2003 Azteks and program mode

We have a later model 2003 Aztek, just bought this summer. Going by the MANUAL (I'm one of those strange people who actually reads it), we should be able to reprogram the settings for not only the automatic lock/unlock, but ALSO FOR THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT DELAY. The problem is, I cannot get the thing to go INTO "program mode". I've followed the procedure listed in the manual step by step and.... nothing. I finally took the car back to the dealer's service department. After the SECOND trip (and, according to them, nine hours putzing around with it), they finally called the GM tech line. According to GM, OUR Aztek (going by the VIN) "isn't equipped with program mode. The manual is wrong."

To me, that's not an acceptable answer. This is the fifth vehicle we've we've owned with auto headlights, and it's the FIRST one that there's been NO way to change the delay when you shut the car off. I'm wondering if there are any other '03 owners out there whose "program modes" work? My thought is that there may have been a run of '03's that this feature didn't work on, and to avoid getting hit with the "lemon law", GM is blowing people off about it.

BTW, the program mode is not to be confused with the DIC (driver info center), an option which our car does NOT have. The way the manual read, it was one or the other.

One last comment - I think the Aztek has to be driven to appreciate it. Aside from the above problem, I LOVE ours. As far as looks, I tell people it's European styling. :)

Listen I have worked at a GM dealer for many years now and GM does things that they don't tell us about!! Most times the owners know about it before the techs find out. It is a major process to call the engineers and can take hours to sort thru manuals to find some of these answers..

In the last couple of months GM had deleted certain options from new model lines to be equal to other car makers. Books have mistakes in them, owners manuals have them and service manuals have them. We have to take them at their word.

I'll buy the idea that GM does things they don't tell you about. My problem with the service dept. was that they didn't know about the "program mode" function in the first place, and didn't call to find out during the three weeks between my first trip to get it to work and the second. They said as soon as they gave GM our VIN, they were told, no, that car doesn't have it. Took five minutes. It would have saved a lot of time and aggravation if they would have made the call the first time I was there. I don't mind them not knowing something - no one expects people to know EVERY single gadget or feature on today's cars. But I respect someone more who is willing to admit they don't know something, and is willing to ASK for help when it's needed. Does GM get that uptight about it if someone from one of the dealer service departments calls to ask a simple question?

Again, the "program mode" was NOT an option, the way the manual read. It was a basic function and the ONLY way to change the delayed shut-off time on the automatic headlights. My gripe is that if they (GM) decided to drop the program mode they could have at least put a dial or something on the headlight switch so you (I) could shorten the time they stay on after shutting the car off. There isn't even a way to take the headlights OFF automatic, and turn them on and off manually. It's either auto, parking, or headlights. That doesn't seem odd?

It's amazing what the manufacturers do and don't tell the dealerships. On the other hand it's also amazing how ignorant the average dealership is. On aztekfanclub.com we have a few 03 owners in the same shoes as you. Bought the tek after GM decided to do away it. As I've seen in other posts this isn't the first time, won't be the last and the Tek isn't the only one affected.

Jack
01 Red Tek
Mighty Quinn IV