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)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off:
Audio System
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Power Windows
SunroofPower to these accessories will work up to
10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened. For
an additional 10 minutes of power, close all the
doors and turn the key to RUN and then back
to OFF.
Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position – this 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.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
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Operate the engine and transaxle gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists
in starting the engine and protects
components. If the ignition key is turned to the
START position, and then released when
the engine begins cranking, the engine
will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for
many seconds, cranking will be stopped after
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor
damage. To prevent gear damage, this system
also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY or OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all
the way to the oor and holding it there as
you hold the key in START for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts brie y but then stops again,
do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. 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.
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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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
have to fully apply your regular brakes before
you can shift from PARK (P) while the ignition key
is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever. 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 129.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
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.
Also use this gear to rock your vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without
damaging your transaxle. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 332for
additional information.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 your 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.
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Steering Column Shift Lever
If your vehicle has a steering column shift lever,
use the following procedure to shift the vehicle into
PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling
the shift lever toward you and moving it up as
far as it will go.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake
pedal down, set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 125for more
information.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Console Shift Lever
If your vehicle is equipped with a console shift
lever, use the following procedure to shift
the vehicle into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pushing
the lever all the way toward the front of your
vehicle and then to the left.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake
pedal down, set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 125for more
information.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition is RUN. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation on page 122.
The shift lock control system is designed to do the
following:
Prevent the ignition key from being removed
unless the shift lever is in PARK (P).
Prevent movement of the console shift lever
out of PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a
position other than OFF.
The shift lock control system is always functional
except in the case of a dead battery or low
voltage (less than 9 V) battery.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease the
pressure on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all
the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake
application. Then move the shift lever into the gear
you want.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have
your vehicle serviced soon.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under your vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry
grass, or other things that can burn.
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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.
OnStar
®service is provided to you subject to the
OnStar®Terms and Conditions. You may cancel
your OnStar®service at any time by contacting
OnStar®as provided below. A complete OnStar®
Owners Guide and the OnStar®Terms andConditions are included in the vehicle’s OnStar
®
Subscriber glove box literature. For more
information, visit onstar.com or onstar.ca, contact
OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or
TTY 1-877-248-2080, or press the OnStar®button
to speak with an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Not all OnStar
®features are available on all
vehicles. To check if your vehicle is equipped to
provide the services described below, or for a
full description of OnStar
®services and system
limitations, see the OnStar®Owner’s Guide in your
glove box or visit onstar.com.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles 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.
For more information, press the OnStar®button
to speak with an advisor. Some OnStar®services
(such as Remote Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Location Assistance) may not be available
until you register with OnStar
®.
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