At times you may notice a decrease in operating
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 115.
If you are still having trouble, see your
dealer/retailer or a quali ed technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked
from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 65 feet (20 m)
away with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature you can
also start your vehicle with the RKE transmitter. The
RKE transmitter, with the remote start button,
provides an increased operating range of 195 feet
(60 m) away. However, the operating range may be
less while the vehicle is running. As a result, you
may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off
than you were to start it.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 114.
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Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in the RKE
transmitter should last about four years.
The battery is weak if the transmitter will not work
at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter
works, it is probably time to change the battery.
The REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message in the vehicle’s DIC will display if the
RKE transmitter battery is low. See “REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY” underDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 270for additional
information.
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.To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter do
the following:
1. Insert a at object with a thin edge into the
notch on the side of the transmitter and
separate the bottom half from the top half.
2. Remove the old battery, but do not use a
metal object to do this.
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3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter with
the positive side of the battery facing down.
Use a type CR2032 battery, or equivalent type.
Make sure the cover is on tightly, so water will
not get in.
4. Snap the front and the back of the transmitter
together.
5. Test the operation of the transmitter with the
vehicle.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature.
This feature allows you to start the engine from
outside of the vehicle. It may also start up the
vehicle’s heating or air conditioning systems and
rear window defogger. Normal operation of the
system will return after the key is turned to the RUN
position.
During a remote start, if your vehicle has an
automatic climate control system, the climate
control system will default to a heating mode during
colder outside temperatures and a cooling mode
during warmer outside temperatures. If your vehicle
does not have an automatic climate control system,
during remote start, the climate control system will
turn on at the setting the vehicle was set to when
the vehicle was last turned off.During a remote start, if your vehicle has an
automatic climate control system and heated
seats, the heated seats will turn on during colder
outside temperatures and will shut off when
the key is turned to RUN. If your vehicle does not
have an automatic climate control system,
during remote start, you will need to manually turn
the heated seats on and off. SeeHeated Seats
on page 12for additional information.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may
require a person using the remote start to have the
vehicle in view when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote starting
of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The RKE transmitter with the remote start button,
provides an increased range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the vehicle is running.
As a result, you may need to be closer to your
vehicle to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 114for
additional information.
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To unlock the liftgate, use the power door lock
switch or press the door unlock button on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter twice.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 115.
To open the liftglass, press the button on the
underside of the license pocket applique (A). The
liftglass can also be opened by pressing the
liftglass release button on the RKE.To open the entire liftgate, press the touchpad on
the underside of the liftgate handle (B). The
vehicle must be in PARK (P) to open the liftgate.
To close the liftgate, use the pull cup or pull
strap as an aid.
The liftgate or liftglass cannot be opened if the
rear wipers are in motion. Attempting to open the
liftgate or liftglass while the rear wipers are in
motion will cause the release of the liftglass
or liftgate to delay until the wipers are moved off
the liftglass.
Both the liftglass and liftgate have an electric
latch. If the battery is disconnected or has
low voltage, the liftglass and liftgate will not open.
The liftglass and liftgate will resume operation
when the battery is reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected and has
adequate voltage, and the liftgate or liftglass still
will not function, your vehicle should be taken to a
dealership for service.
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Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some
cities. Although your vehicle has a number of
theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we
put on it can make it impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have a content theft-deterrent
alarm system.To activate the theft-deterrent system, do the
following:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter. The security light should
come on and ash. The door does not need to
be open.
If the delayed locking feature is active, the
alarm will not be activated until all doors are
closed and the security light goes off.
3. Close all doors. The security light will stop
ashing and go off after approximately
30 seconds. The content theft deterrent alarm
is not armed until the security light goes off.
If a door is opened without using the RKE
transmitter, a ten second pre-alarm will occur. The
horn will chirp and the lights will ash. If the key
is not placed in the ignition and turned to
START or the door is not unlocked by pressing
the unlock button on the RKE transmitter
during the ten second pre-alarm, the alarm will go
off. Your vehicle’s headlamps will ash and the
horn will sound for about two minutes, then
will turn off to save the battery power.
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Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four
different positions.
A (LOCK):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will
only be able to remove the key when the ignition is
turned to LOCK.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 it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers when
the engine is off.
Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in
the ACCESSORY ignition position and the RUN
position may drain the battery and prevent your
vehicle from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in
the ACCESSORY ignition position for a long period
of time.
C (RUN):This is the position for driving. It is the
position the switch returns to after the engine starts,
and you release the key.
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.
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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 transmission. 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)
Your vehicle has a Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) feature which will allow certain features on
your vehicle to continue to work up to 10 minutes
after the ignition key is turned to LOCK.
The radio, power windows, and if the vehicle has a
sunroof and the OnStar
®System, will work when
the ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY. Once
the key is turned from RUN to LOCK, the windows
and sunroof will continue to work until a door is
opened. The radio will continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
Starting the Engine
To place the transmission 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.
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.
Operate the engine and transmission 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.
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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 LOCK
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 transmission 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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