Section 2 Features and Controls
~~ ~ ~
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Pontiac, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-4
2-6
2-
10
2-12
2-13
2-1 6
2- 17
2-23
2-23
2-25
2-27 2-28
2-32
2-37
2-3 8
2-40
Keys
Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry System
Hatch
Theft
Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System
Feature Customization New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Switch
Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual Transmission
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK (P)
Parking Your Vehicle
PASS-K@ 11
2-40
2-4 1
2-4
1
2-43
2-43
2-44
2-44
2-5 1
2-54
2-56
2-5
8
2-59
2-60
2-6 1
2-68
2-74
2-77
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Windows
Horn
Tilt Steering Wheel
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Ashtray and Lighter
Sun Visors
Floor Mats
Convertible
Top
Instrument Panel
Warning Lights,
Cages and Indicators
2-1
Remote Keyless Entry System
I
3-Button Fob 4-Button Fob
If your vehicle bas this opti'on, you can lock; and
unlock
your doors or unlock your hatch up from about
3 feet (1 m) to about 30 feet (9 m) using the remote
keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your
Remote Keyless Entry System operates on a
radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission
(FCC) Rules and with Industry and
Science Canada.
This device complies with Part
15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the foll'owing two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that
may cause
undesired operation.
This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and
Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation
of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other
than an
authorized service facility could void authorization
to
use this equipment.
2-6
AlarmRanic Mode Operation
The driver’s door will unlock automatically when
UNLOCK is pressed.
If UNLOCK is pressed again
within five seconds, the passenger door will also unlock.
All doors will lock when
LOCK is pressed.
The hatch will unlock when the button with the trunk
symbol is pressed twice within five seconds, as long as
the ignition is turned to the
OFF position. If the ignition
is on, the trunk symbol button will only work if the
transmission is in
PARK (P) for an automatic
transmission, or if the parking brake is set on a manual
transmission.
The system will turn on the interior lamps for about
40
seconds (or until the ignition switch is turned to the
RUN position), when you unlock the doors or hatch.
The interior lamps will go
off when you lock the doors.
Operating the key chain transmitter may interact with
the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System
(if you
have this option). See “Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System, you will have a fourth button
on your key chain transmitter. This button
is the panic
button. If you are involved in a panic situation, press
this button and your vehicle’s horn will sound and the
parking lamps will flash. This will draw needed
attention to you and your vehicle. To turn this feature
off, either push the panic button again or turn the
ignition to on. Note: This feature will not work if your
ignition is on
or if the key fob is 30 feet (9 m) or more
away from your vehicle.
Transmitter Range
The range of your Remote Keyless Entry system should
be about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). At times you
may notice a decrease in the range. This is normal for
any Remote Keyless Entry system. If the transmitter
does not work, or you have to stand closer to your
vehicle than normal for the transmitter to work:
0 You may have to replace the battery in
your transmitter. See
the instructions for
battery replacement.
You may be too far from your vehicle. Check your
distance,
You may have to stand closer to your
vehicle in rain or snow.
2-7
0
0
0
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to
the right or left.
You may have to synchronize your transmitter
to the receiver in your vehicle. See instructions
for synchronization.
You may have to match the transmitters to your
vehicle. See instructions.
If none of the above apply, see your dealer or
qualified technician for service.
Synchronization
Synchronization may be necessary due to the security
metho’d used
by the Remote Keyless Entry system. The
transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the
receiver.
The receiver will not respond to a signal it has
been s’ent previously.
This prevents anyone from recoding
and playing
back the signal fiom the transmitter. To
resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver:
While standing close to your vehicle, simultaneously
press and hold the
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the transmitter for eight seconds. The door locks
should cycle and parking lamps flash
to confirm
synchronization. If this does not happen, you may
need
to replace the battery in your transmitter.
Transmitter Verification (I€ Equipped)
This feature provides feedback to the holder of the remote
keyless entry transmitter that a command has been
received by the keyless entry receiver.
The parking larnps
will
flash on every lock and unlock command and the horn
will sound only if the
LOCK button is pushed twice within
five seconds.
This allows for silent operation of locking
and unloclung unless
a confirming horn chxp is desired.
Other options may be selected for
this feature (see
“Feature Custornization” in the Index).
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle,
any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer
has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have up
to four transmitters
matched to it.
NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatchback area, be sure
they won’t break the glass when
you close it.
Never slam the
hatch down. You could break the
glass
or damage the defogger grid (if equipped).
