2000 CADILLAC DEVILLE ignition

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With the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to four
different positions.
OFF (A): Before you put the key in, the ignition will be
in OFF. This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it 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.
ACCESSORY (B): This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off the
engine, but still turn the steering wheel. If your vehicle
has a column shifter, you will still be able to move the
shift lever. Use ACCESSORY if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if
your vehicle is being pushed or towed).
ON (C): This position is for driving. If your vehicle has a
floor (console) shifter and you turn off the engine, the
transaxle will lock. If you need to shift the transaxle out of
PARK (P), the ignition key has to be in ON.
START (D): This position starts the engine.

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Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle may be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned from
ON to OFF:

Radio

Power Windows

Sunroof
Power to these accessories will stop after 10 minutes or
if any door is opened. If you want power for another
10 minutes, turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY, then
back to OFF. Always leave your key in OFF when using
RAP. If you leave your key in any other position than
OFF, your battery will discharge prematurely.
Starting Your Engine
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 vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.

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Starting Your Northstar V8 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. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try to help avoid draining your
battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in
START for about three seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging
your starter.3. 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.
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 ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.

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Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. 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) as
you maintain brake application. Then 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
has stopped.
Also use this gear 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 for additional information.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the 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.

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Parking Brake
Hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right
foot and push the parking
brake pedal down with
your left foot to set the
parking brake.
If the ignition is on, the BRAKE indicator light
should come on. If it doesn't, you need to have your
vehicle serviced.
When you move out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
and the engine is running, the parking brake should
release. If the parking brake has not been fully released
and you try to drive off with the parking brake on, the
BRAKE indicator light will come on and stay on.If the brake doesn't fully release, you can manually
release the lever. Before attempting to release the
lever however, be sure to carefully read the
following paragraphs.
CAUTION:
Always shift to PARK (P) before pulling the
manual release lever. If your hand or arm is in
the way of the pedal you could be hurt. The pedal
springs back quickly. Keep your hand and arm
away when you use the manual release lever.
Before releasing the manual parking brake, be sure to
put the vehicle in PARK (P) and turn the ignition
to OFF.

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Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. 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).
Console Shift Lever (If Equipped)
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P).
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. 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)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is in ON. See ªAutomatic Transaxleº 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. If you ever
hold the brake pedal down, but still can't shift out of
PARK (P) and your vehicle has a column shifter,
try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the 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.
Shift Lock Release (Console Shifter Only)
This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:

Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P), and

Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than OFF.
The shift lock release is always functional except in
the case of a dead battery or low voltage (less
than 9 V) battery.
If your vehicle has a dead battery or a battery with low
voltage, there is an override access hole that will allow
you to override the shift lock release.

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The console shift lock
release is located on the
front of the center console.
To access the shift lock release hole:
1. Verify that the shift lever is in PARK (P).
2. Locate the shift lock release on the front of the
center console.
3. Remove the shift lock release hole cover.
4. Insert a small diameter screwdriver into the shift
lock release hole, press in and hold.
5. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole.
7. Remove the ignition key from the ignition switch.
8. Put the shift lock release hole cover back on.Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.