1998 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

Rear Latches

Power

1-47

Position

1-47 1 . 14

1.17. 1.45. 1-46

1.14. 1-28 1-44 1 . 13 1-28

.................................. Extender How to Wear Properly ......................... Incorrect Usage .................... Lap-Shoulder ........................... Larger Children .............................. Questions and Answers ........................ Rear Seat Positions ............................ Reminder Light .......................... Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-47 Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-22 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-31 They’re for Everyone ........................... 1-8 Use During Pregnancy ......................... 1-21 WhyTheyWork .............................. 1-10 .................................. Safety ........................ Safety Defects, Reporting 8-10 ... Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 111 7-4 Seatback .................................. Folding ................................. Front ............................... Reclining Front

1.9. 2.80

1-5

Seats

...

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

Four-Way Manual Fully Articulating Sport Manual Front Restraint Systems Seat Controls ................................. Securing a Child Restraint ...................... ............................... Six-Way

.....,............ l-3 ................ l-4 , .................. 1-2 ,.................. l-1 1-2 1-38

9-9

Second Gear. Automatic Transmission .............. 2-33 Second-Gear Start .............................. 2-34 Service ........................................ 6-2 Bulletins. Ordering ............................ 8-12 Engine Soon Light ............................ 2-85 Manuals. Ordering ............................ 8-12 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-62 Publications. Ordering ......................... 8- 12 Work. Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 Service and Owner Publications ................... 8- 12 Servicehblications ............................. 8-12 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac ........... 1-27 Sheet Metal Damage ............................ 6-59 ShiftLever .................................... 2-30 Shift Speeds ................................... 2-37 shifting Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-30 Into PARK (P) ............................... 2-39 out of PARK (P) ............................. 2-41 Shifting. Manual Transmission .................... 2-35 SignalingTurns ................................ 2-46 Six-Way Power Seat ............................. 1-3 Skidding ...................................... 4-14 Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-20 Spare Tire. Compact ............................. 5-40 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-68 Specifications. Engine ........................... 6-68 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance ............... 8-5 Speedometer ................................... 2-79 Sportseat ...................................... 1-4 9-10

SRS ......................................... 1-22 Stains. Cleaning ................................ 6-55 Standard Differential. Rear Axle ................... 6-26 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-34 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-26 Steam ........................................ 5-15 Steering ...................................... 4-10 In Emergencies ............................... 4-11 Power ...................................... 4-10 Tips ........................................ 4-10 Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-46 Wheel Touch Controls ......................... 3-19 Storage Compartments ........................... 2-58 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-37 Stuck In Sand, Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-41 Sunvisors .................................... 2-61 Sunshades. T-Top ............................... 2-67 Supplemental Restraint System .................... 1-22 Symbols. Vehicle .................................. Tachometer .................................. 2-79 TapePlayerCare ............................... 3-21 Temperature Control Knob ........................ 3-2 Theft ......................................... 2-13 Theft Arming Method ........................... 2-21 Theft Arming Verification ........................ 2-22 Theft-Deterrent System. Content ................... 2-14 Arming the System ............................ 2-15 Disarming the System ......................... 2-16 Turning Off the Alarm ......................... 2-16

THEFTLOCK TM (Theft-Deterrent Feature) ........... 3- 17 Thermostat .................................... 6-3 1 Third Gear. Automatic Transmission ................ 2-32 ............................. Tilt Steering Wheel 2-46 Tire. Storing Tire and Tools ....................... 5-38 Tire Chains .................................... 6-52 TireLoading ................................... 4-30 Tire-Loading Information Label ................... 4-30 Tires ......................................... 6-44 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-51 Buying New ................................. 6-49 Chains ..................................... 6-52 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-27 Cleaning .................................... 6-59 Compact Spare ............................... 5-40 Inflation .................................... 6-45 Inflation Check ............................... 7-32 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-46 Loading .................................... 4-30 Pressure .................................... 6-45 Temperature ................................. 6-5 1 Traction .................................... 6-50 Treadwear ................................... 6-50 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-50 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-48 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-5 1 ....................... 6-48 When It’s Time for New TopStrap ..................................... 1-39 TorqueLock ................................... 2-40

