PASS-KeyžIII Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with 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 special 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 ¯owing 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 STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT
SYSTEM warning message on the Driver's Information
Center (DIC) 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 5-99. 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
žIII to have a new
key made. In an emergency, contact Pontiac Roadside
Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
žIII decoder to ªlearnº
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
žIII
to have keys made and programmed to the system.
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Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak-in.º But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
·Don't drive at any one speed Ð fast or
slow Ð for the ®rst 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full-throttle starts.
·Avoid making hard stops for the ®rst 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 ªTowing
a Trailerº in the Index for more information.
Ignition Positions
There are four different positions in the ignition switch
which is located on the instrument panel, to the right
of the steering column. Insert the key in the ignition and
turn it to the right for each position.
Insert the key in the
ignition and turn it to the
right for each position.
9(OFF):This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It's a theft-deterrent feature.
It's also the only position from which the key can be
removed.
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Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF 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.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers while the engine
is off.
R(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.
/(START):This position starts the engine. Let go of
the key when the engine starts. The key will return
to the RUN position.
A continuous warning chime will sound and a KEY IN
IGNITION warning message will display on the DIC
if the key is in the ignition in the OFF or ACCESSORY
positions and the driver's door is opened.
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
1. 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.
Notice: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.
2. 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.
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3. 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.
4. 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 about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
brie¯y but then stops again, do the same thing.
This time keep the pedal down for ®ve 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.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with 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.
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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.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
ªracingº (running at high speed) is dangerous.
Unless your foot is ®rmly 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.
2-23
While in the MANUAL (M)
mode, push either paddle
once to up-shift to the
next gear. Pull either
paddle once to down-shift
to the next gear.
To fully use the system, select MANUAL (M) while
stopped, with the engine running. The vehicle will begin
moving in ®rst gear upon acceleration. (In icy or slippery
conditions, you may start out in second gear, rather than
®rst gear, for better vehicle control.)
Then you will be prompted
to up-shift by the indicator
light on the instrument
panel or by the up-shift
symbol on Head-Up Display
(HUD), if equipped, using a
TAP-Shift Ÿ paddle.Throughout acceleration you will be prompted in this
way to up-shift as needed. If you do not up-shift when
prompted, vehicle speed will be limited to protect
the engine.
Press the accelerator quickly while driving in the highest
gear to make the transaxle automatically down-shift.
The transaxle will also automatically down-shift as the
vehicle decelerates and comes to a stop.
A chime will sound if you push or pull a paddle requesting
a transaxle gear change when the vehicle cannot
respond. The system will not allow either an up-shift or a
down-shift if the vehicle speed is too fast or too slow, nor
will it allow a start from third or higher gear.
You may also select MANUAL (M) while the vehicle is
already moving. The current transaxle position will
continue to be displayed on the DIC and HUD,
if equipped. The transaxle up-shifts and down-shifts can
be done using the TAP-Shift Ÿ paddles as described
previously.
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Assist Handles
The vehicle has lighted assist handles located above
the rear doors. They can be used to help passengers
enter and exit the vehicle.
The lamps on the handles will come on automatically
when a door is opened and turn off when the door
is closed. The lamps can be manually turned on or off
if there are grooves on the lens of the lamp. Press
the grooved side of the lens to turn the lamp on or off.
Convenience Net
The vehicle is equipped with a convenience net in the
trunk that covers the passenger's side wheel well.
There may also be a convenience net attached to the
backside walls of the trunk. This net can be used as an
``envelope'' to hold items inside it, or, it can be pulled over
items to secure them. If used as an envelope, put small
loads like grocery bags inside the net. This can help items
from falling over during sharp turns or quick starts and
stops. To use this net to cover items in the trunk, attach
two corners of the net to the two loops located at the
bottom of the rear seatback. When not using the net,
hook the net to the tabs securing it to the trunk wall.
Other Storage Areas
The vehicle also has a trunk storage compartment. It is
located on the passenger's side of the trunk, above the
wheel well. It may lock. To access the storage area,
lift up on the handle of the compartment cover and pull.
2-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
If your vehicle has the
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), this light will come
on when your engine is
started and may stay on
for several seconds.
That's normal.
If the ABS warning light comes on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the anti-lock portion of the brake
system. If the brake system warning light is not on,
you still have brakes, but you don't have anti-lock
brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-36.If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. If the light
comes on when you're driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the light still stays on,
or comes on again while you're driving, your vehicle
needs service. If the regular brake system warning light
isn't on, you still have brakes, but you don't have
anti-lock brakes. If the brake system warning light is
also on, you don't have anti-lock brakes and there's a
problem with your regular brakes. See
Brake System
Warning Light on page 3-36.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
brie¯y when you turn the ignition key to RUN. This
is normal. If the light doesn't come then, have it ®xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-37