
Theft-Deterrent Systems
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.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Content
Theft-Deterrent alarm system.
With this system, the
SECURITY light will ¯ash
as you open the door
if your ignition is off.
This light reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent
system. Here's how to do it:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or
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 approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the SECURITY light goes off.
If a door is opened without the key or the remote
keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your
vehicle's headlamps will ¯ash and the horn will sound for
110 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery
power.
Remember, the 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 the 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
afterthe 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 any door
with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing
UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
The alarm won't stop if you try to unlock a door any
other way.
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Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower 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 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 but the
vehicle's headlamps ¯ash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace
the fuse, see
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-85.
If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle's headlamps
do not ¯ash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized service center.
Passlockž
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Passlockžtheft-deterrent system.
Passlock
žis a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlockženables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the
ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
During normal operation, the SECURITY light will
go off approximately ®ve seconds after the key is turned
to RUN.
If the engine stalls and the SECURITY light ¯ashes,
wait about 10 minutes until the light stops ¯ashing before
trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the
key from START as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle
needs service.
If the engine is running and the SECURITY message
comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if
you turn the engine off. However, your
Passlock
žsystem is not working properly and must be
serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected
by Passlock
žat this time. You may also want to check
the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-85.
See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance
Center. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
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Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was
before you inserted the key.
{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.
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.
B (LOCK):This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transmission. It's a theft-deterrent feature.
You will only be able to remove your key when the
ignition is turned to LOCK.C (OFF):This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. Use OFF if you must
have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for
example, if your vehicle is being towed).
D (RUN):This is the position for driving.
E (START):This position starts your engine.
Key Release Button
The key cannot be
removed from the ignition
of manual transmission
vehicles unless the
key release button is
pressed.
To remove the key, turn the ignition switch to OFF.
Then turn the key to LOCK while pressing the key
release button. Pull the key straight out.
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When starting your engine in very cold weather (below
0ÉF or (±18ÉC), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there up to
15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of
the key.
2. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be ¯ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
¯oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts brie¯y but then stops again, do the
same thing, but this time keep the pedal down
for ®ve or six seconds. 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.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with this feature.
In very cold weather, 0ÉF (±18ÉC) 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. At
temperatures above 32ÉF (0ÉC), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located in the engine compartment behind
the underhood fuse block on the driver's side of the
vehicle.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110±volt AC outlet.
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{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 ®re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-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 Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission 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.
If your vehicle is equipped with a column shift lever,
it features an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. This display must be powered
anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved
out of PARK (P). This means that if your key is in OFF,
but not locked, there will be a small current drain on
your battery which could discharge your battery over a
period of time. If you need to leave your key in the
ignition in OFF for an extended period, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging your battery.
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PARK (P):This position locks your rear 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 ®rmly 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.
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will
be free to roll Ð even if your shift lever is in
PARK (P) Ð if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear Ð not in NEUTRAL. See
ªFour-Wheel Drive (Automatic Transfer Case)º
in the Index. See ªShifting Into Park (P)º in
the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
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; then,
while pressing the button on the console shift lever,
push the shift lever all the way in PARK (P) as
you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. See
Shifting Out of Park (P)
on page 2-37.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
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Electronic Transfer Case
If your four-wheel-drive
vehicle has the electronic
transfer case, the
transfer case buttons are
to the right of the steering
wheel on the instrument
panel.
Use these buttons to shift into and out of
four-wheel-drive. You can choose among three driving
settings:
2HI (Two-Wheel High):This setting is for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle is not
engaged in two-wheel drive. When this lamp is lit, it is
about one-half as bright as the others.4HI (Four-Wheel High):This setting engages your
front axle to help drive your vehicle. Use 4HI when you
need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads,
or in most off-road situations.
4LO (Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages
your front axle to give you extra traction. You may never
need 4LO. It sends the maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose 4LO if you were driving
off-road in sand, mud or deep snow and climbing
or descending steep hills.
Indicator lights in the buttons show you which setting
you are in. The indicator lights will come on brie¯y when
you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the
lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle in
for service. An indicator light will ¯ash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
Shifting from 2HI to 4HI
Press and release the 4HI button. This can be done at
any speed, and the front axle will lock automatically.
Shifting from 4HI to 2HI
Press and release the 2HI button. This can be done at
any speed, and the front axle will unlock automatically.
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·Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle is in
PARK (P).
Console Shift Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) position like this:
·Hold in the button on the lever.
·Push the lever all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle is in
PARK (P).
2-36