Page 75 of 340

PASS-Key I1 TM
Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key I1 TM
(Personalized Automotive Security System) theft
deterrent system. PASS-Key
I1 TM is a passive theft
deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do
anything different to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
PASS-Key
TM uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in your vehicle. When the PASS-Key
I1 system senses that someone
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and
fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter
won’t work and fuel won’t go to the engine. If someonl
tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key
during this time, the vehicle will not start. This
discourages someone from randomly trying different
is
e
keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make
a match.
The ignition
key must be clean and dry before it’s
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the “SECURITY” light comes
on, the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition
off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. The security light will remain on during this time.
If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears to be
clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try the other
ignition key.
At this time, you may also want to check
the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index).
If the starter won’t work with the other key, your vehicle
needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition
key may
be faulty. See your Buick dealer or a locksmith
who can service the PASS-Key I1
TM .
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work and the
ProCarManuals.com
Page 76 of 340
security light will flash. But you don’t have to wait three
minutes before trying one of the other ignition keys.
See your Buick dealer or a locksmith who can service
the Pass-Key I1
TM to have a new key made.
If you’re ever driving and the “SECURITY” light comes
on for one minute and stays on, you will be able to
restart your engine if
you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
I1
TM system, however, is not working properly and must
be serviced by your Buick dealer. Your vehicle
is not
protected by the PASS-Key I1
TM system.
If you
lose or damage a PASS-Key I1 ignition key, see
your Buick dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
I1 TM to have a new key made.
New Vehicle “Break-In”
74
ProCarManuals.com
Page 77 of 340
Ignition Key Positions
Your square-headed key
operates your ignition lock.
ACC
1
I
This lock gives you five different positions.
Before
you put the key in, your ignition will be in the
“Lock” position. This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a
theft deterrent
feature.
The other positions let you perform these functions:
ACC: Accessory lets you use things like the radio and
the windshield wipers when the engine is off. To get into
“Acc”, push in the key and turn it toward
you. Your
ProCarManuals.com
Page 78 of 340

steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before
you inserted the key.
OFF: This position lets you turn off the engine but still
turn the steering wheel.
It doesn’t lock the steering
wheel like “Lock.” Use “Off’ if
you must have your car
in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your
car is being pushed).
RUN: This is the position for driving.
START This position starts your engine.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in “Lock” and you can’t
turn
it, be sure it is all the way in. If it is, then turn
the steering wheel left and right while you turn
the key hard. But turn the key only with your
hand. Using a tool to force
it could break the key
or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
p’
Retained Accessory Power (Option)
After the ignition is turned off, and before any door is
opened, the following systems will work for ten
minutes:
0 Fuel Filler Door Release
Trunk Release
0 Power Windows
Radio
0 Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock
0 Optional Astroroof
Starting Your Engine
Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle
Identification Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or
number for your engine. You will find the
VIN at the top
left of your instrument panel. (See “Vehicle
Identification Number” in the Index.) Follow the proper
steps to start the engine.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 79 of 340

Move your shift lever to “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
-- that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use “N” (Neutral) only.
Don’t try to shift to “P” (Park) if your Buic
moving.
If you do, you could damage the :
transaxle. Shift to “P” (Park) only when y
To start your 3.8 Liter (Code L) engine:
1. Don’t push the accelerator pedal before starting your
engine. In some other vehicles
you might need to do
this, but because of your vehicle’s computer systems,
you don’t.
starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down
as your engine gets warm.
2. Turn your ignition key to “Start.” When the engine
3. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in “Start”
for about three seconds at a time until your engine
starts. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining your battery.
4. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
“Start” for about three seconds. If the car starts
briefly but then stops again,
do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. After
waiting about
15 seconds, repeat the normal starting
procedure.
77
ProCarManuals.com
Page 80 of 340

Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle.
If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part
of this Manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Car” in the Index.
To start your SupercharEed V6 3.8 Liter (Code 1)
engine:
1.
2.
Don’t push the accelerator pedal before starting your
engine. In some other vehicles you might need to do
this, but because
of your vehicle’s computer systems,
you don’t.
Turn your ignition key to “Start.” When the engine
starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down
as your engine gets warm.
3. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in “Start”
for about three to five seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about
15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery.
4. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops),
it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding
it there as you hold the key in
“Start” for about three seconds. If the car starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. After
waiting about
15 seconds, repeat the normal starting
procedure.
78
ProCarManuals.com
Page 81 of 340
Driving Through Deep Standing
Water
standing water, water can come in through your
engine's air intake and badly damage your
engine.
If you can't avoid deep puddles or
standing water, drive through them very
s
Engine Block Heater (Canada Only)
In very cold weather, 0 " F (- 18 "C) or colder, the engine
block heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
To use the block heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt outlet.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 82 of 340

A CAUTION:
I
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 outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use
a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least
15 amps.
I
I NOTICE:
After you’ve used the block heater, be sure to
store the cord as
it was before, to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you
don’t, it could
be damaged.
1
I
How long should you keep the block heater plugged in?
The answer depends on the weather, the kind
of oil you
have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list
everything here, we ask that
you contact a Buick dealer
in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer
can give you the
best advice for that particular
area.
Automatic Transaxle
160 - IULJ
PARK FINO321
i
b
PARK R N 0 D 2 1
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
P (Park)
This locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to
use when you start your engine because your vehicle
can’t move easily.
I
80
ProCarManuals.com