The key can only be turned to this position if the
vehicle's automatic transmission is in PARK (P). To help
guard against theft, your vehicle's engine is
automatically disabled shortly after turning the key to
this position. A ¯ashing padlock symbol on the bottom
left corner of the instrument panel indicates this.
The steering column is automatically locked when the
key is removed. To release the steering wheel, insert the
key again and turn it towards the front of the vehicle.
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 all the way in. If
it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
B (ON):This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The
ignition switch stays in ON 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.
C (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature that enables the radio, power
windows, windshield wipers, and accessory power outlet
to continue to work after the ignition key has been
turned to LOCK and removed from the ignition.
The radio, wipers and accessory power outlet will turn
off when the ignition key is turned to LOCK and
removed. By turning the radio back on, you will be able
to operate it, the windshield wipers, and the accessory
power outlet for up to one hour or until:
·The radio is turned off
·Either door is opened
The windows will also operate for 15 minutes or until
either door is opened.
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Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position Ð that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the ¯oor and
start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down Ð that is a safety
feature.
Starting Your Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal and the
parking brake ®rmly applied, 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, wait about 15 seconds and try
again to start the engine by turning the ignition key to
START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not
run your engine at high speeds when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32ÉF or 0ÉC), let
the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
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. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle's warranty.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for your shift
lever. Push in the button
on top of the shift lever
when shifting into position.
PARK (P):The engine can be started in this position.
This position prevents the rear wheels from turning
and so should be selected, together with the parking
brake, when leaving the vehicle.
{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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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). See
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-24
. If you are pulling
a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-34.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must have your foot
on the regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. The vehicle
will not shift from PARK (P) if the button is pressed
before the brake is applied. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, push
the shift lever all the way into PARK (P), and release
the shift lever button as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and move the shift
lever into the desired gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-26.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake
handle without pressing the release button. If the ignition
is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-27.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the parking brake handle up until you
can press the release button. Hold the release button
in as you move the brake handle all the way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be 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. 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, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-34.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P).
·Press in and hold the shift lever button, located
on the top of the shift lever.
·Push the lever all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
3. Turn the main key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the main key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes
before you can press the button on the shift lever to
shift from PARK (P) while the ignition is ON. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-19.
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 down. Release the shift
lever button. Then move the shift lever out of
PARK (P), being sure to press the shift lever button.
Shift Lock Release
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cannot
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition to LOCK to remove the key.
2. Remove the front console rubber insert, located in
front of the shift lever, by lifting upwards.
3. Remove the screw slightly to the right of the front
center.
4. Open the console storage compartment and pry the
console cover assembly from the console. The
cover is attached in six places.
5. Insert a tool into the opening in front of the shift
lever and move the yellow release lever forward.
6. Press the button on the shift lever to move lever out
of park.
7. Replace the console cap.
8. Have the vehicle ®xed as soon as possible.
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Storage Areas
Glove Box
Use the glovebox key to lock and unlock the glovebox.
For security, the main key is designed not to operate
the glovebox lock. See
Keys on page 2-2.
To lock, insert the key, turn clockwise and then remove.
To unlock, insert the key and turn counterclockwise
and remove.
To open, pull the handle to the left and pull the glove
box door down until it stops and is fully open.
Cupholder(s)
The two cupholders are located in front of the center
console storage area.
Front Storage Area
There is one storage compartment located under the
audio system and one located in the rear of the center
console. Push the cover once to open them.
An open bin is also provided under the front storage
compartment.
Center Console Storage Area
Your vehicle has a center console storage area. To
open the storage area, pull up on the latch at the front
edge of the cover.
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AUTO HEADLIGHTS SENSITIVITY
This option is used to adjust the automatic headlights
on sensitivity. Use the up or down arrows to adjust
the sensitivity setting to Early, Normal, or Late.
The default selection is Normal. Press the MODE button
to continue. See
Headlamps on page 3-13.
COURTESY LAMP TIMEOUT
This option is used to adjust the length of time that the
interior courtesy lamp remains illuminated after
opening a door or unlocking the vehicle at night. Use
the up or down arrows to adjust the time setting between
zero and 255 seconds. The default selection is
30 seconds. Press the MODE button to continue.
IGNITION OFF COURTESY LAMP
This option is used to adjust the length of time that the
interior courtesy lamp remains illuminated after the
ignition is turned off, at night only. Use the up or down
arrows to adjust the time setting between zero and
255 seconds. The default selection is 30 seconds. Press
the MODE button to continue.
TWO STAGE UNLOCK
This option is used to enable or disable the two stage
door unlock function. Use the up or down arrows to
select Yes or No. The default selection is Yes. If Yes is
selected, the Two Stage Unlock function is activated.
This means that only the driver's door will unlock on the
®rst press of the UNLOCK button on the key. If
UNLOCK is pressed and held a second time, or is held
down for more than half a second, all the doors will
unlock. If No is selected, all of the doors will unlock on
the ®rst press of the UNLOCK button. See
Remote
Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5for more
information.
AUTO LOCK IN DRIVE
(Automatic Transmission Only)
This option is used to enable or disable the automatic
door locking when in Drive function. Use the up or down
arrows to select Yes or No. The default selection is
Yes. If Yes is selected, the Auto Lock In Drive function
is activated. This means that the doors will automatically
lock when the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P). If
No is selected, the doors will not automatically lock.
Press the MODE button to continue. See
Programmable
Automatic Door Locks on page 2-9for more information.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
DOOR LOCK INDICATION
This option is used to select the type of indication
provided to the driver upon locking and unlocking the
vehicle's doors. Use the up or down arrows to select
Indicators or Indicators & Horn. The default selection is
Indicators. Press the MODE button to continue. See
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5andDoor Locks on page 2-7for more information.
EXIT OPTIONS MENU
This option is used to either exit the personalization
mode options menu or to return to the start of the
options menu. Use the up or down arrows to select Yes
or No. If Yes is selected, the trip computer exits
calibration mode and returns to the previous trip
computer display. If No is selected, the menu returns to
the start of the options menu, RESTORE TO FACTORY
SETTINGS display. Press the MODE button to
continue.
Exiting Programming Mode
To exit, do one of the following:
·Press the MODE button to scroll through to the exit
screen.
·Drive the vehicle at more than 6 mph (10 km/h).
·Turn the ignition to LOCK if the vehicle is stopped.
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