
The starter will not work and fuel will stop being
delivered to the engine. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of
electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security
message comes on, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key.
At this time, you may also want to check the
instrument panel PASS KEY fuse. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle
needs service. If your vehicle does start, the rst
key may be faulty. See your dealer or a locksmith
who can service the PASS-Key
®III to have a new
key made. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 497.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
This procedure is for learning additional keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or do
not operate, you must see your dealer or a
locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III to have
keys made and programmed to the system.See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to get a new key blank that is
cut exactly as the ignition key that operates the
system.
To program the new key, do the following:
1. Verify the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed
key into the ignition lock cylinder 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
LOCK and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
RUN 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.
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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 dealer. Your vehicle is not
protected by the PASS-Key
®III system at
this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key
®III key, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
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 386for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
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Ignition Positions
The key can be turned to one of four positions
while in the ignition switch.
A (LOCK):This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. This position locks
your 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 is the position in which
you can operate the electrical accessories, such as
the radio.
C (RUN):This is the position to which the switch
returns after the engine is started and the ignition
key is released. This is the position for driving. Even
while the engine is not running, RUN can be used to
operate your electrical accessories and to display
some instrument panel warning 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. When
the engine starts, release the ignition key. The
switch will return to RUN for driving.
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DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If
you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push
your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator all the way down.
The vehicle will shift down to the next gear
and have more power.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding
underLoss of Control on page 362
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up
rather slowly or not shift gears when you go
faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle
that way, you could 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.
Warm-Up Shift
Your vehicle has a computer controlled transaxle
designed to warm up the engine faster when
the outside temperature is 35°F (2°C) or colder.
You may notice that the transaxle will shift at
a higher vehicle speed until the engine is warmed
up. This is a normal condition designed to
provide heat to the passenger compartment and
defrost the windows more quickly. SeeClimate
Control System on page 193andDual Climate
Control System on page 197for more information.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal
driving. It reduces vehicle speed more than
DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. You might
choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D) when
driving on hilly, winding roads, when towing
a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears
and when going down a steep hill.
135

SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed
more than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes.
You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help
control your speed as you go down steep mountain
roads, but then you would also want to use your
brakes off and on.
Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h) may damage the transaxle. Also,
shifting into SECOND (2) at speeds above
65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in
THIRD (3) or DRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly, or if it seems not to shift gears as you
go faster, something may be wrong with a
transaxle system sensor. If you drive very far
that way, your vehicle can be damaged. So, if
this happens, have your vehicle serviced right
away. Until then, you can use SECOND (2) when
you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and
THIRD (3) for higher speeds.FIRST (1):This position reduces vehicle speed
even more than SECOND (2) without using your
brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, or in
deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in
FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving forward, the
transaxle will not shift into rst gear until the vehicle
is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If
you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or parking
brake to hold the vehicle in place.
136

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 where we 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.A complete OnStar
®Owner’s Guide and the
Terms and Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription
Service Agreement are included in the vehicle’s
OnStar
®Subscriber Information packet located
in your vehicle. For more information, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, contact
OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827),
or press the OnStar®button to speak with an
OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe
& Sound Plan, or the Directions & Connections®
Plan is included for one year from the date of
purchase. You can extend this plan beyond
the rst year, or upgrade to the Directions &
Connections
®Plan to meet your needs. For more
information, press the OnStar®button to speak
with an advisor.
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