GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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: Shifting into P (Park) with the vehicle moving could damage the transmission. Shift into P (Park) only when your vehicle is stopped.

Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine

  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.
  2. Notice: Holding the key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage the starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining the battery or damaging the starter.

  3. If the engine does not 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.
  4. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine still will not start or starts briefly but then stops again, repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on temperature. When the engine starts, release the key and the accelerator pedal.
  5. Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If electrical parts or accessories are added, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine

  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 gets warm.
  2. Notice: Holding the key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage the starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining the battery or damaging the starter.

  3. If it does not start within 10 seconds, hold your key in START for about 10 seconds at a time until your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
  4. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the engine. After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal starting procedure.
  5. Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If electrical parts or accessories are added, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.