Cadillac 1999 Eldorado Owner's Manual

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The 1999 Cadillac Eldorado Owner’s Manual

1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SIR” system.

2-1 Features and Controls

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.

3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.

4-1 Your Driving and the Road

Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

5-1 Problems on the Road

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.

6-1 Service and Appearance Care

Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

7-1 Customer Assistance Information

This section tells you how to contact Cadillac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 7

-10.

8-1 Index

Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

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GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem, CADILLAC, the CADILLAC Crest & Wreath and the name ELDORADO are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Cadillac Motor Car Division whenever it appears in this manual.

Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

We support voluntary technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:

Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous

procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

Litho in U.S.A.

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How to Use this Manual

Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly .

Index

A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

Safety Warnings and Symbols

You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.”

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Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty , and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words.

You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

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For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION

POSSIBLE

INJURY

PROTECT

EYES BY

SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BATTERY

ACID COULD

CAUSE

BURNS

AVOID

SPARKS OR

FLAMES

SPARK OR

FLAME

COULD

EXPLODE

BATTER Y

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK

UNLOCK

FASTEN

SEAT

BELTS

POWER

WINDOW

AIR BAG

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

MASTER

LIGHTING

SWITCH

TURN

SIGNALS

PARKING

LAMPS

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

DAYTIME

RUNNING

LAMPS

FOG LAMPS

These symbols are on some of your controls:

WINDSHIELD

WIPER

WINDSHIELD

WASHER

WINDSHIELD

DEFROSTER

REAR

WINDOW

DEFOGGER

VENTILATING

FAN

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

ENGINE

COOLANT

TEMP

BATTERY

CHARGING

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL

PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK

BRAKES

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

SPEAKER

FUEL

Vehicle Symbols

These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

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✍

NOTES

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1-1

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly . You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

-7 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-11 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

Safety Belts

-- and the Answers

-12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

-12 Driver Position

-19 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-20 Right Front Passenger Position

-20 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System

-27 Rear Seat Passengers

-31 Center Passenger Position

-32 Children

-35 Child Restraints

-46 Larger Children

-49 Safety Belt Extender

-49 Checking Your Restraint Systems

-49 Replacing Restraint System Parts After

a Crash

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Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you about the power seats -- how to adjust them, and also about the reclining front seatbacks, lumbar adjustments, head restraints, heated seats and seatback latches.

Power Seats

The power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the front seat cushion.

Move the front of the control in the direction of the arrows to adjust the front portion of the cushion up or down.

Move the rear of the control in the direction of the arrows to adjust the rear portion of the cushion up or down.

Lift up or push down on both outer arrows at the same time to move the entire seat up or down.

To move the whole seat forward or rearward, slide the control in the direction of the center arrow .

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Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped)

The lumbar control is located on the outboard side of each front seat. It provides additional support to your lower back and it works independently of the other seat controls.

Use the power seat control first to get the proper position. Then proceed with the lumbar adjustment.

To reshape the lower seatback, press the lumbar control forward to increase support and rearward to decrease support. Press the control up or down to raise or lower the support mechanism.

Keep in mind that as your seating position changes, as it may during long trips, so should the position of your lumbar support. Adjust the seat as needed.

If you have the optional personalization package, the power lumbar control can be programmed for memory recall. For more information, see “Memory and Personalization Features” in the Index.

Massaging Lumbar (If Equipped)

Push the power lumbar control up for half a second to activate the massage feature. The massage cycle will run for 10 minutes. The cycle can be interrupted by pushing the lumbar control down and holding for not more than half a second. The cycle will continue to run even if the ignition is turned to OFF. The lumbar support can be adjusted during the massage cycle by moving the switch forward to increase support and rearward to decrease support.

Memory Seat and Mirrors (If Equipped)

Automatic seat and mirror movement will occur if the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is used to enter the vehicle. The number on the back of the transmitter corresponds to the 1 or 2 seat and mirror position. After the unlock button is pressed on the RKE transmitter (the ignition must be in LOCK) or when the key is placed in the ignition, the seat and mirrors will automatically adjust to the appropriate position.

Automatic seat and mirror movement is programmed through the Driver Information Center (DIC) so that the driver can select whether or not movement will occur using the RKE transmitter or by placing the ignition key in the ignition. For programming information, see “Memory and Personalization Features” in the Index.

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Heated Front Seat (Option)

The control is located in the center console. Move the switch to LO or HI to turn on the heating elements in the seat. The LO setting warms the seatback and cushion until the seat approximates body temperature. The HI setting heats the seat to a slightly higher temperature.

A telltale light in the control reminds you that the heating system is in use. The heated seats can only be used when the ignition is turned on.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

The reclining front seatback control is located on the outboard side of each front seat. Press the control forward or rearward to adjust the seatback.

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But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this.

The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.

The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

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Head Restraints

Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

The head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

Seatback Latches

CAUTION:

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sur e it is locked.

