
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.
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Keys
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Trunk
Theft
Passlock
TM
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Manual Transaxle Operation
Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle
Models Only) Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic
Transaxle Models Only) 2-3
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Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle Only)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
Windows
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
Turn SignaUMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
Accessory Power Outlet
Garment Hook
Sunroof (If Equipped)
The Instrument Panel
--
Your Information System
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
If your Pontiac has this option, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about
3 feet (1 m)
up to
30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
In addition, the system illuminates the interior lamps for
a set period of time. The Keyless Entry System consists
of a receiver, which is located in the vehicle, and two
hand-held transmitters.
Your 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 following 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.
This system has a range of about
3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease
in range. This
is normal for any keyless entry system.
If the transmitter does not work or
if you have to
stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to
work,
try this:
Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization
is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right,
hold the transmitter higher and
try again.
or a qualified technician for service.
If you’re still having trouble, see your Pontiac dealer

Operation
The following functions are available with the Keyless
Entry System:
LOCK: All doors will automatically lock when the
LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. The interior
lamps stay on for two seconds after all of the doors
are closed.
UNLOCK: The driver’s door will unlock automatically
when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed.
If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within five
seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior
lamps will stay on for
40 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
Trunk Release: The trunk will unlock anytime the
vehicle symbol
on the transmitter is pressed and the
ignition is
OW. If the ignition is on, the trunk will
unlock
if the parking brake is set (manual transaxle) or
the gear selector
is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
(automatic transaxle). The interior lamps will come on
for 40 seconds or until the ignition switch is turned to
the
ON position.
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each key chain 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 only two transmitters
matched to it.
You can match your transmitter to as many 1997
General Motors vehicles as you own, as long as they
have the same Keyless Entry System. Contact your
dealer for assistance with this.
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Synchronization Your Keyless Entry System is equipped with a security
system that prevents anyone from recording and playing
back your signal. The transmitter does not send the same
signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not
respond
to a signal that has been sent to it more
than once.
Trunk
To resynchronize your transmitter and receiver, follow
these directions:
1. Stand close to your vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the transmitter at the same time.
3. Hold the buttons for five seconds. In this time, the
doors should lock and unlock once. This confirms
the resynchronization. If the doors do not lock and
unlock, see your dealer for service.
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and
turn the trunk lock cylinder.
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle.
You can’t see or smell
CO.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:
0 Make sure all windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed
with the setting on
VENT. That
will force outside air into your
vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.
instrument panel, open them all the way.
0 If you have air outlets on or under the
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
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Remote Trunk Release
The remote trunk release handle is located on the floor
near the left side of the driver’s seat in front of the
fuel door release. Pull up on the remote release handle to
release the trunk lid. Make sure the override feature is
not activated.
Trunk Security Override
The remote trunk release is
equipped with an override
feature to help prevent
unauthorized entry into the
trunk when leaving the
vehicle unattended, The switch is located on the
inside of the trunk lid,
mounted to the trunk
lid latch.
To turn the override feature on, slide the switch all the
way to the right. To turn the override feature off, slide
the switch all the way to the left.
When the override 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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Theft Parking at Night
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 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. 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.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
e Then take the door key with you.
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Front Map Lamps (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has a sunroof, it will have a rearview
mirror with lamps built in. The lamps go on when you
open the doors. When the
doors are closed, turn the
lamps on and off with the switches located below the
face of the mirror.
Rear Reading Lamps (If Equipped)
These overhead lamps and the interior courtesy lamps
will come on when you open the doors.
To turn on a reading lamp when the doors are closed,
press the button. Press it again to turn off the lamp.
Trunk Lamp
This lamp comes on when you open your trunk.
Battery Saver
Your Pontiac is equipped with a battery saver feature
designed to protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading, footwell or
glove box) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery saver system will automatically shut the lamp off
after
20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, either:
The ignition must be turned on,
0 The activated lamp switch must be turned off and
then on or
0 A front door must be opened.
The battery saver feature will also be activated when
any door of your vehicle is left open.
Also, if your vehicle is left with the ignition turned off
for over
24 days, battery power to your clock and audio
system will be turned off to reduce battery drain. When
the ignition
is turned on again, battery power will be
resupplied. However, under these conditions, it will be
necessary to reset the clock and audio system settings.
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Rear Seat Cupholder
There are cupholders on the underside of the front
storage armrest lid
for the rear passengers to use. Open
the lid completely to use the cupholders.
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it
just inside the back wall
of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp turns
or
quick starts and stops.
The net isn’t for larger, heavier loads. Store them
in the
trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net
so that it will lie flat when
you’re not using it. Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
(If Equipped)
To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go.
When it’s ready, it will pop back
out by itself.
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