2009 PONTIAC G3 ignition

4. Detach the center safety belt from the mini buckle
by inserting the ignition key into the slot in the mini
buckle, pressing the release button, and allowing
the belt to retract.5. Pull up the release knob located on top of either of
the rear seatbacks.
6. Fold the rear seatback forward and down.
1-9

Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps
the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger
airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in
the Index for additional information about the importance
of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers,
seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well
the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend
that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket
equipment other than any that GM has approved for
your specic vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-71for more
information about modications that can affect how
the system operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There
are parts of the airbag system in several places around
the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about servicing the vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualied to do so.
1-70

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-6
Door Locks....................................................2-6
Central Door Unlocking System........................2-6
Door Ajar Reminder........................................2-7
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-7
Trunk (Sedan)................................................2-8
Liftgate (Hatchback)......................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-11
Manual Windows..........................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-12
Sun Visors...................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-13
Immobilizer..................................................2-13
Immobilizer Operation....................................2-14
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-16
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-16
Ignition Positions..........................................2-17
Starting the Engine.......................................2-18Engine Heater..............................................2-19
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-20
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-24
Parking Brake..............................................2-26
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)......2-27
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-28
Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission).......2-29
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-30
Engine Exhaust............................................2-30
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-31
Mirrors...........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror
.................................2-32
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-33
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-33
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-33
OnStar
®System.............................................2-34
Storage Areas................................................2-37
Glove Box...................................................2-37
Cupholders..................................................2-37
Sunglasses Storage Compartment...................2-38
Sunroof.........................................................2-38
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key
is dangerous for many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even killed. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows will
function with the keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
The key can be used for the ignition, doors and all other
locks.
The key has a key code tag that the dealer/retailer or
qualied locksmith can use to make new keys. Store this
information in a safe place, not in your vehicle.
2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 65 feet (20 m) away from the vehicle.
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 if the vehicle
has RKE:Q(Lock):Press to lock all of the doors. If all of the
doors and the trunk or liftgate are closed, the hazard
lamps ash once and the horn will sound to indicate that
locking has occurred and the theft-deterrent system is
active.
K(Unlock):Press to unlock all of the doors.
The hazard lamps ash twice to indicate that unlocking
has occurred and that the theft-deterrent system is
deactivated. If the doors are not opened within
30 seconds the doors will lock again.
3(Panic) (Hatchback):Press to sound the panic
alarm. The hazard lamps will ash and the panic alarm
will stay on for about 30 seconds. Press any of the
buttons on the transmitter to turn off the alarm.
V(Remote Trunk Release) (Sedan):Press and hold
for approximately one second to open the trunk.
The LED light (A) on the transmitter ashes when the
buttons on the transmitter are pressed. If the light does
not ash see “Battery Replacement” later in this section.
The buttons do not operate and the theft-deterrent
system does not activate if the key is in the ignition. Hatchback
Sedan
2-4

Door Ajar Reminder
If one of the doors, trunk,
or liftgate is not closed
properly while the ignition
is on, the door ajar light on
the instrument panel comes
on and stays on until the
doors are closed.
Rear Door Security Locks
The vehicle has rear
door security locks on
each rear door that
prevents passengers
from opening the rear
doors from the inside.
Using the Rear Door Security Lock
1. Move the lever up to lock.
2. Close the door.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to the other rear door lock.
Notice:Pulling the inside door handle while
the rear door security locks are engaged could
damage your vehicle. Do not pull the inside door
handle while the rear door security locks are
engaged.
The rear doors on the vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside while this feature is in use.
Opening a Rear Door When the
Security Lock is On
1. Unlock the door from the inside.
2. Open the door from the outside.
If you do not cancel the security lock, adults or older
children who ride in the rear will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside.
Canceling the Rear Door Security Lock
1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the
door from the outside.
2. Move the lever down to unlock.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to the other rear door lock.
The rear door locks can now be locked and unlocked
normally.
2-7

Manual Windows
Use the window crank to open and close each window.
The rear windows do not open fully.
Power Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the keys is
dangerous for many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even killed. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The windows will
function and they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing window.
Do not leave keys in a vehicle with children.
When there are children in the rear seat use the
window lockout button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.On vehicles with power windows, the switches are
located on the driver door. In addition, each passenger
door has a switch for its own window.
The ignition must be turned to ON/RUN to use the
power windows. To lower the window, press and hold
the switch. To raise the window, lift up on the switch.
Release the switch when the window reaches the
desired level.
2-12

Immobilizer Operation
The vehicle may have a passive theft-deterrent system.
The immobilizer system prevents the vehicle from
being started by an unauthorized person by isolating
the power supply to the ignition system, the fuel pump
and the fuel injectors.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition. You do not have to manually
arm or disarm the system.
Your vehicle has a special key that works with the
theft-deterrent system. There is a transponder in the key
head that is electronically coded. The correct key will start
the vehicle. An invalid key immobilizes the engine. If your
key is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light ashes or comes on, there may
be a problem with the 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 key. At this time, you may
also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-88. 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 have a new key made.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
If you lose or damage your keys, only a dealer/retailer
can have new keys made.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart the engine
if you turn it off. The theft-deterrent system, however,
is not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer/retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
theft-deterrent system at this time.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
2-14