
It is possible for the PASS-Key®III decoder to
accept the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be
programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, see your dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 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 SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning
message on the DIC will turn off, once the
key has been programmed. It may not
be apparent that the SERVICE THEFT
SYSTEM warning message went on due to
how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
If the SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning
message appears and stays on the DIC while the
vehicle is being driven, the engine will be able
to be restarted if it is turned off. Your
PASS-Key
®III system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer.
The vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key
®III
system at this time.
If the PASS-Key
®III key is lost or stolen, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
108

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 constant speed,
fast or slow, for the rst 500 miles
(805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.
Avoid downshifting to brake, or slow,
the vehicle.
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. See
Towing a Trailer on page 327for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned 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 in which the
ignition key can be inserted or removed. This
position locks the ignition and transaxle. It is a
theft-deterrent feature.
109

B (ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio and
windshield wipers operate while the engine is
off. To use ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (RUN):This position is where the key returns
to after the vehicle is started. This position displays
some of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACCESSORY or RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for
an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S
DOOR AJAR when the driver’s door is opened if
the ignition is in OFF, ACCESSORY and the key is
in the ignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 208for more information.Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after it
has been parked for an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
If the vehicle has Retained Accessory Power
(RAP), the power windows and radio will continue
to operate for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
key is turned to OFF unless a door is opened.
110

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your vehicle’s automatic
transaxle may have a
shift lever on the
steering column or on
the console between
the seats.
There is also a display
located on the
instrument panel cluster
that indicates the
vehicle’s gear position.{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.
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) on page 118.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 327.
The positions for the shift lever are:
PARK (P): This position locks the vehicle’s front
wheels. It is the best position to use when the
engine is started because the vehicle cannot
move easily.
Console Shift Lever
114

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an electronic shift lock release system. You must
fully apply the regular brakes before shifting
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) as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of Park (P) on page 120
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
To rock the vehicle back and forth in order to get
it out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 318.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are 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 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. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running
at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at
high speeds when shifting your vehicle.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that
it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as
you increase speed may damage the transaxle.
Have your vehicle serviced right away. You
can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D)
for higher speeds until then.
115

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in PARK (P) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch re. You or
others could be injured. Do not leave your
vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P)
and your parking brake is rmly set before you
leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into
PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever
away from PARK (P) without rst pushing the
button. If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transaxle. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque
lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you
leave the driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting
Into Park (P) on page 118.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift
lever out of PARK (P) before you release the
parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to
take some of the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever
out of PARK (P).
119

Shifting Out of Park (P)
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release
system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the
shift lever is in PARK (P)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a position
other than OFF.
The shift lock is always functional except in
the case of a an uncharged or low voltage
(less than 9 volt) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or jump
starting the battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 385.
Console Shift
If your console shift cannot be moved out of
PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to the ACESSORY or RUN
position. SeeIgnition Positions on page 109
for more information.3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into PARK (P).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from
PARK (P), consult your dealer or a professional
towing service.
Column Shift
If your park lock cable cannot be moved out of
PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY or
RUN position. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 109for more information.
3. Shift out of the PARK (P) position to the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from
PARK (P), consult your dealer or a professional
towing service.
120

Outside Power Heated Mirrors
For information on the operation of the outside
power mirrors seeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 125.
If the vehicle has heated mirrors, they will warm
up to melt ice and snow, and remove condensation
when the defroster is turned on. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 172or
Climate Control System on page 168.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like
other vehicles) look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply into
the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on
your right. Check your inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.The passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be
seen from the driver’s seat, but it also makes
things look farther away than they really are.
OnStar®System
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and
live advisors to provide you with a wide range
of safety, security, information, and convenience
services. If your airbags deploy, the system is
designed to make an automatic call to OnStar
®
Emergency advisors who can request emergency
services be sent to your location. If you lock
your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar
®at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to
unlock your doors. If you need roadside
assistance, press the OnStar
®button and they
can contact Roadside Service for you.
126