The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the rear seat. The seatback will move back and forth freely unless you come to a sudden stop, then it will lock into place.

The seatback may not fold without some help from you if your vehicle is parked going down a fairly steep hill. In this case, push the seatback toward the rear as you lift the latch. Then the seatback will fold forward. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly .

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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.

And it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or air bag system.

CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

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In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.

You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed.

After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

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Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider

doesn’t stop.

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The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel ...

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or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.

You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts

-- and the Answers

W on’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety

belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

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Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an

accident

-- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and

your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety

belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.

First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has.

We’ll start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly .

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat (to see how , see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.

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3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.

Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash.

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Shoulder Belt Tightness Adjustment

Your car has a shoulder belt tightness adjustment feature. If the shoulder belt seems too tight, adjust it before you begin to drive.

1. Sit well back in the seat.

2. Start pulling the shoulder belt out.

3. Just before it reaches the end, give it a quick pull.

4. Let the belt go back all the way . You should hear a slight clicking sound. If you don’t, the adjustment feature won’t set, and you’ll have to start again.

5. Now you can add a small amount of slack. Lean forward slightly , then sit back. If you’ve added more than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack, pull the shoulder belt out as you did before and start again.

If you move around in the vehicle enough, pull out the shoulder belt, or open your door, the belt will become tight again. If this happens, you can reset it.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way .

CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. Don’t allow more than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body .

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way .

Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy .

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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother . When a safety belt is worn properly, it’ s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

Right Front Passenger Position

To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly , see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt

-- except for one thing.

If you ever pull the lap portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System

This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system or air bag system.

Your vehicle has “Next Generation” frontal air bags

-- one air bag for the driver and another

air bag for the right front passenger. Next Generation frontal air bags are designed to help

reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

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CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt

-- even if you

have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags

-- even Next Generation air

bags

-- are designed to work with safety belts,

but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low

-speed frontal crashes. And, for

unrestrained occupants, Next Generation air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly

-- whether or

not there’s an air bag for that person.

CAUTION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

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CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap

-shoulder belts offer the best protection

for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children pr operly in your vehicle. To read how , see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

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How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags?

The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

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CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate?

An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near

-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if

the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant.

In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near

-frontal impacts.

What makes an air bag inflate?

In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.

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How does an air bag restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near

-frontal collisions,

even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near

-frontal collisions.

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module

-- the

steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag

-- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the

bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

CAUTION:

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the air bags inflate (if battery power is available). You can lock the doors again and turn the interior lamps off by using the door lock and interior lamp controls.

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In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Some modules also record speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.

Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s air bag, it may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module. Do not open or break the air bag covering.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the Eldorado Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

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CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

Rear Seat Passengers

It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.

Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

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Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The positions next to the windows have lap

-shoulder

belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly . If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly .

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

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If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt

Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

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The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt

When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

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To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug.

Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap

-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough,

see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned

so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

Smaller Children and Babies

CAUTION:

-shoulder belts offer the best protection

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CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear

-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash

forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle.

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CAUTION:

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much

-- until a

crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240

-lb. (110 kg) force on

your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold.

Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

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Child Restraints

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints.

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic

types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.

An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.

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A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear

-facing infant

restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts

-- the base stays secured in the vehicle and

the seat part is removable.

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A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward

-facing restraints are designed to help

protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear

-facing infant

seat or a forward

-facing child seat.

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A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap

-only belts;

however, booster seats without shields use lap

-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a

child to see out the window .

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When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury . The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

Where to Put the Restraint

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear

-facing

child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear

-facing child

restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear

-facing child restraint

in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint

in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly .

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle

-- even when no child is in it.

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Top Strap

Canadian law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored.

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The dealer can then install the anchor for you.

This work will be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say .

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

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2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how .

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or

neck, put it behind the child restraint.

3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward

-facing child restraint, you may find it

helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

5. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way . The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger .

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say .

See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

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1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt.

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how .

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward

-facing child restraint, you may find it

helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

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6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear

-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

CAUTION:

-facing child

restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear

-facing child restraint

in the rear seat.

Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

You’ll be using the lap

-shoulder belt. See the earlier part

about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say .

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward

-facing child restraint. (See

“Seats” in the Index.)

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how .

If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

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6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

Larger Children

Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap

-shoulder belt and

get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

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Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly .

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.

Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.

CAUTION:

Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The

belt can’t properly spread the impact for ces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,

but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but

be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt.

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CAUTION:

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a

lap

-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind

the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

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Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.

Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away .

Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary .

But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.

If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision.

If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

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✍

NOTES

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Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly

-- and what to do if you have a problem.

