Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1Front Seats ............................................... 1-2Safety Belts .............................................. 1-6Child Restraints ....................................... 1-25Airbag System ......................................... 1-44Restraint System Check ............................ 1-50

Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1Keys ........................................................ 2-2Doors and Locks ....................................... 2-7Windows ................................................. 2-11Theft-Deterrent Systems ............................ 2-13Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ........... 2-15Mirrors .................................................... 2-28Storage Areas ......................................... 2-29Vehicle Personalization ............................. 2-30

Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1Instrument Panel Overview .......................... 3-4Climate Controls ...................................... 3-19Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ........ 3-22Trip Computer ......................................... 3-33Audio System(s) ....................................... 3-45

Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ..... 4-2Towing ................................................... 4-34

Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1Service ..................................................... 5-3Fuel ......................................................... 5-5Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-10Headlamp Aiming ..................................... 5-45Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-47Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-52Tires ...................................................... 5-52Appearance Care ..................................... 5-76Vehicle Identification ................................. 5-85Electrical System ...................................... 5-85Capacities and Specifications ..................... 5-90

Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1Maintenance Schedule ................................ 6-2

Customer Assistance and Information .............. 7-1Customer Assistance and Information ........... 7-2Reporting Safety Defects ........................... 7-10

Index ................................................................ 1

2005 Pontiac GTO Owner Manual M

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC,and the PONTIAC Emblem, are registered trademarks;and the name GTO is a trademark of General MotorsCorporation.

This manual includes the latest information at the time itwas printed. We reserve the right to make changesafter that time without further notice. For vehicles firstsold in Canada, substitute the name General Motors ofCanada Limited for Pontiac Division wherever itappears in the manual.

Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if it isneeded while you are on the road. If the vehicle issold, leave this manual in the vehicle.

How to Use This ManualMany people read the owner manual from beginning toend when they first receive their new vehicle. If thisis done, it can help you learn about the featuresand controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words worktogether in the owner manual to explain things.

IndexA good place to quickly locate information about thevehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is analphabetical list of what is in the manual and thepage number where it can be found.

Litho in U.S.A.Part No. 05GTO A First Edition ©2004 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ii

Safety Warnings and SymbolsThere are a number of safety cautions in this book. Weuse a box and the word CAUTION to tell about thingsthat could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

{CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurtyou 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 thehazard. Please read these cautions. If you do not,you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circlewith a slash through it inthis book. This safetysymbol means “Do Not,”“Do Not do this” or “Do Notlet this happen.”

iii

Vehicle Damage WarningsAlso, in this manual you will find these notices:

Notice: These mean there is something that coulddamage your vehicle.

A notice tells about something that can damage thevehicle. Many times, this damage would not be coveredby your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. Butthe notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might seeCAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colorsor in different words.

There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They usethe same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle SymbolsThe vehicle has components and labels that usesymbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along withthe text describing the operation or informationrelating to a specific component, control, message,gage, or indicator.

If you need help figuring out a specific name of acomponent, gage, or indicator, reference thefollowing topics:

• Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1• Features and Controls in Section 2• Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3• Climate Controls in Section 3• Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3• Audio System(s) in Section 3• Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5

iv

These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:

v

✍ NOTES

vi

Front Seats ......................................................1-2Power Seats ..................................................1-2Manual Lumbar ..............................................1-2Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-3Head Restraints .............................................1-4Seatback Latches ...........................................1-4

Safety Belts .....................................................1-6Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone .................1-6Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-10How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-11Driver Position ..............................................1-12Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment .....................1-18Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-19Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-19Rear Seat Passengers ..................................1-19Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

Children and Small Adults ..........................1-22Safety Belt Pretensioners ...............................1-24

Child Restraints .............................................1-25Older Children ..............................................1-25Infants and Young Children ............................1-28Child Restraint Systems .................................1-31

Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-34Top Strap ....................................................1-35Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-36Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-37Securing a Child Restraint Designed for

the LATCH System ....................................1-39Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear

Seat Position ............................................1-39Securing a Child Restraint in the Right

Front Seat Position ....................................1-41Airbag System ...............................................1-44

Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-46When Should an Airbag Inflate? .....................1-47What Makes an Airbag Inflate? .......................1-48How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-48What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? .....1-48Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-50

Restraint System Check ..................................1-50Checking the Restraint Systems ......................1-50Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ............................................1-51

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

1-1

Front Seats

Power Seats

The power seat controls are located on the outboardside of the driver’s and passenger’s seat.The horizontal switch is used to adjust the height, thetilt, and the movement of the seat forward and rearward.The vertical switch is used to adjust the seatback.• To move the entire seat forward or rearward, move

the horizontal control forward or rearward.• To raise or lower the entire seat, move the

horizontal control up or down.

• To raise or lower the front of the seat, move thefront of the horizontal control up or down.

• To raise or lower the rear of the seat, move therear of the horizontal control up or down.

• To raise or recline the seatback, move the verticalcontrol forward or rearward. See RecliningSeatbacks on page 1-3.

Manual Lumbar

The manual lumbarcontrol lets you adjust theamount of support inthe lower seatback.

The control is located on the outboard side of theseat cushion.

To increase or decrease lumbar support, turn the knob.

1-2

Reclining SeatbacksUse the vertical switch on the outboard side of the frontseat cushion to recline the seatbacks.

Press the switch forward or rearward to recline or raisethe seatback to the desired position. See PowerSeats on page 1-2.

But do not have a seatback reclined if your vehicleis moving.

{CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicleis in motion can be dangerous. Even if youbuckle up, your safety belts cannot do theirjob when you are reclined like this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its job because itwill not be against your body. Instead, it will bein front of you. In a crash you could go into it,receiving neck or other injuries.

The lap belt cannot do its job either. In acrash the belt could go up over your abdomen.The belt forces would be there, not at yourpelvic bones. This could cause seriousinternal injuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle is inmotion, have the seatback upright. Then sitwell back in the seat and wear your safetybelt properly.

1-3

Head Restraints

The head restraints on both the front and rear seats areadjustable. Press the button at the base of the headrestraint to lower it. Pull up on the restraint to raise it.Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraintis closest to the top of your head. This positionreduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Seatback Latches

The front seatbacks foldforward to let people getinto the back seat.

To fold a front seatback, lift the lever located near thetop of either front seat to tilt the seatback forward. Pressand hold the button located below the seatback leverto move the entire seat forward all the way.

A weight sensor has been built into the front seats.The seat will not move forward if there is more than27 lbs (12 kg) on the seat sensor.

1-4

{CAUTION:

If the seatback is not locked, it could moveforward in a sudden stop or crash. That couldcause injury to the person sitting there. Alwayspress rearward on the seatback to be sure itis locked.

