GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Place the transaxle in the proper gear.

Automatic Transaxle

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in any other position -- this 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.

Manual Transaxle

The shift lever should be in the neutral position 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.

Starting Procedure

  1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
  2. Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC or LOCK position.

    Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.

  3. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or -18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

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/retailer. If you do not, your engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by your vehicle's warranty.

Starting the Engine Automatic Engine Start/Stop

Place the transaxle in the proper gear.

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in any other position -- this 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 Procedure

  1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
  2. Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START for many seconds, cranking stops after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC or LOCK position.

    Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.

  3. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or -18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, repeat the procedure. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

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/retailer. If you do not, your engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by your vehicle's warranty.

Automatic Engine Start/Stop

Caution: There is something about the vehicle that can make it move suddenly, and you or others can be seriously injured. This can happen if the vehicle is in the Auto Stop mode, and the shift lever is in D (Drive). Because the vehicle has the Automatic Engine Start/Stop feature, the vehicle's engine might seem to be shut off when you come to a complete stop. However, if you then start to exit the vehicle, as soon as you take your foot off the brake pedal, the engine will start again and the vehicle can move forward. If you are going to exit the vehicle, first shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Then exit.

Your vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop feature which is a hybrid fuel-saving operation. After the engine is started and has reached operating temperature, the AUTO STOP feature may cause the engine to turn off when you apply the brakes and come to a complete stop. When you take your foot off the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal, the engine will start. The engine will continue to run until the next AUTO STOP.

The AUTO STOP mark on the tachometer signifies that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode. After parking and then turning off the vehicle, the tachometer needle will move to OFF. If the driver's door is opened while in AUTO STOP mode, a chime will sound.

If you are on an incline, your vehicle may roll backwards a short distance until the engine performs an AUTO START. The Hill Start Assist feature will help start the vehicle on a moderate or steep incline. See Hill Start Assist Light for more information. To restart the engine during the AUTO STOP, release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The engine starts immediately. The vehicle continues to run until the next stop.

There are several conditions which may prevent an AUTO STOP or cause an AUTO START.

The Engine Will Remain Running When:

    • The engine, transaxle, or hybrid battery is not warmed up yet.
    • The outside temperature is high -- usually above 95°F  (35°C) and the climate control system is working to cool the vehicle in A/C mode (yellow light illuminated on A/C button) or if defrost is selected. See Climate Control System for more information.
    • The shift lever is in PARK (P), NEUTRAL (N), REVERSE (R), INTERMEDIATE (I) or LOW (L).
    • The hybrid battery pack charge is low.
    • The 12V vehicle battery charge is low, or loads are high.
    • The hood is not fully closed.

The Engine Will Restart When:

    • The brake pedal is released.
    •  The accelerator pedal is applied.
    • When shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), the engine will restart in approximately one second.
    • When shifting from DRIVE (D) to INTERMEDIATE (I), LOW (L) or REVERSE (R) the engine will restart immediately.
    • If the A/C button (green light illuminated on A/C) button is selected, the duration of the AUTO STOP will depend on the outside temperature. This economy mode improves fuel economy by limiting the effects of the air conditioning. The warmer it is outside, the shorter the time before the engine is restarted to provide cabin cooling.
    • The climate control system is turned from Off to On (econ or normal A/C, or floor/ defog/defrost) See Climate Control System for more information.
    • The engine is required to run for either heater or climate control performance. See "Air Conditioning and Engine Start/Stop" under Climate Control System for more information.
    • The hybrid battery pack charge is low and requires recharging.
    • Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.