Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.A (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 when the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition.
B (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is
not running. To use ACCESSORY, turn the key
clockwise to the first position.
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-33.
C (ON):This position unlocks the ignition. It is also the
position to where the key returns after you start the
engine and release the switch. The switch will stay in
this position when the engine is running. But even when
the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate
your electrical accessories, and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
2-16
A(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets with some air directed to the side window
outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting
can be found later in this section.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan must be on to run the air-conditioning
compressor.
:(Outside Air):Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on or off. When this mode is on,
outside air will circulate throughout your vehicle. When
the button is pressed, an indicator light in the button
will come on to let you know that it is activated.
The outside air mode can be used with all modes, but it
cannot be used with the recirculation mode. Pressing
this button will cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):This mode keeps outside air
from coming in the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering your vehicle or
to help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle more
quickly. Press this button to turn the recirculation mode
on or off. When the button is pressed, an indicator
light in the button will come on to let you know that it is
activated. The air-conditioning compressor comeson. The recirculation mode can be used with vent,
bi-level, or floor modes, but it cannot be used with the
defog or defrost modes. Pressing this button will
cancel the outside air mode. When you switch to the
defog or defrost modes the system will automatically
move from recirculation to outside air. When you move
the mode knob back to another mode, the system
will move back into recirculation. When the car is turned
off and back on the system will default to outside air
automatically.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
When it’s cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if equipped, to provide warmer air
faster to your vehicle. An engine coolant heater warms
the coolant that the engine uses to provide heat to
warm the inside of your vehicle. For more information,
seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-18.#A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn
the air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is
pressed, an indicator light in the button will come on to
let you know that air conditioning is activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
3-19
Audio System(s)
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, find
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-17for more
information.
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
Press and hold the HR or MIN arrow for two seconds.
Then press HR until the correct hour appears on
the display. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute
appears on the display. The time can be set with the
ignition on or off.
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
Press and hold the HR or MN buttons for two seconds.
The clock symbol will appear on the display. Press
and hold HR until the correct hour appears on the
display. AM or PM will appear for morning or evening
hours. Press and hold MN until the correct minute
appears on the display. The time can be set with the
ignition on or off.
To synchronize the time with an FM station broadcasting
Radio Data System (RDS) information, press and hold
HR and MN at the same time for two seconds until
UPDATED and the clock symbol appear on the display.
If the time is not available from the station, NO UPDAT
will appear on the display.
RDS time is broadcast once a minute. After tuning to an
RDS broadcast station, it may take a few minutes for
the time to update.
3-36
Cassette Tape Messages
CHK TAPE (Check Tape):If this message appears on
the display, the tape will not play because of one of
the following errors:
•The tape is tight and the player cannot turn the
tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with
the open end down and try to turn the right
hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape
over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily,
the tape may be damaged and should not be used
in the player. Try a new tape to make sure the
player is working properly.
•The tape is broken. Try a new tape.
•The tape is wrapped around the tape head.
Attempt to get the cassette out. Try a new tape.
CLEAN:If this message appears on the display, the
cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play
tapes, but it should be cleaned as soon as possible to
prevent damage to the tapes and player. SeeCare
of the Cassette Tape Player on page 3-51.
If the cassette tape is not playing correctly, for any other
reason, try a known good cassette.If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your GM dealer. If the radio displays
an error message, write it down and provide it to
your GM dealer when reporting the problem.
CD Adapter Kits
It is possible to use a portable CD player with the
cassette tape player after activating the bypass feature
on the tape player.
To activate the bypass feature, use the following steps:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Press and hold the TAPE CD button for
five seconds. READY will appear on the
display, indicating the feature is active.
3. Insert the adapter into the cassette slot.
It will power up the radio and begin playing.
The override feature will remain active until EJT is
pressed.
3-48
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. You
can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room.
That is the time for evasive action — steering around
the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes — but, unless you
have anti-lock, not enough to lock your wheels.
SeeBraking on page 4-5. It is better to remove as
much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then
steer around the problem, to the left or right depending
on the space available.An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you
can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer
quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-9