To return the seat to the original position after it hasbeen moved forward, do the following:

1. Make sure there are no objects in front of or behindthe seat.

2. Tilt the seatbackrearward untilthe seatbacklatches upright.

3. Press and hold thebutton under the frontseat lever to returnthe seat to its originalposition. The seatwill pause fortwo seconds whenit reaches itsoriginal position.

The seatback must first be returned upright beforepressing the button, otherwise it will not pause fortwo seconds at the original position, and instead willcontinue rearward until the button is released.

When rear seat passengers are entering or exiting thevehicle, it may be helpful to move the seat beltanchor arm toward the rear of the vehicle.

1-5

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are for EveryoneThis part of the manual tells you how to use safetybelts properly. It also tells you some things you shouldnot do with safety belts.

{CAUTION:

Do not let anyone ride where he or she can notwear a safety belt properly. If you are in acrash and you are not wearing a safety belt,your injuries can be much worse. You can hitthings inside the vehicle or be ejected from it.You can be seriously injured or killed. In thesame crash, you might not be, if you arebuckled up. Always fasten your safety belt,and check that your passengers’ belts arefastened properly too.

{CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargoarea, inside or outside of a vehicle. In acollision, people riding in these areas are morelikely to be seriously injured or killed. Do notallow people to ride in any area of your vehiclethat is not equipped with seats and safetybelts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in aseat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a lightthat comes on as areminder to buckle up. SeeSafety Belt ReminderLight on page 3-24.

1-6

In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the lawsays to wear safety belts. Here is why: They work.

You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do havea crash, you do not know if it will be a bad one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be soserious that even buckled up, a person would notsurvive. But most crashes are in between. In many ofthem, people who buckle up can survive and sometimeswalk away. Without belts they could have been badlyhurt or killed.

After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, thefacts are clear. In most crashes buckling up doesmatter...a lot!

Why Safety Belts WorkWhen you ride in or on anything, you go as fast asit goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seaton wheels.

1-7

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The riderdoes not stop.

1-8

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

or the instrument panel...

1-9

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 is whysafety belts make such good sense.

Questions and Answers AboutSafety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accidentif I am wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safetybelt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,even if you are upside down. And your chance ofbeing conscious during and after an accident,so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater ifyou are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have towear safety belts?

A: Airbags are in many vehicles today and will be inmost of them in the future. But they aresupplemental systems only; so they work withsafety belts — not instead of them. Every airbagsystem ever offered for sale has required the use ofsafety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that hasairbags, you still have to buckle up to get the mostprotection. That is true not only in frontal collisions,but especially in side and other collisions.

1-10

Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far fromhome, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in anaccident — even one that is not your fault — youand your passengers can be hurt. Being a gooddriver does not protect you from things beyond yourcontrol, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) ofhome. And the greatest number of serious injuriesand deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph(65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts ProperlyThis part is only for people of adult size.

Be aware that there are special things to know aboutsafety belts and children. And there are differentrules for smaller children and babies. If a child will beriding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-25or Infants and Young Children on page 1-28. Followthose rules for everyone’s protection.

First, you will want to know which restraint systems yourvehicle has.

We will start with the driver position.

1-11

Driver Position

Lap-Shoulder BeltThe driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wearit properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To seehow, see “Seats” in the Index.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.Do not let it get twisted.

The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the beltacross you very quickly. If this happens, let the beltgo back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the beltacross you more slowly.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.Make sure the release button on the buckle ispositioned so you would be able to unbuckle thesafety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. Move the shoulder belt height adjuster to the heightthat is right for you. See Shoulder Belt HeightAdjustment on page 1-18.

1-12

6. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckleend of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug onthe hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, thisapplies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you wouldbe less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slidunder it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. Theshoulder belt should go over the shoulder and acrossthe chest. These parts of the body are best able to takebelt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash,or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

1-13

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearlyas much protection this way.

{CAUTION:

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

1-14

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt isbuckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash,the belt would go up over your abdomen. Thebelt forces would be there, not at the pelvicbones. This could cause serious internalinjuries. Always buckle your belt into thebuckle nearest you.

1-15

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It shouldbe worn over the shoulder at all times.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wear theshoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, yourbody would move too far forward, which wouldincrease the chance of head and neck injury.Also, the belt would apply too much force tothe ribs, which are not as strong as shoulderbones. You could also severely injure internalorgans like your liver or spleen.

1-16

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt.In a crash, you would not have the full width ofthe belt to spread impact forces. If a belt istwisted, make it straight so it can workproperly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

1-17

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 theway. If you slam the door on it, you can damageboth the belt and your vehicle.

Shoulder Belt Height AdjustmentBefore you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt heightadjuster to the height that is right for you.

Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of thebelt is centered on your shoulder. The belt shouldbe away from your face and neck, but not falling offyour shoulder.

To move it up ordown, press the releasebutton (A) and movethe height adjuster to thedesired position. Afteryou move the heightadjuster to where you wantit, try to move it withoutpressing the release buttonto make sure it haslocked into position.

1-18

Safety Belt Use During PregnancySafety belts work for everyone, including pregnantwomen. Like all occupants, they are more likely to beseriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, andthe 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 themother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is morelikely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. Forpregnant women, as for anyone, the key to makingsafety belts effective is wearing them properly.

Right Front Passenger PositionTo learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safetybelt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-12.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the sameway as the driver’s safety belt — except for one thing. Ifyou ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all theway, you will engage the child restraint locking feature.If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way andstart again.

Rear Seat PassengersIt is very important for rear seat passengers to buckleup! Accident statistics show that unbelted people inthe rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than thosewho are wearing safety belts.

Rear passengers who are not safety belted can bethrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strikeothers in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

1-19

Lap-Shoulder BeltAll rear seat positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here ishow to wear one properly.

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.Do not let it get twisted.The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the beltacross you very quickly. If this happens, let the beltgo back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the beltacross you more slowly.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way,it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way andstart again.Make sure the release button on the buckle ispositioned so you would be able to unbuckle thesafety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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

1-20

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug onthe hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash thisapplies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you wouldbe less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slidunder it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. Theshoulder belt should go over the shoulder and acrossthe chest. These parts of the body are best able to takebelt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or acrash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out ofthe retractor.

{CAUTION:

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

1-21

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

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides forChildren and Small AdultsRear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide addedsafety belt comfort for older children who have outgrownbooster seats and for some adults. When installed ona shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positionsthe belt away from the neck and head.

There is one guide for each passenger in the rear seat.Here is how to install a comfort guide and use thesafety belt:

1. Remove the guide from its storage pocket on theside of the seatback.

1-22

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elasticcord must be under the belt. Then, place the guideover the belt, and insert the two edges of thebelt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.The elastic cord must be under the belt and theguide on top.