-2 Keys

-4 Door Locks

-6 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

-9 Trunk

-13 Theft

-14 Theft-Deterrent System (If Equipped)

-16 PASS-Key

-17 New Vehicle “Break-In”

-17 Ignition Positions

-19 Starting Your Engine

-20 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

-21 Automatic Transaxle Operation

-25 Parking Brake

-27 Shifting Into PARK (P)

-29 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

-30 Parking Over Things That Burn

-30 Engine Exhaust

-31 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

-32 Windows

-33 Tilt Wheel

-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

-40 Exterior Lamps

-43 Interior Lamps

-45 Mirrors

-49 Storage Compartments

-51 Sun V isors

-51 Cellular Telephone (Option)

-52 Sunroof (Option)

-53 Universal Transmitter (Option)

-56 The Instrument Panel -- Your

Information System

2-61 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2

-70 Driver Information Center (DIC)

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Keys

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed.

They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. If they turned the ignition to RUN and moved the shift lever out of PARK (P), that would release the parking brake. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

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Ignition Key Door/Locks Key

The square key is for the ignition only. It has a resistor pellet which is part of the vehicle’s PASS

-Key

II system.

The oval key is for the doors and all other locks.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the plug from the door key. The plug has a code on it that tells the dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. The ignition key has a bar code tag attached to it rather than a knock out plug. Your dealer or qualified locksmith can make extra ignition keys by reading the bar code tag.

There are 15 alternative ignition PASS

-Key

II blanks to help discourage theft. Keep the bar code tag and the door key plugs in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you will be able to have new ones made using the plug or bar code tag.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. You can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside and you may have to damage your vehicle to get in. Be sure you have extra keys.

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Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily

open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it.

Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.

This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use either the door key or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.

If your vehicle is equipped with the theft

-deterrent system,

you must unlock the doors with the key or remote keyless entry transmitter to avoid setting off the alarm.

Slide the manual lock lever down to lock the door from the inside. To unlock the door, slide the lock lever up.

Central Door Unlocking System

Your vehicle will have this feature if it is equipped with the theft

-deterrent system. When unlocking either door,

you can also unlock the other door by holding the key in the turned position for a few seconds or by quickly turning the door key twice in the lock cylinder.

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Power Door Locks

Press the power door lock switch to lock or unlock both doors at once.

Automatic Door Locks

Close your doors and turn on the ignition. Every time you move the shift lever out of PARK (P), both doors will lock. The doors will unlock every time you stop the vehicle and move the shift lever back into PARK (P). If someone needs to get out while your vehicle is not in PARK (P), have that person use the manual or power

door lock. When the door is closed again, it will not lock automatically. Use the manual or power door lock to lock the door again. If you need to lock the doors before shifting out of PARK (P), use the manual or power door lock.

Programmable Automatic Door Locks (If Equipped)

With the ignition in RUN, the door locks can be programmed through prompts displayed by the Driver Information Center (DIC). These prompts allow the driver to choose various lock settings. For programming information, see “Memory and Personalization Features” in the Index.

Anti-Lockout Feature

Leaving your key in any ignition position with either door open will disable the use of the power door lock switches as well as the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. If you close the doors, you can lock them using the remote keyless entry transmitter. It is always recommended that you remove your ignition key when locking your vehicle.

Note: The anti

-lockout feature can be overridden by

holding the driver’s power door lock switch for three seconds or longer.

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Leaving Your Vehicle

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

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

With this feature, you can lock and unlock the doors, unlock the trunk, open the fuel door and turn on your vehicle’ s interior lamps from about 10 feet (3 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

Your remote 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.

The range of this system is about 10 feet (3 m). At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry transmitter. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See the instructions that follow.

Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

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.

If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

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Operation

When you press this button to unlock the driver’s door, the parking lamps on your vehicle will blink twice. (You can program your vehicle so the parking lamps will not flash. For more information, see “Lock/Unlock Confirmation” in the Index.) Pressing it again within five seconds will unlock the other doors. Pressing this button will also disarm the theft

-deterrent system (if

equipped) and turn on the interior lamps at night.

When you press this button to lock the doors, the parking lamps will blink once. (You can program your vehicle so the parking lamps will not flash. For more information, see “Lock/Unlock Confirmation” in the Index.) This also arms the theft

-deterrent system

(if equipped).

Press this symbol to open the trunk. (The

VALET lockout button must be off.)

Press this button to open the fuel door. (The VALET lockout button must be off.)

The remote keyless entry transmitter can also be used to recall the memory seats for up to two drivers. For more information, see “Memory Seat and Mirrors” in the Index.

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. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only up to 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.

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1. Use the round end of the door key or a coin to pry open the transmitter.

2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil (or similar object) to remove the old battery . Do not use a metal object.

3. Remove and replace the battery . Insert the new battery as the instructions under the cover indicate. Do not use a metal object.

4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure no moisture can enter.

