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Lockout Feature
To turn the lockout on, slide the switch all the way to the
right.
To turn the lockout off, slide the switch all the
way to the left.
When the lockout is on, the mechanical remote trunk
release will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk
lid can still be opened with the key.
This lockout feature is only available on vehicles that do
not have the Keyless Entry System.
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Glove Box
P’ !
, :.. 3-
Use one of the vehicle’s keys to lock and unlock the
glove box.
To open, pull the glove box handle toward
you.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Pontiac has a number
of theft deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can
help.
Key in the Ignition
If you walk away from your vehicle with the keys
inside, it’s an easy target for
joy riders or professional
thieves
-- so don’t do it.
When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from.the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your
key out also locks your transaxle. And remember to lock
the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out
of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock
it up and take your keys.
But what
if you have to leave your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box.
Lock the glove box. , I, ’ .- ’;
0 Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
0 Then take the door key with you.
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LOCK (B): This is the only only position in which you
can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle (on automatic models).
OFF (C): This unlocks the steering wheel, ignition, and
transaxle (on automatic models), but does not send
electrical power to any accessories. Use this position
if
your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push-start your vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the ignition is
off and
the key is in the ignition.
RUN (D): This is an “on” position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays in the RUN position when the
engine
is running. But even when the engine is not
running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical
power accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): Use this for starting the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are ON positions that allow
you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the
radio.
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)
The key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the
key release button is used.
To remove the key turn the key to the OFF position.
Press the key release button while turning the key from
OFF to LOCK. Keeping your finger on the button, pull
the key straight out.
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I 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.
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.
Automatic transaxle:
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
-- that’s a
safety feature.
To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK
(P) only when your
vehicle
is stopped.
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Four Speed Automatic
I I ,*. . . . .,
PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before
starting the engine. Your Pontiac has
a brake-transaxle
shift interlock. You have to fully
apply your regular
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Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Models Only)
2. Move the shift lever into
this:
Hold in the button on
Push the lever all the
your vehicle.
PARK (P) position like
I the lever.
way toward the front of
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and 3. Move the ignition key to LOCK.
set the parking brake. 4. 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 PARK (P)
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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Wansaxle Models Only)
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you’ve moved the shift lever into the PARK (P)
position, hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if
you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without first pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully
locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it 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 out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in
the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)
before you release the parking brake.
If “torque lock” does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the transaxle,
so you can pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Models Only)
Your Pontiac has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You
have to fully appZy your regular brakes before you can
shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the RUN
position. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK
(P) -- as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want. (Press the
shift lever button before moving the shift lever.)
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to OFF, not LOCK.
2. Apply and hold the regular brake until the end of
Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you
want,
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual
Transaxle Models Only)
Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual
transaxle in
REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking
brake.
If you are parking on a hill, or if your vehicle is
equipped to tow
a trailer, see ‘Towing a Trailer” in the
Index.
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