1997 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

The 1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual

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“SRS” system.

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Pontiac. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-10. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.

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We support voluntary technician certification.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name FIREBIRD are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your Pontiac, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propri6taires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en frangais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 10293226 B First Edition

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1996 All Rights Reserved

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for wh,at you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignor;e the warning.

I A CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

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Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell YOU about something that lean damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what t’o do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

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Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

FLAME

EXPLODE BATTERY

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

TURN SIGNALS

PARKING PC

LAMPS

COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

LIGHTER 1 (0) HORN )cT SPEAKER b p3

FUEL

.i)

AIR BAG p\

FOG LAMPS

WINDOW DEFOGGER

$0

VENTILATING FAN

ENGINE OIL w, ANTI-LOCK (@)

PRESSURE

BRAKES

b NOTES

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v Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Pontiac and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

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Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

1-27 Rear Seat Passengers 1-30 Children 1-32 Child Restraints 1-38 1-41 Safety Belt Extender 1-41 Checking 1-41

Larger Children

Your Restraint Systems

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them and also about reclining front s’eatbacks, seatback latches and the folding rear seatback. M-rual Front +at

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving,

to Move the lever under the passenger’s front seat unlock it, Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place. Be sure the lever returns to its original position after moving the seat.

4-Way Manual Seat

6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)

There are two levers at the front of the seat. The left lever adjusts the seat forward and back. The right lever adjusts the angle of the front of the seat. To adjust the seats forward and rearward, lift the lever under the left front of the seat. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place. To raise or lower the entire seat, lift the lever under the right front of the seat and lean forward or backward.

The driver’s seat has three controls on the left side. A. The front control makes the front of the seat go UP

and down.

B. The center control makes the whole seat go up and

down or forward and backward.

C . The back control makes the back of the seat go up

and down.

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Fully Articulating Sport Seat (If Equipped) If your Pontiac has these seats, the driver’s seat has the four-way manual seat adjuster. See “4-Way Manual Seat” earlier in this part. The passenger seat has the two way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat” earlier in this part.

The two buttons without dot inflate and deflate the lumbar (lower back area of the seatback) support. To inflate, press the raised button. To deflate, press the indented button. Reclining Front Seatbacks

The switch pads on the outer side of the seats “inflate” and “deflate” parts of your seatback. The two buttons that have “dots” inflate and deflate the side bolster of the seatback. To inflate, press the raised button. To deflate, press the indented button. 1-4

To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever and the’seat will go to its original upright position.

If you have fully articulating sport seats, your recliner lever looks like this.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

I /r\ CAC JON:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle

CAUTION: (Continued)

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up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. On some models, the head restraints rearward also.

tilt forward and

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Front Seatback Latches

The front seatbacks fold forward to let people get into the back seat, To fold a seatback forward, lift the latch located on the lower backside of the seatback. Then the seatback will fold forward.

When you return the seatback to its original position, make ,sure the seatback is locked. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly,

If the seatback isnlt locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

Folding Rear Seatback

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system.

The rear seatback in your Pontiac folds down to provide more storage space. To fold the seatback down: 1. Pull forward on both levers. 2. Fold the seatback down. To raise the seatback: 1. Pull it up to the locked, upright position. 2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback in place. Have

them fixed if they don’t.

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

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It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts, Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to

I wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.

You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 yt;ars of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

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Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on mydung, you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it.

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Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

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or the instrument Dane1 ...

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

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If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers QZ Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but esp’ecially in side and other collisions.

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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Pontiac, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

3.

4.

Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

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5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash. On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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@ What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

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&.' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

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@ What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

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A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this section. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your Pontiac has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a

safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an

air bag for that person.

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There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

AIR BAG

The system checks the air bag electrical system. for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the right front passenger’s safety belt.

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How the Air Bag System Works

I"

Where are the air bags? The driver's air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger's air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger's side.

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Don’t attach anything to, or put anything between, an occupant and an air bag. If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into you and cause injury. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear, so don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any air bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 krn/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that

it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.

