Oldsmobile ALERO 1999 Owner Manual

The 1999 Oldsmobile Alero Owner’s Manual

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1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

8-1 Customer Assistance Information

This section tells you how to contact Oldsmobile for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8

9-1 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.

-10.

i

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
OLDSMOBILE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem
are registered trademarks and the name ALERO is a
trademark 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 Oldsmobile
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.

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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.
Part No. 22600383 B First Edition All Rights Reserved

E

Copyright General Motors Corporation 1998

ii

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.

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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.”

iii

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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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Vehicle Symbols

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

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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

BATTERY

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

v

✍

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NOTES

vi

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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.

1

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

1

-8 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-12 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

1

Safety Belts

-13 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-14 Driver Position

1

-22 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-23 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

-23 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

-29 Rear Seat Passengers

1

-- and the Answers

-32 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

1

Children and Small Adults

1-35 Center Passenger Position
1

-36 Children

-39 Child Restraints

1
1

-51 Larger Children

1

-54 Safety Belt Extender

-54 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1
1

-54 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

1-

1-1

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Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you about the seats -- how to
adjust them
head restraints.

-- and also about reclining seatbacks and

Manual Seats

CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is
moving. The sudden movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you
don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.

2-Way Manual Seat Controls

Lift the bar under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide
the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to
move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is
locked in place.

1-2

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Power Lift Seat-Forward/Rearward
Controls (If Equipped)

Move the control lever under the front of the seat to
unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then
release the lever and try to move the seat with your
body , to make sure the seat is locked into place.

Power Lift Seat-Height Controls
(If Equipped)

The power seat switch is located on the lower, left side
of the driver’s seat. Raise the seat by holding the switch
up. Lower the seat by holding the switch down.

1-3

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6-Way Power Seat Controls (If Equipped)

The power seat switch is located on the lower, left side
of the driver’s seat. This switch allows you to move the
seat up, down, forward, and backward. It also moves the
front of the seat up or down and the rear of the seat up
or down.

Move the seat higher by lifting and holding the bottom
of the switch. Lower the seat by pushing and holding the
top of the switch.

T o move the seat forward, push the rear of the switch
forward. T o move the seat backward, push the front of
the switch rearward.

Raise the front of the seat by lifting and holding the
bottom front end of the switch. Lower the front of
the seat by pushing and holding the top front end
of the switch.

Raise the rear of the seat by lifting and holding the
bottom rear of the switch. Lower the rear of the seat by
pushing and holding the top rear of the switch.

Manual Lumbar Support (If Equipped)

Turn the knob on the right front of the driver’s seat
cushion clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust support
of the lower back.

1-4

Reclining Front Seatbacks

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T o adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of
the seat and move the seatback to where you want it.
Release the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up on the
lever and the seat will go to an upright position.

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-5

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CAUTION: (Continued)

up, your safety belts can’t do their job when
you’re reclined like this.

The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it
won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. 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.

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.

Seatback Latches (2-Door Models)

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 sure it
is locked.

1-6

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The front seatback folds forward to let people get into
the back seat. The seatback latch is designed for
one-handed operation.

T o fold a front seatback forward, lift the seatback latch
fully without pushing forward on the seatback.

Push the seatback to its original position, the seatback
will lock.

Easy Entry Seat (2-Door Models)

CAUTION:

If an easy entry right front seat isn’t locked, it
can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person
sitting there could be injured. After you’ve used
it, be sure to push rearward on an easy entry seat
to be sure it is locked.

The right front seat of your vehicle makes it easy to get
in and out of the rear seat.

1. Fold the right front seatback forward by lifting the
seatback latch fully.

2. The seat will slide forward to allow someone to get
into the rear seat area.

3. Push the seatback upright to lock and slide the seat
fully rearward to lock.

4. Adjust the seat to the desired position.

5. The front passenger should try to move the seat to
make sure the seat is locked into place.

Rear Seats

Folding the Rear Seat

T o fold down the rear seat,
pull the release straps
located in the trunk. The
right strap operates the right
rear split seat. The left
strap operates the left rear
split seat.

