2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE Owners Manual

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.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have a theft-deterrent alarm system.
A light located on top of your instrument panel (near the
center of the vehicle, next to the windshield) will ¯ash
slowly to let you know that the system has been armed.While armed, the doors will not unlock with the power
door lock switch.
Once armed, the alarm will go off if someone tries to
enter the vehicle (without using the remote keyless entry
transmitter or a key) or turns the ignition to ON. The
horn will sound and the parking lamps will ¯ash for up to
two minutes.
When the alarm is armed, the liftgate may be opened
with the remote keyless entry transmitter or with a key.
Arming with the Power Lock Switch
Your alarm system will arm when you use either power
door lock switch to lock the doors while any door or
the liftgate is open and the key is removed from
the ignition. If you would like to turn on power door lock
switch arming, see
Vehicle Personalization on
page 2-61.
When the security light ¯ashes quickly the system is
ready to arm with the power door lock switches.
Then the security light will stop ¯ashing and stay on
when you press the rear of the power door lock switch,
to let you know the system is arming. After all doors
and the liftgate are closed and locked, the security light
will begin ¯ashing at a very slow rate to let you know
the system is armed.
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Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter
Your alarm system will arm when you use your remote
keyless entry transmitter to lock the doors, if the key
is not in the ignition. The security light will turn on to let
you know the system is arming. After all doors and
the liftgate are closed and locked, the security light will
begin ¯ashing at a very slow rate to let you know
the system is armed.
Arming with Your Key
Your alarm system will arm when you use your key to
lock the doors. The security light will turn on to let
you know the system is arming. After all doors and the
liftgate are closed and locked, the security light will
begin ¯ashing at a very slow rate to let you know the
system is armed. If you would like your key not to
arm the system, see
Vehicle Personalization on
page 2-61.
Arming Con®rmation
If remote unlock con®rmation is on, your parking lamps
will ¯ash brie¯y to let you know when your alarm
system has disarmed. If you would not like the parking
lamps to ¯ash, see
Vehicle Personalization on
page 2-61.
Disarming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter
Your alarm system will disarm when you use your
remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock the doors.
The security light will stop ¯ashing to let you know the
system is no longer armed.
Disarming with Your Key
Your alarm system will disarm when you use your key
to unlock the doors. The security light will stop
¯ashing to let you know the system is no longer armed.
If you would like your key not to disarm the alarm
system, see
Vehicle Personalization on page 2-61.
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PASS-KeyžIII
Your PASS-KeyžIII 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 modi®cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
žIII uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-KeyžIII Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-KeyžIII
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
žIII 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.
When the PASS-Key
žIII 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.
If the engine does not start and the security message
comes on, the key may have a damaged transponder.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
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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 instrument panel PASS
KEY fuse. If the engine still does not start with the
other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the ®rst key may be faulty. See your dealer or
a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key
žIII to
have a new key made. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-96.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
žIII 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
žIII to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
žIII to get a new key blank that is cut exactly
as the ignition key that operates the system.
Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key
žIII to
have new keys made. To program additional keys you
will need two current driver's keys (black in color).
You must add a step to the following procedure. After
Step 3 repeat Steps 1 through 3 with the second current
driver's key. Then continue with Step 4.To program the new key, do the following:
1. Verify the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the ignition 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 message will turn off once the key has
been programmed. It may not be apparent that the
security message 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 message comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart your
engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
žIII system,
however, is not working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
žIII system at this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key
žIII key, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-KeyžIII to
have a new key made.
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Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
ªbreak-in.º But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
·Do not drive at any one speed Ð fast or
slow Ð for the ®rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts.
·Avoid making hard stops for the ®rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not 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.
·Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-36
for more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn it to ®ve
different positions.
A (ACCESSORY):This is the position in which you can
operate your electrical accessories. Press in the
ignition switch as you turn the top of the key
toward you.
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B (LOCK):This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle.
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 these works, then your vehicle needs
service.
C (OFF):This position unlocks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle but, does not send power to
any accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must
be pushed or towed, but never try to push-start your
vehicle.
D (RUN):This is the position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and release the
ignition key. This is the position for driving. Even when
the engine is not running, you can use RUN to
operate your electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
E (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the ignition key. The switch
will return to RUN for normal driving.If the engine is not running, ACCESSORY and RUN are
positions that allow you to operate your electrical
accessories, such as the radio.Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With RAP, the power windows, power rear quarter
windows, audio system and the automatic level control
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:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transmission. 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 warms up.
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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 the engine doesn't start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the way
down while you turn the key to START. Do this until
the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of
the key.
3. 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 a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine
still won't start or starts brie¯y but then stops again,
repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on the temperature.
When the engine starts, release the key and
the accelerator pedal.
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 do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater. 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.
2-33

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
electrical cord is located on the driver's side of the
engine compartment.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{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 will
not 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 Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you're in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
2-34