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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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 these features, the sunroof and 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.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects the electrical
system. If the ignition key is turned to the
START position, 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 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. Waiting about 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking motor to
cool down, will prevent damage due to
overheating.
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