Trailer

5.37. 6.68

4-32 5-8

Torque. Wheel Nut ....................... TowingaTrailer ................................ Towing Your Vehicle ............................. Traction Control Off Button ............................. 4-10 Control System ................................ 4-8 Control System Warning Light .............. 2.83. 4.9 Backing Up with ............................. 4-36 Brakes ..................................... 4-35 Driving on Grades ............................ 4-37 Drivingwith ................................. 4-36 Engine Cooling When Towing ................... 4-38 Following Distance ........................... 4-36 Hitches ..................................... 4-35 If You Do Decide To Pull A ..................... 4-33 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-38 MakingTurns ................................ 4-37 ParkingonHills .............................. 4-38 Passing with ................................. 4-36 Safety Chains ................................ 4-35 Tongueweight ............................... 4-34 Total Weight on Tires .......................... 4-35 Towing ..................................... 4-32 Turnsignals ................................. 4-37 Weight ..................................... 4-33 Automatic ................................... 6-20 Manual ..................................... 6-24 Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry ................. 2-6

9-11

Transmitters. Matching to Your Vehicle .............. 2-9 Transmitters. Synchronization ...................... 2-8 Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-8 Tripodometer ................................. 2-79 T-Top Sunshades ............................... 2-67 lTYUsers ..................................... 8-5 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicators ............. 2-47 Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever ................... 2-46 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-37 Twin Lift-off Roof Panels ........................ 2-62 underbody Flushing Service ..................... Underbody Maintenance ......................... Underhood Electrical Center ......................

7-35 6-60 6-66

Vehicle Controlofa .................................. Damagewarnings .............................. Dimensions ................................. Identification Number ......................... Loading .................................... Storage ..................................... Ventilation System ............................... Visor Vanity Mirror ............................. Visors. Sun .................................... Voltmeter .....................................

4-5 iv 6-70 6-62 4-30 6-37 3-6 2-61 2-61 2-8 1

9-12

warning Devices ............................... 5-3 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ............... 2-79 Warranty Information ............................ 8-10 .................. 2-49. 6-32 Washer Fluid. Windshield Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-57 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-57 wheel Alignment .................................. Nut Torque ............................. Replacement ................................. Wrench ..................................... Windows ..................................... Manual ..................................... Power ...................................... Windshield Washer ............................. Fluid .................................. Fluid Level Check ............................ Windshield Wipers .............................. Blade Replacement ........................... Fuses ...................................... Winter Driving ................................. Wiper Blade Check ............................. Wiring. Headlamp .............................. WreckerTowing ................................. Wrench. Wheel. ................................

6-51 5.37. 6.68 6-51 5-30 2-45 2-45 2-45 2-49

7-32 2-48 6-42 6-63 4-25 7-33 6-63 5-8 5-30

2.49. 6.32

Bumper-to+ s-years/36,000 mil

VWATION ON THE NEXT FEW PAGES IS TO HELP YOU FIND N l REFERRED TO TOPICS QUICKLY. FOR INFORMATION NOT lNCL

;E USE THE TABLE OF CONTENTS OR THE INDEX IN THE MANUAL-

Wearing a safety belt correctly is one of the most important thinas vou and

One of the first things you'll probably want to do when you get in your new vehicle is adjust the seats. Depending on your vehicle, you may either be able to dn this manually or with power controls.

i;,+,

;#:!,;i7 ~ , , : ~ ~ , + ~ ~ ~ + . . ~ 2

:::,I &fli ,,:.;fi,&,??!

5-14

I +3 jump start your vehicl ow your vehicle should be t What to do if your engine overheat How to change a flat tire

TCS)

, i . ,

,',

1 cub

lhes (37'

6"

V8

r-nostat Starts

REPLACEMENT BULBS

front Park and Turn Signal

Rear StodTail and Turn Siun

305;

e Pressu tsi (210 kP

rse unleaded gas onry, tu Octane or higher for Vf 91 Octane or higher for VB

CI

. , .. ..", EVL) . ,, " _. . ,

SP€ClFlCATI,NS (CONTlNU,D)

Wheel Base

r Length I Firebird/Formula

Trans Am

~.

. .-

193 L93.9 inc

Height

Front Tread

: - - w m m

Qt

kutomatir

)E

V6

V8

Manual Trans Auto Trans Manual Trans

I Supplement to the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual

This information replaces the “Removing the Spare Ere and Tools” text located in Section 5 on page 28 and “Storing a Flat or Spare ?ire and Tools”in Section 5 on page 39 in your owner’s manual. Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the right (passenger) two screw rear area behind the trim panel. First you must remove the close-out panel. See “Close-Out Panel’’ in the Index.