5. Resynchronize the transmitter. See instructions under “Resynchronization” following.

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Resynchronization

Pressing the remote keyless entry transmitter buttons numerous times (approximately 250 times) out of the vehicle’ s operating range may cause the transmitter not to work. Replacing the battery and pressing the transmitter buttons out of range will also cause the transmitter not to work. If only the fuel door button works, the transmitter needs to be resynchronized to the receiver. Do this by pressing and holding both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for about eight seconds. You must be within range of the vehicle.

Once the transmitter has been resynchronized, the horn will chirp and the exterior lamps will flash once. The system should now operate properly . See your dealer for service if your transmitter doesn’t work properly.

Trunk

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:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on AUTO and the temperature between 65_F (18_C) and 85_F (29_C). That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

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Trunk Lock Release

To use this feature, your vehicle must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and the VALET lockout button must be in the OFF position. Press the TRUNK button, located above the radio on the Driver Information Center (DIC), to open the trunk.

You can also press the trunk button on the remote keyless entry transmitter to access the trunk compartment.

Trunk Storage System (Option)

The optional trunk storage system can be used to organize many different items inside the trunk. The cover (A) is located on top of the spare tire cover (B).

To install the storage system:

1. Pull the carpeting from the floor of the trunk. Turn the retainer (center dial) on the compact spare tire cover counterclockwise to remove it.

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2. Place the trunk storage system on the center of the trunk floor (the cut out portion of the storage system should be facing the rear of the vehicle).

3. Open the storage system by pulling up on the handle located in the carpeted area. This allows the unit to unfold into place. Unfold the divider walls and move them into the retention slots.

4. Remove the rectangular access panel from the floor of the storage system. The access panel should unsnap by hand.

5. Center the storage system access hole over the area where the spare tire is secured by the retainer. Position the storage system as needed and then secure it with the retainer.

6. Replace the access panel.

7. Attach the removable net to the slots located on the front of the divider walls and attach the hooks to the holes on each side of the storage system.

Once in place, the storage system can be moved forward or rearward for convenience and easy access of stored items.

The following steps explain how to remove the trunk storage system for cleaning or in case you need to access the spare tire. Follow all of these steps if the storage system is in the closed position. Begin with Step 2 if the system is already open.

1. Open the storage system by pulling up on the handle located in the carpeted area. This allows the unit to unfold into place. Unfold the divider walls and move them into the retention slots.

2. Remove the rectangular access panel from the floor of the storage system. The access panel should unsnap by hand.

3. Center the storage system access hole over the area where the spare tire is secured by the retainer. Position the storage system as needed and then remove the retainer (turn the retainer counterclockwise to remove it).

4. Replace the access panel and remove the storage system.

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Trunk Lid Automatic Pull-Down Feature

CAUTION:

Your car may have an automatic pull-down feature that helps close the trunk electronically. Your fingers can be trapped under the trunk lid as it goes down. Your fingers could be injured, and you would need someone to help you free them. Keep your fingers away from the trunk lid as you close it and as it is going down.

With the automatic pull-down feature, you never have to slam the trunk lid in order to close the trunk. Instead, gently lower the trunk lid until it is nearly shut

-- the

automatic pull

-down unit will take over and lock the

trunk firmly.

A. Trunk Lid B. Lever If for some reason the trunk lid (A) will not close, it may

be because the trunk pull-down unit was accidentally bumped. Even though the trunk lid remains open, the motor from the pull-down unit has already cycled down. If this happens, press the lever (B) on the trunk lid. The pull-down unit motor will reset itself, allowing the trunk lid to close when lowered.

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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 steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition and transaxle. 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.

Parking Lots

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

If possible, park in a busy , well lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the storage area.

Close all windows.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry transmitter with you.

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Theft-Deterrent System (If Equipped)

If the ignition is off and either door is open, the SECURITY light will flash, reminding you to activate the system.

The light will also flash if the battery has been disconnected and reconnected. To activate the theft

-deterrent system:

1. Open the door.

2. Lock the door using the power door lock or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY light should come on and stay on.

3. Close both doors. The SECURITY light should go off within about 30 seconds.

The horn will sound and the lamps will flash for about 30 seconds when a door or the trunk is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The horn also sounds if the locks are damaged.

Remember, the theft

-deterrent system won’t activate if

you lock a door with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter.

To avoid activating the alarm by accident:

Always unlock a door with a key or use the remote keyless entry transmitter. (Pressing the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter disables the theft

-deterrent system.) Unlocking a door any other

way will activate the alarm. Cycling the ignition without disarming the theft-deterrent system will also activate the alarm.

The vehicle should be locked with the door key after the doors are closed if you don’t want to activate the theft

-deterrent system.

If you activate the alarm by accident, unlock either door with your key . You can also turn off the alarm by using the unlock button of the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won’t stop if you try to unlock a door any other way .

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Testing the Alarm

1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window , then get out of the vehicle, keeping the door open.

2. From outside of the vehicle, with the door open, lock the vehicle using the power door lock or the remote keyless entry transmitter and close the door. Wait 30 seconds until the SECURITY light goes off.