1-23

{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is not properly worn may notprovide the protection needed in a crash. Theperson wearing the belt could be seriouslyinjured. The shoulder belt should go over theshoulder and across the chest. These parts ofthe body are best able to take belt restrainingforces.

4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt asdescribed in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-19.Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses theshoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze thebelt edges together so that you can take them out of theguides. Slide the guide into the storage pocket.

Safety Belt PretensionersYour vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the driverand right front passenger. Although you can not seethem, they are located on the buckle end of the safetybelts. They help the safety belts reduce a person’sforward movement in a moderate to severe frontal andnear frontal crash.

Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in acrash, you will need to get new ones, and probably othernew parts for your safety belt system. See ReplacingRestraint System Parts After a Crash on page 1-51.

1-24

Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seats shouldwear the vehicle’s safety belts.

Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?A: If possible, an older child should wear a

lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint ashoulder belt can provide. The shoulder beltshould not cross the face or neck. The lap beltshould fit snugly below the hips, just touching thetop of the thighs. It should never be worn overthe abdomen, which could cause severe or evenfatal internal injuries in a crash.

Accident statistics show that children are safer if theyare restrained in the rear seat.

In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strikeother people who are buckled up, or can be thrownout of the vehicle. Older children need to use safetybelts properly.

1-25

{CAUTION:

Never do this.

Here two children are wearing the same belt.The belt can not properly spread the impactforces. In a crash, the two children can becrushed together and seriously injured. A beltmust be used by only one person at a time.

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

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle. Besure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’sshoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper bodywould have the restraint that belts provide. Ifthe child is sitting in a rear seat position, see RearSafety Belt Comfort Guides for Children andSmall Adults on page 1-22.

1-26

{CAUTION:

Never do this.

Here a child is sitting in a seat that has alap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part isbehind the child. If the child wears the belt inthis way, in a crash the child might slide underthe belt. The belt’s force would then be appliedright on the child’s abdomen. That could causeserious or fatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the beltshould be worn low and snug on the hips, just touchingthe child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’spelvic bones in a crash.

1-27

Infants and Young ChildrenEveryone in a vehicle needs protection! This includesinfants and all other children. Neither the distancetraveled nor the age and size of the traveler changesthe need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact,the law in every state in the United States and inevery Canadian province says children up to some agemust be restrained while in a vehicle.

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,they should have the protection provided by appropriaterestraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’sadult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice.Instead, they need to use a child restraint.

{CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their armswhile riding in a vehicle. A baby does notweigh much — until a crash. During a crash ababy will become so heavy it is not possible tohold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph(40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will suddenlybecome a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’sarms. A baby should be secured in anappropriate restraint.

1-28

{CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to,any airbag when it inflates can be seriouslyinjured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulderbelts offer protection for adults and olderchildren, but not for young children andinfants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt systemnor its airbag system is designed for them.Young children and infants need the protectionthat a child restraint system can provide.

1-29

Q: What are the different types of add-on childrestraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by thevehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types.Selection of a particular restraint should takeinto consideration not only the child’s weight, heightand age but also whether or not the restraint willbe compatible with the motor vehicle in which it willbe used.

For most basic types of child restraints, there aremany different models available. When purchasing achild restraint, be sure it is designed to be usedin a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have alabel saying that it meets federal motor vehiclesafety standards.

The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that comewith the restraint, state the weight and heightlimitations for a particular child restraint. In addition,there are many kinds of restraints available forchildren with special needs.

{CAUTION:

Newborn infants need complete support,including support for the head and neck. Thisis necessary because a newborn infant’s neckis weak and its head weighs so muchcompared with the rest of its body. In a crash,an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into therestraint, so the crash forces can bedistributed across the strongest part ofan infant’s body, the back and shoulders.Infants always should be secured inappropriate infant restraints.

1-30

{CAUTION:

The body structure of a young child is quiteunlike that of an adult or older child, for whomthe safety belts are designed. A young child’ship bones are still so small that the vehicle’sregular safety belt may not remain low on thehip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settleup around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, thebelt would apply force on a body area that isunprotected by any bony structure. This alonecould cause serious or fatal injuries. Youngchildren always should be secured inappropriate child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in amotor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designedto restrain or position a child on a continuous flatsurface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests towardthe center of the vehicle.

1-31

A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with theseating surface against the back of the infant. Theharness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash,acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.

A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint forthe child’s body with the harness and also sometimeswith surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.

1-32

A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed toimprove the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Somebooster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and somehigh-back booster seats have a five-point harness. Abooster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

Q: How do child restraints work?A: A child restraint system is any device designed for

use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or positionchildren. A built-in child restraint system is apermanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-onchild restraint system is a portable one, whichis purchased by the vehicle’s owner.

For many years, add-on child restraints have usedthe adult belt system in the vehicle. To helpreduce the chance of injury, the child also has to besecured within the restraint. The vehicle’s beltsystem secures the add-on child restraint in thevehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harnesssystem holds the child in place within the restraint.

One system, the three-point harness, has straps thatcome down over each of the infant’s shoulders andbuckle together at the crotch. The five-point harnesssystem has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and acrotch strap. A shield may take the place of hipstraps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps thatare attached to a flat pad which rests low against thechild’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield hasstraps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shieldthat swings up or to the side.

1-33

When choosing a child restraint, be sure the childrestraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, itwill have a label saying that it meets federal motorvehicle safety standards.

Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You mayfind these instructions on the restraint itself or in abooklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system orthe LATCH system in your vehicle, but the child alsohas to be secured within the restraint to help reduce thechance of personal injury. When securing an add-onchild restraint, refer to the instructions that come with therestraint which may be on the restraint itself or in abooklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraintinstructions are important, so if they are not available,obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

Where to Put the RestraintAccident statistics show that children are safer if they arerestrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We,therefore, recommend that child restraints be secured ina rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facinginfant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seatand an older child riding in a booster seat. Never put arear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat.

Here is why:

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can beseriously injured or killed if the right frontpassenger’s airbag inflates. This is because theback of the rear-facing child restraint would bevery close to the inflating airbag. Always securea rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat.

If you need to secure a forward-facing childrestraint in the right front seat, always movethe front passenger seat as far back as it willgo. It is better to secure the child restraint in arear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the childrestraint properly.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint canmove around in a collision or sudden stop and injurepeople in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secureany child restraint in your vehicle — even when nochild is in it.

1-34

Top StrapSome child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” Itcan help restrain the child restraint during a collision.For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored tothe vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraintsare designed for use with or without the top strap beinganchored. Others require the top strap always to beanchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions foryour child restraint. If yours requires that the top strapbe anchored, do not use the restraint unless it isanchored properly.

