Page 74 of 386
Ignition Switch
Use your square key to start your vehicle. The square key lets you turn the
ignition switch to five different positions:
Acc (Accessory): Acc 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 steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you
inserted the key.
2-1 1
ProCarManuals.com
Page 75 of 386
Features & Controls
LOCK: This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transmission. it's
we your key when the a theft deterrent feature. You will only be able to rem(
ignition is turned to
LOCK.
Off: This position lets you turn off the engine but still
Use
Off if you must have your vehicle in motion while
example,
if your vehicle is being pushed).
Run: This is the position for driving.
Start: This starts your engine. turn the steering wheel.
1 the engine
is off (for
'a
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to LOCK will lock
the steering column and result in a
loss of ability to steer the
vehicle. This could cause a collision.
If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to OFF. Don't move
the key release lever while the vehicle
is moving.
I
I
NOTICE
2-1 2
ProCarManuals.com
Page 76 of 386
Key Release Lever
I
KO495
The ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition of manual transmission
vehicles unless the key release lever is used.
I
A
On manual transmission vehicles, if you need to turn the engine off
while the vehicle is moving, do not press the key release lever, turn
the key only to
Off. Turning the key to LOCK will lock the steering
column and result in
loss of ability to steer the vehicle. I
I
To Remove the Key
On manual transmission vehicles, turn the key to the LOCK position while
pressing the key release lever down. Keeping your finger on th\
e lever, pull
the key straight out.
On automatic transmission vehicles, turn the key to
LOCK and pull it straight
out.
2-1 3
ProCarManuals.com
Page 79 of 386
Features & Controls
Engine BIock Heater (Option)
i K221
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.
I 4
1
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet muld cause an electrical
L 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 threeprong 110-volt outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty threepmng extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
I
I NOTICE
ter you’ve used the block heater, be sure to store the cord in the
nanner
it was, to help keep it away from moving engine parts. If you
lon’t, it could be tom and damaged.
2-1 6
ProCarManuals.com
Page 80 of 386
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 General Motors
dealer
in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give
you the best advice
for that particular area.
Automatic 7Pansmission
K2362
There are several different positions for your gear lever.
P (Park)
This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your
enaine because
your vehicle can’t move easily.
2-1 7
ProCarManuals.com
Page 85 of 386

Shift to R (Reverse) only after your vehicle is stopped. Shifting to R :I
?verse) while your vehicle is moving could damage your transmisslor
Also. use Reverse. alona with the Darkina brake. for oarkina vour ve\
hic.,
.-
Shift Light
1 K2317
If you have a manual transmission, you have a SHIFT light. This light will
show you when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel\
economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher g\
ear
if weather,
road and traffic conditions let you.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate
slowly and shift when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it
is normal for the light to go on and off if you quickly
change the position
of the accelerator. Ignore the SHIFT light when you
downshift.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Only: If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and is
equipped with a manual transmission, disregard the shift light \
when the
transfer case is in
4 LOW.
Locking Rear Axle
If you have this feature, your 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 one
does, the locking feature will allow the wheel with traction t\
o move the
vehicle.
2-22
ProCarManuals.com
Page 87 of 386

Features & Controls
Torque Lock
The parking brake should be set first whenever leaving the dri\
ver’s seat. If
you are parked on a hill and the transmission is placed in P (Park) before
the parking brake is set, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force
on the parking pawl in the transmission. It may be difficult to pull the selector
lever
out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent this, the parking
brake should be set
BEFORE moving the selector lever to P (Park).
When preparing to move the vehicle, the selector lever should be moved out
of P (Park) BEFORE releasing the parking brake. Set the parking brake first,
then release the transmission from
P (Park), even on level surfaces.
If “torque lock” does occur, you may have to have another vehicle nudge
your vehicle uphill
a little to take some of the pressure off the transmission
while you pull the selector lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting lnto P (Park) (Automatic Transmission Models Only)
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not I
A fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can
roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenl\
y.
You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle won’t move,
when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that foll\
ow.
If you have four-wheel drive, and your transfer case is in N (Neutral), I
your vehicle will be free to roll-even if your shift lever is in P
(Park). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear-not in N
(Neutral).
If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see
I “Parking on Hills” or “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. I
2-24
ProCarManuals.com
Page 88 of 386
Steering Column Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking
brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position like this:
Pull the lever toward you.
K2316
Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. If you have four-wheel drive, be sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear-not in
N (Neutral).
4. Move the ignition key to LOCK.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can walk away from your
vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in
P (Park).
2-25
ProCarManuals.com