On convertible models, you must dso remove the trunk access panel. It’s at the upper back of the trunk. Turn the

knobs under the trunk.edge a quarter turn

to remove the panel.

counterclockwise

, ... Pym, +is

.>

Part No. 98FIR002

.L. T 1

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools I

Replace the jack, wheel wrench and flat tire using the storage instructions. When you replace the trim panel, be sure to tuck it uncier the weatherstrip. 1. Trim Panel 2. Bolt 3. Cover 4. Jack 5. Wing Nut 6. Adapter 7. Compact Spare Tire 8. FuU-Size Tire 9. Carpet Flap 10. Tire Storage Bolt 11. Trunk Access Panel (Convertible Only) 12. Knob

I’

NOTE: For Convertible only, remove trunk access panel by turning two knobs &fore removing spare tire. For Coupe model, be sure trim panel is positioned under weather stripping.

NOTICE:

Tire must fit in molded area to avoid damaging glass when closing hatchltrunk.

NOTES

A

A A

'98

owner's manual

_.

A A

The 1998 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual

1-1

2-1

3-1

4-1

5-1

6-1

7-1

8-1

9-1

also explains the “SRS” system.

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. 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 if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle 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.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name F’IREBIRD 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 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.

in your vehicle, so it will be

We support voluntary technician certification.

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

EXCELLENCE

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

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

U.S.A.

Litho Part No. 10417104 A Second Edition ii

‘Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997 All Rights Reserved

. ?)::Y-. ! ; ,

~.

~~

~~-~

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning If you to end when they first receive their new vehicle. 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 what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find 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 the warning.

if you were to ignore

it.

- 1

These mean there is something that could hurt

f o r o t h y e .

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.”

iii

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

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would it could be costly. not be covered by your warranty, and

i But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid

the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION

l and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in

different words. I You’ll also see warning

labels

vehicle.

on your

They use

the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

NOTICE:

I These mean there is something that could

damage your vehicle.

iv

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

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

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BURNS

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

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

WIPER

TURN

SIGNALS @ 9 PARKING pf

LAMPS

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

,\I/,

SPARK OR FLAUE COULD EXPLODE BAllERY

e?

AIR BAG p\

WINDOW DEFOGGER

$0

DAYTIME * RUNNING '

LAMPS

FOG LAMPS

VENTILATING

FAN '-d

'*

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

(a)

COOLANT TEMP

CHARGING I-1

BATTERY

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE P

LIGHTER

HORN )d. SPEAKER k la

FUEL

b NOTES

vi

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. learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

You can also

1-2 1-8 1- 13

1-14 1-14 1-21 1-22

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

1-22 1-28 1-31 1-34 1-44 1-47 1-47 1-47

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Rear Seat Passengers Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

1-1

I

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them and also about reclining front seatbacks, seatback latches and the folding rear seatback. Manual Front Seat

A CAUTION:

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.

Move the lever under the passenger’s front seat to 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.

1-2

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 rear of the seat go up and down.

1-3

Fully Articulating Sport Seat (If Equipped) If your vehicle 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 that have “dots” inflate and deflate the side bolster of the seatback. To inflate, press the raised button. To deflate, press the indented button. The two buttons without dots inflate and deflate the lumbar (lower back area of the seatback) support. To inflate, press the raised button. To deflate, press the indented button.

The switch pads on the outer side of the seats “inflate” and “deflate” parts of your seatback.

1-4

Reclining Front Seatbacks

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.

1-5

A CAUTION:

their job when

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can't do 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.

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

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 tilt forward and rearward also. Front Seatback Latches

The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. To fold a seatback forward, push the seatback toward the rear as you lift this latch. 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.

' A CAUTION:

If the seatback isn't 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.

1-7

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. I A CAUTION:

- 1

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.

Folding Rear Seatback

The rear seatback in your vehicle 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.

1-8

I A CAUTION:

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 safety belt properly.

and using a

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in - the Index.)

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to 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 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

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

Put someone on it.

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

1-10

~~

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 ...

1-11

or the instrument panel . . .

1-12

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.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

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

wear safety belts?

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 especially in side and other collisions.

@ 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.

1-13

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of,adult size. to know about Be aware that there are special things safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, 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.

1-14

3. 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.

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

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.

1-15

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.

1-16

@ What’s wrong with this?

‘ A CAUTION:

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.

1-17

Q.' What's wrong with this? .

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.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

1-18

What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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.

1-19

&.' What's wrong with this?

I ' A CAUTION:

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.

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

1-20

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.

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.

1-21

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 vehicle has “Next Generation” reduced-force frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Reduced-force frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

1-22

Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

r I A CAUTION: -

you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if 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 -- even reduced-force 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. And, for unrestrained occupants, reduced-force air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a

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

air bag for that person.