3. Reach in and unlock the door using the manual lock and open the door. The horn will sound and the headlamps will flash.

If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index. If the fuse does not need to be replaced, you may need to have your vehicle serviced.

To reduce the possibility of theft, always activate the theft

-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.

Valet Lockout Button

Pressing the VALET lockout button located inside the glove box to ON will disable the use of the power trunk, fuel door and garage door openers. Pressing this button again will make these features reusable. Locking the glove box with the door key will also help to secure your vehicle.

Note: The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can’t be used to open the trunk or fuel door if the VALET lockout button is pressed in.

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PASS-KeyR II

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS

-Key II

theft

-deterrent system.

PASS

-Key II is a passive

system. The system is armed when the key is removed from the ignition.

PASS

-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key

that is read by the system in your vehicle. If the key resistor matches the code stored in the vehicle system, the vehicle’s fuel and starting systems will be enabled. If an incorrect key is used, the vehicle’s fuel and starting systems are disabled for three minutes. Additional attempts during this lockout period will not start the car, even with the correct key .

If the engine does not start and the STARTING DISABLED REMOVE KEY message is displayed in the Driver Information Center, your key should be checked for damage. Starting may be attempted with an undamaged key immediately. See your dealer or a locksmith for key service.

If the STARTING DISABLED REMOVE KEY and WAIT 3 MINUTES messages are displayed, the key should be cleaned. After three minutes, try again. A START CAR message will appear at this time. If the engine still does not start, wait three minutes and try a duplicate key. At this time, fuses should be checked (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the engine does not start with the duplicate key , your vehicle needs service. See your dealer for service.

If the THEFT SYSTEM PROBLEM, CAR MAY NOT START message is displayed during vehicle operation, a fault has been detected in the system. This means the PASS

-Key II system is disabled and is not

protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts. See your dealer for service.

If an ignition key is lost or damaged, see your dealer or a locksmith to have a new key made.

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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:

Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow

-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don’t make full

-throttle starts.

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.

Don’t tow a trailer during break

-in.

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

Ignition Positions

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in the vehicle with children.

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

ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. To get into ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you. The steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you inserted the key. Once you turn the key to ACCESSORY, be sure to then turn it to LOCK. If you leave your key in ACCESSORY when the engine is turned off, your battery will discharge prematurely.

LOCK (B): Before you put the key in, the ignition will be in LOCK. This is the only position from which you can remove the key. This position locks the ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft

-deterrent feature.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But 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.

OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but

still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel like LOCK does. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is being pushed).

RUN (D): This is the position for driving. START (E): This position starts the engine.

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Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

The following accessories on your vehicle may be used for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned from RUN to OFF, and then to LOCK:

Radio

Power Windows

Sunroof

Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes or if either door is opened. If you want power for another 10 minutes, turn the ignition key to RUN, to OFF and then to LOCK.

NOTICE:

When using RAP, always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave your key in any other position than LOCK, your battery will discharge prematurely.

Starting Your Engine

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.

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 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.

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2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in START for about three seconds at a time until your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.

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.

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.

If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

A. Engine Oil Dipstick Location B. Engine Coolant Heater Cord C. Transaxle Dipstick/Fluid Fill Location In very cold weather, 0_F (

-18

C) or colder, the engine

coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually , the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side of

the engine, behind the transaxle dipstick/fluid fill location (C) and next to the engine.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three

-prong

110

-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a

heavy

-duty three-prong extension cord rated for

at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

Automatic Transaxle Operation

There are several different positions for the shift lever.

PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start the engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

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CAUTION:

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.

Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).

See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake

-Transaxle

Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)

when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever

-- push the

shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and release the shift lever button on the floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.) See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in the Index.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

NOTICE:

Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle has stopped.

Also use this gear to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow , ice or sand without damaging your transaxle. See “If You’re Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index for additional information.

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NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine doesn’t

connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only . Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

CAUTION:

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly . You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

NOTICE:

Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

OVERDRIVE (B): This position is for normal driving.

If you need more power for passing, and you’re:

Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

The transaxle will shift down to the next gear and have more power.

NOTICE:

If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or if it doesn’t seem to shift gears as you accelerate, something may be wrong with a transaxle system sensor. If you drive very far that way, your vehicle can be damaged. So if this happens, have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then, you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and OVERDRIVE (B) for higher speeds.

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THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal

driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than OVERDRIVE (B).

Here are examples for using THIRD (3) instead of OVERDRIVE (B):

When driving on hilly , winding roads.

When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears.

When going down a steep hill.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on.

NOTICE:

Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage your engine.

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power

than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. (If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift into gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.)

NOTICE:

If your front wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transaxle.

Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could cause overheating and damage the transaxle. Use your brakes to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

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Parking Brake

Hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot and push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot to set the parking brake. If the ignition is on, the PARK BRAKE indicator light should come on. If it doesn’t, you need to have your vehicle serviced.