If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one canbe obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kitis available. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child

restraints have a top strap, and that the strap beanchored. In the United States, some child restraintsalso have a top strap. If your child restraint has atop strap, it should be anchored.

1-35

Anchor the top strap to an anchor point specified in TopStrap Anchor Location on page 1-36. Be sure to usean anchor point located on the same side of the vehicleas the seating position where the child restraint willbe placed.

{CAUTION:

Each top tether bracket is designed to anchoronly one child restraint. Attaching more thanone child restraint to a single bracket couldcause the anchor to come loose or even breakduring a crash. A child or others could beinjured if this happens. To help prevent injuryto people and damage to your vehicle, attachonly one child restraint per bracket.

Once you have the top strap anchored, you will beready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the topstrap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’sinstructions say.

Top Strap Anchor LocationYour vehicle has top strap anchors already installed forthe rear seating positions. You’ll find them behindthe rear seat head restraints. Pull up the head restraintto access the anchors.

The straps from the child restraint must be threadedbetween the poles of the head restraint on the seat. Thestrap must not go around the head restraint.

1-36

Do not secure a child restraint in the right frontpassenger’s position if a national or local law requiresthat the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions thatcome with the child restraint say that the top strapmust be anchored. There is no place to anchor the topstrap in this position.

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethersfor Children (LATCH System)Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You will findanchors for each rear seating position.

This system, designed to make installation of childrestraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts.Instead, it uses vehicle anchors and child restraintattachments to secure the restraints. Some restraintsalso use another vehicle anchor to secure a toptether strap.

A. Lower AnchorageB. Lower AnchorageC. Top Tether

1-37

A. Lower AnchorageB. Lower Anchorage

In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, youneed a child restraint designed for that system.

To assist you in locating the lower anchorages for thischild restraint system, each seating position withthe LATCH system has a visible metal anchoragepoint in the seat where the seatback meets theseat cushion.

{CAUTION:

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attachedto its anchorage points, the restraint will notbe able to protect the child correctly. In acrash, the child could be seriously injured orkilled. Make sure that a LATCH-type childrestraint is properly installed using theanchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safetybelts to secure the restraint, following theinstructions that came with that restraint, andalso the instructions in this manual.

1-38

Securing a Child Restraint Designedfor the LATCH System

1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seatingposition you want to use, where the bottom of theseatback meets the back of the seat cushion.See Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers forChildren (LATCH System) on page 1-37.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on thechild restraint to the LATCH anchorages in thevehicle. The child restraint instructions will showyou how.

4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach andtighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage.The child restraint instructions will show youhow. Also see Top Strap on page 1-35.

5. Push and pull the child restraint in differentdirections to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the toptether from the top tether anchorage and thendisconnect the LATCH attachments from the LATCHanchorages.

Securing a Child Restraint in a RearSeat PositionIf your child restraint is equipped with the LATCHsystem, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers forChildren (LATCH System) on page 1-37. See Top Strapon page 1-35 if the child restraint has one.

If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system,you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure thechild restraint in this position. Be sure to follow theinstructions that came with the child restraint. Securethe child in the child restraint when and as theinstructions say.

1. Put the child restraint on the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulderportions of the vehicle’s safety belt through oraround the restraint. The child restraint instructionswill show you how.

1-39

3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button ispositioned so you would be able to unbuckle thesafety belt quickly if you ever had to.

4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out ofthe retractor to set the lock.

1-40

5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten thelap portion of the belt and feed the shoulderbelt back into the retractor. If you are using aforward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpfulto use your knee to push down on the childrestraint as you tighten the belt.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in differentdirections to be sure it is secure.

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

Securing a Child Restraint in theRight Front Seat PositionIf your child restraint is equipped with the LATCHsystem, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers forChildren (LATCH System) on page 1-37.

There is no top strap anchor in the right frontpassenger’s position. Do not secure a child seat in thisposition if a national or local law requires that thetop strap be anchored, or if the instructions that comewith the child restraint say that the top strap mustbe anchored. See Top Strap on page 1-35 if the childrestraint has one.

1-41

Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag.Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat.Here is why:

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can beseriously injured or killed if the right frontpassenger’s airbag inflates. This is becausethe back of the rear-facing child restraintwould be very close to the inflating airbag.Always secure a rear-facing child restraintin a rear seat.

A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facingchild restraint. If you need to secure a forward-facingchild restraint in the right front seat, you will be using thelap-shoulder belt. Be sure to follow the instructionsthat came with the child restraint. Secure the child in thechild restraint when and as the instructions say.

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passengerairbag, always move the seat as far back as it willgo before securing a forward-facing child restraint.See Power Seats on page 1-2.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulderportions of the vehicle’s safety belt through oraround the restraint. The child restraint instructionswill show you how.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button ispositioned so you would be able to unbuckle thesafety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-42

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out ofthe retractor to set the lock.

6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten thelap portion of the belt and feed the shoulderbelt back into the retractor. You may find it helpfulto use your knee to push down on the childrestraint as you tighten the belt.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in differentdirections to be sure it is secure.

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

1-43

Airbag SystemYour vehicle has airbags — one airbag for the driverand another airbag for the right front passenger.

Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce the risk ofinjury from the force of an inflating airbag. But theseairbags must inflate very quickly to do their joband comply with federal regulations.

Here are the most important things to know about theairbag system:

{CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crashif you are not wearing your safety belt — evenif you have airbags. Wearing your safety beltduring a crash helps reduce your chance ofhitting things inside the vehicle or beingejected from it. Airbags are designed to workwith safety belts, but do not replace them.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

Airbags are designed to deploy only inmoderate to severe frontal and near frontalcrashes. They are not designed to inflate inrollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, orin many side crashes. And, for someunrestrained occupants, airbags may provideless protection in frontal crashes than moreforceful airbags have provided in the past.Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safetybelt properly — whether or not there is anairbag for that person.

1-44

{CAUTION:

Airbags inflate with great force, faster than theblink of an eye. If you are too close to aninflating airbag, as you would be if you wereleaning forward, it could seriously injure you.Safety belts help keep you in position beforeand during a crash. Always wear your safetybelt, even with airbags. The driver should sitas far back as possible while still maintainingcontrol of the vehicle.

{CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to,any airbag when it inflates can be seriouslyinjured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulderbelts offer the best protection for adults, butnot for young children and infants. Neither the

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbagsystem is designed for them. Young childrenand infants need the protection that a childrestraint system can provide. Always securechildren properly in your vehicle. To read how,see Older Children on page 1-25 and Infantsand Young Children on page 1-28.

There is an airbagreadiness light on theinstrument panel, whichshows the airbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag electrical system formalfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electricalproblem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-25.

