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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.
Notice: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.
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 transaxle. Also, always remember to
lock the doors.
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,
these features will continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until a door 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:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P)
only when your vehicle is stopped.
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 until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects the electrical
system.
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If the ignition key is turned to the START, 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 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.
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. Waiting about
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down, will prevent
damage due to overheating.
2. If the engine does not start within 10 seconds,
push the accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor, while you hold the ignition key in
START. When the engine starts, let go of the
key and let up on the accelerator pedal.
Wait about 15 seconds between each try.When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0°F or−18°C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START and hold it there up
to 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let
go of the key.
2. 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 about
three seconds. 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, but this time keep the pedal down
for ve or six seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
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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PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels. It
is the best position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the
vehicle has a heavy load, you may notice an
increase in the effort to shift out of Park.
See Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) under
Shifting Into Park (P) on page 153for 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.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See
Shifting Into Park (P) on page 153.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 400.
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