
Liftgate
To open the liftgate on the MAXX from the outside, use
the trunk button on the remote keyless entry transmitter
or the remote trunk release button, located on the
lower edge of the driver’s door.
Unlocking all doors using the power door unlock switch
or the remote keyless entry transmitter unlock button
will also unlock the liftgate. Locking all doors with
the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry
transmitter lock button will also lock the liftgate.
You can also use the key in the driver’s door lock cylinder
to unlock and open the liftgate. Turn the driver’s door lock
cylinder toward the rear of the vehicle and back to the
center twice to unlock the liftgate. Turn the driver’s door
lock cylinder toward the rear of the vehicle and back to
the center three times to open the liftgate.
If the liftgate is unlocked, you can manually open it by
pushing on the touch pad switch located on the underside
of the liftgate trim panel, slightly to the right of center.
If none of these ways of opening the liftgate works, there
is a pull cable located under the body trim panel in
the liftgate area which will open it. This should be used
in case of emergency only, not for daily use.{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even
death. If you must drive with the liftgate open
or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the liftgate:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-21.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-33.
To close the liftgate, pull down on the openings, then
rmly shut the liftgate. Don’t drive with the liftgate open,
even slightly. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-33.
2-15

Power Windows
The power window
switches are located on
the armrest on the driver’s
door. In addition, each
passenger door has
a switch for its own
window.
Express-Down Window
The driver’s window also has an express-down feature.
This switch is labeled AUTO. Press the front of the
switch part way, and the driver’s window will open a
small amount. If the front of the switch is pressed all the
way down and released, the window will go all the
way down automatically.
To stop the window while it is lowering, pull the front of
the switch momentarily. To raise the window, pull
and hold the front of the switch.
Window Lockout
The driver’s power window controls also include a lock
out button. Press the lock out button to stop the rear
passengers from using their window switches. The driver
and front passenger can still operate all the windows with
the lock on. When the red part of the switch is visible you
have returned to normal window operation.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You
can also remove them from the center mount and swing
them to the side, to block out glare from the side. The
visors also have extenders that can be pulled out.
Your vehicle may have lighted visor vanity mirrors
located on the passenger and driver’s side visor. When
you lift the cover, the light will turn on.
2-17

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
content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
Arming the System
With the ignition off, you can initiate arming of the
system by:
Pressing the remote keyless entry transmitter lock
button
Pressing the power door lock switch and the
driver’s door is open or
With the doors closed, turning the driver’s door key
lock cylinder toward the front of the vehicle.
The system will arm thirty seconds after all the doors
and the liftgate are closed.
If the lock button on the transmitter is pressed again
within ve seconds, the system will arm immediately.
The security light will turn on to indicate that arming has
been initiated. Once the system is armed, the security
light will ash once every three seconds and remain
ashing.
If the security light is ashing twice per second, this
means that a door or the liftgate is open.
If you don’t want to arm the system, lock the car with
the lock levers on the doors.
2-18

Disarming the System
If the system is armed, you can disarm the system by:
Pressing the unlock button on the transmitter
Turning the ignition to ON or
Turning the driver’s door key lock cylinder once
toward the rear of the vehicle.
Once the system is disarmed, the security light will stop
ashing.
How the System Alarm is Activated
If the system is armed,
Opening the driver’s door will cause a ten second
pre-alarm chirp followed by a thirty second full
alarm of horn and lights.
Opening any other door or the liftgate will
immediately cause a full alarm for thirty seconds of
horn and lights.
If an alarm event has nished and all the doors and the
liftgate are closed, the system will re-arm itself.
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
If the system alarm is active, it can be deactivated by:
Pressing the lock button on the transmitter to
turn off the alarm. The system will also re-arm itself.
Pressing the unlock button on the transmitter to turn
off the alarm and disarm the system
Putting the key in the driver’s door key lock cylinder
and turning it to the rear of the vehicle to turn off
the alarm and disarm the system or
Putting the key in the ignition and turning it to ON
to turn off the alarm and disarm the system.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If you hear three chirps when you press the unlock and
lock buttons on the transmitter, that means the
content theft security system alarm was triggered while
you were away.
2-19

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. The following procedure is for programming
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
®III +
to have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III + 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
®III+to
have new keys made. To program additional keys, you
will need two current driver’s keys. 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 “+” stamped on it.
2. Insert the master 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 ve seconds of removing the original key.
5. The SECURITY light turns 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 Steps 1 through 5 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 your PASS-Key
®III + key, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III + to have a new key made.
2-21

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 4-40for more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn it 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.
9(OFF):This is the only position from which you
can remove the key. It also locks your ignition and
transaxle. A warning chime will sound if you open the
driver’s door while the ignition is off and the key is left in
the ignition.
2-22