At times you may notice a decrease in range. This
is normal for any RKE system. If the transmitter
does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
•Check the distance. You may be too far
from your vehicle. You may need to stand
closer during rainy or snowy weather.
•Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps
to the left or right, hold the transmitter
higher, and try again.
•Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 88.
•If you are still having trouble, see your dealer
or a qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and
unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up
to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless
entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
To unlock the
driver’s door,
press the UNLOCK
button once.
If you press the button again within five seconds,
all of the doors will unlock. When the UNLOCK
button is pressed, the interior dome lamps
are turned on for about 40 seconds or until the
ignition switch is activated. Press the LOCK button
to lock all doors.
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Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your
vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased through your
dealer. Remember to bring any remaining
transmitters with you when you go to your dealer.
When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining
transmitters must also be matched. Once your
dealer has coded the new transmitter, the
lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each
vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters
matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote
keyless entry transmitter should last about
two years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter
won’t work at the normal range in any location.
If you have to get close to your vehicle before the
transmitter works, it’s probably time to change
the battery.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care
not to touch any of the circuitry. Static
from your body transferred to these surfaces
may damage the transmitter.
1. Insert a thin object, such as a coin, into the
slot between the covers of the transmitter
near the key ring hole. Remove the bottom by
twisting the object.
2. Remove and replace the battery, positive (+)
side down. Use one CR2032 battery.
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Ignition Positions
With your key in the ignition switch, you can turn it
to five different positions.
A (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio, power windows and the
windshield wipers when the engine is off. To get
into ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it
toward you. Your steering wheel will remain
locked, just as it was before you inserted the key.B (LOCK):This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel and transmission. It is a
theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to
remove your key when the ignition is turned
to LOCK.
C (OFF):This position lets you turn off the engine
but still turn the steering wheel. It does not lock
the steering wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if
you must have your vehicle in motion while the
engine is off.
D (RUN):This is the position for driving.
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.
E (START):This position starts your engine.
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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.
Engine Starter Over-Crank
Protection
Your vehicle may have an engine starter
over-crank protection system. If the starter motor
overheats and shuts off due to over-cranking,
the motor must cool down before it will reset and
allow starter operation. It can take up to
six minutes before the starter will work again.
Starting the Gasoline Engine
The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) shows the code letter for your
engine. Use this number to verify the type of
engine in your vehicle. SeeVehicle Identi cation
Number (VIN) on page 340. Follow the proper steps
to start the engine.
To start a diesel engine, seeStarting the Diesel
Engine on page 100.
Automatic Transmission
Set the parking brake and move your shift lever to
NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P), if so equipped. Your
engine will not start in any other position — that is a
safety feature.
Manual Transmission
Set the parking brake, shift to neutral NEUTRAL (N)
and hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting
the engine.
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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.
Notice:If the wait to start light stays on
after starting your vehicle, your vehicle may
not run properly. Have your vehicle serviced
right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds
of cranking, turn the ignition key to OFF. Wait
one minute for the starter to cool, then try
the same steps again.
If you are trying to start your engine after you
have run out of fuel, seeRunning Out of Fuel
on page 262.
When your engine is cold, let it run for a few
minutes before you move your vehicle. This lets
oil pressure build up. Your engine will sound louder
when it is cold.
Notice:If you are not in an idling vehicle and
the engine overheats, you would not be there to
see the overheated engine indication. This
could damage your vehicle. Do not let your
engine run when you are not in your vehicle.Cold Weather Starting
If your vehicle has the 6.6L DURAMAX®Diesel
Engine and the Isuzu 6H Diesel Engine, the
following notice applies:
Notice:Your diesel engine has an electric air
intake heater system which reduces white
smoke and helps start the engine in cold
weather. Do not spray starting uid into the air
intake where it can contact the heater elements.
If you do not have the GM Automatic Ether
Injection System, do not use starting uid or
you could damage your engine. If you have the
GM system, use only GM approved starting
uid that has been tested to establish
compatibility with the air inlet heater system.
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•If the engine coolant temperature gage needle
goes into the hot area on the gage, stop the
engine and find the cause of the overheating.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 173for more information.
•If you have air brakes, the dual-needle air
pressure gage should read at least 115 psi
(790 kPa) for both service systems before you
try to move the vehicle. When air pressure
is below 60 psi (420 kPa), the LOW AIR light
will come on and you will hear a tone
alarm. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 169for more information. If the pressure
does not build up or drops during warm-up,
stop the engine and find the cause before you
try to move the vehicle. Recommended air
pressure before driving is 120 psi (830 kPa).
SeeAir Pressure Gage on page 183for
more information.
•The charging system light should come on
when the ignition key is turned to RUN or
START and should go out when the engine is
running above idle. If the light does not go
out or comes back on during normal engine
operation, have the charging system checked
right away. (This light tells you if thegenerator is not charging; it does not reflect
the condition of the battery.) SeeCharging
System Light on page 167for more
information.
•The voltmeter charge indicator gage tells you
the condition of your battery’s charge. The
gage should be in the center area during
engine operation. The red area on the
left indicates an undercharge condition; the
red area on the right indicates an overcharge.
If the gage is in either red area, have the
battery and charging system checked
right away. SeeVoltmeter Gage on page 168
for more information.
Notice:Do not allow the engine to operate at
low idle for more than ve minutes. This
can cause low engine operating temperatures
which can affect engine operation and
reduce engine life. Engine idle speed should
be increased to 1200 rpm whenever extended
idle is required. Once started, the engine
should be placed under load to allow the
engine coolant temperature to reach 150°F
(66°C) before shutting off the engine.
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