2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Owners Manual

1-53

If your vehicle has the child restraint locking
feature on the shoulder belt retractor, pull the rest
of the shoulder belt all the way out of the
retractor to set the lock.
To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor while you push down on the
child restraint. You may find it helpful to use
your knee to push down on the child restraint as
you tighten the belt.

If your vehicle doesn't have the child restraint
locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor,
tighten the belt by pulling up on the shoulder belt
while you push down on the child restraint. You
may find it helpful to use your knee to push down
on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.Larger Children
Children who have outgrown child restraints should
wear the vehicle's safety belts.
If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a
window so the child can wear a lap
-shoulder belt and
get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

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Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly.

Children who aren't buckled up can be thrown out in
a crash.

Children who aren't buckled up can strike other
people who are.
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt.
The belt can't properly spread the impact forces.
In a crash, the two children can be crushed
together and seriously injured. A belt must be
used by only one person at a time.
Q:What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child's face or neck?
A:Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child's
shoulder, so that in a crash the child's upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide. If the
child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see
ªRear Safety Belt Comfort Guidesº in the Index.
If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still
very close to the child's face or neck, you might
want to place the child in the center seat position,
the one that has only a lap belt.

1-55
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap
-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child. If the child wears the belt in this way,
in a crash the child might slide under the belt.
The belt's force would then be applied right on
the child's abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash.

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Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at
the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in
this section.

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, 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 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-7 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-12 Multifunction Alarm Locks and
Lighting Choices
2
-23 Trunk
2
-24 Theft
2
-25 Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped)
2
-27 PASS-Key
III
2
-29 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-29 Ignition Positions
2
-30 Starting Your Engine
2
-33 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-34 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-39 Parking Brake
2
-40 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-42 Shifting Out of PARK (P)2
-43 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-44 Engine Exhaust
2
-44 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-45 Power Windows
2
-47 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-52 Exterior Lamps
2
-54 Interior Lamps
2
-57 Mirrors
2
-59 Storage Compartments
2
-64 OnStar
System (If Equipped)
2
-65 Sunroof (If Equipped)
2
-66 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-70 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-84 Head-Up Display (Option)
2
-88 Driver Information Center (DIC)
(If Equipped)
2
-90 Trip Computer (If Equipped)

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Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate controls or even make the
vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.

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The master key can be used
for the ignition, as well
as all door locks and
storage compartments.
The valet key can be used
for the ignition and the two
side doors only. It will not
open the trunk, glove box
or the fold
-down rear seat
trunk access panel
(if equipped).When a new vehicle is delivered, it will come with a bar
coded tag attached to the key ring.
This tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a
qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
code in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you'll be able
to have new ones made easily using this code.
If you need a new ignition key, contact your dealer who
can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the
pre
-cut emergency key which Pontiac sends after
delivery. (This service is not available in Canada.)
In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at
1
-800-ROADSIDE (1-800-762-3743).
(In Canada call 1
-800-268-6800.)
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your keys inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have
extra keys.

2-4
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers -- especially children -- can easily
open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won't open it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
This may not be so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren't locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
To unlock either front door from outside the vehicle
with your key, insert it fully into the door key cylinder
and turn it counterclockwise.You can lock either front door from outside the vehicle
with your key by inserting it fully into the door key
cylinder and turning it clockwise.
To unlock either the front or rear door from inside the
vehicle, push the manual lock lever rearward.
To lock either the front or rear door from inside the
vehicle, push the manual lock lever forward.