GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Five-Speed Automatic Transaxle or VTi Variable Transmission (If Equipped)

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

Manual Transaxle (if Equipped)

The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down - that's a safety feature.

To Start Your 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. If it doesn't 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.
  3. When your engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Don't "race" your engine when it's cold.

  4. If your engine still won't 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. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, push the accelerator pedal slightly. Now turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator padel. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.