Traction GMC ENVOY 2008 Owner's Manual

Four-Wheel Drive
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, the engine’s driving
power can be sent to all four wheels for extra traction.
To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel drive, you
must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that
follows before using four-wheel drive. You should
use Two-Wheel High for most normal driving conditions.
Notice:Driving on clean, dry pavement in
Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for
an extended period of time may cause premature
wear on your vehicle’s powertrain. Do not drive on
clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or
Four-Wheel-Drive Low for extended periods of time.
Notice:If you continually drive your vehicle with
the transfer case in AUTO or Four-Wheel Drive, you
could shorten the life of the transfer case or the
Four-Wheel Drive system. The selector switch
should be left in Two-Wheel Drive High mode. Only
use AUTO and Four-Wheel Drive when you need
extra traction such as in wet or slippery road
conditions.
Automatic Transfer Case
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, the transfer case
knob is located to the right of the steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
Use this knob to shift into
and out of four-wheel drive
2
m(Two-Wheel High):This setting is for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle is not
engaged in two-wheel drive. It also provides the best
fuel economy.
2-29

AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This setting is
ideal for use when road conditions are variable. When
driving your vehicle in automatic four-wheel drive, the
front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent to
the rear wheels. When the vehicle senses a loss of
traction, the system will automatically engage four-wheel
drive. Driving in this mode results in slightly lower fuel
economy than Two-Wheel High.
4
m(Four-Wheel High):This setting should be used
when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or
icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also
engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle.
4
n(Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages
your front axle and delivers extra torque. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
this setting if you are driving off-road in deep sand,
deep mud, and climbing or descending steep hills.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL
can cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-33.
NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle’s transfer case
to NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-40
for more information.
An indicator light in the knob will show you which
position the transfer case is in. The indicator lights will
come on briey when you turn on the ignition and one will
stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take your
vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will
ash while shifting the transfer case. It will stay on when
the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer case
cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last
chosen setting.
If the service Four-Wheel Drive Warning Light on the
instrument panel cluster stays on, you should take
your vehicle to your dealer for service. SeeService
Four-Wheel Drive Warning Light on page 3-47for
further information.
2-30

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you apply the brakes, the cruise control shuts off.
{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.
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.
{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.
Setting Cruise Control
1. Move the cruise control switch to on.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press the set button at the end of the lever and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The accelerator pedal will not go down.
Some vehicles have
a cruise light on the
instrument panel cluster
that will come on when the
cruise control is engaged.
3-12

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This warning light should
come on briey when the
engine is started.
During most driving conditions, this light will not come
on. If the StabiliTrak
®System is actively controlling
the stability and/or traction of the vehicle, this light
will ash. This is normal.
This light will come on if any portion of the system
has been manually turned off or a problem is detected
in the system.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center, a
message will appear also, seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-53andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, it means that
the engine coolant has overheated. If you have been
operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions,
you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28for more
information.
United StatesCanada
3-40

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-41. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-69for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
This message displays anytime the StabiliTrak®system
activates to maintain vehicle stability. Any combination
of engine speed management, brake traction control,
and stability control displays this message.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
This message may display if driving conditions delay
StabiliTrak®system initialization. This is normal.
Once the system initializes, this message will no
longer be displayed on the DIC.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when you press the StabiliTrak®
button for more than ve seconds or when stability control
has been automatically disabled. The StabiliTrak®button
is located on the transmission shift handle. To limit
wheel spin and realize the full benets of the stability
enhancement system, you should normally leave
StabiliTrak
®on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak®off
if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and
you want to rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you
are driving in extreme off-road conditions and require
more wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-33. To turn the StabiliTrak
®
system back on, press the StabiliTrak®button again.
There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
The message may display if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-38.
The message displays if the vehicle is shifted
into 4LO.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
3-57

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
This message may display and a chime may sound if
the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly. Fully
reinstall the fuel cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed. A loose
or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. This message remains on until it is
manually cleared from the DIC display. The DIC
message is also cancelled if the ignition is turned off.
The DIC message and the Service Engine Soon
light may come on again during a second trip if the
fuel cap is still not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-41for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when you momentarily press
the StabiliTrak®button located on the transmission
shift handle. In this mode, stability control and the
brake-traction control are functional. Engine speed
management will be modied and the driven wheels
can spin more freely. For more details on this mode,
seeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities that
allow you to program some features to one setting
based on your preference. All of the customizable
options listed may not be available on your vehicle.
Only the options available display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
The default settings for the customization features were
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then.
To change feature preferences, make sure the ignition
is on and the vehicle is in PARK (P). To avoid excessive
drain on the battery, it is recommended that the
headlamps are turned off.
Press the customization button to scroll through the
available customizable options.
After pressing the customization button, VEHICLE
SETTINGS momentarily displays before going to a
customization option.
3-58

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
{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
safe driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
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.
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.
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.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
3-65

No Signl:The system is functioning correctly, but the
vehicle is in a location that is blocking the XM™ signal.
When the vehicle is moved into an open area, the signal
should return.
Loading:The radio system is acquiring and processing
audio and text data. No action is needed. This message
should disappear shortly.
Off Air:This channel is not currently in service. Tune
to another channel.
CH Unavl: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 Info:No artist, song title, category, or text
information is available at this time on this channel.
The system is working properly.
NotFound:There are no channels available for the
selected category. The system is working properly.
XM Lock:The XM™ receiver in your vehicle may
have previously been in another vehicle. For security
purposes, XM™ receivers cannot be swapped between
vehicles. If this message is received after having your
vehicle serviced, check with your dealer/retailer.Radio ID:If tuned to channel 0, this message will
alternate with the XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label.
This label is needed to activate the service.
Unknown:If this message is received when tuned to
channel 0, there could be a receiver fault. Consult
with your dealer/retailer.
Check XM:If this message does not clear within
a short period of time, the receiver could have a fault.
Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Navigation/Radio System
Your vehicle may have a navigation radio system.
The navigation system has built-in features intended to
minimize driver distraction. Technology alone, no matter
how advanced, can never replace your own judgment.
See the Navigation System manual for some tips to help
you reduce distractions while driving.
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System
Your vehicle may have the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system
includes a DVD player, a video display screen, two sets
of wireless headphones, and a remote control.
3-87

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are
for Everyone on page 1-13.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what
they might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions
resulting in injury or possible death. These
simple defensive driving techniques could
save your life.
Drunk Driving
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, 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.
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.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and
attentiveness.
Police records show that almost 40 percent 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 17,000 annual
motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured.
4-2

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 front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
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.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
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.Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might
feel the brakes vibrate or notice some noise, but this
is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
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.
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice,
sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
4-5