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2003 Pontiac Montana Owner's Manual - Page 317

2003 Pontiac Montana Manual

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Driving with a Trailer If you have a rear-most window open and you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or death. See "Engine Exhaust" in the Index. To maximize your safety when towing a trailer: Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and make necessary repairs before starting on your trip. Keep the rear-most windows closed. If exhaust does come into your vehicle through a window in the rear or another opening, drive with your front, main heating or cooling system on and with the fan on any speed. This will bring fresh, outside air into your vehicle.Do not use the comfort control setting for maximum air because it only recirculates the air inside your vehicle.See "Comfort Controls" in the Index. 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 weightof 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. 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. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. 4-40

Section	Page
Table of Contents	2
Seats and Restraint Systems	8
Front Seats	10
Manual Seats	10
Six-Way Power Seats	11
Heated Seats	12
Reclining Seatbacks	12
Head Restraints	14
Rear Seats	15
Rear Seat Operation	15
Second Row Safety Belt Stowage	15
Flip and Fold Feature	15
Split Bench Seats	16
Bucket Seats	22
Captain Chairs	27
Stowable Seat	32
Safety Belts	35
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	35
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts	39
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	40
Driver Position	40
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	49
Right Front Passenger Position	50
Center Passenger Position (Bucket Seat)	50
Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)	52
Rear Seat Passengers	54
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	57
Safety Belt Pretensioners	60
Safety Belt Extender	60
Child Restraints	61
Older Children	61
Infants and Young Children	63
Child Restraint Systems	66
Where to Put the Restraint	70
Top Strap	70
Top Strap Anchor Location	72
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	73
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	75
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	76
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position (Third Row Bench Seat)	79
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position (Bucket Seat)	81
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	83
Built-In Child Restraint	85
Air Bag Systems	97
Where Are the Air Bags?	100
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?	102
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?	103
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?	103
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?	104
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	105
Restraint System Check	106
Checking Your Restraint Systems	106
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	106
Features and Controls	108
Keys	110
Remote Keyless Entry System	111
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation	112
Doors and Locks	116
Door Locks	116
Power Door Locks	117
Last Door Closed Locking	118
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	118
Lockout Protection	119
Leaving Your Vehicle	119
Dual Sliding Doors	119
Power Sliding Door (PSD)	122
Liftgate	127
Windows	129
Power Windows	130
Power Rear Quarter Windows	130
Sun Visors	131
Theft-Deterrent Systems	132
Content Theft-Deterrent	132
PASS-Key III	134
PASS-Key III Operation	135
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	137
New Vehicle Break-In	137
Ignition Positions	137
Starting Your Engine	138
Engine Coolant Heater	139
Automatic Transaxle Operation	140
Parking Brake	144
Shifting Into Park (P)	145
Shifting Out of Park (P)	147
Parking Over Things That Burn	148
Engine Exhaust	148
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked	149
Mirrors	150
Manual Rearview Mirror	150
Outside Power Mirrors	150
Outside Convex Mirror	151
Outside Heated Mirrors	151
OnStar System	152
HomeLink Transmitter	154
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter	154
Storage Areas	158
Glove Box	158
Cupholder(s)	158
Compact Overhead Console	158
Overhead Console	159
Front Seat Storage Net	161
Luggage Carrier	161
Rear Storage Area	163
Convenience Net	163
Convenience Center	165
Vehicle Personalization	167
Entering Programming Mode	168
Delayed Illumination and Exit Lighting	168
Automatic Door Locks	169
Last Door Locking and Lockout Deterrent	170
Remote Driver Unlock Control	171
Remote Lock and Unlock Confirmation	172
Content Theft-Deterrent System	173
Arming and Disarming the Content Theft-Deterrent System	174
Exiting Programming Mode	176
Instrument Panel	178
Instrument Panel Overview	181
Hazard Warning Flashers	182
Other Warning Devices	183
Horn	183
Tilt Wheel	183
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	184
Exterior Lamps	190
Interior Lamps	192
Switchbanks	196
Instrument Panel Switchbank	196
Overhead Console Switchbank	197
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)	197
Accessory Power Outlets	199
Climate Controls	201
Climate Control System	201
Outlet Adjustment	204
Rear Climate Control System (Without Entertainment System)	204
Rear Climate Control System (With Entertainment System)	206
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	209
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	211
Instrument Panel Cluster	212
Speedometer and Odometer	213
Tachometer	214
Safety Belt Reminder Light	215
Air Bag Readiness Light	215
Brake System Warning Light	216
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	217
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light	218
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	219
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	219
Fuel Gage	224
Message Center	225
Service Traction System Warning Message	225
Traction Active Message	226
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Message	226
Charging System Indicator Message	227
Low Oil Pressure Message	227
Low Engine Oil Level Message	228
Change Engine Oil Message	228
Power Sliding Door Warning Message	229
Door Ajar Warning Message	230
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message	230
PASS-Key III Security Message	231
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message	231
Low Fuel Warning Message	232
Driver Information Center (DIC)	233
Audio System(s)	236
Setting the Time	236
Radio with CD	237
Radio with Cassette and CD	244
Radio with Six-Disc CD	253
Entertainment System	264
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) (Without Entertainment System)	271
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) (With Entertainment System)	273
Theft-Deterrent Feature	274
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	275
DVD Distortion	275
Understanding Radio Reception	276
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	276
Care of Your CDs and DVDs	277
Care of Your CD and DVD Player	277
Cleaning Your DVD Player	277
Cleaning the Video Screen	277
Fixed Mast Antenna	277
Driving Your Vehicle	278
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	279
Defensive Driving	279
Drunken Driving	279
Control of a Vehicle	282
Braking	283
Traction Control System (TCS)	286
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System	288
Steering	288
Off-Road Recovery	290
Passing	291
Loss of Control	292
Driving at Night	293
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	295
City Driving	298
Freeway Driving	299
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	300
Highway Hypnosis	301
Hill and Mountain Roads	301
Winter Driving	303
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	307
Towing	309
Towing Your Vehicle	309
Recreational Vehicle Towing	309
Loading Your Vehicle	311
Towing a Trailer	313
Service and Appearance Care	322
Service	324
Doing Your Own Service Work	325
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	325
Fuel	326
Gasoline Octane	326
Gasoline Specifications	326
California Fuel	327
Additives	327
Fuels in Foreign Countries	327
Filling Your Tank	328
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	330
Checking Things Under the Hood	331
Hood Release	331
Engine Compartment Overview	333
Engine Oil	334
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	339
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	341
Engine Coolant	344
Radiator Pressure Cap	347
Engine Overheating	347
Cooling System	350
Power Steering Fluid	358
Windshield Washer Fluid	359
Brakes	360
Battery	364
Jump Starting	364
All-Wheel Drive	370
Bulb Replacement	372
Halogen Bulbs	372
Headlamps	372
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking Lamps	374
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps	376
Replacement Bulbs	377
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	378
Tires	380
Inflation - Tire Pressure	381
Tire Inspection and Rotation	381
When It Is Time for New Tires	383
Buying New Tires	384
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	385
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	386
Wheel Replacement	386
Tire Chains	387
Accessory Inflator	388
If a Tire Goes Flat	389
Changing a Flat Tire	390
Compact Spare Tire	405
Appearance Care	406
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	406
Care of Safety Belts and Built-in Child Restraint Harness	409
Weatherstrips	409
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	409
Sheet Metal Damage	411
Finish Damage	411
Underbody Maintenance	412
Chemical Paint Spotting	412
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	413
Vehicle Identification	415
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	415
Service Parts Identification Label	415
Electrical System	416
Add-on Electrical Equipment	416
Headlamp Wiring	416
Windshield Wiper Fuses	416
Power Windows and Other Power Options	416
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	416
Capacities and Specifications	422
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	424
Maintenance Schedule	426
Maintenance Schedule	427
Introduction	427
Your Vehicle and the Environment	427
Maintenance Requirements	427
How This Section is Organized	428
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	429
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	429
Scheduled Maintenance	430
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	434
At Each Fuel Fill	434
At Least Once a Month	434
At Least Twice a Year	435
At Least Once a Year	436
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	439
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	439
Exhaust System Inspection	439
Fuel System Inspection	439
Engine Cooling System Inspection	439
Throttle System Inspection	440
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) and Carrier Assembly-Differential (Rear Drive Module) All-Wheel Drive Inspection	440
Brake System Inspection	440
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	441
Part E: Maintenance Record	443
Customer Assistance Information	446
Customer Assistance Information	447
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	447
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	448
Customer Assistance Offices	448
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	450
Roadside Assistance Program	450
Courtesy Transportation	452
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	454
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	454
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	454
Service Publications Ordering Information	455

