2001 PONTIAC FIREBIRD ignition

2-21
If the engine does not start
and the SECURITY light
stays on when you try to
start the vehicle, the key
may be dirty or wet. Turn
the ignition off.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this
time. If the starter still won't work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want
to check the fuses (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in
the Index). If the starter won't work with the other key,
your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start,
the first ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer
or a locksmith who can service the PASS
-Key II.If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won't work. The
SECURITY light will flash. But you don't have to
wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS
-Key II to have a new key made.
If you're 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 II system, however, is not
working properly and must be serviced by your dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS
-Key II system.
If you lose or damage a PASS
-Key II ignition key, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS
-Key II
to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Center. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index for more information.

2-23 Entering Programming Mode
To program any feature, your vehicle must be in the
programming mode. Follow these steps:
1. Put your key in the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition to RUN to disarm the content
theft
-deterrent/alarm system.
3. Turn the ignition to OFF.
4. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is in the
main fuse block, located on the left side of your
instrument panel. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº
in the Index.
5. Turn the ignition toward you to ACC.
6. Count the number of chimes you hear. You will
hear one or two chimes depending on the features
your vehicle is equipped with. Refer to the chart
shown previously.
You can now program your choices.
To exit the programming mode, follow the steps
listed under ªLeaving Programming Modeº later
in this section.
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
With exit lighting, your interior lamps will come on
for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from
the ignition.
With delayed illumination, your interior lamps will
come on and stay on for up to 25 seconds when
entering your vehicle and up to five seconds when
leaving your vehicle.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: Both Off
Mode 2: Delayed Illumination Only
Mode 3: Exit Lighting Only
Mode 4: Both On

2-24
When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed in Mode 4. The mode to which the vehicle
has been programmed may have been changed since it
left the factory. To determine the mode to which your
vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a
different mode, do the following:
1. Turn the courtesy lamps on by turning the instrument
panel brightness control all the way up.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set
for. (If you do not wish to change the current mode,
you can either exit the programming mode by
following the instructions later in this section or
program the next feature available on your vehicle.)
3. Turn the courtesy lamp switch off to change the
current mode.
4. Turn the courtesy lamp switch from on to off until
you hear the number of chimes that corresponds to
the mode selection you want.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.Last Door Closed Locking and
Lockout Prevention
These features are designed to help prevent your keys
from being locked in your vehicle.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: Both Off (Doors will lock/unlock when you
press the power door lock switch.)
Mode 2: Lockout Prevention Only (If you leave your
keys in the ignition and leave through the driver's door,
you won't be able to lock the doors with the power door
lock switch.)
Mode 3: Last Door Closed Locking Only (If the power
door lock switch is used to lock the vehicle while any
door is open, you will hear three chimes. The doors
will not lock until after all doors are closed.)
Mode 4: Both On (This combines Mode 2 and 3.)

2-29
When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed in Mode 4. The mode to which the vehicle
has been programmed may have been changed since it
left the factory. To determine the mode to which your
vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a
different mode, do the following:
1. Turn the parking lamps on and off.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set
for. (If you do not wish to change the current mode,
you can either exit the programming mode by
following the instructions later in this section or
program the next feature available on your vehicle.)
3. Turn the parking lamps on and off, again, until you
hear the number of chimes that corresponds to the
mode selection you want.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
next in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.
Exiting Programming Mode
When programming is complete, turn the ignition to
OFF and reinstall the RADIO fuse.
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:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

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.

2-30
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn the switch to
five different positions.
ACC (A): This is the position in which you can operate
your electrical power accessories. Push in the ignition
switch as you turn it toward you.
LOCK (B): This is the only position from which you
can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch can't be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever
is in PARK (P).
CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don't press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
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.

2-31
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission, but does not send
electrical power to any accessories. Use this position if
your vehicle must be pushed or towed. A warning tone
will sound if you open the driver's door when the
ignition is off and the key is in the ignition.
RUN (D): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in RUN when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel warning and indicator lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition will return to
RUN for normal driving.
Even if the engine is not running, ACC or RUN or
Retained Accessory Power (RAP), when active, allow
you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the
radio and ventilation fan. See ªRetained Accessory
Power (RAP)º in the Index.Key Release Button (If Equipped)
If you have a manual
transmission, your
ignition lock has a
key release button.
You must press the key release button to turn the
ignition key to LOCK before you can take your key out.

2-32 Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature. It allows certain features on your
vehicle to continue to work up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to OFF.
Your convertible top, power windows, power mirrors
and audio system will work when the ignition key is
in RUN or ACC. Once the key is turned from RUN
to OFF, these features will continue to work for up
to 10 minutes or until a door is opened.
Your power door unlock and remote hatch release
features will work when the ignition key is in RUN or
ACC or if either door is open. Once the key is turned
to OFF, these features will continue to work for up to
10 minutes. If a door is open and the ignition key is off,
these features will continue to work until both doors
have been closed for about 30 seconds or until the
theft
-deterrent system arms. At that time, both the
power door unlock and remote hatch release features
will be disabled to enhance the security of the vehicle.
The power door lock function will work at all
times except when lockout prevention is enabled.
See ªLockout Preventionº in the Index.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission
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
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when
your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the
floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if
the clutch pedal is not all the way down
-- that's a
safety feature.

2-33 Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine
1. With your foot off 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 within 10 seconds, hold your key
in START for about 10 seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.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. This time keep the pedal down for five or
six seconds to clear 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.