Pontiac Grand Am (2002 year). Manual - part 5

2-6

Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
D Passengers 

--

 especially children 

--

 can

easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle won’t open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

D Young children who get into unlocked

vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.

D Outsiders can easily enter through an

unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.

From the outside, use your key or remote keyless entry
system, if your vehicle is equipped with this feature.

From the inside, you can lock or unlock the door by
pushing the manual lever forward or rearward.

2-7

Power Door Locks

With the power door locks, you can unlock or lock all of
the doors on your vehicle using the driver’s or front
passenger’s door lock switch.

Push the top of the switch to unlock all of the doors.
Push the bottom of the switch to lock all the doors.

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

Just close the doors and turn on the ignition. All of 
the doors will lock when you move the shift lever out 
of PARK (P) to REVERSE (R) on vehicles with an
automatic transaxle. All of the doors will lock when the
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) on vehicles
with a manual transaxle.

If someone needs to get out while the vehicle is running,
have that person use the door lock. When the door is
closed again, it will lock automatically when the vehicle
reaches about 5 mph (8 km/h).

All doors will automatically unlock when the shift lever
is moved to PARK (P) on vehicles with an automatic
transaxle or to REVERSE (R) on vehicles with a manual
transaxle and the key is turned to OFF.

Customizing the Automatic Door Locks

One of four operating modes may be selected and
programmed by the driver on vehicles with an 
automatic transaxle:
D Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when the

transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). The doors will
remain locked unless manually unlocked or the lock
button is pressed. All doors will unlock when the
transaxle is shifted into PARK (P) and the key is
turned to OFF.

D Mode 2: This mode is only available on vehicle’s

equipped with a remote keyless entry transmitter. 
All doors automatically lock when the transaxle is
shifted out of PARK (P). Only the driver’s door will
unlock when the transaxle is shifted into PARK(P)
and the key is turned to OFF.

D Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when the

transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic
door unlock.

D Mode 4: No automatic door lock or unlock.

2-8

One of the four operating modes may be selected 
and programmed by the driver on vehicles with a
manual transaxle:
D Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when the

vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). The
doors will remain locked unless manually unlocked
or the lock button is pressed. All doors will unlock
when the transaxle is shifted into REVERSE (R) 
and the key is turned to OFF.

D Mode 2: This mode is only available on vehicle’s

equipped with a remote keyless entry transmitter. 
All doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed
is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). Only the driver’s
door will unlock when the transaxle is shifted into
REVERSE (R) and the key is turned to OFF.

D Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when the

vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). No
automatic door unlock.

D Mode 4: No automatic door lock or unlock.

Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory it was
programmed in Mode 1. To determine the current mode
or to change to a different mode, do the following:

1. Put an automatic transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual

transaxle in REVERSE (R) with the parking brake
engaged and turn the ignition to ON.

2. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch

for 10 seconds. Release the switch when you hear 
the chime.

3. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number

of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is in.
You can change the mode by pressing and holding
LOCK on the power door lock switch (two chimes
for Mode 2, three chimes for Mode 3 and four
chimes for Mode 4).

4. Repeat Step 2 until you hear the number of chimes

that matches the mode you want.

The mode you selected is now set.

2-9

Delayed Locking

This feature will allow the driver to delay the actual
locking of the vehicle. This feature will not operate 
if the key is left in the ignition. See “Anti

-

Lockout

Protection” later in this section.

When LOCK on the driver’s power door lock switch 
is pressed, with the key removed from the ignition and
the driver’s door open, three chimes will be heard. The
doors will not lock. Seven seconds after the driver’s
door has been closed, all of the doors will lock and the
parking lamps will flash. The horn will also chirp if the
horn chirp feature is enabled. See “Programmable Horn
Chirp” in the Index for more information.

If the driver opens another door before the seven
seconds, the doors will not lock until seven seconds after
the last door is closed.

If the power door lock switch is pressed to LOCK 
twice when leaving the vehicle, or the LOCK button on
the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the doors
will lock immediately.

If the power door lock switch is pressed to unlock, the
doors will not lock automatically.

Rear Door Security Locks 
(Four-Door Models)

Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks
that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors
on your vehicle from the inside.

The switch is located on 
the inside of the rear door.

To use the security locks, do the following:

1. Move the switch up.

2. Close the door.

3. Do the same thing on the other rear door.

2-10

The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to
open a rear door when the security lock is on, do 
the following:

1. Unlock the door from the inside.

2. Then open the door from the outside.

If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or
older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open
the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and
older children know how these security locks work, and
how to cancel the locks.

To cancel the rear door lock, do the following:

1. Unlock the door from the inside and open it from 

the outside.

2. Move the switch down.

3. Do the same for the other rear door.

The rear doors will now work normally.

Anti-Lockout Protection

Anti

-

Lockout Protection is a standard feature intended

to provide enhanced security and convenience. This
feature prevents a driver who has left the keys in the
ignition from locking the doors or using the power door
locks while any door is open.

To override this feature, when the key is in the ignition
and a door is open, hold the power door lock switch for
three seconds.

This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be
locked out of your vehicle. If you don’t leave the keys 
in the ignition, or if you use the manual door lock, 
or if you use the remote keyless entry transmitter 
(if equipped), you could still lock your keys inside your
vehicle. Always remember to take your keys with you.

Leaving Your Vehicle

If you are leaving your vehicle, open your door and 
set the locks from the inside, then get out and close 
the door.

2-11

Remote Keyless Entry System 
(If Equipped)

If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m)
up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, 
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This device complies with RSS

-

210 of Industry Canada.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) this device may not cause interference, and 
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than 
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
D Check the distance. You may be too far from your

vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

D Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may 

be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left 
or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

D Check to determine if battery replacement is

necessary. See the instructions that follow.

