1996 grand prix button under dash what is it?

Hello

I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
3.1 engine
a toggle switch under drivers side dash. left side of steering wheel underneath dash
it reads 2nd gear engine start on dash when on. I do not know what this is so I always keep it off any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks

I dont know what it is either. Could you post a picture? Is your car an automatic or manual?

Chevy1
2nd gear start forces the transmission to use 2nd gear and above when driving. This can be an advantage in slippery conditions(especially snow/ice) by reducing torque on the drive wheels at take-off--thus preventing wheelspin.

Thank you mountainman

That may help seeing as I live in the Snowbelt area
good to know. I assume switch off when out of these conditions

Yes you assume right!! Glad i could help you out.

hmm, never heard of it. Must be part of a cold weather climate option package (like with an engine heater/battery blanket/etc...). Nice to know...see, you learn something new every day!

I've never heard of it either Rich.

Wonder if its aftermarket or factory.

My first thought was maybe it was some sort of toggle switch for a remote start system.

the "second gear start" button is simply a gas saving feature. It just starts out in second gear and skips first, thus saving a little gas. I wondered the same thing too when I found this button in my sisters car, but my dads a mechanic and I asked him about it and he told me what it was.

its a standard factory switch,as mentioned to eliminate 1st gear when in use
i'v never used it,found it by mistake when i hit switch w/knee getting in/out car

my transmission kicks when i'm slowing down as it gets back to 1st gear. i tried driving with 2gs on a little yesterday and I want to keep experimenting with it.... what do I risk happening if I'm driving with it on always (until i get my trans looked at)?