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How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anythmg more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

~~

~~

~~

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do sa If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

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Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment, Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver% or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

ring Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac Air bags affect how your Pontiac should be serviced. There are parts sf the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your Pontiac deal’er and the Firebird Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index,

For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned of€ and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service, You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

rhe air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

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Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

Lap-Shoulder Belt The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

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3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep gulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secur’e. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash. On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

A CAUTION:

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

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Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough €or one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 kmh), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so

CAUTION: (Continued)

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Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to kelp reduce the chancle of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat, We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

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A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go, Or, secure the child restraint in the rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicl’e. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

Top Strap

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiac dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. If you have a convertible, don’t use a restraint that has a top strap in your vehicle because the top strap anchor cannot be installed properly.

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The place where the anchor has to go is quite close to your fuel tank. If the anchor isn’t installed correctly, it can make a hole in the fuel tank -- either then, or in a later collision. Gasoline could leak out and be ignited, and people in the vehicle or outside it could be badly burned. Don’t install the anchor yourself unless you know you can do it correctly.

Far cars first sold in Canada, child restraints with a top strap must be anchored according to Canadian law. Your dealer can obtain the hardware kit and install it for you, or you may install it yourself using the instructions provided in the kit. Use the tether hardware kit available from the dealer. The hardware and installation instructions were specifically designed for this vehicle.

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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

1-34

4. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt

if needed.

If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

6. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while

you push down on the child restraint.

7 . Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

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You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Se,ats” in the Index.)

2. Put the restraint on the seat, Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

4. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

, .

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

A child in a rearfacing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front pass’enger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating #air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.

1-36

I*

5. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

6. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-37

Larger Children

7. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while

you push down on the child restraint.

8. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

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Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly.

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.

Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.

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A CAUTIQN

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is b’ehind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap porti’on of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs, This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Yo1 Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

1-41

1-42

Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Pontiac, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.

~~

2-2 2-4 2-6 2- 10 2-12 2-13 2-1 6 2- 17 2-23 2-23 2-25 2-27 2-28 2-32 2-37 2-3 8 2-40

Keys Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry System Hatch Theft Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System PASS-K@ 11 Feature Customization New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Switch Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater Automatic Transmission Operation Manual Transmission Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) Parking Your Vehicle

2-40 2-4 1 2-4 1 2-43 2-43 2-44 2-44 2-5 1 2-54 2-56 2-5 8 2-59 2-60 2-6 1 2-68 2-74 2-77

Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Windows Horn Tilt Steering Wheel Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Ashtray and Lighter Sun Visors Floor Mats Convertible Top Instrument Panel Warning Lights, Cages and Indicators

2-1

Keys

Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. If they turned the ignition to ON and moved the shift lever out of PARK (a), that would release the parking brake. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

2-2

The ignition keys are for the ignition only.

The door keys are for the doors and all other locks.

When a new Firebird is delivered, the dealer removes the plugs from the door keys and gives them to the first owner.

The ignition keys don’t have plugs. Instead they have bar-coded key tags. These tags may be removed by your dealer or even before the vehicle is delivered to your dealer. Each plug has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra door keys. Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your door keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made using these plugs. If you need a new ignition key, contact your Pontiac dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the pre-cut emergency key which Pontiac sends after delivery. In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1-800-ROADSIB or 1-800-762-3743. (In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800).

NOTICE:

Your Pontiac has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys.

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Door Locks A CAUTION: Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your door key, If your vehicle has the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System and it is armed, unlocking and opening a door this way will set off the alarm. See “Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.

2-4

‘4 --

From the inside, to lock the door, move the lock control on the door rearward. To unlock the door, move the lock control on the door forward.

Power Door Locks (If Equipped)

Push the power door lock switch to lock or unlock both doors at once.

The lock switch works at all times except during “Lockout Prevention” (if that feature is enabled). The unlock switch only works when the ignition switch is in RUN or ACC or when RAP is present, (See “Retained Accessorv Power” in the Index.) Last Door Closed Locking (If Equipped) If you have power door locks, you can program a Last Door Closed Locking feature for your vehicle. This feature allows for a delayed locking of the doors. This lets you and your passengers exit the vehicle after you’ve pressed the power door lock switch. All of the doors will lock once everyone has gotten out of the vehicle and closed their doors.

a chime

When the power door lock switch is pressed, will sound three times, indicating that Last Door Closed Locking has been activated. Pressing the LOCK switch again will lock the doors immediately. Pressing the UNLOCK switch will cancel a previously requested Last Door Closed Locking. This feature is shipped from the factory in the off position. To turn this feature on, see “Feature Customization” in the Index. Lockout Prevention (If Equipped) To protect you from locking your keys in the vehicle, this feature stops the power door locks from locking wh’en the keys are in the ignition and a door is open. If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open, a chime will sound five times as a reminder to take the keys out of the ignition before locking the door. This feature is shipped from the factory in the on position. If you would like to turn this feature off, see “Feature Customization” in the Index. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from the inside. Then get out and close the door.