Fold the seatback down from the inside of the vehicle.
Push the seatback up to return it to its original position.

T o make sure the seatback is secure, push the seatback
into a fully upright position. Pull the seatback forward
slightly to make sure that it is latched. The seatback
should not fold down.

1-7

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 Restraint System
(SRS), 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.

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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.)

1-8

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.

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T ake the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat
on wheels.

1-9

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

doesn’t stop.

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1-10

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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 ...

1-11

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.

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Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

Q:

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

-- and the Answers

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
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.

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

1-12

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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
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.

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

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.

1-13

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.

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.

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

1-14

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

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.

5. T o make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

1-15

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, or
if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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1-16

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4-Door Models)

Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt
adjuster to the height that is right for you.

T o move it down, squeeze the release button and move
the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move
the adjuster up just by pushing on the shoulder belt
guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it,
try to move it down without squeezing the release button
to make sure it has locked into position.

Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the
belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be
away from your face and neck, but not falling off
your shoulder.

1-17

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

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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.

1-18

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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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.

1-19

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.

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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.

1-20

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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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.

1-21

T o 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.

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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.

1-22

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

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position”
earlier in this section.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) or air bag system.

Your vehicle has “Next Generation” frontal air

-- one air bag for the driver and another air bag

bags
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
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
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
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
not there’s an air bag for that person.

-speed frontal crashes. And, for

-- even Next Generation air

-- even if you

-- whether or

1-23

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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.

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
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 properly 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.

-shoulder belts offer the best protection

1-24

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

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.

How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags?

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

1-25

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

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
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 14 mph
(14 to 23 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.

-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if

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1-26

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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

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.

How does an air bag restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near
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.

-frontal impacts.

-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
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.

-- the

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.

1-27

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.

D

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.

D

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 system
commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt
usage at deployment.

D

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 or the
right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel or both the air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.

If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as
water up to the carpeting or higher
your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller
can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then
you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags
inflate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to replace
the air bags as well as the sensors and related parts. If your
vehicle is ever in a flood, or if it’s exposed to water that
soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless repair costs by
turning off the vehicle immediately and disconnecting the
battery cables. Don’t let anyone start the vehicle under any
circumstances. See your dealer for service.

-- or if water enters

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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 service manual have information about
servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
T o purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.

CAUTION:

For up to 10 minutes 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 wires wrapped with yellow tape
or 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.

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

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Lap-Shoulder Belt

The positions next to the windows have lap
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.

-shoulder

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

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.

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

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 a crash,
or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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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.

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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults

Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added
safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown
child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a
shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away
from the neck and head.

There is one guide for each outside passenger position in
the rear seat. T o provide added safety belt comfort for
children who have outgrown child restraints and for
smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on
the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide
and use the safety belt:

T o unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of
the seatback and the interior body to remove the
guide from its storage clip.

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic
cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide
over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into
the slots of the guide.

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3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.
The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide
on top.

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4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as
described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions”
earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder
belt crosses the shoulder.

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T o remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the
belt edges together so that you can take them out from
the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage
clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Rotate the
guide and clip inward and in between the seatback
and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic
cord exposed.

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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T o 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
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.

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

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:

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
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 properly in your vehicle.

-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.

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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
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.

-facing

1-37

CAUTION:

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a
vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much
crash. During a crash a baby will become so
heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

-- until a

CAUTION: (Continued)

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby
will suddenly become a 240
your arms. The baby would be almost impossible
to hold.

Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

-lb. (110 kg) force on

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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.

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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
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.

-facing infant

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

-facing restraints are designed to

-facing infant

-facing child seat.

1-41

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
belts; however, booster seats without shields use
lap

-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a

child to see out the window.

-only

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

-facing

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

-facing child

-facing child

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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. T o tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using
a forward
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.