D If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer 

or a qualified technician for service.

2-12

Operation

The following functions are
available with the keyless
entry system:

 (Lock): All doors will automatically lock when this

button on the transmitter is pressed. The interior lamps
will turn off after all of the doors are closed. If all of the
doors are closed, the parking lamps will flash twice and
the horn will chirp to indicate locking has occurred.

 (Unlock): The driver’s door will unlock

automatically when this button on the transmitter is
pressed. If the button is pressed again within five
seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior
lamps will stay on for 10 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on. The parking lamps will flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred.

 (Remote Trunk Release): The trunk will unlock

when the vehicle symbol on the transmitter is pressed, as long
as the trunk lockout is not engaged. You can open the trunk
with the transmitter when the vehicle speed is less than 2 mph
(3 km/h), when the parking brake is engaged, or when 
the ignition is off. The interior lamps will come on for 
10 seconds or until the ignition switch is turned to ON.

 (Horn): The horn will sound and the headlamps

and the parking lamps will flash for up to two minutes
when the horn symbol on the transmitter is pressed. 
The interior lamps will come on and remain on while
the horn is sounding and the lamps are flashing. The
horn and lamps can be turned off by pressing the horn
symbol button again or by turning the ignition to ON.

Programmable Horn Chirp

When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to
lock the doors or use the delayed locking feature the
parking lamps will flash and the horn will chirp.

The programmable horn chirp can be disabled by
pressing and holding either of the door lock switches in
the unlock position for 10 seconds with the ignition ON
and all of the doors closed. When you hear the horn
chirp, programming is complete.

To reactivate the horn chirp feature, repeat the 
above procedure.

2-13

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four
transmitters matched to it.

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about four years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to 
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your 
body transferred to these surfaces may damage
the transmitter.

2-14

To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter do
the following:

1. Use a thin coin or similar object to separate the

bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.

2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one.

Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces
up. Use one three

-

volt, CR2032, or equivalent, 

type battery.

3. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the

cover is on tightly, so water won’t get in.

Trunk

To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and
turn the trunk lock cylinder or use the remote keyless
entry transmitter (if equipped).

When closing the trunk, close from the center to ensure
it fully latches.

2-15

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:
D Make sure all other windows are shut.

D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling

system to its highest speed with the setting
on Vent. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in 
the Index.

D If you have air outlets on or under the

instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Remote Trunk Release

Press the remote trunk release button, located on the
driver’s door, to release the trunk lid.

Make sure the remote trunk release lockout feature 
is not activated. Also, the remote trunk release will 
only work when either the ignition is off, the parking
brake is engaged or the vehicle speed is less than 
2 mph (3 km/h).

2-16

Remote Trunk Release Lockout

Your remote trunk release is equipped with a lockout
feature. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk
lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch.

To turn the lockout on, slide the switch all the way to the
left, to ON. To turn the lockout off, slide the switch all
the way to the right, to OFF.

When the lockout is on, the remote trunk release button
on the driver’s door will not release the trunk lid.
However, the trunk lid can still be opened with the key,
but not with the keyless entry transmitter (if equipped).

Trunk Release Handle

2-17

NOTICE:

The trunk release handle was not designed to be
used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk release handle could damage it.

There is a glow

-

in

-

the

-

dark trunk release handle located

inside the trunk on the trunk latch. This handle will glow
following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to
open the trunk from the inside.

Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit

To help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your
trunk, you can order a trap

-

resistant trunk kit from your

dealer. This kit includes:
D a modified trunk latch,
D a lighted release handle, and
D seatback tethers (for vehicles with folding 

rear seatbacks).

See your dealer for additional information.

Theft

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. However, there are ways you 
can help.

Key in the Ignition

If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves 

--

 so

don’t do it.

When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your ignition and transaxle will be locked. And
remember to lock the doors.

Parking at Night

Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

2-18

Parking Lots

Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your key?
D If possible, park in a busy, well

-

lit area.

D Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk

or glove box.

D Be sure to close and lock the storage area.
D Close all windows.
D Move the trunk release lockout switch to ON.
D Lock the glove box.
D Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
D If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,

take the transmitter with you.

Passlock

R

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft

-

deterrent system.

Passlock is a passive theft

-

deterrent system. Passlock

enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder has not been
tampered with.

During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go
off approximately five seconds after the ignition key is
turned to ON and the engine is started.

After attempting to start the engine, if the SECURITY
light flashes or stays on, wait ten minutes with the key in
ON until the light goes off. Then turn the ignition to
OFF before attempting to start the engine again.

See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for 
more information.

2-19

New Vehicle “Break

-

In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break

-

in.” But it will perform better in the long

run if you follow these guidelines:
D Don’t drive at any one speed 

--

 fast or 

slow 

--

 for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don’t make full

-

throttle starts.

D Avoid making hard stops for the first 

200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t 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.

D Don’t tow a trailer during break

-

in. See

“Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more
information.

Ignition Positions

With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.

A (OFF): This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. With an automatic transaxle, the shift
lever must be in PARK (P) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key. With a manual transaxle, the shift lever
must be in REVERSE (R) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key. A warning chime will sound if you
open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and the
key is in the ignition.

2-20

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; 
if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.

B (ACCESSORY): This position unlocks the transaxle. 
It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield
wipers when the engine is not running. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise to the first position.
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed,
but never try to push

-

start your vehicle.

C (ON): This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The 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.

D (START): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to OFF.

Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or
ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON to OFF,
the radio will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened.

Starting Your Engine

Automatic Transaxle

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:

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle 
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.

2-21

Manual Transaxle

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.

Starting Your 2.2L L4 ECOTEC

t 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.

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 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.

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.

If the weather is below freezing (32

_F or 0_C), let

the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.

3. 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 about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

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 don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.