1-45

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver’s airbag is in the middle of thesteering wheel.

The right front passenger’s airbag is in the instrumentpanel on the passenger’s side.

1-46

{CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and anairbag, the bag might not inflate properly or itmight force the object into that person causingsevere injury or even death. The path of aninflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not putanything between an occupant and an airbag,and do not attach or put anything on thesteering wheel hub or on or near any otherairbag covering.

When Should an Airbag Inflate?The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbagsare designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontalor near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflateonly if the impact exceeds a predetermined deploymentthreshold. Deployment thresholds take into accounta variety of desired deployment and non-deploymentevents and are used to predict how severe a crashis likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and helprestrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbagswill or should deploy is not based on how fast your

vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit,the direction of the impact and how quickly yourvehicle slows down.

If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does notmove or deform, the threshold level is about 11 to17 mph (18 to 28 km/h). (The threshold level can vary,however, with specific vehicle design, so that it canbe somewhat above or below this range.)

Airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. Forexample:

• If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbagcould inflate at a different crash speed than ifthe object were moving.

• If the object deforms, the airbag could inflateat a different crash speed than if the object doesnot deform.

• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) theairbag could inflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).

• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle theairbag could inflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle goes straight into the object.

The frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) arenot intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rearimpacts, or in many side impacts.

1-47

In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbagshould have inflated simply because of the damage to avehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflationis determined by the angle of the impact and how quicklythe vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontalimpacts.

What Makes an Airbag Inflate?In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensingsystem detects that the vehicle is in a crash. Thesensing system triggers a release of gas from theinflator, which inflates the airbag. The inflator, airbag,and related hardware are all part of the airbag modulesinside the steering wheel and in the instrument panelin front of the right front passenger.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel orthe instrument panel. Airbags supplement the protectionprovided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force ofthe impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,stopping the occupant more gradually.

But airbags would not help you in many types ofcollisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and many sideimpacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is nottoward those airbags. Airbags should never be regardedas anything more than a supplement to safety belts, andthen only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontalcollisions.

What Will You See After anAirbag Inflates?After the airbag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quicklythat some people may not even realize the airbaginflated. Some components of the airbag module will behot for a short time. These components include thesteering wheel hub for the driver’s frontal airbag and theinstrument panel for the right front passenger’s frontalairbag. The parts of the bag that come into contact withyou may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There willbe some smoke and dust coming from the vents inthe deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not preventthe driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle,nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

1-48

{CAUTION:

When an airbag inflates, there is dust in theair. This dust could cause breathing problemsfor people with a history of asthma or otherbreathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone inthe vehicle should get out as soon as it is safeto do so. If you have breathing problems butcannot get out of the vehicle after an airbaginflates, then get fresh air by opening awindow or a door. If you experience breathingproblems following an airbag deployment, youshould seek medical attention.

Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlockthe doors, turn off the engine, turn off the fuel pump,and turn the interior lamps on when the airbags inflate(if battery power is available). You can operate thesefeatures by switching the ignition off and then on.

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

• Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After anairbag inflates, you will need some new parts foryour airbag system. If you do not get them,the airbag system will not be there to help protectyou in another crash. A new system will includeairbag modules and possibly other parts. Theservice manual for your vehicle covers the need toreplace other parts.

• Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing anddiagnostic module, which records information aftera crash. See Vehicle Data Collection and EventData Recorders on page 7-9.

• Let only qualified technicians work on your airbagsystem. Improper service can mean that anairbag system will not work properly. See yourdealer for service.

Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’sor the right front passenger’s airbag, the airbagmay not work properly. You may have to replace theairbag module in the steering wheel or both theairbag module and the instrument panel for the rightfront passenger’s airbag. Do not open or breakthe airbag coverings.

1-49

Servicing Your Airbag-EquippedVehicleAirbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.There are parts of the airbag system in several placesaround your vehicle. You do not want the system toinflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Yourdealer and the service manual have informationabout servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. Topurchase a service manual, see Service PublicationsOrdering Information on page 7-11.

{CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key isturned off and the battery is disconnected, anairbag can still inflate during improper service.You can be injured if you are close to anairbag when it inflates. Avoid yellow wires,wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellowconnectors. They are probably part of theairbag system. Be sure to follow properservice procedures, and make sure the personperforming work for you is qualified to do so.

The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.

Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint SystemsNow and then, make sure the safety belt reminder lightand all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractorsand anchorages are working properly. Look for any otherloose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you seeanything that might keep a safety belt system from doingits job, have it repaired.

Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in acrash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a beltis torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, andhave them repaired or replaced. (The airbag systemdoes not need regular maintenance.)

1-50

Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a Crash

{CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systems inyour vehicle. A damaged restraint system maynot properly protect the person using it,resulting in serious injury or even death in acrash. To help make sure your restraintsystems are working properly after a crash,have them inspected and any necessaryreplacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts orLATCH system parts?

After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.But if the belts were stretched, as they would be ifworn during a more severe crash, then you neednew parts.

If the LATCH system was being used during a moresevere crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.

If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collisiondamage also may mean you will need to have LATCHsystem, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the beltor LATCH system was not being used at the time ofthe collision.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbagsystem parts. See the part on the airbag system earlierin this section.

If the frontal airbags inflate, you will also need toreplace the driver’s and right front passenger’s safetybelt buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then thenew buckle assembly will be there to help protect you ina collision.

After a crash you may need to replace the driver andfront passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies, even ifthe frontal airbags have not deployed. The driverand front passenger’s safety belt buckle assembliescontain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your safetybelt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has beenin a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays onafter you start your vehicle or while you are driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-25.

1-51

✍ NOTES

1-52

Keys ...............................................................2-2Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-4Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-5

Doors and Locks .............................................2-7Door Locks ....................................................2-7Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................2-8Trunk ............................................................2-8

Windows ........................................................2-11Power Windows ............................................2-12Sun Visors ...................................................2-12

Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-13Immobilizer ..................................................2-13Immobilizer Operation ....................................2-13Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-14

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-15New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-15Ignition Positions ..........................................2-16Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-17Starting the Engine .......................................2-17Racing or Other Competitive Driving ................2-18

Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-18Manual Transmission Operation ......................2-21Parking Brake ..............................................2-23Shifting Into Park (P)

(Automatic Transmission) ............................2-24Shifting Out of Park (P)

(Automatic Transmission) ............................2-25Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-26Engine Exhaust ............................................2-26Running the Engine While Parked ...................2-27

Mirrors ...........................................................2-28Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-28Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-28Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-28

Storage Areas ................................................2-29Glove Box ...................................................2-29Cupholder(s) ................................................2-29Front Storage Area .......................................2-29Center Console Storage Area .........................2-29

Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-30

Section 2 Features and Controls

2-1

Keys

{CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignitionkey is dangerous for many reasons. Theycould operate the power windows or othercontrols or even make the vehicle move. Thechildren or others could be badly injured oreven killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehiclewith children.