If the parking brake has not been fully released and you try to drive with the parking brake on, the PARK BRAKE indicator light comes on and stays on. See “Parking Brake Indicator Light” in the Index for more information.

When you move out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), if the engine is running, the parking brake should release. If it doesn’t, you can manually release the parking brake.

CAUTION:

Always shift to PARK (P) before pulling the manual release lever. If your hand or arm is in the way of the pedal you could be hurt. The pedal springs back quickly. Keep your hand and arm away when you use the manual release lever.

Be sure to turn off the ignition and put the vehicle in PARK (P) before manually releasing the brake.

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Reach under the driver’s side of the instrument panel and pull on the manual release lever, which is located above the parking brake pedal. If the parking brake does not release, you should either drive to the nearest service station or have your vehicle towed.

NOTICE:

Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.

If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. This section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

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Shifting Into PARK (P)

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow . If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

Console Shift Lever

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.

2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:

Hold in the button on the lever and push the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle.

With your right foot still holding the brake pedal down, set the parking brake.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P).

Torque Lock

If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.

If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of PARK (P)

CAUTION:

Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever

-- push the shift lever all the way into

PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on the shift lever as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this:

1. Turn the ignition key to OFF. Open and close the driver’s door to turn off the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature.

2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.

3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).

4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you want.

5. Take your vehicle to an authorized service center as soon as you can.

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Parking Over Things That Burn

CAUTION:

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.

Engine Exhaust

CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange or different.

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris.

Repairs weren’t done correctly.

Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle:

Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and

Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

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Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know .

CAUTION:

Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust”).

Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust

-- with

-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a

garage with the engine running. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.

(See “Blizzard” in the Index.)

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake after you move the shift lever to PARK (P).

Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.

If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

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Windows

Power Windows

The controls are located near each window . Press the control forward to raise the window and press rearward to lower.

Note: The second rearward position on the driver’s control operates the express-down window feature.

Your vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP). When you stop your vehicle and turn the ignition key to OFF, you can still use your power windows. See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index for more information.

Express

-Down Window

This feature is present on the driver’s power window. Pressing the control rearward into the second position then releasing it will lower the window completely . If you want to stop the window as it is lowering, press the control forward.

Note: The first position on the power window control operates the driver’s power window in the non

-express mode.

Horn

The horn can be sounded by pressing on the center of the steering wheel pad.

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Tilt Wheel

Tilt steering allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. Raising the steering wheel to the highest level gives your legs more room when you enter and exit the vehicle.

Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever toward you to tilt the wheel. Adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable position and then release the lever to lock the wheel in place.

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

Turn and Lane Change Signals

To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. The lever returns automatically when the turn is complete.

An arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.

Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash to signal a lane change. Hold it there until the lane change is complete. The lever returns when it’s released.

If the turn signal is left on, a warning chime will sound and the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display TURN SIGNAL ON (after driving about 1 mile (1.6 km/h)) to remind you to turn it off.

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Arrows that flash rapidly when signaling for a turn or lane change may be caused by a burned

-out signal bulb.

Other drivers won’t see the turn signal. Replace burned

-out bulbs to help avoid possible

accidents. Check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs if the arrow fails to work when signaling a turn.

Headlamp High/Low Beam

Pull the turn signal lever all the way toward you and then release it to change the headlamps from low beam to high or from high beam to low.

This light on the instrument panel will be on, indicating high beam usage.

Flash-To-Pass

This lets you use the high-beam headlamps to signal the driver in front of you that you want to pass.

Pull the turn signal lever toward you to use. When you do:

If the headlamps are either off or in the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) mode, the high

-beam

headlamps will turn on. They’ll stay on as long as you hold the lever there. Release the lever to turn them off.

If the headlamps are on low beam, they will shift to high beam and stay there. Pull the lever toward you to return to low beam.

If the headlamps are on high beam, they will switch to low beam. To return to high beam, pull the lever toward you.

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Windshield Wipers

WIPER: Turn the band on the turn signal lever to

control the wipers. MIST: Turn the band toward you and then release it for

a single wiping cycle. For more cycles, hold the band on MIST longer.

LO or HI: Turn the band away from you to either LO (low speed) or to HI (high speed), depending on the wiper speed you want.

DELAY: You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes with this setting. Turn the band to the DELAY position. The closer you turn it to LO, the shorter the delay .

OFF: Turn the band to OFF to turn off the wipers. Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades

before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If the blades do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.

Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.

Rainsenset Wipers (ETC Only)

This moisture sensor is mounted on the passenger’s interior side of the windshield behind the rearview mirror and is used to automatically operate the wipers by monitoring the amount of moisture that is on the windshield.

