GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.

Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.

Starting Procedure

  1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine warms. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
  2. The 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, 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/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF 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 these steps. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the 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, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Starting the Engine Automatic Engine Start/Stop

Place the transmission in the proper gear.

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.

Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the 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 transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
  2. The 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, 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/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF 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 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 transmission 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.

The vehicle has an automatic engine start/stop feature that is a part of the hybrid system. After the engine is started and has reached operating temperature, the AUTO STOP feature may turn the engine 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 indicates that the engine is in AUTO STOP mode. If the driver door is opened while in AUTO STOP mode, a chime will sound.

If you are on an incline, the 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. 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 that may prevent an AUTO STOP or cause an AUTO START.

The Engine Will Remain Running When:

    • The engine, transmission, 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 Automatic Climate Control System for more information.
    • The shift lever is in P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or M (Manual Mode).
    • 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 D (Drive) to P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or M (Manual Mode), 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 Automatic 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 Automatic Climate Control System for more information.
    • The hybrid battery pack charge is low and requires recharging.
    • Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.