2-2

The main key can be usedfor the ignition and thedriver’s door lock.

There is another key thatlocks and unlocks theglove box.

This key can usually be kept in the unlocked glove box.Then, when leaving your vehicle and main key with acar park attendant, you can lock valuables in theglove box and take the glove box key with you.

The vehicle comes with a security card that lists varioussecurity numbers for your vehicle, including keynumbers, and the radio PIN. Please keep the card in asafe place, away from your vehicle.

If a replacement key is needed, you will have to go tothe dealership to purchase one.

In an emergency, contact Pontiac Roadside Assistance.See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 formore information.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.Be sure you have spare keys.

2-3

Remote Keyless Entry SystemYour keyless entry system operates on a radiofrequency subject to Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) Rules.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesiredoperation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other thanan authorized service facility could void authorization touse this equipment.

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This isnormal for any remote keyless entry system. If thetransmitter does not work or if you have to stand closerto your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

• Check the distance. You may be too far from yourvehicle. You may need to stand closer duringrainy or snowy weather.

• Check the location. Other vehicles or objects maybe blocking the signal. Take a few steps to theleft or right, hold the transmitter higher, andtry again.

• If you have to get close to your vehicle before thekey works, the battery may be weak or discharged.The battery in the remote key should last aboutfive years. When the battery is weak or discharged,the remote key will need to be replaced. There isno battery replacement for the remote keytransmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry SystemOperation on page 2-5.

• If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or aqualified technician for service.

2-4

Remote Keyless Entry SystemOperation

The buttons on your keyallow you to lock andunlock your doorsor unlock your trunk.

When pressing the key buttons, ensure that other keyson the key ring are not between the main key andthe vehicle. Other keys can obscure the signal beingtransmitted to the vehicle.

When a button on the key is pressed, it sends a signalto the vehicle. The receiver of the signal is a smallrectangle centered on top of the dashboard.The receiver is also used to measure sunlight. It isimportant that the receiver is clean, not covered, andthat there are no metal objects close by, as thismay block the signals.

LOCK: Press this button on the key to lock all thedoors, disable the engine, and set the alarm. Thevehicle’s turn signals will briefly flash.

If you prefer to have the turn signals flash accompaniedby the horn sounding, the LOCK feature can bechanged. See Vehicle Personalization on page 2-30.

The LOCK button on the key will not work if the ignitionis turned on, or if the driver’s and/or passenger’sdoor is open.

Prior to locking your vehicle, make sure all the doors areclosed completely. If the LOCK button is pressed when adoor is open, the horn will sound three times to indicatethat a door has not locked. Close the open door and resetthe remote system by first pressing the UNLOCK buttonand then the LOCK button on the key.

2-5

UNLOCK: Press this button on the key to unlock thedoors. The turn signal lamps will flash twice, andthe horn will chirp twice, if this unlocking option isselected through vehicle personalization. The interiorlight will also turn on for a short time. If UNLOCKis pressed once, the driver’s door will unlock. If UNLOCKis pressed a second time, or is held down for morethan half a second, all the doors will unlock. If you preferto have all the doors unlock with a single press, theunlock feature can be changed to unlock all doors.See “Two Stage Unlock” under Vehicle Personalizationon page 2-30.

If the lock system is overloaded as a result of repeateduse in a short time interval, the power supply is cutoff for about 30 seconds. The door lock systemhas been designed to make the vehicle horn chirprapidly five times if it detects a fault in the lock systemwhen the LOCK button is pressed. You should check tosee that the doors have locked.

V(Trunk): Press the button with the opened trunksymbol to release the trunk lid.

The trunk button on the key will not work if you aretravelling over 12 mph (20 km/h).

BatteryThe key has a non-removable battery. Under normaluse, the battery in your key should last about five years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the key will notwork at the normal range in any location. If you have toget close to your vehicle before the key buttons work,it is probably time for a replacement key. See yourdealership to purchase a replacement key.

If the buttons on the key are not working at the normalrange in any location, insert the key into the ignitionand turn it ON and then OFF. Remove the key from theignition and try pressing the LOCK and UNLOCKbuttons again. If it still does not work a replacement keymay be needed. You will have to go to the dealershipto purchase a replacement key.

2-6

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.• Passengers — especially children — can

easily open the doors and fall out of amoving vehicle. When a door is locked, thehandle will not open it. You increase thechance of being thrown out of the vehiclein a crash if the doors are not locked. So,wear safety belts properly and lock thedoors whenever you drive.

• Young children who get into unlockedvehicles may be unable to get out. A childcan be overcome by extreme heat and cansuffer permanent injuries or even deathfrom heat stroke. Always lock your vehiclewhenever you leave it.

• Outsiders can easily enter through anunlocked door when you slow down orstop your vehicle. Locking your doors canhelp prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to unlock and lock your vehicle.

To unlock the doors from inside the vehicle, pull upon either the driver’s or passenger’s door lock knob.To lock the doors, press either knob down.

To lock or unlock your vehicle from the outside, useyour key in the driver’s lock or press the lock and unlockbuttons on the remote key.

To lock the doors from the outside using the key in thelock, do the following:

1. Insert the key in the driver’s door lock.

2. Turn the key clockwise.

3. Turn the key back to the vertical positionand remove.

The alarm system is not set using this method. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on page 2-14 for information.

To unlock the doors from the outside using the keyin the lock, do the following:

1. Insert the key in the driver’s door lock.

2. Turn the key counterclockwise.

3. Then turn the key back to the vertical positionand remove.

The alarm system will go off as soon as a door is opened.To turn off the alarm, turn the key in the ignition to ON orpress the unlock button on the remote key. See ContentTheft-Deterrent on page 2-14 for information.

2-7

Your vehicle cannot be locked using the remote key ifthe key is in the ignition and the ignition is ON.The vehicle also cannot be locked if the driver’s dooris open.

To use the remote key to lock the doors, both doors mustbe closed. If only the passenger’s door is open when thelock button is pressed, the driver’s door will lock but thepassenger’s door will not. The horn will honk three timesto indicate that the passenger’s door has not locked.The passenger’s door must be closed and the systemmust be reset in order to lock both doors. To reset thesystem, press the unlock button and then press the lockbutton on the remote key.

Programmable AutomaticDoor LocksYour vehicle is equipped with an automatic door lockingfeature which can be programmed through the tripcomputer buttons and instrument panel center display.It can be programmed to be on or off. See VehiclePersonalization on page 2-30 for more information.