2-5

I

Your Remote Keyless Entry System operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry and Science Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the foll'owing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

Remote Keyless Entry System

3-Button Fob

4-Button Fob

If your vehicle bas this opti'on, you can lock; and unlock your doors or unlock your hatch up from about 3 feet (1 m) to about 30 feet (9 m) using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

2-6

Operation The driver’s door will unlock automatically when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger door will also unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed. The hatch will unlock when the button with the trunk symbol is pressed twice within five seconds, as long as the ignition is turned to the OFF position. If the ignition is on, the trunk symbol button will only work if the transmission is in PARK (P) for an automatic transmission, or if the parking brake is set on a manual transmission. The system will turn on the interior lamps for about 40 seconds (or until the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position), when you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior lamps will go off when you lock the doors. Operating the key chain transmitter may interact with the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System (if you have this option). See “Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.

AlarmRanic Mode If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System, you will have a fourth button on your key chain transmitter. This button is the panic button. If you are involved in a panic situation, press this button and your vehicle’s horn will sound and the parking lamps will flash. This will draw needed attention to you and your vehicle. To turn this feature off, either push the panic button again or turn the ignition to on. Note: This feature will not work if your ignition is on or if the key fob is 30 feet (9 m) or more away from your vehicle. Transmitter Range The range of your Remote Keyless Entry system should be about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in the range. This is normal for any Remote Keyless Entry system. If the transmitter does not work, or you have to stand closer to your vehicle than normal for the transmitter to work: 0 You may have to replace the battery in

your transmitter. See the instructions for battery replacement. You may be too far from your vehicle. Check your distance, You may have to stand closer to your vehicle in rain or snow.

2-7

0

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the right or left. You may have to synchronize your transmitter to the receiver in your vehicle. See instructions for synchronization. You may have to match the transmitters to your vehicle. See instructions. If none of the above apply, see your dealer or qualified technician for service.

Synchronization Synchronization may be necessary due to the security metho’d used by the Remote Keyless Entry system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has been s’ent previously. This prevents anyone from recoding and playing back the signal fiom the transmitter. To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver:

While standing close to your vehicle, simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for eight seconds. The door locks should cycle and parking lamps flash to confirm synchronization. If this does not happen, you may need to replace the battery in your transmitter.

Transmitter Verification (I€ Equipped) This feature provides feedback to the holder of the remote keyless entry transmitter that a command has been received by the keyless entry receiver. The parking larnps will flash on every lock and unlock command and the horn will sound only if the LOCK button is pushed twice within five seconds. This allows for silent operation of locking and unloclung unless a confirming horn chxp is desired. Other options may be selected for this feature (see “Feature Custornization” in the Index). Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have up to four transmitters matched to it.

Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your key chain transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type.

Have each transmitter you intend to match ready for the next steps. To match transmitters to your vehicle: 1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position then to

the OFF position. This will disarm the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System (if your vehicle has this option).

2. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is located in the

main fuse block, located on the left side of your instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index.

3. Turn the ignition switch from the OFF to the RUN position three times quickly (within five seconds). The vehicle will respond by locking the doors, unlocking the driver’s doors and releasing the hatch. Your transmitter is now ready to match your vehicle. 4. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the first transmitter for 15 seconds. The vehicle will respond as in Step 3.

5. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining transmitters. 6. When you have finished matching all of your

transmitters, replace the RADIO fuse.

7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing their buttons. If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not match the transmitters yourself, see your Pontiac dealer.

2-9

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

To replace the battery in the key chain transmitter: 1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a dime (or

similar object) in a slot between the covers and twist,

2. Lift off the back cover. 3. Remove and repla’ce the battery. Use one battery,

type CR2032, or a sirnilar type. Put the new battery in printed side down.

4. Replace the back cov’er. Make sure the cover is on

tightly s0 water won’t get in.

5. Check the transmitter operation. If the transmitter

does not work after battery replacement, it may need to be resynchronized or matched to your vehicle. See “Synchronization” in the Index.

