Page 90 of 460

PASS-Key®III Operation
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 do not have to
do anything different to arm or disarm the system. It
works when you insert or remove your key from
the ignition.
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.
If the engine 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. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-108. 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 who can service the PASS-Key
®
III to have a new key made.
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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 require two current driver’s keys (black in color). 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 PK3 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 ON
within 10 seconds of removing the previous key.
5. The SECURITY 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 the 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, contact
your dealer to have a new key made.
In an emergency, contact Cadillac Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-6.
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Page 92 of 460

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — 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 4-41for more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key
to four different positions.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you
can not 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 this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
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Page 93 of 460

A (OFF):This is the only position in which you can
insert or remove the key. This position locks the ignition
and transaxle. It’s a theft-deterrent feature.
B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use things
like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine
is off. This position will allow you to turn off the engine. If
your vehicle has a column shifter, you will still be able to
move the shift lever. Use ACCESSORY if you must have
your vehicle in motion while the engine is off, for example,
if your vehicle is being pushed or towed.
C (ON):This position is for driving. If your vehicle has a
console shifter and you turn off the engine, the
transaxle will lock. If you need to shift the transaxle out
of PARK (P), the ignition key has to be in ON.
D (START):This position starts the engine.Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle may be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned
from ON to OFF:
Cellular Telephone
Radio
Power Windows
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Sunroof
Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes or if
a door is opened. If you want power for another 10
minutes, close all the doors and turn the ignition key to
ON and then back to OFF. If the cellular phone is
being used while retained accessory power is active,
the timer is suspended to avoid interruption of the call.
The timer resets to 10 minutes at the end of the call.
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Page 94 of 460

Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
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 does not 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 will not 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. If the vehicle starts
brie y but then stops again, do the same thing.
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.
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Page 97 of 460

PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot 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.
Do not 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 will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-33. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-41.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift
lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) while the
ignition key is in ON. 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. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-36. Column Shifter (Digital and Analog Cluster similar)
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Page 100 of 460

Performance Shifting (DTS Only)
When your vehicle detects a change in driving
conditions, it will automatically initiate the appropriate
performance shift mode. When this occurs, the
gear display on the instrument panel cluster will change
to indicate that the transaxle has shifted to a different
gear. For example, the gear display on the cluster may
indicate 3 or 2 even though the gearshift is still in
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X). Once the performance
shift mode ends, the gear display on the instrument
panel cluster will return to normal.
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 the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P), and
prevent movement of the console shift lever (DTS
only) out of PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a
position other than OFF. The shift lock release is
always functional except in the case of a dead
battery or low voltage (less than 9 V) battery.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
regular brake pedal,
near the driver’s door.
This vehicle has a PUSH TO RELEASE parking brake
pedal. To set the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot and push the
parking brake pedal down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
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Page 102 of 460
Steering Column Shift Lever
If your vehicle is equipped with a steering column shift
lever, use the following procedure to shift the vehicle
into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:
Pull the lever toward you.
Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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