Page 57 of 375
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To replace batteries in the Keyless Entry transmitter:
1. Insert a dime in the slot between' the covers of the
transmitter near the key ring hole. Remove the
bottom by twisting the dime.
2. Remove and replace the batteries with two
Duracell@-type batteries (DL2016 or equivalent),
positive side down.
3. Align the covers and snap them together.
4. Check the operation of the transmitter.
Tailgate
You can open the tailgate by pulling up on the handle
while pulling the tailgate down.
When you put the tailgate back up, be sure it
latches securely.
Follow these steps if you want
to remove the tailgate:
1. Raise the tailgate slightly.
2. Remove both retaining
cables.
To remove each
cable, turn it
so the end
faces the front. Then,
push forward
so the
larger part
of the hole is
over the bolt. Pull the
end over the bolt,
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Page 58 of 375

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. With the tailgate halfway down, pull the tailgate
toward you at the left side and then move the tailgate
to the left to release the right side.
Reverse the procedure to reinstall. Make sure the
tailgate is secure.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle 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 leave 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 vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a tone 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 transmission, taking
your key out
also locks your transmission. 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
Lock all the doors except the driver’s. glove
box.
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Page 59 of 375

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine New Vehicle “Break-In”
NOTICE:
Your modern vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
0
0
0
0
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first
500 miles (804 km).
Don’t drive at any one speed
-- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (804 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
Don’t tow
a trailer during break-in.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the ignition switch to five
different positions.
A
C
E
ACCESSORY (A): ACCESSORY lets you use things
like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off. Push in
the key and turn it toward you.
Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as
it was
before you inserted the key.
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Page 60 of 375

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Don’t operate accessories in the ACCESSORY
position for long periods
of time. Prolonged
operation of accessories in the ACCESSORY
position could drain your battery and prevent
you from starting your vehicle.
LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature.
You will only be able to remove your key when the
ignition is turned to
LOCK.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. Use
OFF if you must have
your vehicle in motion while the engine is
off (for
example, if your vehicle is being towed).
RUN (D): This is the position for driving.
START
(E): This starts your engine. 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 press the key release button while
the vehicle
is moving.
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.
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Page 61 of 375
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Key Release Button
*A
To remove the key on
manual transmission
vehicles,
turn the key to the
OFF position. Then turn the
key to the
LOCK position
while pressing the key
release button down at the
same time. Pull the key
straight out.
Starting Your Engine
Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle
1 Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter or
number for your engine.
You will ‘find the VIN at the t OP
left of your instrum&t panel. (See “Vehicle
Identification Number” in the Index.) Follow the proper
steps
to start the engine.
1
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Manual transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N). Hold
the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your
vehicle won’t start
if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down
-- that’s a safety feature.
Starting Your 2.2 Liter Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, 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.
1
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
1
damage your starter motor. I
2. 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 vehicle 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.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the
way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer.
If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
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 Vehicle” in the Index.
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Page 63 of 375

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Starting Your “VORTEC” 4300 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, 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.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down for five more
seconds, or until
it starts.
3. ‘If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), wait
15 seconds and start over.
When
the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the
way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
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 Vehicle” in the Index.
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Page 64 of 375
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
“VORTEC” 4300 Engine 2.2L Engine
In very cold weather,
0°F (- 18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged
in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
To use the coolant heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
1
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
AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least
15 amps.
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