including tips and videos and
an electronic version of this owner manual.
− My Driveway: Receive service reminders and
helpful advice on owning and maintaining
your vehicle.
• Keep track of your vehicle’s service history
and maintenance schedule.
• Find Saturn retailers for service nationwide.
− My Preferences: Manage your profile,
subscribe to E-News and use tools and forms
with greater ease.
• Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members.
Refer to www.saturn.com on the web for updated
information and to register your vehicle.
To sign up to My GM Canada, visit the My GM
Canada section within www.gmcanada.com.
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Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
Customer Assistance Offices
Saturn encourages customers to call the toll-free
number for assistance. If a customer wishes to write
to Saturn, the letter should be addressed to:
To assist owners who have hearing difficulties,
Saturn has installed special TDD
(Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf)
equipment in its Saturn Customer Assistance
Center.
Saturn Customer Assistance Center
100 Saturn Parkway
Mail Code 371-999-S24
Spring Hill, TN 37174-1500
1-800-553-6000
Any hearing- or speech-impaired customer who
has access to a TDD or to a conventional
Text Telephone (TTY) can communicate with
Saturn by dialing 1-800-TDD-6000. TTY users
in Canada may dial 1-800-263-3830.
1-800-833-6000
(For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-553-6000
In Canada, write to:
Saturn Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Ltd.
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
www.gmcanada.com
1-800-263-1999
1-800-263-3830
(For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800
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GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program
Roadside Assistance Program
For vehicles purchased in the U.S., call
1-800-553-6000; (Text Telephone (TTY):
1-800-833-6000).
For vehicles purchased in Canada, call
1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
As the owner of a new Saturn vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Saturn Roadside
Assistance Program.
This program, available to qualified applicants,
can reimburse you up to $1,000 toward eligible
aftermarket driver or passenger adaptive
equipment you may require for your vehicle such
as hand controls, wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.
The offer is available for a limited period of time
from the date of vehicle purchase/lease.
For more details, or to determine your vehicle’s
eligibility, visit your Saturn retailer or call the
Saturn Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-553-6000. Text telephone (TTY) users,
call 1-800-833-6000.
Who is Covered?
Roadside Assistance coverage is for the vehicle
operator, regardless of ownership. In Canada,
a person driving this vehicle without the consent
of the owner is not eligible for coverage.
In Canada, customers may call the Saturn
Customer Communication Centre at
1-800-263-1999. TTY users in Canada may
call 1-800-263-3830.
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Services Provided
• Flat Tire Change: Installation of a spare tire in
good condition, when equipped and properly
inflated, is covered at no charge. The customer
is responsible for the repair or replacement of
the tire if not covered by a warrantable failure.
The following services are provided in the
U.S. and Canada up to 5 years/100,000 miles
(160 000 km), whichever comes first, and,
in Canada only, up to a maximum of $100.
• Jump Start: A battery jump start is covered at
• Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest service station
(approximately $5 Canada). In Canada, service
to provide diesel may be restricted. For safety
reasons, propane and other alternative fuels
are not provided through this service.
no charge if the vehicle does not start.
• Trip Routing Service (Canada only): Upon
request, Roadside Assistance will send you
detailed, computer personalized maps,
highlighting your choice of either the most
direct route or the most scenic route to your
destination, anywhere in North America, along
with helpful travel information pertaining to
your trip.
• Lock-out Service: Lock-out service is covered
at no charge if you are unable to gain entry into
your vehicle. A remote unlock may be available
if you have an active OnStar® subscription.
To ensure security, the driver must present
personal identification before lock-out service is
provided. In Canada, the vehicle registration is
also required.
Please allow three weeks before your planned
departure date. Trip routing requests are limited
to six per calendar year.
• Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance
(Canada only): In the event of a warranty
related vehicle disablement, while en route and
over 250 kilometres from the original point of
departure, you might qualify for trip interruption
expense assistance. This assistance covers
• Emergency Tow From a Public Roadway or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Saturn retailer
for warranty service or in the event of a
vehicle-disabling accident. Winch-out
assistance is provided when the vehicle is
mired in sand, mud, or snow.
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reasonable reimbursement of up to a maximum
of $500 (Canadian) for (A) meals (maximum of
$50/day), (B) lodging (maximum of $100/night),
and (C) alternate ground transportation
(maximum of $40/day). This benefit is to assist
you with some of the unplanned expense you
may incur while waiting for your vehicle to be
repaired.
In many instances, mechanical failures may be
covered. However, any cost for parts and labor for
non-warranty repairs are the responsibility of
the driver.
Saturn and General Motors of Canada Limited
reserve the right to limit services or reimbursement
to an owner or driver when, in their sole discretion,
the claims become excessive in frequency or type
of occurrence.
Pre-authorization, original detailed receipts,
and a copy of the repair order are required.
Calling for Assistance
Once authorization has been given, your
advisor will help you make any necessary
arrangements and explain how to claim for
trip interruption expense assistance.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling,
please provide the following to the Roadside
Assistance Representatives:
• Your name, home address, and home
telephone number
• Alternative Service (Canada only): There
could be times when Roadside Assistance
cannot provide timely assistance. Your advisor
may authorize you to secure local emergency
road service, and you will be reimbursed up to
$100 upon submission of the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance.
