Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key@
Ill uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key@ 111 Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key@ Ill
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key@
Ill is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do
anything special to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key@
Ill 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 Fuses
and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-97. 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@
Ill to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Pontiac Roadside Assistance.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 7-5 for
more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key@
Ill 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@
Ill to have keys
made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key@
Ill to get a new key blank that is cut exactly
as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-1 7
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In Ignition Positions
With
the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
five different positions. The ignition switch is located
on the right side of the steering column.
Notice: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But
it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
e
e
e 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. A
(ACCESSORY): This position lets
you use things like
the radio and windshield wipers while the engine is
off. To use accessory, push in the key and turn it toward
you. The steering wheel will stay locked.
3-1 9
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? 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.
B (LOCK): 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.
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. Use
OFF if you must have
the vehicle pushed or towed.
D (RUN): 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.
E (START): This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound
if you open the driver’s door
while the ignition is in
OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY
and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With Retained Accessory Power, (RAP), 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 while you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL
(N) only.
Nofice: 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.
2-20
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.
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.
2-22
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply
the regular brakes and press the shift control button
located on the front of the shift lever, before you
can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever by pushing
it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release
the shift lever button. Then move the shift lever out
of PARK (P), being sure to press the shift lever button.
See Shifting
Out of Park (P) on page 2-30.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transaxle, see If
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, ice or Snow on
page
4-32.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL
(N) when the vehicle is being towed.
ini a d ‘e gea your enc_ e is
“racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous.
Unless your foot
is firmly 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 transaxle caused by
shifting into a drive gear with the engine racing
isn’t
covered by your warranty.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
(a): This position is for
normal driving. If you need more power
for passing, and
you’re:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal about halfway
down.
accelerator pedal all the way down.
2-25
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
Notice: If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly, or if
it seems not to shift gears as you go
faster, something may be wrong with a transaxle system sensor.
If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if
this happens,
have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you can use SECOND
(2) when you are driving
less than
35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds.
THIRD
(3): This position is also used for normal driving,
but
it offers more power and lower fuel economy than
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
(@ ).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (a):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
When driving in non-highway scenarios
(i.e. city streets, etc.). SECOND
(2): This
position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD
(3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes
off and on.
Notice: Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use THIRD
(3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) as
much as possible. Don’t shift into SECOND
(2)
unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h)
or you can damage your engine.
FIRST
(1): This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is in
FIRST (I), the transaxle won’t shift into
first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice: If your front wheels won’t turn, don’t try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transaxle. Also,
if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your
vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This
could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your
brakes to hold your vehicle in position on
a hill.
2-26
Assist Handles
An assist handle with a reading lamp is located over
each rear side window. The handle can be used to help
you get in or out
of the vehicle. Press the reading
lamp to turn it on. Press
it again to turn it off.
Purse or Litter Bag Holder
On the front of the center console, to the right of the
accessory power outlet, there is a hook that can be used
to hold a purse or litter bag.
Rear Storage Area
If you have a trunk access panel, you will also have a
pull down armrest that contains an open storage bin and
two cupholders.
Convenience Net
The vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it
on the back wall of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or
quick starts and stops. The
net isn’t for larger, heavier loads, which should be
stored
in the trunk as far forward as possible.
You can unhook the net
so that it will lie flat when
you’re not using it.
Trunk Access Panel
If the vehicle has rear seat armrests, you will also have
a trunk access panel.
This feature allows access to the trunk from the rear
seat area. To use the trunk access panel, pull the rear
armrest down, unlock the access panel with the
ignition key and pull it down.
2-41
Windshield Wipers
To operate the windshield wipers, turn the band marked
WIPER located on the multifunction lever, upward or
downward.
MIST: Turn the band to MIST for a single wiping cycle.
Hold it there until the windshield wipers start, then let
it go. The windshield wipers will stop after one cycle.
For more cycles, hold the band on MIST longer.
OFF: Turn the band to OFF to turn the windshield
wipers
off.
DELAY (Delayed Wiping): Turn the band upward to
choose one of the five delay settings. For longer periods
of time between wiper blade cycles, select a low
setting. For shorter periods of time between wiper blade
cycles, select a higher setting. The further the band
is turned upward, the longer the delay between
wiper cycles.
LOW: Turn the band to LOW for steady wiping at a
low speed.
HIGH: Turn the band to HIGH for steady wiping at a
high speed. Be sure to clear ice and snow
from the wiper blades
before using them.
If they’re frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them.
If the blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overioad the wipers.
A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
0 PUSH: Press the paddle with the word PUSH and
the washer symbol on
it, located on top of the
multifunction lever, to spray washer fluid on the
windshield. The wipers will clear the windshield ana
then either stop or return to the se’ -peed.
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer fluid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
3-7