1999 CHEVROLET METRO ignition

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Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake
-Transaxle
Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply your
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
-- push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and release the
shift lever button as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. See ªShifting Out of
PARK (P)º in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see
ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn't covered by your warranty.

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Parking Brake
The parking brake is located between the seats. To set
the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull
up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the
brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the
release button. Hold the release button in as you move
the lever all the way down.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to
replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.

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Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If
you have left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when
you're on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of your vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll. If
you have left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be injured.
Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock
(BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition
key is in ON. See ªAutomatic Transaxle Operationº 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) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn off the engine (if started).2. Set the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition key to ON.
4. Find the access hole cover on the driver's side of
the console, near the shift lever.
5. Remove the screw and cover with a screwdriver.
Inside you'll see a lock cam.
6. Using the screwdriver, move the lock cam forward
until the pin is free and hold the cam there. Move
the shift lever into NEUTRAL (N) while holding
the cam forward.
7. Firmly apply and hold the brake pedal.
8. Start the engine.
9. Move the shift lever into the gear you want.
10. Release the parking brake.
11. 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.

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Exterior Lamps
Headlamps
Turn the outside part of the turn signal/multifunction
lever to control the lamps.
OFF: All lamps are off.
: This position will turn on the following lamps:

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

Instrument Panel Lamps
: This position will turn on the lamps listed above,
as well as the headlamps.
Lamps On Reminder
If you turn the ignition off and leave the lamps on,
you'll hear a tone when you open the driver's door.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
The DRL system will make your low
-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when:

The ignition is on,

The headlamp switch is off and

The parking brake is released.
When you turn on the headlamp switch, your DRL will
go out and your headlamps will come on.
The other lamps that come on with your headlamps will
also come on.

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1. Rear Window Wiper Switch (If Equipped)
2. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
3. Air Vent
4. Brightness Control
5. Horn
6. Hazard Warning Flasher
7. Instrument Cluster
8. Ignition Switch
9. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
10. Coinholder
11. Comfort Controls
12. Side Defroster Vent13. Glove Box
14. Audio System
15. Cigarette Lighter
16. Cupholder
17. Storage Compartment
18. Parking Brake Lever
19. Transaxle Shift Lever
20. Ashtray
21. Fuse Block
22. Hood Release
23. Rear Window Defogger Switch
24. Rear Window Washer Switch (If Equipped)

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This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Charging System Light
This light will come on
briefly when you turn the
ignition to ON or START,
but when the engine is not
running, as a check to show
you it is working.Then it should go out when the engine starts.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive
belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. Driving while this light is on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the charging
system light on, be certain to turn off all your
accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)
This light comes on when
you need to shift to the next
higher gear. See ªManual
Transaxleº in the Index.

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2-39 Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
United States Canada
This light should come on when you turn the key to
START. If it doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there's a problem.If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº and ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.)
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.