
Keys.............................................................. 84
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.......... 86
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation................................................. 87
Doors and Locks.......................................... 92
Door Locks................................................. 92
Power Door Locks....................................... 94
Delayed Locking.......................................... 94
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.......... 95
Rear Door Security Locks........................... 95
Lockout Protection....................................... 96
Trunk.......................................................... 96
Windows....................................................... 98
Power Windows.......................................... 99
Sun Visors................................................ 100
Theft-Deterrent Systems............................. 100
Content Theft-Deterrent............................. 100
PASS-Key
®III ........................................... 102
PASS-Key®III Operation........................... 103
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle......... 105
New Vehicle Break-In................................ 105
Ignition Positions....................................... 105
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)............. 106
Starting the Engine.................................... 107Engine Coolant Heater.............................. 108
Active Fuel Management™........................ 109
Automatic Transaxle Operation.................. 110
Parking Brake........................................... 115
Shifting Into Park (P) ................................. 116
Shifting Out of Park (P)............................. 117
Parking Over Things That Burn................. 118
Engine Exhaust......................................... 119
Running the Engine While Parked............. 120
Mirrors......................................................... 121
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®....... 121
Outside Power Mirrors............................... 121
Outside Convex Mirror............................... 122
OnStar
®System.......................................... 122
Storage Areas............................................. 126
Glove Box................................................. 126
Cupholder(s).............................................. 126
Sunglasses Storage Compartment............. 127
Front Seat Storage Net............................. 127
Center Console Storage Area.................... 127
Assist Handles.......................................... 127
Convenience Net....................................... 127
Sunroof....................................................... 128
Section 2 Features and Controls
83

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.
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 ACC 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.
107

This symbol will appear
on the DIC.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak
®
Plus, this symbol along with the SERVICE
STABILITY SYSTEM warning message will
come on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 200.
When this message is displayed, the system is not
operational. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.
To turn the StabiliTrak
®system off (GXP only),
press and hold the traction control button for more
than ve seconds. A message will appear on the
DIC indicating that StabiliTrak
®has been turned off.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when StabiliTrak
®
Plus activates, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow safe use of
it, the cruise control can be used again. SeeCruise
Control on page 140for more information.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the
engine stops or the system is not functioning, you
can steer but it will take much more effort.
Variable Effort Steering
If your vehicle has this steering system, the system
provides less steering effort for parking and when
driving at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h). Steering
effort will increase at higher speeds for improved
road feel.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving
on curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
296