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Driving with a Trailer

If you have

rear-most

window

open

and

you

pull

trailer

with

your

vehicle,

carbon

monoxide (CO) could

come

into

your

vehicle.

You

can’t

see

smell CO.

can

cause

unconsciousness

or death. See “Engine

Exhaust”

the

Index.

maximize

your

safety

when

towing

trailer:

Have your

exhaust

system

inspected

for

leaks,

and

make

necessary

repairs

before

starting

your

trip.

Keep

the

rear-most

windows

closed.

exhaust

does

come

into

your

vehicle

through

window

the

rear

another

opening,

drive

with

your

front,

main

heating

cooling

system

and

with

the

fan

any speed. This

will

bring

fresh,

outside

air

into

your

vehicle.

not

use

the

comfort

control

setting

for

maximum

air

because

only

recirculates

the

air

inside

your

vehicle.See “Comfort

Controls”

the

Index.

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

good

deal

longer

and

not

nearly

responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you

start,

check the trailer hitch and

platform

(and attachments), safety

chains, electrical connector,

lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.

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.

During your trip, check

occasionally to be

sure

that

the

load

is secure, and that the lamps

and

any

trailer

brakes are still working.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the

vehicle

ahead as

you

would

when driving your

vehicle

without

trailer.

This can help you avoid situations that require

heavy braking and

sudden

turns.

Passing

You’ll

need

more passing distance

ahead

when

you’re towing a trailer. And,

because

you’re

good

deal

longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond

the

passed vehicle before you

can return to your

lane.

4-40