-facing child restraint, you may find it

T o 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.

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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. T o tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push
down on the child restraint. If you’re using a
forward
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger
child passenger.

-facing child restraint, you may find it

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:

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

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

You’ll be using the lap
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

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go
before securing a forward
(See “Seats” in the Index.)

-facing child restraint

-shoulder belt. See the earlier part

-facing child restraint.

-facing child

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2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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.

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.

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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.

1-50

5. T o tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt 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.

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

T o 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.

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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
get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

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

D

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

D

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

-shoulder belt and

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CAUTION:

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

belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. 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 sitting in a rear seat outside position, see
“Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index.
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.

1-53

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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. T o 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.

T orn 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 your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special
part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the
adjuster may need to be replaced.

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.

1-54

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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

2

-2 Keys

2

-4 Door Locks

-8 Remote Lock Control (If Equipped)

2
2

-12 Trunk

-13 Theft

2
2

-14 Passlock

2-15 New Vehicle “Break-In”

-15 Ignition Switch

2
2

-17 Starting Your Engine

-20 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2
2

-22 Automatic Transaxle Operation

2

-26 Parking Brake

-27 Shifting Into PARK (P)

2
2

-29 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

-29 Parking Over Things That Burn

2

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

R

-30 Engine Exhaust

2
2

-30 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

-31 Windows

2
2

-32 Tilt Wheel

-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

2
2

-39 Exterior Lamps

2

-42 Interior Lamps

-44 Mirrors

2
2

-46 Storage Compartments

-47 Ashtray and Lighter (If Equipped)

2
2

-48 Sun Visors

2

-48 Auxiliary Power Accessory Outlet

-49 Sunroof (If Equipped)

2
2

-50 Instrument Panel

-54 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2

2-

2-1

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. Don’t
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

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2-2

One key is used for the
ignition and all locks.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the key has a

-coded key tag. This tag may be removed by your

bar
dealer before it is delivered.

Each tag has a key code on it that tells your dealer or a
qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
tag in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able
to have one made easily using this tag. If you need a
new key , go to your dealer for the correct key code. In
an emergency, call the Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance
Center at 1
1

-800-268-6800.)

-800-442-OLDS (6537). (In Canada, call

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NOTICE:

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

2-3

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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 your key or remote lock control
system, if your vehicle is equipped with this feature.

From the inside, you can lock the door by pushing the
locking lever forward.

T o unlock the door, pull the locking lever rearward.

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Power Door Locks

With the power door locks, you can unlock or lock all of
the doors of your vehicle from the driver or front
passenger door lock switch.

Push the top of the switch to unlock all of the doors.
Push the bottom of the switch to lock all of the doors.

Automatic Door Locks

Just close your doors and turn on the ignition. All of the
doors will lock when you move your shift lever out of
PARK (P) to REVERSE (R). If someone needs to get
out while the vehicle is running, have that person use the
manual or the power door lock. When the door is closed
again, it will lock automatically when the vehicle
reaches about 5 mph (8 km/h). All doors will
automatically unlock when the shift lever is moved to
PARK (P) and when the key is turned to OFF.

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

Programmable Automatic Door Locks is a standard
feature intended to provide enhanced security and
convenience by automatically locking and unlocking the
doors. The automatic locking and unlocking of the doors
will occur if the ignition key is turned to ON and the
driver’s door is closed when the vehicle is shifted out of
PARK (P). One of four operating modes may be selected
and programmed by the driver:

D

Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when the
transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). The doors will
remain locked unless manually unlocked or the lock
button is pressed. All doors will unlock when the
transaxle is shifted into PARK (P) and the key is
turned to OFF.

2-5

D

Mode 2: This mode is only available with the remote
lock control transmitter. All doors automatically lock
when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P).
Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the
transaxle is shifted into PARK(P) and the key is
turned to OFF.

D

Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when the
transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic
door unlock.

