
Disarming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter
Your alarm system will disarm when you press
UNLOCK on your remote keyless entry transmitter
to unlock the doors. The security light, on top of
the instrument panel, will stop ashing to let
you know the system is no longer armed.
PASS-Key®III
Your PASS-Key®III system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry
Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modi cations to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
PASS-Key®III uses a radio frequency transponder
in the key that matches a decoder in your
vehicle.
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It is possible for the PASS-Key®III decoder to
program the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to 10 additional keys may be
programmed for the vehicle. This procedure is
for programming additional keys only. If all
the currently programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your GM dealer or a
locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III to have
keys made and programmed to the system.
See your GM dealer who can service
PASS-Key
®III to get a new key blank that is a cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the
system.
Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your
keys, only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key
®III
to have new keys made. To program additional
keys you will need two current driver’s keys, black
in color. You must add a step to the following
procedure. After Step 3 repeat Steps 1 through 3
with the second current driver’s key. Then
continue with Step 4.To program the new PK3
®key do the following:
1. Verify the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the original key in the ignition and start
the engine. If the engine will not start, see
your GM 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
ON within 10 seconds of removing the
previous key.
5. The SECURITY message will turn off once
the key has been programmed. It may not
be apparent that the SECURITY message
went on due to how quickly the key is
programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY
message comes on and stays on, you will be able
to restart your engine if you turn it off. Your
PASS-Key
®III system, however, is not working
properly and must be serviced by your GM dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key
®III
system at this time.
126

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition, you can turn it to four
different positions.
A (OFF):This is the only position in which you
can remove the key. This position locks the ignition
and transaxle.
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 none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers
while the engine is off. This position will also allow
you to turn off the engine. Use ACCESSORY if
you must have your vehicle in motion while
the engine is off, for example, if your vehicle is
being pushed or towed.
C (ON):This is the position that the switch
returns to after you start your engine and release
the key. The 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 power accessories, and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key
in the ACCESSORY or On 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. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch will return to ON for normal driving.
128

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)
With RAP, the power windows, the audio system,
the sunroof and the automatic level control will
continue to work for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition key is turned to OFF or until one of the
doors is opened.
Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position — that is a safety feature.
To restart when you are already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
1. 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 warms up. Do
not race the engine immediately after starting
it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently
until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving
parts.
129

Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects the electrical
system. If the ignition key is turned to the
START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will
continue cranking until the vehicle starts or
until it exceeds the maximum cranking
time allowed, approximately 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
starter-motor gear damage, this system
also prevents cranking if the engine is already
running. The engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or LOCK position.
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 the engine does not start in 10 seconds,
push the accelerator pedal about one-quarter
of the way down while you turn the key to
START. Do this until the engine starts.
As soon as it does, let go of the key.
3. If your engine still will not 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
a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine
still will not start, or starts brie y but then
stops again, repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on
the temperature. When the engine starts,
release the key and the accelerator pedal.
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.
130

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you are in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for your shift
lever.
PARK (P):This gear position locks your front
wheels. It is the best position to use when you start
your engine because your vehicle cannot move
easily.Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You
must fully apply your regular brakes rst before
you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key
is in ON. As you step on the brake pedal, while
in PARK (P), you may hear a click from the
solenoid of the system. This ensures that the
system is operating properly. If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
and push the shift lever 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 138for more information.
{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)
132

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 the parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you move 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 pulling it toward you.
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 vehicle 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 136.
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).
137

Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system which locks the shift lever in
PARK (P) when the ignition is in the OFF position.
In addition, you must fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P), when
the ignition is in the ON position. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation on page 132.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the
way up into PARK (P) as you maintain brake
application. Then move the shift lever into the gear
you want.If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still
cannot shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of
Step 4.
3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear
you want.
5. Have the system xed as soon as you can.
138