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The Rainsense system can be activated by turning the wiper stalk to one of the five sensitivity levels within the AUTO DELAY area. The AUTO DELAY position closest to OFF is the lowest sensitivity setting. This allows more water to collect on the windshield between wipes. Turning the stalk away from you to the other AUTO DELAY settings increases the sensitivity of the system and frequency of wipes. A single wipe will occur each time you turn the wiper stalk to a higher sensitivity level. An initial wipe occurs when you turn the ignition on as a reminder that Rainsense is active. The windshield wipers also remain in a “high park” position (when the wipers are stopped on the windshield and are not in its normal park position), even when the ignition is turned off.

The Rainsense wipers operate in a delay mode as well as a continuous low or high speed depending on the amount of moisture and the sensitivity level. The MIST and “wash” cycles operate as normal and are not affected by the Rainsense function.

NOTICE:

The wipers must be turned off when going through a car wash to avoid damage.

It is important to note that the Rainsense wiping feature (AUTO DELAY) can be overridden at any time by manually changing the wiper control to LO or HI speed.

Note: If you ever need to replace the windshield, make sure it is Rainsense compatible.

Windshield Washer

CAUTION:

In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

At the top of the turn signal/multifunction lever there is a paddle with the word PUSH on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, press and release this paddle. The wipers will clear the windshield and either stop or return to your preset speed. For more washer cycles, press and hold the paddle.

LOW WASHER FLUID will be displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the washer fluid reaches a low level.

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Cruise Control

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).

Cruise control shuts off when you apply your brakes.

CAUTION:

Cruise control can be dangerous where you can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.

Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control. Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads.

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. (See “Traction Control System” in the Index.) When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise control back on.

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Setting Cruise Control

CAUTION:

If you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control switch off until you want to use it.

1. Move the cruise control switch to ON.

2. Accelerate to the speed you want.

3. Press the SET CRUISE button at the end of the lever and release it. The CRUISE ENGAGED message will display on the Driver Information Center (DIC).

4. Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

Resuming a Set Speed

Setting the cruise control at a desired speed and then applying the brake will end the cruise function.

Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A (Resume/Accelerate) for about half a second to reset. This returns you to your desired preset speed. Also note that the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display the CRUISE ENGAGED message again.

Remember, if you hold the switch at R/A longer than half a second, the vehicle will accelerate until you release the switch or apply the brake. So unless you want to go faster, don’t hold the switch at R/A.

Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control

There are two ways to go to a higher speed:

Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. Push the button at the end of the lever and then release the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed.

Move the cruise switch from ON to R/A. Hold it there until you reach a desired speed and then release the switch. (To increase your speed in very small amounts, move the switch to R/A. Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.)

The accelerate feature will only work after you have set the cruise control speed by pushing the SET CRUISE button.

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Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control

There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control:

Push in the button at the end of the lever until you reach a desired lower speed, then release it. A CRUISE ENGAGED message will then display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

To slow down in very small amounts, push the button for less than half a second. Each time you do this, you’ll go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control

Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.

Using Cruise Control on Hills

How well your cruise control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brakes or downshifting into FIRST (1) takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to be too much trouble and don’t use cruise control on steep hills.

Ending Cruise Control

There are two ways to end cruise control:

Step lightly on the brake pedal.

Move the CRUISE switch to OFF.

Erasing Speed Memory

The cruise control set speed memory is erased when you turn off the cruise control or the ignition.

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Exterior Lamps

The control on the left side of the instrument panel controls these lamp systems:

Headlamps

T aillamps

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

License Plate Lamp

Underhood Lamp

Fog Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights

Interior Courtesy Lamps

Instrument panel backlighting will activate whenever the lamps or lights are turned on.

Parking Lamps

Pull the exterior lamp control knob out to the first stop to turn on the parking as well as the taillamps, sidemarker lamps and instrument panel lights. Push the control knob all the way back in to turn the lamps and lights off.

Headlamps

Pull the exterior lamp control knob out all the way to turn on the headlamps. Push the control knob all the way back in to turn the headlamps off.

Wiper-Activated Headlamps

This feature activates the headlamps and parking lamps after the windshield wipers have been in use for approximately 20 seconds.

In order to operate the wiper

-activated headlamps, the

T wilight Sentinel

must be turned on. This feature lights the way in poor weather and it also makes your vehicle more visible to other drivers. If the wiper

-activated headlamps are on, and the ignition

switch is turned off, the wiper

-activated headlamps will

immediately turn off. The wiper

-activated headlamps will deactivate if you

turn off the Twilight Sentinel or if the windshield wipers have been turned off for a period of one or two seconds.

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Lamps On Reminder

If the manual headlamp control is activated, you will hear a warning chime if you open either door while leaving the lamps on. An exception to this is when you’re using Twilight Sentinel.

Daytime Running Lamps

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day . DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset.

The DRL system will make the high

-beam headlamps

come on at reduced brightness when:

the ignition is on,

the headlamp switch is off and

the transaxle is not in PARK (P).

When DRL are on, only your high

-beam headlamps (at

reduced brightness) will be on. No other exterior lamps such as the parking lamps, taillamps, etc. will be on when the DRL are being used. Your instrument panel won’t be lit up either.

