1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 71

LOCK (B):The only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission. Key Release Button If you have a manual transmission, your ignition lock has a key release button. You must press the button before you can take your key out of the ignition lock. If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch can't be turned toLOCK unless the shift lever is in the PARK (P)position. OFF (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission, but does not send electrical power to any accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must be plashed towed. A warningtone will or sound if you open the driver's door when the ignition is OFF and the key is i the ignition. n RUN (D): Position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release.the switch. The switch stays inthe RUN position when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel I warning and indicator lights. START ( ) Starts the engine. When the engine starts, E: release the key. The ignition switch will return to RUN for normal driving. Note that even if the engine is not running, ACC and RUN allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio .andventilation fan. On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to LOCK will lock the steering column and result in a lossof abilityto steer the vehicle. could This cause acollision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the only key to OFF. Don't press the key release button while the vehicleis moving.