2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX lock

Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Trailer on page 4-29for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel,
to the right of the steering column.
There are four different
positions. Insert the
key in the ignition and
turn it to the right for
each position.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal must be applied.
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 none of
this works, then your vehicle needs service.
9(LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition,
steering wheel and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent
feature. This is the only position from which the key
can be removed.
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If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to
left and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none
of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position allows things
like the radio and windshield wipers to operate while
the engine is off.
R(ON/RUN):This position is where the key returns
to after the vehicle is started. With the engine off,
the ON/RUN position displays some of the warning
and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/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.
/(START):This position starts the engine. Let go
of the key when the engine starts. The key will return
to the ON/RUN for normal driving.
A continuous warning chime will sound and a KEY IN
IGNITION message will display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) if the key is turned to LOCK/OFF or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the driver’s door is opened.
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)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these features will continue to operate for
up to 10 minutes after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF
until a door is opened.
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Starting the Engine
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: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.
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. 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/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/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 let the cranking motor cool down.
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Active Fuel Management™
Your vehicle’s engine may be equipped with Active
Fuel Management™. This system allows the engine
to operate on either all or half of its cylinders,
depending on your driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as cruising at a
constant vehicle speed, the system will operate in
the half cylinder mode, allowing your vehicle to
achieve better fuel economy. When greater power
demands are required, such as accelerating from
a stop, passing, or merging onto a freeway, the
system will maintain full-cylinder operation.
Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever for the automatic transmission is
located on the console between the seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle
is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several
different positions
for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels.
It is the best position to use when the engine is
started because the vehicle cannot move easily.3800 V6 Engine
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{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). SeeShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-34. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-29.Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brakes rst and then press the
shift lever button, located on the front of the shift lever,
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition
key is in RUN. If the vehicle cannot be shifted out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing
it all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
PARK (P) on page 2-35.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-21.
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Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be 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.
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, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-29.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot
and set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-33for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in
the button on the shift lever and pushing the shift
lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set. And,
if you leave the vehicle with the engine running,
it could overheat and even catch re. You or
others could be injured. Do not leave your
vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After
you have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold
the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you
can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without
rst pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully
locked in PARK (P).
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Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-34.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push your vehicle a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully released,
and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-46for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
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Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up
or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment
allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from
the lamps behind you. Push the tab forward for daytime
use and pull it for nighttime use.
The mirror may have lights located on the bottom of
the mirror. Press the button next to each light to turn
it on or off.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®
If your vehicle has this feature, this mirror has a knob
located at the bottom of the mirror. It is used to change
the mirror from day to night position. To reduce glare
from headlamps behind you while driving at night,
turn the knob counterclockwise. For daytime driving,
turn the knob clockwise.
There are also three OnStar
®buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror face. See your dealer/retailer
for more information on the system and how to
subscribe to OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System on
page 2-40for more information about the services
OnStar
®provides.
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