On vehicles with the Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System: The hatch switch will not work
while the system
is armed. See “Vehicle and Content
Theft-Deterrent System” in the
Index.
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 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 Pontia’c 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 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 storag-e area. or take them with vou.
Par ng ,ots
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 glove
box.
Lock the glove box.
a Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
Then take the door key and Remote Keyless Entry
keychain with
you.
2-12
Arming the System
The alarm system can be
armed to detect break-ins
by locking your vehicle
using the key chain
transmitter or by locking
the
doors with the power door
lock switch.
Passive arming is also available,
if you would like the
system to
am all by itself after the doors have been
closed for a short time. When the system
is armed, a red
light will flash briefly once every two seconds. (Note:
If
you return to your vehicle and the red light is flashing
two
brief flashes every two seconds, the system is armed
and the shock sensor had triggered a two minute alarm.
If the red light is flashing three times every two seconds,
the system
is armed and there was an intrusion that
sounded the alarm).
Horn chirps and parking lamp
flashes can be
set to your choice.
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking
If all the doors are closed, locking the vehicle with the
transmitter will immediately arm the system. The horn
will chirp twice and the
parking lamps will flash,
confirming that the system
is armed. If any door is open
when the transmitter
LOCK button is pressed, the
system goes into an armed wait mode, waiting for the
doors
to close. Once they are closed, the system will
arm, chirp the horns twice and flash the parking lamps.
If the hatch
is open or ajar at the time the system is
arming, the
horn will only chirp once.
Power Door Lock Switch Locking
If any door is open when the power door lock switch is
pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode,
waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the
system will arm and flash the parking lamps.
If all of the
doors are closed when the lock switch is pressed, the
system assumes
you are inside the vehicle, so it will not
arm. Note: Locking the doors
by using the manual door
locks will
not arm the system.
2-14
Last Door Closed Locking and
Lockout Prevention
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 2. This
means that your power door locks will not lock when
the keys are in the ignition and a door is open. To
change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Press the LOCK switch on the door.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Press the LOCK switch on the door until you hear
the number
of chimes that correspond to the mode
selection you want.
Mode 1: Both O€€ (Doors will 1ocWunlock when you
press the power door lock switch).
Mode 2: Lockout Prevention Only (If you leave your
keys in the ignition and get out the driver’s door, you
won’t be able
to lock the doors with the power door
lock switch).
Mode 3: Last Door Closed Locking Only (If the power
door lock switch is used to lock the vehicle while any
door is open, you will hear three chimes. The doors will
not lock until after all doors are closed).
Mode 4: Both On (This combines Mode 2 and 3).
Remote Keyless Entry Lock Verification
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 5. This
means that when you
use the key chain transmitter to
lockhnlock your vehicle, your parking lamps will flash
briefly upon the first push
on LOCK. Your horn will
sound briefly, your parking lamps will flash briefly upon
the second push on LOCK and your parking lamps will
flash briefly upon any push on UNLOCK.
To change the
factory setting, do the following:
1. Press the UNLOCK switch on the Remote Keyless
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is
set for.
Entry transmitter.
3. Press the UNLOCK switch on the Remote Keyless
Entry transmitter until you hear the number
of
chimes that correspond to the mode selection
you want.
2-19
Section 9 Index
Accessory Plug ............................. 2-61
AirBag
....................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-25
How it Works ................................ 1-23
Location
.................................... 1-23
Readiness Light
......................... 1.22. 2.78
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-24
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-25
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-24
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-18
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-74
Air Control. Climate Control System ................. 3-2
Alarm. Content Theft-Deterrent ................... 2- 13
Alarm/PanicMode ............................... 2-7
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-55
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-64
Antenna. Power
................................ 3-24
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-29
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-80. 4-7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Anti-Theft. Radio
.............................. 3- 19
Appearance Care ............................... 6-58
Servicing ................................... 1- 26 Appearance Care Materials
...... .......... 6-67
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-9
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-59
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control ....... 3-21
Audio Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-22
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-6
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-30
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-45
Fluid
....................................... 6-22
Operation ................................... 2-28
Park Mechanism Check
........................ 7-47
Shifting ..................................... 2-28
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-25
Axle. Limited-Slip Rear ......................... 2-36
Axle. Rear
.................................. 6-29
Battery ...................................... 6-40
Jump Starting ................................. 5-3
Warnings
................................ 5-3. 5-5
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-9
Blizzard . . ... ................. 4-28
Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry ............... 2-9