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Hatch

It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO, It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the hatch open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the hatch:

your heating or cooling

Make sure all windows are shut. Turn the fan system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT, That will force outside air into your vehicle. See ‘‘Comfort Controls” in the Index. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument paad, open them all the way.

See ‘(Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Hatch Release

Remote Hatch Release (If Equipped)

Your door key opens the hatch. If your vehicle has the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System and the system is armed, opening the hatch this way will trigger the alarm. First disarm the system or use the Remote Lock Control transmitter to open the hatch.

Press the switch under the Main Lamp Control to unlock the hatch from inside your vehicle. If you have an automatic transmission, your shift lever must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to use the switch. If you have a manual transmission and the ignition switch is in RUN, you must set the parking brake before you can use the switch. The switch only works when the ignition switch is in RUN or ACC, or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.)

2-11

NOTICE:

If you put things in the hatchback area, be sure they won’t break the glass when you close it. Never slam the hatch down. You could break the glass or damage the defogger grid (if equipped).

On vehicles with the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System: The hatch switch will not work while the system is armed. See “Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your Pontiac has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it.

When you park your Pontia’c and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking your key out also locks your transmission. And remember to lock the doors. Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storag-e area. or take them with vou. Par ng If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?

,ots

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your glove box. Lock the glove box.

a Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

Then take the door key and Remote Keyless Entry keychain with you.

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If your vehicle has this option, it has a theft-deterrent alarm system. Once armed, the system will sound the horn and flash the parking lamps if the vehicle is broken into. Shock Sensor

Coupe

Convertible

Its

The shock sensor is what triggers the alarm when it detects a blow to your vehicle. It is located over the right rear wheelhouse near the spare tire in the hatch area. There are two levels of alarms via the shock sensor: Two horn blasts and parking lamp flashes for non-threatening blows to the vehicle and a full two minute alarm for harder blows to the vehicle. sensitivity can be adjusted if more or less sensitivity is desired. (Note: If sensitivity is increased too much, it may give false alarms caused by gusts of wind or other natural events that may shake the vehicle). To adjust, remove the label covering the adjustment knob on the sensor and adjust as desired. Turn clockwise to increase sensitivity and turn counterclockwise to is ignored by the decrease sensitivity. The shock sensor alarm system when the ignition is on, when the hatch is open, when the alarm is disarmed, when it is customized to be ignored and for five seconds after the horn sounds an alarm or chirp. The shock sensor is ignored after triggering three full alarms until the system is rearmed.

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Arming the System

The alarm system can be armed to detect break-ins by locking your vehicle using the key chain transmitter or by locking the doors with the power door lock switch.

Passive arming is also available, if you would like the system to am all by itself after the doors have been closed for a short time. When the system is armed, a red light will flash briefly once every two seconds. (Note: If you return to your vehicle and the red light is flashing two brief flashes every two seconds, the system is armed and the shock sensor had triggered a two minute alarm. If the red light is flashing three times every two seconds, the system is armed and there was an intrusion that sounded the alarm). Horn chirps and parking lamp flashes can be set to your choice.

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Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking If all the doors are closed, locking the vehicle with the transmitter will immediately arm the system. The horn will chirp twice and the parking lamps will flash, confirming that the system is armed. If any door is open when the transmitter LOCK button is pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode, waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the system will arm, chirp the horns twice and flash the parking lamps. If the hatch is open or ajar at the time the system is arming, the horn will only chirp once. Power Door Lock Switch Locking If any door is open when the power door lock switch is pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode, waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the system will arm and flash the parking lamps. If all of the doors are closed when the lock switch is pressed, the system assumes you are inside the vehicle, so it will not arm. Note: Locking the doors by using the manual door locks will not arm the system.

Passive Arming If the ignition was just turned off and a door was opened, the system will arm six seconds after all doors are closed, whether or not you lock them. In all other cases, the system will wait 30 seconds after all doors are closed before arming, allowing you time to get into the vehicle and put the key in the ignition. The parking lamps will flash when the system arms. Passive arming is not enabled from the factory. Disarming the System There are two ways to disarm the system: 1. Press the UNLOCK button on the key chain

transmitter. If the horn chirps two or three times when you unlock the car, the alarm sounded in your absence. Two chirps means that the shock sensor was set off and three chirps means that a door or hatch was opened.

2. Turn the ignition to the RUN position with the

proper key.

For more information on customizing the features mentioned here, see “Feature Customization” in the Index.

