2-17 Trunk Release Handle
Your vehicle may be equipped with a truck release handle.
Some early production vehicles may not have this feature.
NOTICE:
The trunk release handle was not designed to
be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk release handle could damage it.
If your vehicle does have this feature, there is a
glow
-in-the-dark trunk release handle located near the
trunk latch. This handle will glow following exposure to
light. Pull the release handle up to open
the trunk from the inside.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
With the ignition off and the driver's door open, you'll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition
and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.
2-18 Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition key?
If possible, park in a busy, well
-lit area.
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box.
Be sure to close and lock the storage area.
Close all windows.
Insert the master key into the trunk release button
and turn it to LOCK.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all doors except the driver's.
Give the valet key to the valet. Then take the master
key with you.
Content Theft-Deterrent
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have
a content theft
-deterrent
alarm system. With this
system, the SECURITY
light will flash as you open
the door (if your ignition
is off).
This light reminds you to activate the content
theft
-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.
To activate the system, do the following:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or
with the remote keyless entry transmitter. The
SECURITY light should come on and stay on.
3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off
after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until
the SECURITY light goes off.
2-19
If a door is opened without the key or remote
keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off.
Your vehicle's lamps will flash and the horn will
sound for 30 seconds. The lamps and horn will
then turn off to save battery power.
Remember, the content theft
-deterrent system won't
activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the
manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power
door lock switch with a door open, or with the remote
keyless entry transmitter. You should also remember that
you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key
if the alarm has been set off.
Here's how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you don't want to activate the theft
-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the door
key after the doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other
way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock the driver's
door with your key. You can also turn off the alarm
by pressing the button with the unlock symbol on the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won't stop
if you try to unlock a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver's
window and open the driver's door.
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 car, 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, but the
vehicle's lamps flash, 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 vehicle's lamps do
not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized service center.
2-20
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.
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.
2-21
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.
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.
Canadian Owners: If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS
-Key III to have new
keys made. To program additional keys you will need
two current driver's keys. You must add a step to the
following procedure. After Step 2, repeat Steps 1 and 2
with the second current driver's key. Then continue
with Step 3.To program the new key, do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has ªPK3º stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver's 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 10 seconds of removing the previous key.
5. 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.
6. 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 to have a new key made.
2-22
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.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
five different positions.
(A) ACCESSORY: This position lets you use your
electrical power accessories such as power windows,
power sunroof (option), radio and the windshield
wipers. To use, push in the ignition key and turn it
toward you. Your steering wheel will remain locked,
just as it was before you inserted the key.
2-23
(B) LOCK: This is the only position in which you
can remove the key. This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel 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. 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.
(C) OFF: This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK and it doesn't send any electrical
power to the accessories. The instrument panel cluster
will remain powered in LOCK to illuminate the gear
shift indicator. The cluster will also activate the parking
brake light when the parking brake is set. Use UNLOCK
if you must have your vehicle in motion while the
engine is not running.(D) RUN: This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. This is also
the position for normal driving. Even when the engine is
not running, you can use RUN to operate your power
accessories and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
(E) START: This position starts your engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to RUN for normal driving.
Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in OFF, you will hear a warning
chime when you open the driver's door.
Always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave it in any
other position, you will drain your battery power.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and remove the key,
you will still have power to such accessories as the
power windows, audio steering wheel controls
(if equipped), clock, sunroof (option) and the radio
for up to 10 minutes. The instrument panel cluster
lights will stay on for a few seconds, then will go out.
Once you open a door, the power will shut off.
2-24
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. 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.