D

Mode 4: No automatic door lock or unlock.

The Programmable Automatic Door Locks will be in
operating mode 1 when the vehicle is shipped from
the factory.

Disconnecting the vehicle battery for up to one year will
not change the programmed mode of the Programmable
Automatic Door Locks.

The operating mode of the Programmable Automatic
Door Locks will be changed when the driver performs
the following sequence with the doors closed and the
vehicle’s ignition key is turned to ON.

T o change the mode:

1. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch
for 10 seconds.

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2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is in.
You can change the mode by pressing and holding
LOCK on the power door lock switch (two chimes
for mode 2, three chimes for mode 3 and four chimes
for mode 4).

3. Repeat Step 1 until you hear the number of chimes
that matches the mode you want.

The mode you selected is now set.

Delayed Locking

The Delayed Locking feature is standard and makes it
easier to use your power door locks at any time either
manually or with the power door lock switches.

When the driver leaves the vehicle and pushes the power
door lock switch to LOCK, three chimes will be heard.
The doors will not lock. Seven seconds after the driver’s
door has been closed, all of the doors will lock, the
lamps will flash and the horn will chirp.

If the driver opens another door before the seven
seconds, the doors will not lock until seven seconds after
the last door is closed.

If the power door lock switch is pressed to LOCK twice
when leaving the vehicle, the doors will lock immediately .

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Rear Door Security Locks (4-Door Models)

Your vehicle is equipped
with rear door security
locks that help prevent
passengers from opening
the rear doors of your
vehicle from the inside.

The switch is located on the inside of the rear door.
T o use the security locks:

1. Move the switch up.

2. Close the door.

3. Do the same thing on the other rear door.
The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from

the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to
open a rear door when the security lock is on:

1. Unlock the door from the inside.

2. Then open the door from the outside.

If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or
older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open
the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and
older children know how these security locks work, and
how to cancel the locks.

T o cancel the rear door lock:

1. Unlock the door from the inside and open it from
the outside.

2. Move the switch down.

3. Do the same for the other rear door.

The rear doors will now work normally.

Anti-Lockout Protection

Anti-Lockout Protection is a standard feature intended
to provide enhanced security and convenience. This
feature prevents a driver who has left the keys in the
ignition from locking the doors using the power door
locks while any door is open.

T o override this feature, when the key is in the ignition
and a door is open, hold the power door lock switch in
the lock position for three seconds.

2-7

This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be
locked out of your vehicle. If you don’t leave the keys in
the ignition, if you use the manual door lock, or if you
use the remote lock control transmitter (if equipped),
you could still lock your keys inside your vehicle.
Always remember to take your keys with you.

Leaving Your Vehicle

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

Remote Lock Control (If Equipped)

If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m)
up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote lock control
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

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Your remote lock control 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.

2-8

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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.

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

D

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

D

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

D

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. T ake a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

D

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

Operation

The following functions are available with the remote
lock control system:

LOCK: All doors will automatically lock when the
LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. The interior
lamps will turn off after all of the doors are closed.

UNLOCK: The driver’s door will unlock automatically
when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed.
If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within five
seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior
lamps will stay on for 10 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.

Trunk Release: The trunk will unlock anytime when the
button with the vehicle symbol on the transmitter is
pressed, the trunk lockout is not engaged and the gear
selector is in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged.
The interior lamps will come on for 10 seconds or until
the ignition switch is turned to ON.

Horn Symbol: The horn will sound and the headlamps
and taillamps will flash for up to one minute when the
horn symbol on the transmitter is pressed. This can be
turned off by pressing the horn symbol button again or
by turning the ignition to ON.

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Programmable Horn Chirp

When you use the remote lock control transmitter to
lock the doors or use the delayed locking feature the
parking lamps will flash and the horn will chirp.

The programmable horn chirp can be disabled by
pressing and holding either of the door lock switches in
the unlock position for 10 seconds with the ignition ON
and all of the doors closed. When you hear the horn
chirp, programming is complete.