Turning Off the Alarm If you started the alarm by pressing the panic button on the key chain transmitter, you must either push that button again or turn the ignition switch to the RUN position to stop the alarm. If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a door or hatch opening, it can be turned off by either turning the ignition switch with a proper key inserted or by pressing any button on the key chain transmitter. If you use your key chain transmitter to silence the alarm, additional things will happen depending upon which button you press.

Pressing the UNLOCK button will turn the alarm off, unlock the driver’s door and disarm the system.

0 Pressing the LOCK button will turn the alarm off, keep the doors locked and keep the system armed. Pressing the trunk symbol button twice within five seconds will turn the alarm off, unlock and disarm the hatch only. Pressing the panic button will turn the alarm off, keep the doors locked and keep the system armed. If the alarm is sounding because an incorrect ign“’ >n key was used, press any button on the key chain transmitter to turn the alarm off. The alarm will stop by itself after two minutes.

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PASS-Key’ I1

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key 11 (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key I1 is a passive theft-deterrent system. It works when you insert os remove the key from the ignition.

PASS-Key I1 uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

When the PASS-Key I1 system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won’t work and fuel won’t go to the engine. If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key during this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match. The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in the ignitio’n or the engine may not start. If the engine does not start and the SECURITY light stays on when you try to start the vehicle, the key may be dirty or wet, Turn the ignition off.

2-16

Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle do’es start, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key 11. If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work, and the SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key. See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key I1 to have a new key made. If you’re ever driving and the SECUFUTY light comes on and turn it stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you off. Your PASS-Key II system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your Pontiac dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key II system. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key I1 ignition key, see your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key I1 to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program at 1-800-ROADSIm or 1-800-762-3743.

Feature Customization (If Equipped) Your Pontiac’s locks and lighting systems can be programmed with several different features. The features you can program depend upon the options that came with your vehicle. The following list tells you the features that can be programmed. Listed next to each feature is the option you need to have on your vehicle in order to be able to program that particular feature.

Exit Lighting (available for all) Delayed Illumination (available for all) Last Door Closed Locking (if equipped with power door locks) Lockout Prevention (if equipped with power door locks) Remote Lock Control Verification (if equipped with Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System) Theft-Deterrent Arming Method (if equipped with Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System) Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification (if equipped with Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System) Driver’s Door Alarm Delay (if equipped with Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System) Shock Sensor Enable (if equipped with Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System)

3. 4.

5.

To program features, your vehicle must be in the programming mode. Follow these steps: 1. 2.

Put your key in the ignition. Turn the ignition to the RUN pos’ition to disarm the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System. Turn the ignition to the OFF position. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is in the main fuse block, located on the left side of your instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index. Put the ignition in the ACC position: You should hear a chime to verify that the system is in programming mode. If the chime sounds once, you will be able to program Exit Lighting, Delayed Illumination, Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention only. If the chime sounds twice and your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle and Content Theft-Deterrent System, you will also be able to set Remote Lock Control Verification, Arming Method, Arming Verification, Driver’s Door Delay and Shock Sensor Enable.

Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination Exit Lighting: Your interior lights will come on for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from the ignition switch. Delayed Illumination: Your interior lights will stay on for up to 25 seconds when entering your vehicle and up to five seconds when leaving your vehicle. Your vehicle comes with both features enabled (Mode 4). To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Turn the courtesy lamps on by turning the instrument

panel brightness control knob all the way up.

2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.

3. Turn the courtesy lamp switch to off. 4. Turn the courtesy lamp switch from on to off until

you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the mode selection you want.

Mode 1: Both Off Mode 2: Delayed Illumination Only Mode 3: Exit Lighting Only Mode 4: Both On

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Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 2. This means that your power door locks will not lock when the keys are in the ignition and a door is open. To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Press the LOCK switch on the door. 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.

3. Press the LOCK switch on the door until you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the mode selection you want.

Mode 1: Both O€€ (Doors will 1ocWunlock when you press the power door lock switch). Mode 2: Lockout Prevention Only (If you leave your keys in the ignition and get out the driver’s door, you won’t be able to lock the doors with the power door lock switch). Mode 3: Last Door Closed Locking Only (If the power door lock switch is used to lock the vehicle while any door is open, you will hear three chimes. The doors will not lock until after all doors are closed). Mode 4: Both On (This combines Mode 2 and 3).

