2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Owners Manual

2-28 Arming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter
The alarm system will arm when you use the remote
keyless entry transmitter to lock the doors after the key
is removed from the ignition. The red light will turn on
to let you know the system is arming. After all doors are
closed and locked, the red light will begin flashing at a
very slow rate to let you know the system is armed.
Arming Confirmation
If the remote unlock confirmation is on (see ªLocks
and Lighting Choicesº in the Index), the headlamps
will flash briefly to let you know when the alarm system
has armed.
Disarming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter
The alarm system will disarm when you use the
remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock the doors.
The red light will stop flashing to let you know the
system is disarmed.
Disarming with the Key
The alarm system will disarm when you use the key to
unlock the doors. The red light will stop flashing when
the system is disarmed. If you would like the key to
disarm the alarm system, see ªLocks and Lighting
Choicesº in the Index.
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.

2-29
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 interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
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 who can service the PASS
-Key III to
have a new key made. In an emergency, contact Pontiac
Roadside Assistance. See ªRoadside Assistanceº in the
Index for more information.
It is possible for the PASS
-Key III decoder to learn the
transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to
10 additional 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 cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.

2-30
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has ªPK3º stamped on it.
2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer
for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within 5 seconds of removing the original key.
5. The SECURITY 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.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 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 your 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.

2-31
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch is located on the right side of the
steering column. With the key in the ignition switch,
you can turn the switch to five positions.
ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is
off. To use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it
toward you. The steering wheel will stay locked.LOCK (B): This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
It's also the only position from which you can remove
the key.
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.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have the
vehicle pushed or towed.
RUN (D): This position is where the key returns to
after you start the vehicle. With the engine off, you
can use RUN to display some of the warning and
indicator lights.

2-32
START (E): This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With retained accessory power, the power windows,
audio system and sunroof will continue to work up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and
none of the doors are opened.
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.
Shift Lock Release
This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to
do the following:

Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) (with the shift lever button
fully released).

Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than OFF
or LOCK. The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of a dead 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 slot that will allow
you to override the shift lock release.

2-33
The override access slot is located on the upper right
side of the console shift panel.
To use the slot do the following:
1. Verify that the shift lever is in PARK (P) and that the
shift lever button is fully released.
2. Locate the override access slot on the upper right
side of the shift panel.
3. Remove the override access slot cap.
4. Insert a key or screwdriver into the access slot, press
in and hold.5. Press the shift lever button in and hold.
6. Remove the key or screwdriver from the slot.
7. Pull the shift lever into the desired gear position.
8. Reinstall the override access slot cap.
You will not be able to remove the key from the ignition
unless the shift lever is in the PARK (P) position
(with the shift lever button fully released).
Starting Your 3100 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.

2-34
2. If your engine 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 not more than 15 seconds at a time.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
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.
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.

2-35
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.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
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.