1998 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 85

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. Starting Your 2.2 Liter Engine 1. Without pushing 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 yourbattery to be drained much sooner. And excessive heat can the damage yourstarter motor. NOTICE: Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Manual Transaxle The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N) andthe parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the 'floorand start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that's a safety feature. 2-15 -