Remote Keyless Entry Lock Verification Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 5. This means that when you use the key chain transmitter to lockhnlock your vehicle, your parking lamps will flash briefly upon the first push on LOCK. Your horn will sound briefly, your parking lamps will flash briefly upon the second push on LOCK and your parking lamps will flash briefly upon any push on UNLOCK. To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Press the UNLOCK switch on the Remote Keyless

Entry transmitter.

2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number

of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.

3. Press the UNLOCK switch on the Remote Keyless

Entry transmitter until you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the mode selection you want.

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Mode 1: All Off (The headlamps will not flash and the horn will not sound to provide you feedback that a lock/ud~& command has been received by the Remote Lock Control transmitter). Mode 2: Horn and LampdLamps (Your horn will sound briefly and your parking lamps will flash when you press LOCK on the key chain transmitter. Only your parking lamps will flash when you press UNLOCK). Mode 3: Horn and Lamps (Your horn will sound briefly and your parking lamps will flash every time you push LOCK and UNLOCK). Mode 4: Lamps (Your parking lamps will flash every time you push LOCK and UNLOCK), Mode 5: Lamps/Horn and Lamps/Lamps (Your lamps will flash upon the first push on LOCK, your lamps will flask and your horn will sound upon the second push on LOCK and your lamps will flash upon any push on UNLOCK).

Theft-Detlerrent Arming Method Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 3. This means that both your key chain transmitter and the power door lock switch will actively arm the system. To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Press the UNLOCK switch on the door. 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for, 3. Press the UNLOCK switch on the door until you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the mode selection you want.

Mode I: Alarm System Off (The system will not arm). Mode 2: Key Chain Transmitter Lock (When you lock your doors using the Key Chain Transmitter, the system will arm itself). Mode 3: Key Chain TransmittedPower Door Lock Switch (If you use either the Key Chain Transmitter or the power door lock switch to lock the doors, the system will arm itself). Mode 4: Passive arming and Remote Lock Control Transmitter/Power Door Lock Switch Arming (The system will arm itself after all doors are closed plus arming per;mg& 3).

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Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 3. This means that if you arm the system using the key chain transmitter, your parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify that the system is armed. If it only chirps once, the hatch is open or unlatched. If you arm the system using either the power door lock switch or by passive arming, only the parking lamps will flash for verification. To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Press the LOCK switch on the key chain transmitter. 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number

of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.

3. Press the LOCK switch on the key chain transmitter until you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the mode selection you want.

Mode 1: All Off (No horn chirps or parking lamp flash). Mode 2: Horn and Lamps (Your parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify the system is armed using any arming method). Mode 3: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (If you use the key chain transmitter to arm the system, your parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify that the system is armed. If you use either the power door lock switch or passive arming, only your lamps will flash for verification). Mode 4: Lamps (When your vehicle arms, only your parking lamps will flash for verification).

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Driver’s Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 4. This means that if you open the driver’s door using your key, the alarm will not sound for eight seconds. Also the shock sensor, able to detect sharp blows to your vehicle, is active. To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Turn the parking lamps on and off, 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number

of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.

3. Turn the parking lamps on and off until you hear the

number of chimes that correspond to the mode selection you want.

Mode 1: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled (The alarm will sound immediately if the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle). Mode 2: Eight Second Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle), Mode 3: Zero Relay and Shock Sensor Enabled (The alum will sound immediately after the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle). Mode 4: Eight Second Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle). Leaving Programming Mode When programming is done, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and replace the RADIO fuse.

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New Vehicle “Break-In”

Ignition Switch

NOTICE:

Your modern Pontiac doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 kmh) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t 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. Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index for more information.

With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to five positions. ACC (A): Position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you. LOCK (B): The only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition an’d automatic transmission.

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If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch can’t be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is in the PARK (P) position. OFF (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission, but does not send electrical power to any accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed. A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is in OFF and the key is in the ignition. RUN (D): Position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the RUN position when the engine is running, But even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel warning and indicator lights. START (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to RUN €or normal driving. Note that even if the engine is not running, ACC and RUN allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio and ventilation fan.

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Key Release Button

If you have a manual transmission, your ignition lock has a key release button. You must press the button before you can take your key out of the ignition lock.

On manual transmission vehicles, turn g the key to LOCK will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while the vehicle is moving.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

Starting Your Engine Automatic Transmission Move your snm lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

NOTICE:

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