• Telephone number of your location
• Location of the vehicle
• Model, year, color, and license plate number
of the vehicle
• Odometer reading, Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) and delivery date of the vehicle
• Description of the problem
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Towing and Road Service Exclusions
Collision Parts
Specifically excluded from Roadside Assistance
coverage are towing or services for vehicles
operated on a non-public roadway or highway,
fines, impound towing caused by a violation
of local, Municipal, State, Provincial or Federal
law, and mounting, dismounting or changing
of snow tires, chains, or other traction devices.
Genuine GM Collision parts are new parts made
with the same materials and construction
methods as the parts with which your vehicle was
originally built. Genuine GM Collision parts are
your best choice to assure that your vehicle’s
designed appearance, durability, and safety are
preserved. The use of Genuine GM parts can help
maintain your GM New Vehicle Warranty.
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in
the coverage provided by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Saturn and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to make any
changes or discontinue the Roadside Assistance
program at any time without notification.
Recycled original equipment parts may also be
used for repair. These parts are typically removed
from vehicles that were total losses in prior
accidents. In most cases, the parts being recycled
are from undamaged sections of the vehicle.
A recycled original equipment GM part, may be
an acceptable choice to maintain your vehicle’s
originally designed appearance and safety
performance, however, the history of these parts
is not known. Such parts are not covered by
your GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any
related failures are not covered by that warranty.
Collision Damage Repair
If your vehicle is involved in a collision and it is
damaged, have the damage repaired by a qualified
technician using the proper equipment and
quality replacement parts. Poorly performed
collision repairs diminish your vehicle’s resale
value, and safety performance can be
compromised in subsequent collisions.
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Aftermarket collision parts are also available.
These are made by companies other than GM and
may not have been tested for your vehicle. As a
result, these parts may fit poorly, exhibit premature
durability/corrosion problems, and may not perform
properly in subsequent collisions. Aftermarket parts
are not covered by your GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, and any vehicle failure related to such
parts are not covered by that warranty.
Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage.
There are significant differences in the quality
of coverage afforded by various insurance policy
terms. Many insurance policies provide reduced
protection to your GM vehicle by limiting
compensation for damage repairs by using
aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance
companies will not specify aftermarket collision
parts. When purchasing insurance, we recommend
that you assure your vehicle will be repaired
with GM original equipment collision parts. If such
insurance coverage is not available from your
current insurance carrier, consider switching
to another insurance carrier.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you choose a collision
repair facility that meets your needs before you
ever need collision repairs. Your Saturn retailer
may have a collision repair center with GM-trained
technicians and state of the art equipment, or
be able to recommend a collision repair center
that has GM-trained technicians and comparable
equipment.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company
may require you to have insurance that assures
repairs with Genuine GM Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or Genuine
Manufacturer replacement parts. Read your lease
carefully, as you may be charged at the end of
your lease for poor quality repairs.
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• If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where
the towing service is taking it. Get a card
from the tow truck operator or write down the
driver’s name, the service’s name, and the
phone number.
• Remove any valuables from your vehicle before
it is towed away. Make sure this includes your
insurance information and registration if you
keep these items in your vehicle.
• Gather the important information you need from
the other driver. Things like name, address,
phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle
license plate, vehicle make, model and model
year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN),
insurance company and policy number, and a
general description of the damage to the other
vehicle.
• If possible, call your insurance company from
the scene of the accident. They will walk you
through the information they need. If they ask
for a police report, phone or go to the police
department headquarters the next day and you
can get a copy of the report for a nominal fee.
In some states/provinces with “no fault”
insurance laws, a report may not be necessary.
This is especially true if there are no injuries
and both vehicles are driveable.
If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an
accident.
• Try to relax and then check to make sure you
are all right. If you are uninjured, make sure
that no one else in your vehicle, or the other
vehicle, is injured.
• If there has been an injury, call 911 for help.
Do not leave the scene of an accident until
all matters have been taken care of. Move
your vehicle only if its position puts you
in danger or you are instructed to move it by a
police officer.
• Give only the necessary and requested
information to police and other parties involved
in the accident. Do not discuss your personal
condition, mental frame of mind, or anything
unrelated to the accident. This helps guard
against post-accident legal action.
• If you need roadside assistance, call GM
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
information.
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Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must
live with the repair. Depending on your policy
limits, your insurance company may initially value
the repair using aftermarket parts. Discuss this
with your repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember if your vehicle
is leased you may be obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if your
insurance coverage does not pay the full cost.
• Choose a reputable collision repair facility for
your vehicle. Whether you select a Saturn
retailer or a private collision repair facility to fix
the damage, make sure you are comfortable
with them. Remember, you will have to feel
comfortable with their work for a long time.