Your vehicle was programmed from the factoryto automatically lock when the shift lever is moved outof PARK (P).

Trunk

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lidopen because carbon monoxide (CO) gas cancome into your vehicle. You cannot see orsmell CO. It can cause unconsciousness andeven death. If you must drive with the trunk lidopen or if electrical wiring or other cableconnections must pass through the sealbetween the body and the trunk lid:

• Make sure all other windows are shut.• Turn the fan on your heating or cooling

system to its highest speed and select thecontrol setting that will force outside airinto your vehicle. See Climate ControlSystem in the Index.

• If you have air outlets on or under theinstrument panel, open them all the way.

See Engine Exhaust on page 2-26.

2-8

Trunk LockTo unlock the trunk, press and hold the button with thetrunk symbol on the key. The vehicle must be movingat less than 12 mph (20 km/h) for the trunk to open. SeeRemote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5.

When the trunk is unlocked, it can then be opened fromthe outside. After partially opening the trunk lid, it willautomatically open the rest of the way on its own.The trunk locks automatically when closed, so be carefulnot to leave your key in the trunk.

Remote Trunk ReleaseThis feature is used to unlock the trunk from inside thevehicle.

Press the button inside the glovebox to unlock the trunk.The vehicle must not be moving over 12 mph (20 km/h)and the alarm system must be off. See ContentTheft-Deterrent on page 2-14. For added security, theremote trunk release button will not operate whenthe doors are locked, the engine is off, and the key isremoved from the ignition.

2-9

There is also a secondary trunk release handle locatedunder the passenger side rear seat head restraint.To access this handle, lift the head restraint and thenpull the yellow ring. The vehicle must not moving.

Emergency Trunk Release Handle

Notice: Using the emergency trunk release handleas a tie-down or anchor point when securingitems in the trunk may damage it. Use theemergency trunk release handle only to help youopen the trunk lid.

There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk releasehandle located inside the trunk on the trunk lid.This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull therelease handle to open the trunk from the inside.

2-10

Windows

{CAUTION:

Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in avehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.They can be overcome by the extreme heatand suffer permanent injuries or even deathfrom heat stroke. Never leave a child, ahelpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,especially with the windows closed in warm orhot weather.

2-11

Power Windows

Use the switches locatedbetween the seats tooperate the windows.

To raise the window, pull the switch up. To lower thewindow, press the switch down.

The windows will operate while the ignition is turned toON, or while Retained Accessory Power (RAP) isactive. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) onpage 2-17.

When the doors are opened, the power windows aredeactivated and will not operate until the ignitionis turned to ON again.

Express-Down WindowBoth window switches have an express-down feature.Hold the switch down briefly and then release it. To stopthe express-down feature, move the switch up ordown again.

Sun VisorsTo help block out glare, pull the sun visors down.Pull on the inside edges of the sun visors to swing themfrom the front windshield to the side window.

Lighted Visor Vanity MirrorsBoth the driver and passenger’s side sun visors havelighted vanity mirrors.

Raise the cover on the top of the sun visor to exposethe vanity mirror. The lights at either side of thevanity mirror automatically turn on and off when thecover is opened and closed.

2-12

Theft-Deterrent SystemsVehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrentfeatures, we know that nothing we put on it can make itimpossible to steal.

ImmobilizerThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interferencereceived, including interference that may causeundesired operation.

Changes or modifications to this system by other thanan authorized service facility could void authorization touse this equipment.

Immobilizer OperationYour vehicle may have a passive theft-deterrent system.

The system is an electronic engine immobilizer,which disables the car, when the key is removed fromthe ignition.

The system works when you turn the key to ON. Thekey uses a transponder that matches an immobilizercontrol unit in your vehicle. The correct key will startthe vehicle.

Your vehicle has a special key that works with thetheft-deterrent system. There is a transponder in the keyhead. If the key is ever damaged, you may not beable to start your vehicle.

When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does notstart and the security light comes on, the key mayhave a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off andtry again.

2-13

If the engine still does not start, and the key appears tobe undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,you may also want to check the fuse. See Fusesand Circuit Breakers on page 5-86 for more informationon fuses. If the engine still does not start with theother key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicledoes start, the first key may be faulty. See your dealerwho can service the theft-deterrent system to havea new key made.

If you are ever driving and the security light comes onand stays on, you will be able to restart your engineif you turn it off. The theft-deterrent system, however, isnot working properly and must be serviced by yourdealer. Your vehicle is not protected by thetheft-deterrent system at this time.

In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.

Content Theft-DeterrentYour vehicle has a theft-deterrent alarm system.

Arming the SystemThe alarm system is turned on when the LOCK buttonon the key is pressed. Therefore, locking the doorsby pressing LOCK not only locks all the doors but, aftera short delay, also sets the alarm system. When thesystem is armed, the alarm is triggered when any of thedoors, hood or trunk are opened or a hot-wireattempted. The alarm system thinks a break-in hasoccurred. An alarm sounds and the turn signalsand dome light will flash.

When the alarm system is turned on, you may open thetrunk by pressing the trunk symbol button on the key.This does not set off the alarm, but leaves the alarmsystem on and undisturbed. Closing the trunk re-armsthe trunk alarm after a short delay.

The LOCK button on the key will not function when theignition is turned ON or the driver’s door is open.

Disarming the SystemTo disarm the system, press UNLOCK on the key orturn the ignition to ON.

2-14

How to Detect a Tamper ConditionThe exterior turn signals should flash twice whenreturning to your vehicle and pressing UNLOCK on thekey. If they flash three times, an attempted break-inhas occurred while the vehicle was armed. If you wishto find out what set the alarm off, turn the ignition onand look at the trip computer display for the ALARMACTIVATED message being shown. See “Trip ComputerWarning Messages” under Trip Computer on page 3-33.The ALARM ACTIVATED message will be displayedfirst for one second, followed by the trigger pointscreens. The trigger point screens will also be displayedfor one second. If more than one trigger point hasbeen activated, the display will show each trigger pointscreen in sequence for one second, returning backto the ALARM ACTIVATED screen. The alarm screenswill be shown in a continuous cycle until the tripcomputer MODE button is pressed. The center displaythen reverts to the last screen shown prior to theignition being off.

The possible trigger points are the following:

• The hood has been opened.• The trunk has been opened.• One of the doors has been opened.• Hot wiring of the vehicle was attempted (ignition on

without key inserted).

Starting and Operating YourVehicle

New Vehicle Break-InNotice: Your vehicle does not need an elaboratebreak-in. But it will perform better in the long run ifyou follow these guidelines:

• Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less forthe first 500 miles (805 km).

• Do not drive at any one speed, fast or slow,for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not makefull-throttle starts.

• Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles(322 km) or so. During this time your new brakelinings are not yet broken in. Hard stops withnew linings can mean premature wear andearlier replacement. Follow this breaking-inguideline every time you get new brake linings.

2-15

Ignition PositionsThe key can be turned toone of three positionswhile in the ignition switch.

A (LOCK): This is the only position from which you caninsert or remove the key. When the key is insertedand is in this position, the radio, wipers, and accessorypower outlet will continue to work until the key isremoved. Once the key is removed these accessorieswill turn off. By selecting the ON switch on the radiothese accessories will continue to work for one hour oruntil either door is opened. If the key is left insertedin this position, a chime will sound when the driver’sdoor is opened to remind you the key has been left inthe ignition. If the key is left in the ignition, it candrain the battery. Make sure to remove the key whenleaving the vehicle.

The key can only be turned to this position if thevehicle’s automatic transmission is in PARK (P).To help guard against theft, your vehicle’s engine isautomatically disabled shortly after turning the key to thisposition. A flashing padlock symbol on the bottom leftcorner of the instrument panel indicates this.

The steering column is automatically locked when thekey is removed. To release the steering wheel, insert thekey again and turn it towards the front of the vehicle.

Notice: Using a tool to force the key from theignition switch could cause damage or break thekey. Use the correct key and turn the key only withyour hand. Make sure the key is all the way in.If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right whileyou turn the key hard. If none of this works,then your vehicle needs service.

B (ON): This position is where the key returns to afteryou start your engine and release the key. The ignitionswitch stays in ON when the engine is running. But evenwhen the engine is not running, you can use ON tooperate your electrical accessories and to display someinstrument panel warning lights.

C (START): This position starts the engine. When theengine starts, release the key. The ignition switchwill return to ON for normal driving.

2-16

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) feature that enables the radio, powerwindows, windshield wipers, and accessory power outletto continue to work after the ignition key has beenturned to LOCK and removed from the ignition.

The radio, wipers and accessory power outlet will turnoff when the ignition key is turned to LOCK andremoved. By turning the radio back on, you will be ableto operate it, the windshield wipers, and the accessorypower outlet for up to one hour or until:

• The radio is turned off• Either door is opened

The windows will also operate for 15 minutes or untileither door is opened.

Starting the Engine

Automatic TransmissionMove your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).Your engine will not start in any other position — that isa safety feature. To restart when you are alreadymoving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if yourvehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage thetransmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when yourvehicle is stopped.

Manual TransmissionThe shift lever should be in neutral and the parkingbrake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor andstart the engine. Your vehicle will not start if theclutch pedal is not all the way down — that is asafety feature.

2-17

Starting Your Engine1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal and the

parking brake firmly applied, turn your ignitionkey to START. When the engine starts, let go of thekey. The idle speed will go down as your enginegets warm.

Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than15 seconds at a time will cause your battery tobe drained much sooner. And the excessive heatcan damage your starter motor. Wait about15 seconds between each try to help avoid drainingyour battery or damaging your starter.

2. If it does not start, wait about 15 seconds andtry again to start the engine by turning theignition key to START. Wait about 15 secondsbetween each try.When your engine has run about 10 seconds towarm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do notrun your engine at high speeds when it is cold.If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C),let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.

Notice: Your engine is designed to work with theelectronics in your vehicle. If you add electricalparts or accessories, you could change the way theengine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,check with your dealer. If you do not, your enginemight not perform properly.

Racing or Other Competitive DrivingSee your warranty book before using your vehicle forracing or other competitive driving.

Notice: If you use your vehicle for racing or othercompetitive driving, the engine may use moreoil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels candamage the engine. Be sure to check the oil leveloften during racing or other competitive driving andkeep the level at or near the upper mark thatshows the proper operating range on the engine oildipstick. For information on how to add oil, seeEngine Oil on page 5-13.

Automatic Transmission OperationThere are several differentpositions for your shiftlever. Push in the buttonon top of the shift leverwhen shifting into position.

2-18

PARK (P): The engine can be started in this position.This position prevents the rear wheels from turningand so should be selected, together with the parkingbrake, when leaving the vehicle.

{CAUTION:

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if theshift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with theparking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.

Do not leave your vehicle when the engine isrunning unless you have to. If you have left theengine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.You or others could be injured. To be sure yourvehicle will not move, even when you are onfairly level ground, always set your parkingbrake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission)on page 2-24. If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-34.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before startingthe engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmissionshift lock control system. You must have your foot on theregular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) whenthe ignition key is in ON. The vehicle will not shift fromPARK (P) if the button is pressed before the brake isapplied. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), easepressure on the shift lever, push the shift lever all the wayinto PARK (P), and release the shift lever button as youmaintain brake application. Then press the shift leverbutton and move the shift lever into the desired gear.See Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transmission)on page 2-25.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicleis moving forward could damage the transmission.The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle isstopped.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,ice or sand without damaging your transmission,see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowon page 4-28.

2-19

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does notconnect with the wheels. To restart when you arealready moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, useNEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

{CAUTION:

Shifting into a drive gear while your engine isrunning at high speed is dangerous. Unlessyour foot is firmly on the brake pedal, yourvehicle could move very rapidly. You couldlose control and hit people or objects. Do notshift into a drive gear while your engine isrunning at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)with the engine running at high speed may damagethe transmission. The repairs would not becovered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is notrunning at high speed when shifting your vehicle.

DRIVE (D): This is the most effective position for normalor freeway driving. This position gives maximum fuelefficiency, as the transmission can choose theappropriate gear (1 through 4) for the existing load anddriving conditions.

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving.However, it offers more power and lower fuel economythan DRIVE (D). Here are some times you might chooseTHIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):

• When driving on hilly, winding roads.• When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting

between gears.

• When going down a steep hill.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power butlower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can useSECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed asyou go down steep mountain roads, but then youwould also want to use your brakes off and on.

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power butlower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use it onvery steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift leveris put in FIRST (1), the transmission will not shift into firstgear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

Remember to move the shift lever back to DRIVE (D) sothat the transmission again upshifts into higher gears.Even though the shift lever may be in FIRST (1), thetransmission does not select first gear until vehicle speedis less that 35 mph (56 km/h).

2-20

Manual Transmission Operation

This is the shift pattern forthe six-speed manualtransmission.

Here is how to operate your transmission:

FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift intoFIRST (1). Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal asyou press the accelerator pedal.

You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going lessthan 40 mph (64 km/h). If you come to a complete stopand it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shiftlever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press theclutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).

SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up onthe accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press theaccelerator pedal.

THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6): Shiftinto THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6)the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up onthe clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press thebrake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, pressthe clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shiftto NEUTRAL.

NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idleyour engine. Your