ignition CHEVROLET VENTURE 2001 1.G Owner's Manual

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NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. Use this position if your
vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push
-start your vehicle. A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver's door when the ignition is off and
the key is in the ignition.RUN (D): This is the position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays in RUN when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is not running,
you can use RUN to operate your electrical power
accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
If the engine is not running, ACCESSORY and RUN are
positions that allow you to operate your electrical
accessories, such as the radio.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With RAP, the power windows (option), the power rear
quarter windows (if equipped), audio system and the
optional electronic level control (ELC) will continue to
work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to
OFF and none of the doors are opened.

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Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine warms up.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If the engine doesn't start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal about one
-quarter of the way down
while you turn the key to START. Do this until the
engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of the key.

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Automatic Transaxle Operation
Maximum engine speed is limited when you're in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This gear position locks your front wheels.
It's the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can't move easily.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. As you step
on the brake pedal, while in PARK (P), you may hear a
click from the solenoid of the system. This ensures that
the system is operating properly.If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See
ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in this section.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index. If
you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.

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FIRST (1): This position gives you even more
power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2).
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the
transaxle won't downshift into first gear until the vehicle
is going slow enough.
NOTICE:
If your front wheels can't turn, don't try to drive.
This might happen if you were stuck in very deep
sand or mud or were up against a solid object.
You could damage your transaxle.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P)
to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.
Parking Brake
The parking brake is located
on the driver's side under
the instrument panel.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push down on the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on. See ªBrake System Warning Lightº in the Index.

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2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:

Pull the lever toward you.

Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P), when the
ignition is in RUN.
As you step on the brake pedal, while in PARK (P),
you may hear a click from the solenoid of the system.
This ensures that the system is operating properly.
See ªAutomatic Transaxle Operationº in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you want. If you ever hold the brake
pedal down but still can't shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.

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Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are two ways to reduce speed while using
cruise control:

Push in the SET button at the end of the lever until
you reach the lower speed you want, then release it.

To slow down in very small amounts, push the
SET button briefly. Each time you do this, you'll go
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow
down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to
be too much trouble and don't use cruise control on
steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:

Step lightly on the brake pedal, or

move the cruise switch to OFF.
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.

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Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamp control is located to the left of the
steering column.
Turning the control to this setting turns on
the following:

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Turning the control to this setting turns on the
headlamps, together with the following:

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Turning the control to this setting turns off all the
lamps and lights.
Lamps on Reminder
If the driver's door is opened and you turn the ignition
to OFF or LOCK while leaving the lamps on, you will
hear a warning chime.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lights are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.

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A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it isn't covered. The DRL system
will make front parking and turn signal lamps come on
in daylight when the following conditions are met:

The ignition is on,

the headlamp control is off, and

the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your front parking and turn
signal lamps will be on. Your instrument panel won't be
lit up.
When it's dark enough outside, the exterior lamps will
come on automatically. When it's bright enough outside,
the exterior lamps will turn off and the DRL will turn
on. Of course, you may still turn on the headlamps any
time you need to.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake while the ignition is in OFF or LOCK. Then start
the vehicle. The DRL will stay off until you release the
parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Intensity Control
Turn the thumbwheel, located below the headlamps
control, clockwise to increase the brightness of the
instrument panel lights, and counterclockwise to
decrease the brightness. Turn the thumbwheel all the
way counterclockwise to turn them off.
Interior Lamps Control
Turn the thumbwheel all the way clockwise to turn on
the interior lamps, if the interior lamps override switch
is off. Turn the thumbwheel counterclockwise to turn the
lamps off.

2-68 Interior Lamps Override Switch
This switch is located
in the overhead
console switchbank.
Press the symbol on the bottom of the switch to override
control of the interior lamps and turn off power to the
courtesy lamps, reading lamps, visor vanity lamps (if
equipped) and glove box lamp. This feature allows you
to have the lamps off when any door is open.
Press the top of the interior lamps override switch to
turn power back on to the interior lamps. This will allow
the lamps to stay on when any door is open.
Illuminated Entry
With illuminated entry, the interior of your vehicle is
illuminated so you can see inside before you enter your
vehicle. The lamps will come on for 40 seconds if you
unlock your door using your key or the optional remote
keyless entry transmitter and the ignition is in LOCK or
OFF. After 40 seconds have passed, the interior lamps
will slowly fade out. The lamps will turn off before the
40 seconds if you do one of the following:

Lock all the doors using the key,

press LOCK on the power door lock switch, or

press LOCK on the optional remote keyless
entry transmitter.
When any door is opened, illuminated entry is cancelled.
The interior lamps will stay on while any door or the
liftgate is open, and slowly fade out when all doors and
the liftgate are closed.
The interior lamps may stay on for up to 25 seconds
after all doors have been closed if they have not been
locked. See ªDelayed Illuminationº later in this section.
To turn the exit lighting feature off or on, see
ªMultifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choicesº
in the Index.