• Once you have an estimate, read it carefully
and make sure you understand what work will
be performed on your vehicle. If you have a
question, ask for an explanation. Reputable
shops welcome this opportunity.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for
the repairs, you are not obligated to accept
a repair valuation based on that insurance
company’s collision policy repair limits, as you
have no contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control of the repair
and parts choices as long as cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage
repairs, GM recommends that you take an active
role in its repair. If you have a pre-determined repair
facility of choice, take your vehicle there, or have it
towed there. Specify to the facility that any required
replacement collision parts be original equipment
parts, either new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember, recycled parts are
not covered by your GM vehicle warranty.
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Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your
vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport
Canada immediately, in addition to notifying
General Motors of Canada Limited. Call them at
1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Reporting Safety Defects
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 Saturn Corporation.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it could
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it could
order a recall and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your retailer or Saturn
Corporation.
To contact NHTSA, call the Vehicle Safety Hotline
toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153);
go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to Saturn
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport
Canada) in a situation like this, please notify Saturn.
Call 1-800-553-6000, or write:
Saturn Corporation
100 Saturn Parkway
Mail Drop 371-999-S24
Spring Hill, TN 37174-1500
Administrator, NHTSA
400 Seventh Street, SW.
Washington, D.C. 20590
In Canada, call 1-800-263-1999, or write:
Saturn Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Limited
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
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Owner Publications
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Information on how to obtain product bulletins
and as described below is applicable only in the
fifty U.S. states and the District of Columbia,
and only for cars and light trucks with a Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than
10,000 pounds (4 536 kg). Copies of individual
bulletins are also at your participating Saturn
retailer. You can ask to see them.
Service Manuals
A variety of publications are available to you.
Saturn service manuals are written for trained
technicians, and in some cases, specialized tools
and equipment are necessary to complete
certain repairs. However, the manuals are
available to owners who either have the training,
or wish to gain a greater understanding of the
technical aspect of their Saturn.
In Canada, information relating to product service
bulletins can be obtained by contacting your
Saturn retailer.
For additional publications information or to
order publications in the United States,
call toll free 1-800-2-SATURN or visit
www.saturn-publications.com to order on-line.
In Canada, Saturn service manuals are available
by calling toll free 1-800-551-4123.
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Service Bulletins
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Saturn regularly sends its retailers useful service
bulletins about Saturn products. Saturn monitors
product performance in the field. We then prepare
bulletins for servicing our products better.
You can get these bulletins, too.
Your Saturn vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the
vehicle’s performance and how it is driven.
For example, your vehicle uses computer modules
to monitor and control engine and transmission
performance, to monitor the conditions for
airbag deployment and deploy airbags in a crash
and, if so equipped, to provide anti-lock braking
to help the driver control the vehicle. These
modules may store data to help your dealer/retailer
technician service your vehicle. Some modules
may also store data about how you operate
the vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or
average speed. These modules may also
retain the owner’s personal preferences, such as
radio pre-sets, seat positions, and temperature
settings.
Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pertain
to the proper use and care of your vehicle.
Some describe costly repairs. Others describe
inexpensive repairs which, if done on time with the
latest parts, may avoid future costly repairs.
Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a
new or unexpected condition. Others describe a
quicker way to fix your vehicle. They can help
a technician service your vehicle better.
Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small
number of vehicles. Your Saturn retailer or a
qualified technician may have to determine if a
specific bulletin applies to your vehicle. To order
Saturn bulletins, call Saturn Publications at
1-800-2-SATURN or visit
www.saturn-publications.com to order online.
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gender, age, and crash location) is recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enforcement,
could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired
during a crash investigation.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain
crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that
will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for
a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such
data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were
operating
• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety
belts were buckled/fastened
• How far, if at all, the driver was depressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal
• How fast the vehicle was traveling
This data can help provide a better understanding
of the circumstances in which crashes and
injuries occur.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required, and access to the vehicle
or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer, other parties, such as law
enforcement, that have the special equipment,
can read the information if they have access to
the vehicle or the EDR.
Saturn will not access this data or share it with
others except: with the consent of the vehicle
owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent
of the lessee; in response to an official request
of police or similar government office; as part
of Saturn’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process; or, as required by law.
Data that Saturn collects or receives may also
be used for Saturn research needs or may
be made available to others for research purposes,
where a need is shown and the data is not tied
to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner.
Important: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle
only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no
data is recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g., name,
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OnStar
Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID)
If your vehicle has OnStar® and you subscribe
to the OnStar® services, please refer to the
OnStar® Terms and Conditions for information
information.
RFID technology is used in some vehicles for
functions such as tire pressure monitoring
and ignition system security, as well as in
connection with conveniences such as key fobs
for remote door locking/unlocking and starting, and
in-vehicle transmitters for garage door openers.
RFID technology in Saturn vehicles does not
use or record personal information or link with
any other Saturn system containing personal
information.
Navigation System
If your vehicle has a navigation system,
use of the system may result in the storage of
destinations, addresses, telephone numbers,
and other trip information. Please refer to
the navigation system operating manual for
information on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
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Audio System (cont.)
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Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Door (cont.)
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Electrical System (cont.)
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Fuel (cont.)
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I
Ignition Positions ......................................... 117
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Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
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Navigation System, Privacy ......................... 438
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Power (cont.)
Radios (cont.)
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Safety Belts (cont.)
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Service (cont.)
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