ignition PONTIAC GTO 2005 User Guide

Power Windows
Use the switches located
between the seats to
operate the windows.
To raise the window, pull the switch up. To lower the
window, press the switch down.
The windows will operate while the ignition is turned to
ON, or while Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 2-17.
When the doors are opened, the power windows are
deactivated and will not operate until the ignition
is turned to ON again.
Express-Down Window
Both window switches have an express-down feature.
Hold the switch down briefly and then release it. To stop
the express-down feature, move the switch up or
down again.
Sun Visors
To help block out glare, pull the sun visors down.
Pull on the inside edges of the sun visors to swing them
from the front windshield to the side window.
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirrors
Both the driver and passenger’s side sun visors have
lighted vanity mirrors.
Raise the cover on the top of the sun visor to expose
the vanity mirror. The lights at either side of the
vanity mirror automatically turn on and off when the
cover is opened and closed.
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Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Immobilizer
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle may have a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is an electronic engine immobilizer,
which disables the car, when the key is removed from
the ignition.
The system works when you turn the key to ON. The
key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. The correct key will start
the vehicle.
Your vehicle has a special key that works with the
theft-deterrent system. There is a transponder in the key
head. If the key is ever damaged, you may not be
able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, the key may
have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and
try again.
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If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-86for more information
on fuses. If the engine still does not start with the
other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the first key may be faulty. See your dealer
who can service the theft-deterrent system to have
a new key made.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes on
and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine
if you turn it off. The theft-deterrent system, however, is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
theft-deterrent system at this time.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle has a theft-deterrent alarm system.
Arming the System
The alarm system is turned on when the LOCK button
on the key is pressed. Therefore, locking the doors
by pressing LOCK not only locks all the doors but, after
a short delay, also sets the alarm system. When the
system is armed, the alarm is triggered when any of the
doors, hood or trunk are opened or a hot-wire
attempted. The alarm system thinks a break-in has
occurred. An alarm sounds and the turn signals
and dome light will flash.
When the alarm system is turned on, you may open the
trunk by pressing the trunk symbol button on the key.
This does not set off the alarm, but leaves the alarm
system on and undisturbed. Closing the trunk re-arms
the trunk alarm after a short delay.
The LOCK button on the key will not function when the
ignition is turned ON or the driver’s door is open.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system, press UNLOCK on the key or
turn the ignition to ON.
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How to Detect a Tamper Condition
The exterior turn signals should flash twice when
returning to your vehicle and pressing UNLOCK on the
key. If they flash three times, an attempted break-in
has occurred while the vehicle was armed. If you wish
to find out what set the alarm off, turn the ignition on
and look at the trip computer display for the ALARM
ACTIVATED message being shown. See “Trip Computer
Warning Messages” underTrip Computer on page 3-33.
The ALARM ACTIVATED message will be displayed
first for one second, followed by the trigger point
screens. The trigger point screens will also be displayed
for one second. If more than one trigger point has
been activated, the display will show each trigger point
screen in sequence for one second, returning back
to the ALARM ACTIVATED screen. The alarm screens
will be shown in a continuous cycle until the trip
computer MODE button is pressed. The center display
then reverts to the last screen shown prior to the
ignition 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 Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make
full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
2-15

Ignition Positions
The key can be turned to
one of three positions
while in the ignition switch.
A (LOCK):This is the only position from which you can
insert or remove the key. When the key is inserted
and is in this position, the radio, wipers, and accessory
power outlet will continue to work until the key is
removed. Once the key is removed these accessories
will turn off. By selecting the ON switch on the radio
these accessories will continue to work for one hour or
until either door is opened. If the key is left inserted
in this position, a chime will sound when the driver’s
door is opened to remind you the key has been left in
the ignition. If the key is left in the ignition, it can
drain the battery. Make sure to remove the key when
leaving the vehicle.The key can only be turned to this position if the
vehicle’s automatic transmission is in PARK (P).
To help guard against theft, your vehicle’s engine is
automatically disabled shortly after turning the key to this
position. A flashing padlock symbol on the bottom left
corner of the instrument panel indicates this.
The steering column is automatically locked when the
key is removed. To release the steering wheel, insert the
key again and turn it towards the front of the vehicle.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in.
If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while
you turn the key hard. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
B (ON):This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The ignition
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
C (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
2-16

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature that enables the radio, power
windows, windshield wipers, and accessory power outlet
to continue to work after the ignition key has been
turned to LOCK and removed from the ignition.
The radio, wipers and accessory power outlet will turn
off when the ignition key is turned to LOCK and
removed. By turning the radio back on, you will be able
to operate it, the windshield wipers, and the accessory
power 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 until
either door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and
start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a
safety feature.
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Starting Your Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal and the
parking brake firmly applied, turn your ignition
key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the
key. The idle speed will go down as your engine
gets warm.
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 it does not start, wait about 15 seconds and
try again to start the engine by turning the
ignition key to START. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not
run 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 the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
Racing or Other Competitive Driving
See your warranty book before using your vehicle for
racing or other competitive driving.
Notice:If you use your vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use more
oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can
damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other competitive driving and
keep the level at or near the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range on the engine oil
dipstick. For information on how to add oil, see
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for your shift
lever. Push in the button
on top of the shift lever
when shifting into position.
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PARK (P):The engine can be started in this position.
This position prevents the rear wheels from turning
and so should be selected, together with the parking
brake, when leaving the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not 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 will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission)
on page 2-24. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-34.Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must have your foot on the
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition key is in ON. The vehicle will not shift from
PARK (P) if the button is pressed before the brake is
applied. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever, push the shift lever all the way
into PARK (P), and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the desired gear.
SeeShifting 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 vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-28.
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After shifting to FOURTH (4), you may downshift to a
lower gear if you prefer.
Notice:Forcing the shift lever into any gear except
FOURTH (4) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes
on may damage the transmission. Shift only from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.
This light will come on when:
•The engine coolant temperature is higher than
169°F (76°C),
•you are going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and
•you are 21 percent throttle or less.
SeeOne-to-Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission) on
page 3-26andTrip Computer on page 3-33for more
information.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake
handle without pressing the release button. If the ignition
is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-27.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the parking brake handle up until you
can press the release button. Hold the release button
in as you move the brake handle all the way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
2-23

Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-34.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P).
•Press in and hold the shift lever button, located
on the top of the shift lever.
•Push the lever all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
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).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure the vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it.
After you have moved the shift lever into PARK (P),
hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can
move the shift lever away from PARK (P), without first
pushing the shift lever button. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P).
2-24