T o reactivate the horn chirp feature, repeat the
above procedure.

Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle

Each remote lock control 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. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters
matched to it.

You can match your transmitter to as many
1999 General Motors vehicles as you own, as long as
they have the same remote lock control system.
Contact your dealer for assistance with this.

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote lock
control transmitter should last about two 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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T o replace the battery in the remote lock
control transmitter:

1. Use a small coin or flathead screwdriver to separate
the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.

2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one.
Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces
down. Use one three
type battery.

-volt, CR2032, or equivalent,

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3. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the
cover is on tightly, so water won’t get in.

4. Resynchronize and then test the transmitter.

Resynchronization

Your keyless entry system is equipped with a security
system that prevents anyone from recording and
playing back your signal. The transmitter does not send
the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will
not respond to a signal that has been sent to it more
than once.

T o resynchronize your transmitter and receiver, follow
these directions:

1. Stand close to your vehicle.

2. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the transmitter at the same time.

3. Hold the buttons for five seconds. In this time, the
doors should lock and unlock once. This confirms
the resynchronization. If the doors do not lock and
unlock, see your dealer for service.

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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:

D

Make sure all other windows are shut.

D

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in
the Index.

D

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

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Remote Trunk Release

The remote trunk release button is located on the
driver’s door. Push the remote release button to
release the trunk lid. Make sure the lockout feature is
not activated.

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Remote Trunk Release Lockout

Your trunk release is equipped with a lockout feature to
help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk when the
vehicle is left unattended. The switch is located on the
inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch.

T o turn the lockout on, slide the switch all the way to the
left, to ON. T o turn the lockout off, slide the switch all
the way to the right, to OFF.

When the lockout is on, the remote trunk release button
on the driver’s door will not release the trunk lid.
However, the trunk lid can still be opened with the key,
but not with the remote lock control transmitter
(if equipped).

Theft

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
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
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 ignition and transaxle will be locked. And
remember to lock the doors.

-deterrent

-- so

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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 key?

D

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

D

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

D

Close all windows.

D

Move the trunk release lockout switch to the
ON position.

D

Lock the glove box.

D

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

D

If your vehicle has a remote lock control, take the
transmitter with you.

Passlock

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft

-deterrent system.

R

Passlock is a passive theft
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key . If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock
cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.

During normal operation, the will go off approximately
five seconds after the key is turned to the ON
ignition position.

If the engine stalls and the SECURITY light flashes,
wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from START
as soon as the engine starts.

If the engine is running and the SECURITY light comes
on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the
engine off. However, your Passlock system is not
working properly and must be serviced by your dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this time.
You may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses
and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). See your dealer
for service.

In an emergency , call the Oldsmobile Roadside
Assistance Center at 1
(In Canada, call 1

-800-268-6800.)

-deterrent system. Passlock

-800-442-OLDS (6537).

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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:

D

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

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

Don’t make full

D

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
time you get new brake linings.

D

Don’t tow a trailer during break
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

-throttle starts.

-in guideline every

Ignition Switch

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.

-in.

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

OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is off. It is the only position from
which you can remove the key. This position locks your
ignition and transaxle. A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and
the key is in the ignition.

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ACC (Accessory) (B): This position unlocks the
transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers when the engine is not running. T o
use ACC, turn the key to the right. Use this position if
your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push-start your vehicle.

ON (C): This position is where the key returns after you
start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in ON when the engine is running. But even when
the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate
your electrical power accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.

START (D): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? 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.

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Starting Your Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
safety feature. T o restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.

-- that’s a

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.

Starting Your 2.4 Liter L4 Engine

1. With your foot off 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 warms up.

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.

2. If the engine doesn’t start right away, and if the

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_

weather is very cold (below
push the accelerator pedal about one
way down while you turn the key to START. Do this
until the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go
of the key.

