2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX remote start

Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger’s position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument
panel when you start your vehicle.
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off,
will be visible during the system check. If you are
using remote start to start your vehicle from a distance,
if equipped, you may not see the system check.
When the system check is complete, either the word
ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol
for off, will be visible. SeePassenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 3-43.The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver’s airbags are not part of the passenger
sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
are part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag should be enabled (may inate) or not.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing
child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children,
who are large enough, using safety belts.
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. United States
Canada
1-60

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-12
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Trunk..........................................................2-14
Windows........................................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III Electronic Immobilizer...............2-20
PASS-Key®III Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-21
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-23
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-23
Ignition Positions..........................................2-23Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-24
Starting the Engine.......................................2-25
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-26
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-28
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-28
Parking Brake..............................................2-33
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-34
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-35
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-36
Engine Exhaust............................................2-36
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-37
Mirrors...........................................................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-38
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-39
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-39
OnStar
®System.............................................2-40
Storage Areas................................................2-43
Glove Box...................................................2-43
Cupholder(s)................................................2-43
Sunglasses Storage Compartment...................2-44
Center Console Storage.................................2-44
Convenience Net..........................................2-44
Sunroof.........................................................2-44
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

The key will have PK3 stamped on it. If a replacement
key or an additional key is needed, it must be
purchased from your dealer/retailer.
Any new PASS-Key
®III key must be programmed
before it will start the vehicle. SeePASS-Key®III
Electronic Immobilizer on page 2-20for more
information on programming a new key.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6for
more information.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
Your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on
a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
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” later in
this section.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer/retailer
or a qualied technician for service.
2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
will work up to 195 feet (60 m) away, however, the
operating range may be less while the vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3.
The following functions
may be available with your
vehicle’s RKE system:
/(Remote Vehicle Start):If your vehicle has this
feature, press
/to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. SeeRemote
Vehicle Start on page 2-7for additional information.
Q(Lock):PressQto lock all the doors. If enabled
through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking
lamps may ash once and the horn may chirp once
to indicate locking has occurred. See “REMOTE LOCKS
FEEDBACK” underDIC Operation and Displays
(Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on page 3-55orDIC
Operation and Displays (Base Level DIC) on page 3-62
for programming information.
Pressing
Qwill arm the content theft-deterrent system.
SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18for more
information.
With Remote Start
Shown, Without Remote
Start Similar
2-4

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning
systems and rear window defogger. When the remote
start system is active and the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system, it will automatically regulate
the inside temperature. Normal operation of these
systems will return after the ignition key is turned to
ON/RUN.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using 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.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while
the vehicle is running.There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button, then
immediately press and hold the transmitter’s remote
start button for about four seconds or until the
vehicle’s turn signal lamps ash. The doors will lock.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps turn on
and remain on while the engine is running, and
the DIC will display REMOTE START ACTIVE
PRESS HAZARD SWITCH TO CANCEL.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine running
time, or one start with a time extension. The rst start
must expire or be canceled to get two separate
10 minute starts.
2-7

If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat the previous steps, while the engine is still
running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes
from the time you repeat the steps for remote starting.
The remote start running time can be extended one time
and only after the rst remote start.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been done or the
vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition switch and
turned to ON/RUN.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position
and then back to LOCK/OFF.
The parking lamps turn off to indicate the engine is off.After the engine has been started two times, or one
time with a time extension, the vehicle’s ignition must
be turned to ON/RUN using the key before the remote
start procedure can be used again. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-23for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
A door on the vehicle is open.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts, or one start with a time
extension, have already been provided for that
ignition cycle.
2-8

If a remote start is attempted and is unsuccessful,
the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display
REMOTE START DISABLED.
Vehicles that have the remote start feature are shipped
from the factory with the remote vehicle start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” under
DIC Operation and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip
Computer) on page 3-55orDIC Operation and
Displays (Base Level DIC) on page 3-62for additional
information. If your vehicle does not have the DIC
feature, and remote vehicle start was installed at the
dealer/retailer, you will need to have the dealer/retailer
enable or disable the system.Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it may have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add
the manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature
to your vehicle.
2-9

Your vehicle may have
a red light located on top
of the instrument panel,
toward the center of
the vehicle and near
the windshield, that will
ash slowly when the
system is armed.
The theft-deterrent alarm system needs to be
activated through the Driver’s Information Center (DIC).
See “Theft Deterrent” under the Personal Programming
Mode Screens inDIC Vehicle Customization on
page 3-89. While armed, the doors will not unlock with
the power door lock switch. The remote alarm will
sound if someone tampers with the trunk or enters
the vehicle without using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or key to unlock the doors.
The horn will sound and the headlamps will ash for
up to two minutes. The system will also cut off the fuel
supply, preventing the vehicle from being driven.Arming with the Power Lock Switch
The vehicle’s content theft-deterrent alarm system
can be activated when the key is removed from
the ignition and the power door lock switch of either
the driver’s or front passenger’s door is used to lock
the vehicle. The door needs to be in the open
position when pressing the power door lock switch.
The alarm system will not activate if the door is
closed and the power door lock switch is pressed.
This system can be activated through the Driver’s
Information Center (DIC). See “Lock Switch Arm”
under the Personal Programming Mode Screens in
DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-89.
When the doors are locked using the power door
lock switch of either front door, the red light, if your
vehicle has one, will start ashing indicating that
the system is arming. After all the doors are closed
there will be a time delay and then the red light,
if your vehicle has one, will begin to ash at a very
slow rate indicating the system is armed.
2-19