
How the System Alarm is Activated
If the system is armed, it can be activated by either:
Opening the driver’s door or tailgate. This causes a
10 second pre-alarm chirp followed by a 30 second
full alarm of horn and lights.
Opening any other door. This immediately causes a
full alarm of horn and lights for 30 seconds.
When an alarm event has nished, the system re-arms
itself automatically.
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
To turn off the system alarm, do one of the following:
Press the lock button on the RKE transmitter.
The system will then re-arm itself.
Press the unlock button on the RKE transmitter.
This will also disarm the system.
Insert the key in the ignition and turn it on. This will
also disarm the system.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
The content theft security system alarm was previously
activated if three chirps sound when you press the
lock or unlock buttons on the RKE transmitter.
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
The PASS-Key III+ 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 harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
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 modi cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
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PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, there may be a
problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-109. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can service the PASS-Key
®III+ to
have a new key made. In an emergency, contact
Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 7-7, for more information.
It may be possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to
“learn” the transponder value of a new or replacement
key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
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To program the new key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start,
see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to the
ON/RUN position within ve seconds of the original
key being turned to the LOCK/OFF position.
The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes on
and stays on, you may be able to restart your engine if
you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
®III+ system, however,
is not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer/retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
®III+ system at this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key,
see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The 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. SeeTowing a
Trailer (Automatic Transmission) on page 4-34
orTowing a Trailer (Manual Transmission) on
page 4-41for the trailer towing capabilities of
your vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
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R(ON/RUN):This is the position in which you can
operate the electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The
switch stays in this position when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/
RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be
drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is opened,
the ignition is in LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY and
the key is in the ignition.
Column Lock Release
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the
following procedure allows the ignition to be turned to
LOCK/OFF and ignition key to be removed in case of a
dead battery or low voltage battery.
1. Make sure the shift lever is in P (Park).
2. Remove the cover from the bottom of the steering
column.
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Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-16.
I (Intermediate):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without
using the brakes for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade.
If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while
driving up steep hills, this position can be used to
prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
I (Intermediate) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads and when towing a trailer, so that there is
less shifting between gears.
PERFORMANCE SHIFTING:If the vehicle has this
feature, it can detect a change in driving patterns
while in the Intermediate position. If you make an
aggressive driving maneuver, the vehicle’s transmission
automatically shifts to the lowest possible gear to
maximize vehicle performance. The vehicle will
automatically return to normal operation when you
return to normal driving patterns.
L (Low):This position reduces vehicle speed more than
I (Intermediate) without actually using the brakes. You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If
the shift lever is put in L (Low), the transmission will not
shift into L (Low) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Transmission Operation
This is the shift pattern for standard models.
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Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
Up-Shift Light
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, there may be
an up-shift light. This light
will show you when to shift
to the next higher gear for
the best fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions let
you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly
and shift when the light comes on.
While accelerating, it is normal for the light to go on and
off if you quickly change the position of the accelerator.
Ignore the light when downshifting.
No-Lift Upshift (SS Models)
If the vehicle has the 2.0L turbo engine and manual
transmission, it has the capability of No-Lift Upshifts.
This feature maximizes vehicle acceleration by allowing
you to shift the transmission to a higher gear without
taking your foot off the accelerator. No-Lift Upshifting is
enabled in all Electronic Stability Control modes. See
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-7for more
information. Use this feature only when the engine has
reached normal operating temperature. Correct shifting
allows the engine to maintain boost pressure during
shifts, while also keeping the engine from over-revving.
To utilize this feature:
1. Accelerate the vehicle by fully depressing the
accelerator pedal.
2. Just prior to reaching the maximum engine speed,
quickly complete the upshift utilizing the clutch while
keeping the accelerator pedal fully applied. A quicker
shift maneuver gives the best performance. If the
engine is operated at the maximum engine speed for
greater than one second, the engine exits the No-Lift
Upshift mode and resumes normal engine overspeed
protection.
2-32

Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located between the front
seats.
{CAUTION:
If the front passenger seat back is folded down,
the armrest may make it awkward to grab and pull
up the parking brake lever. If the lever is not
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
pulled up far enough, the vehicle may roll and you
or others could be injured. Move your hand lower
on the lever or raise the seat back so that you can
set the brake.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition
is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-33.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the
release button. Hold the release button in as you move
the brake lever all the way down.
If you forget to release your parking brake, a chime
will sound and a warning message will be displayed
when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle
is moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-50.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
2-33

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it for
a clearer view behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps behind you. Push the tab
forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
If the vehicle has map lamps, press the buttons located
at the bottom of the mirror to turn them on or off.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside
rearview mirror with a compass and map lights and/or
OnStar
®.
Vehicles with OnStar have three additional control
buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer/retailer for more information on the system
and how to subscribe to OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System
on page 2-47for more information about the services
OnStar provides.
Press the buttons located at the bottom of the mirror to
turn the map lights on or off.
O(On/Off):Press to turn the dimming feature on
or off.Your vehicle may also have a Rear Vision Camera.
SeeRear Vision Camera (RVC) on page 2-44for more
information.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror.
Use a soft towel dampened with water.
Compass
Compass Operation
Y
/O(On/Off):If the vehicle has one of these
buttons, press to turn the compass on or off.
With the compass feature on, each time the vehicle is
started, the compass displays the current compass
direction after a few seconds.
2-39