F or -29_ C),

-quarter of the

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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 a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine
still won’t start or starts briefly but then stops again,
repeat step 1 or 2, depending on temperature.
When the engine starts, release the key and the
accelerator pedal.

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.

Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine

1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.

NOTICE:

Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause 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.

2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn’t start in three seconds (or starts
but then stops), push the accelerator pedal about
one

-quarter of the way down for 12 more seconds, or

until it starts.

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3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try this:

Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down.
Then push your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor. Hold it there. Then hold the key in START.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. When
the engine starts, let go of the key and the accelerator
pedal. If the engine still doesn’t start, wait another
15 seconds and repeat this step.

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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.

2-19

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2.4L L4 Engine

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3400 V6 Engine

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.

2-20

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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. On
the 2.4L L4 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is
located in front of the engine coolant surge tank. On
the 3400 V6 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is
located near the air cleaner/filter.

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
110

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

heavy

-duty three-prong extension cord rated for

at least 15 amps.

-prong

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.

2-21

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your automatic transaxle
has a shift lever located
on the console between
the seats.

PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you start your 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.

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Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake
Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) 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.) See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)”
later in this section.

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

-Transaxle

NOTICE:

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

T o rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see “Stuck
In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. T o 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 P ARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for
normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:

D

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

D

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to
the next gear and have more power.

NOTICE:

If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it seems not to shift gears as you go faster,
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 AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds.

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

driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here
are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):

D

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

D

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

D

When going down a steep hill.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. 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.

2-24

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NOTICE:

Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (41 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(88 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or
THIRD (3) as much as possible. 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

(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t
shift into first 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 can damage your transaxle.

Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P)
to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

2-25

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Parking Brake

T o set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Pull up on the parking brake
handle. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will come on.

T o release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the parking brake handle up until you
can press the release button. Hold the release button in
as you move the brake handle all the way down.

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
“T owing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

2-26

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.

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.

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

D

Hold in the button on the handle.

D

Push the handle all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.

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).

2-27

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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 pushing
the button.

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.

When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.

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).

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

2-28

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CAUTION: (Continued)

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 apply your regular brake before
you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in
ON. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and 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.)

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 ACC.

2. Apply and hold the regular brake until the end
of Step 5.

3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).

4. Start the vehicle.

5. Shift to the drive gear you want.

6. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.

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.

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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:

D

Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.

D

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

D

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

D

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

D

Repairs weren’t done correctly.

D

Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:

D

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

D

Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

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
CO

-- 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.)

-- with

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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 and
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

Manual Windows

On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window
crank to open and close each window.

Power Windows (If Equipped)

The power window switches are located on the armrest
of the driver’s door. In addition, each passenger door has
a switch for its own window.

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Auto-Down Switch

The driver’s window switch has an auto
This switch is labeled AUTO. Push the top of the switch
partway , and the driver’s window will open a small
amount. If the switch is pushed all the way, the window
will go all the way down.

T o stop the window while it is lowering, push the switch
forward. T o raise the window, push and hold the
switch forward.

-Out Switch

Lock

On four
controls also include a lock
lockout switch is moved to the left (with the white stripe
showing), the driver and passengers will be able to use
their window switches. Move the lockout switch to the
right to stop the passengers from using their window
switches. The driver can still control all the windows
with the lock on.

-door models, the driver’s power window

-out switch. When the

-down feature.

Horn

You can sound the horn by pressing the horn symbol on
your steering wheel.

Tilt Wheel

A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering
wheel before you drive.

You can also raise it to the highest level to give your
legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle.

T o tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lever toward you.

Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level, then
release the lever to lock the wheel in place.

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Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes your:

D

Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator

D

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer

D

Park Lamps and Headlamps

Turn Signal On Chime

If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile
(1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the turn
signal. T o turn off the chime, move the turn signal lever
to the off position.

Turn and Lane Change Signals

The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.

To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.

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

T o signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.

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As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
rapidly, a signal bulb may be burned out and other
drivers won’t see your turn signal.

