2003 GMC SONOMA lock

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 willflash
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 willflash and the horn will sound for
110 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery power.
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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
keyafterthe 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.
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 headlampsflash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace
the fuse, seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-89.
If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’s headlamps
do notflash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized service center.
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2003 - Sonoma OM

Passlock®
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Passlock®theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock®enables 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 approximatelyfive seconds after the key is turned
to RUN.
If the engine stalls and the SECURITY lightflashes,
wait about 10 minutes until the light stopsflashing 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
®system is not working properly and must be
serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected
by Passlock
®at this time. You may also want to check
the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-89.
See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance
Center. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-5.
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2003 - Sonoma OM

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.”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 “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn it tofive
different positions.
Notice:Don’t operate accessories in the
ACCESSORY position for long periods of time.
Prolonged operation of accessories in the
ACCESSORY position could drain your battery and
prevent you from starting your vehicle.
A (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use things like
the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine
is off. Push in the key and turn it toward you. Your
steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before
you inserted the key.
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{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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2003 - Sonoma OM

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with this feature.
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. At temperatures
above 32°F(0°C), 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.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause afire. 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.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever on the
steering column.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument 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.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 brakefirmly 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“Shifting
Into Park (P)”in the Index. If you’re pulling a
trailer, see“Towing a Trailer”in the Index.
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Make sure 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–push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as
you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. SeeShifting Out of Park (P)
on page 2-35.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-40.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
“racing”(running at high speed) is dangerous.
Unless your foot isfirmly on the brake pedal,
your vehicle could move very rapidly. You
could lose control and hit people or objects.
Don’t shift into a drive gear while your engine
is racing.
Notice:Damage to your transmission caused by
shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with
the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.
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