2004 PONTIAC GTO Owners Manual

{CAUTION:
When an air bag inates, there is dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in
the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe
to do so. If you have breathing problems but
can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag
inates, then get fresh air by opening a
window or a door. If you experience breathing
problems following an air bag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock
the doors, turn off the engine, turn off the fuel pump,
and turn the interior lamps on when the air bags inflate
(if battery power is available). You can operate these
features by switching the ignition OFF and then ON.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air
bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.
•Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you will need some new parts for
your air bag system. If you do not get them, the air
bag system will not be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system will include air bag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
•Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information
about the frontal air bag system. The module
records information about the readiness of the
system, when the system commands air bag
inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at
deployment. The module also records speed,
engine rpm, brake and throttle data.
•Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
systems. Improper service can mean that an air
bag system will not work properly. See your dealer
for service.
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag
may not work properly. You may have to replace the
air bag module in the steering wheel or both the
air bag module and the instrument panel for
the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
1-51

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To
purchase a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
air bag can still inate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are close to
an air bag when it inates. Avoid yellow wires,
wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the air
bag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualied to do so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
1-52

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may
not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a more severe crash, then you need
new parts.If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
or LATCH system was not being used at the time of
the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you will need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this section.
If the frontal air bags inflate, you will also need to
replace the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety
belt buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the
new buckle assembly will be there to help protect you in
a collision.
After a crash you may need to replace the driver and
front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies, even if
the frontal air bags have not deployed. The driver
and front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies
contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your safety
belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has been
in a collision, or if your air bag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle or while you are driving.
SeeAir Bag Readiness Light on page 3-26.
1-53

✍NOTES
1-54

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-6
Door Locks....................................................2-6
Leaving Your Vehicle......................................2-7
Trunk............................................................2-8
Windows........................................................2-10
Power Windows............................................2-11
Sun Visors...................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent System..................................2-12
Immobilizer..................................................2-12
Immobilizer Operation....................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-14
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-15
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-15
Ignition Positions..........................................2-16
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-17Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-18
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-21
Parking Brake..............................................2-23
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-24
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-26
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal..................2-26
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-27
Engine Exhaust............................................2-27
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked. . . .2-28
Mirrors...........................................................2-29
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-29
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-30
Storage Areas................................................2-30
Glove Box...................................................2-30
Cupholder(s)................................................2-31
Front Storage Area.......................................2-31
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-31
Vehicle Personalization...................................2-32
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. They
could operate the power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. The
children or others could be badly injured or
even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.
2-2

The main key can be used
for the ignition, as well as
all locks, except for the
glovebox.
There is another key that
locks and unlocks the
glovebox.This key can usually be kept in the unlocked glovebox.
Then, when leaving your vehicle and master key
with a car park attendant, you can lock valuables in the
glovebox and take the glovebox key with you.
When a new key is delivered, it will come with a bar
coded tag attached to the key ring. Keep the bar code
tag that came with the original keys. Give this tag
to your dealer if you need a new key made.
The vehicle comes with a security card that lists various
security numbers for your vehicle, including key
numbers, and the radio PIN. Please keep the card in a
safe place, away from your vehicle.
If a replacement key is needed, you will have to go to
the dealership and make a request. If a key is lost, your
vehicle will have to be towed to a dealer to receive a
new key.
In an emergency, contact Pontiac Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-5for
more information.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
2-3

Remote Keyless Entry System
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
•Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
•Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
•Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-5.
•If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
2-4