If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned
the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index).

-out bulbs and then check

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer

T o change the headlamps
from low beam to high
beam, pull on the turn
signal/multifunction lever
all of the way toward you.
Then release it.

When the high beams are on, a light on the instrument
panel also will be on.

Flash-to-Pass

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

T o use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you until the high
release the lever to turn them off.

-beam headlamps come on, then

Windshield Wipers

You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk
with the wiper symbol on it up or down.

For a single wiper cycle, push the stalk down to MIST,
then release it. For more cycles, hold the stalk
down longer.

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For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the
LO position. For high
further, to HI. To stop the wipers, move the stalk to OFF.

You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow.

Move the stalk to INT, then turn the inner band, labeled
INT ADJ, and choose the delay you want. Rotate the
inner band up for shorter delay times between wiper
cycles. Rotate the band down for a longer delay time
between wiper cycles.

Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To
avoid damage, 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
your blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.

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

-speed wiping, move the stalk up

Windshield Washer

T o wash your windshield, push in the button at the end
of the stalk until the washers begin.

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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.

When you release the button, the washers will stop, but
the wipers will continue to wipe for about three times or
will resume the speed you were using before.

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Cruise Control

The cruise control buttons are located on the
steering wheel.

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 really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h).

When you apply your brakes or the parking brake or the
BRAKE light is on or you have low brake fluid, the
cruise control will turn off.

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CAUTION:

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Setting Cruise Control

D

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.

D

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

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. Press the cruise control ON OFF button. The
indicator light on the button will turn on.

2. Get up to the speed you want.

3. Press the CST SET button and release it. The
CRUISE light on the instrument panel will come on.

4. T ake your foot off the accelerator pedal.

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Resuming a Set Speed

Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off
the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it. Once
you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can
press the cruise control RES ACCL button for about half
a second.

You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and
stay there.

If you press the RES ACCL button longer than
half a second, the vehicle will keep going faster until
you release the button or apply the brake. So unless
you want to go faster, don’t hold down the
RES ACCL button.

Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control

There are two ways to go to a higher speed.

D

Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.
Push the CST SET button, then release the button
and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the
higher speed.

D

Press the RES ACCL button. Hold it there until
you get up to the speed you want, and then release
the button. T o increase your speed in very small
amounts, press the RES ACCL button for less
than half a second and then release it. 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 turn on
the cruise control by pushing the CST SET button.

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control

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

D

Push the CST SET button until you reach the lower
speed you want, then release it.

D

T o slow down in very small amounts, push the CST
SET 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.

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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 brake
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 Out of Cruise Control

There are four ways to turn off the cruise control:

D

Step on the brake pedal.

D

Press the cruise control RES ACCL button and the
CST SET buttons at the same time.

D

Press the cruise control CANCEL button.

D

Press the cruise control ON OFF button. The
indicator light on the cruise control button will
turn off.

Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory

When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.

Exterior Lamps

Turn the turn signal lever end cap up one position to
turn on your:

D

Parking Lamps

D

Side Marker Lamps

D

T aillamps

D

License Plate Lamps

D

Instrument Panel Lights

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Turn the turn signal lever end cap up two positions to
turn on your:

D

Headlamps

D

Parking Lamps

D

Sidemarker Lamps

D

T aillamps

D

License Plate Lamps

D

Instrument Panel Lights

Turn the switch to OFF to turn all of the lamps off.

Lamps On Reminder

If you turn off the ignition and open the driver’s
door while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.

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 your high
come on at a reduced brightness when:

D

the ignition is on,

D

the headlamp switch is in OFF or you have turned on
your parking lamps,

D

the light sensor detects daytime light,

D

the parking brake is released and

D

the shift lever is not in PARK (P).

When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, park lamps and instrument panel lights will not
be illuminated.

The DRL system will remain off any time your vehicle
is in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged and the
vehicle speed is less than 3 mph (1.9 km/h).

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

-beam headlamps

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