I /d CAUTION:

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. This is true even with reduced-force frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with reduced-force air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

/I\ CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, an air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air CAUTION: (Continued)

II

bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.

AIR BAG

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

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How the Air Bag System Works

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

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

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

it

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 km/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.

1-25

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe fi-ontal or near-frontal collisions, even bdted 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 more than a bags should never be regarded as an-g supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe fi-ontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so air quickly that some people may not even realize the bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- 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 stop people from leaving the vehicle. 1-26

to steer the vehicle, nor does it

is dust in the air. When an air bag inflates, there 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 so. 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.

0

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’s 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.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of 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 dealer 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.

CAUTION:

For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off 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.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

1-27

Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! in the rear Accident statistics show that unbelted people 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 this if you pull the belt across you very quickly. 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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If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. 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 would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly you ever had to.

so you

if

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle

end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

1-29

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:

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.

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

1-30

Smaller Children and Babies

A CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. its air Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle.

1-31

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. 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.

I A CAUTION:

it is

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

Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s fist trip in a motor vehicle.

1-32

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 2404b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

A CAUTION: vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued)

1-33

Child Restraints Every time infants and young children vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. @ What are the different types of add-on

ride in

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle be used.

in which it will

An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.

1-34

A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.

1-35

A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are h m 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.

1-36

A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs. (18 to 27 kg) and about four to eight years of age. It’s designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.

1-37

When choosing a child restraint, 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 help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. 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:

A child in a rearfacing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rearfacing child restraint in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a 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 vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

1-38

Top Strap

If you have a convertible, don’t use a restraint that has a top strap in your vehicle because the cannot be installed properly.

top strap anchor

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.

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.

Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The dealer can then install the anchor for you. In Canada, this work will be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.

1-39

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position

if the child restraint has one. Be

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

it

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbucMe 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.

1-41

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 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 “Seats” in the Index.) 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 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.

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:

’ION:

A child in a rearfacing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rearfacing child restraint in the rear seat.

1-42

1

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.

1-43

Larger Children

6. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

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 for an adult will move freely again and be ready to work or larger child passenger. 1-44

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 In a belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

1-45

@ 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.

A CAUTION:

Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind 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 portion 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.

1-46

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 wom 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 so the in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, 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 Your 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 tom or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look €or any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

@b NOTES

1-48

Section 2 Features and Controls

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

2-2 2-4 2-6 2-11 2-13 2- 14 2-17 2-18 2-23 2-24 2-26 2-29 2-30 2-35 2-39

2-4 1

Keys Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry System Hatch Theft Content Theft-Deterrent System (If Equipped) PASS-Key@ I1 Feature Customization (If Equipped) New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only) Automatic Transmission Operation Manual Transmission Operation Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only) Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)

2-4 1 2-42 2-42 2-43

2-44 2-45 2-46 2-46 2-52 2-55 2-57 2-58 2-62 2-69 2-76 2-79

Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) Parking Brake Windows Tilt Steering Wheel Turn SignalMultifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments %in Lift-off Roof Panels (If Equipped) Convertible Top Instrument Panel Waming Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-1

Keys

A CAUTION:

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. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

2-2

The ignition keys are

I for the ignition only.

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

is delivered to

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 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 dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the pre-cut emergency key which Pontiac sends after delivery (this service is not available in Canada). In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1-800-ROADSIE or 1-800-762-3743. (In Canada call 1-800-268-6800.)

I NOTICE:

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the bar coded tags from the door keys and gives them to the first owner.

Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot 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.

of

2-3

Door Locks

A CAU-ION: Passengers -- especially children -- can easily Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

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.

To lock the door from the inside, slide the lock control on the door rearward. To unlock the door, slide the lock control on the door forward.

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

2-4

’

Power Door Locks (If Equipped)

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

Note: Operating the power door locks may affect the Content Theft-Deterrent System (if you have this option). See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. The lock switch works at all times, except when “Lockout Prevention” is enabled. The unlock switch only works when the ignition is in RUN, ACC or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.)

Last Door Closed Locking (If Equipped) If you have power door locks, you can program your vehicle to have 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 vehicIe and closed their doors. When the power door lock switch is pressed, a chime will sound three times, indicating that the Last Door Closed Locking feature 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. The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature turned off. To turn this feature on, see “Feature Customization” in the Index.

2-5

Remote Keyless Entry System

Lockout Prevention (If Equipped) To protect you from locking your keys in the vehicle, this feature stops the power door locks from locking when 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. The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature turned on. 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 inside. Then get out and close the door.

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

2-6

Your remote keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference