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 except when approved by GM for your speci c
vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-75for more information about
modi cations 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, seeService 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
in ate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it in ates. 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 quali ed to do so.
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Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If this vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it 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 modi cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. 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 the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a quali ed technician for
service.
2-3
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT LOW
message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB BATT
LOW” underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46.
Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a at, thin object
inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature.
This feature 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
the system 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.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time.
2-6
Window Indexing (Coupe and
Retractable Hardtop)
This feature automatically lowers the window a small
amount when the door is opened. Then, when the door
is closed, the window will automatically raise fully.
If the vehicle loses power or the window freezes, this
feature may not work. From outside the vehicle, close the
door and push the window inward so that the glass goes
under the molding.
Power Window Initialize (Coupe and
Retractable Hardtop)
After a power reconnect, such as battery replacement,
the indexing feature will not function until the system
is initialized. This procedure needs to be done for each
individual window. Once power is restored:
1. Close the door.
2. Raise the window by pulling the power window
switch up.
3. Hold the window switch up for two seconds
after the window is closed. Release the switch.
Then hold the switch up again for two seconds.
4. Lower the window all the way down. Hold the
switch down for two seconds.
5. Repeat the procedure for each window, including
the rear quarter windows on retractable hardtop
models, until all windows are initialized.
Express-Down Window
The express-down feature lowers the window all the
way without continuously pressing the AUTO switch.
On sedan and retractable hardtop models, the driver’s
window has the express-down feature. On coupe
models, both the driver’s and front passenger window
have the express-down feature. The front passenger
express-down is activated by the driver’s side switch
only. Press the front of the switch all the way down
and release it to express open the window.
To stop the window while it is lowering, pull the front of
the switch up brie y.
Window Lockout (Sedan Only)
o
(Window Lockout):This button prevents the rear
passengers from using their window switches.
The window lockout button is located near the driver’s
power window switches. The driver can still operate all
the windows and the front passenger can operate their
own window with the lockout on. Press the right side of
the switch to turn the lockout feature on. Press the left
side to turn it off. The red part of the switch is visible when
you have returned to normal window operation.
2-16
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position unlocks the
transmission. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers while the engine is not running. To use
ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise to the rst
position. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed
or towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on
page 4-26.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel warning lights. The ignition switch will stay in this
position while the engine is running.
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 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 the ON/RUN position for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
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
Heated Seats (if equipped)
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features continue to work up to 10 minutes after
the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF.
The power windows, heated seats, and sunroof will
work until any door is opened.
The radio continues to work until the driver door is
opened.
All these features operate when the key is in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.
2-22
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral).
The engine will not start in any other position.
To restart the engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine
warms. 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.The 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, 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.
2-23
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. On
the 2.4L L4 ECOTEC
®engine, the engine coolant
heater cord is located near the air cleaner box on the
passenger’ side of the engine compartment. On the
3.5L, 3.6L and 3.9L V6 engines, the engine coolant
heater cord is located on the driver side around the
battery box. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for more information on location.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a
properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged
in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer
in the area where you will be parking your vehicle
for the best advice in this.
2-25
Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY 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 the 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 P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
2-34