2000 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE Owners Manual

2-17 Testing the Alarm
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for the
SECURITY light to go out.
4. Then, reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door.
This should set off the alarm.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to
see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº
in the Index.
If the alarm does not sound, or the exterior lamps do not
flash, see your dealer.
PASS-Key
III
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
-Key III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft
-deterrent system.
PASS
-Key III is a passive
theft
-deterrent system.
This means you don't have to do anything different to
arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert or
remove the key from the ignition.
Your PASS
-Key III system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

2-18
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 Canada.
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.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS
-Key III uses a radio frequency transponder in the
key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS
-Key III system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's starter
and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will
stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone using a
trial
-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key may
have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and
try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse (see ªFuses and
Circuit Breakersº in the Index). If the engine still does
not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS
-Key III to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS
-Key III decoder to learn the
transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to
10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. This
procedure is for learning additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are lost or do not operate,
you must see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS
-Key III to have keys made and programmed to
the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS
-Key III to get a new key blank that is a cut
exactly as a current black colored driver's key that
operates the system. Do not used a gray
-colored valet
key for this procedure.

2-19
To program the new key:
1. Insert the current driver's key (black in color) in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.
2. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF, and
remove the key.
3. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within 10 seconds of removing the previous key.
4. The SECURITY telltale light will turn off once the
key has been programmed. It may not be apparent
that the SECURITY light went on due to how
quickly the key is programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if
you turn it off. Your PASS
-Key III system, however,
is not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS
-Key
III system at this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS
-Key III key, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS
-Key III to
have a new key made.
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 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 ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.

2-20
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn the switch to
four different positions.
LOCK (A): This is the only position from which you
can remove the key. This position locks your ignition
and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK 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): In this position you can operate
your electrical power accessories such as power
windows, power sunroof (option), audio system and
windshield wipers.
RUN (C): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. Even when
the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate
your electrical power accessories and to display some
instrument panel cluster warning lights. This is the
position for driving your vehicle.

2-21
START (D): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
Even if the engine is not running, ACCESSORY and
RUN are positions that allow you to operate your
electrical accessories.
Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in the ignition, in the LOCK
position, you will hear a warning tone when you open
the driver's door.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and even remove the key,
you will still have electrical power to such accessories
as the radio, sunroof (if equipped) and power windows
for up to 10 minutes. Power is turned off if you open
a door.
Always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave your key
in any position other than LOCK, 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.
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.

2-22
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 to five 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, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal
starting procedure.
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.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
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.

2-23 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The engine coolant heater cord is located on the
passenger's side of the vehicle, above the
headlamp assembly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
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
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach,
use a heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle may have a shift lever
located on the console between the seats or on the
steering column.
There are several different
positions for your
shift lever.

2-24
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels.
It's the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is 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.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. 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, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.
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 RUN. 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 also release the shift lever button on floor shift
console models as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you wish (press the
shift lever button before moving the shift lever on floor
shift console models). 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.