When the Twilight Sentinel switch is on and it’s dark enough outside, the high

-beam headlamps (at reduced

intensity) will turn off and normal low

-beam headlamp

operation will occur. When the Twilight Sentinel switch is on and it’s bright enough outside, the regular lamps will go off, and the high

-beam headlamps at reduced

brightness will take over for the DRL. If it’s dark enough outside and the Twilight Sentinel

control is off, a HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED message will display on the Driver Information Center (DIC). This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended even though the DRL are still illuminated (it’s become dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps). Turning on the Twilight Sentinel, the headlamp switch or the fog lamp switch will remove the HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED message.

To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, turn off the Twilight Sentinel switch and shift the transaxle into PARK (P). Placing your vehicle in PARK (P) disables the DRL. The DRL will stay off until you shift out of PARK (P).

As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular headlamp system when you need it.

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Fog Lamps

Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty conditions. When you press the fog lamp button, a small indicator light will tell you that the fog lamps and the parking lamps are on. Press the button again to turn them off.

If you turn on the high

-beam headlamps, the fog lamps

will turn off. They’ll turn back on again when you switch to low

-beam headlamps.

When the Twilight Sentinel is on and the fog lamp switch is activated, the fog lamps will remain on as well as the headlamps and parking lamps.

Cornering Lamps

The cornering lamps come on when the headlamps or parking lamps are on and you signal a turn. They provide more light for cornering.

Twilight Sentinel

This control is next to the exterior lamp control knob. It automatically turns the lamps on and off by sensing how dark it is outside.

To operate the Twilight Sentinel, leave the exterior lamp control knob off and move the TWILIGHT control to any position but OFF.

If you move the control all the way to the right, the lamps will remain on for approximately three minutes after the ignition has been turned to OFF or LOCK. If you move the control so it is just on, the lamps will go off quickly when you turn the ignition out of RUN. You can adjust the delay time from only a few seconds to three minutes.

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If it’s dark enough outside and the Twilight Sentinel control is off, a HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED message will display on the Driver Information Center (DIC). This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended (it’s become dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps). Turning on the Twilight Sentinel, the headlamps or the fog lamps will remove the HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED message.

Light Sensor

The light sensor for the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the Twilight Sentinel is located in the center of the front defogger grille. If you cover the sensor, it will read “dark” and the lamps will come on.

Exterior Lighting Battery Saver

If the manual parking lamp control has been left on, the exterior lamps will turn off approximately 10 minutes after the ignition is turned to LOCK or ACCESSORY. This protects draining the battery in case you have accidentally left the headlamps or parking lamps on. If you need to purposely leave the lamps on for more than 10 minutes with the ignition in LOCK or ACCESSORY, turn the exterior lamps control knob off and then back on. To delay the lamps from turning off, see “Twilight Sentinel” in the Index.

Interior Lamps

Instrument Panel Intensity/Brightness Control

The digital displays automatically dim when it becomes dark outside and your lights are on. When it’s dark, the brightness control can be manually adjusted by turning the exterior lamps control knob counterclockwise to dim and clockwise to brighten the lighting. The digital displays automatically brighten when it becomes light outside, although backlighting will remain active at the selected brightness as long as the lights are on.

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Illuminated Entry

The illuminated entry system turns on the courtesy lamps and the backlighting to the door controls and to the exterior lamps control knob when a door is opened or if you press a remote keyless entry transmitter button. Since the illuminated entry system has a photocell, this means that it must be dark outside in order for the courtesy lamps or backlighting to turn on. The courtesy lamps turn off approximately 20 seconds after the last door is closed or after the ignition key is placed in the ignition.

Parade Dimming

This feature prohibits the dimming of the instrument panel lights during daylight while the headlamps are on. This feature operates with the light sensor for the Twilight Sentinel and is fully automatic. When the light sensor reads darkness outside, the instrument panel lights can be adjusted by turning the exterior lamps control knob counterclockwise to dim and clockwise to brighten lighting. Backlighting to the instrument panel will turn on, regardless of light conditions.

Reading Lamps

The reading lamps are located in the roof unless your vehicle has the optional sunroof where the lamps are located above the windows. To turn them on, turn the exterior lamps control knob all the way clockwise. These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps automatically come on when either door is opened and it is dark outside. For manual operation, press the button to turn them on. Press it again to turn them off.

If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.

Inadvertent Power Battery Saver

This feature is designed to protect your vehicle’s battery against drainage from the interior lamps, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, cigarette lighters or the garage door opener. When the ignition is turned off, the power to these features will automatically turn off after 10 minutes (three minutes if a new car has 15 miles (24 km) or less). Power will be restored for an additional 10 minutes if either door is opened, the trunk is opened or the courtesy lamps are turned on.

Cadillac 1999 Eldorado Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual