Oldsmobile EIGHTY EIGHT 1999 Owner Manual

The 1999 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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
and the name EIGHTY–EIGHT are registered
trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest information at the time it
was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the
product after that time without further notice. For
vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name
“General Motors of Canada Limited” for 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. 22610945 A 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

-5 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-9 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

1

Safety Belts

-10 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-10 Driver Position

1

-17 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-18 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

-18 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

-25 Center Passenger Position

1

-- and the Answers

-26 Rear Seat Passengers

1
1

-30 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children

and Small Adults

1-32 Children

-35 Child Restraints

1
1

-47 Larger Children

1

-50 Safety Belt Extender

-50 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1
1

-50 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
and head restraints.

-- and also about reclining seatbacks

Manual Front Seat

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.

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

Power Seat (If Equipped)

T o adjust the
power seat, read the
following instructions.

Seat Control (A): Raise the
front of the seat by holding
the front of the switch up.
Lower the front of the seat
by holding the front of the
switch down.

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Raise the rear of the seat by holding the rear of the
switch up. Lower the rear of the seat by holding the rear
of the switch down.

Move the seat higher by holding the switch up. Lower
the seat by holding the switch down.

Move the seat forward by holding the switch forward.
Move the seat back by holding the switch back.

Seatback Control (B): Tilt the seatback forward by
holding the switch forward. Tilt the seatback backward
by holding the switch back.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

T o adjust the passenger’s side 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.

If you have power seats, the seatback control (B)
described previously in this section reclines the
front seatbacks.

1-3

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

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CAUTION:

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

The shoulder belt can’t do its job 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.

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On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and
rearward also.

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.

1-5

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

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.

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

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

doesn’t stop.

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

1-8

or the instrument panel ...

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

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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.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Close and lock the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-11

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

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 handle and move
the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move
the adjuster up just by pushing up on the bottom of the
release handle. After you move the adjuster to where
you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the
release handle 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.

1-12

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.

1-13

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.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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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.

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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.

1-16

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.

1-17

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

Right Front Passenger Position

T o learn how to wear the right front passenger’s
safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in
this section.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt
you ever pull the lap portion of the belt out all the way,
you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If
this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and
start again.

If your vehicle has a center passenger position, be sure
to use the correct buckle when buckling your
lap

-shoulder belt. If you find that the latch plate will not

go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the buckle
for the center passenger position.

-- except for one thing. If

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

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

Your vehicle has “Next Generation” frontal air
bags

-- one air bag for the driver and another air

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

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

1-18

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

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CAUTION:

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

-- even Next Generation air bags -- are

-- whether or not there’s an air bag

-- even if you

-speed

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

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CAUTION:

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

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

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

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How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags?

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

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

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CAUTION:

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

When should an air bag inflate?

An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near
only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a
wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is
about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level
can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that

-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate

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it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your
vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such
as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The
air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side
impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant.

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

-frontal impacts.

What makes an air bag inflate?

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

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How does an air bag restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near
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

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.

-frontal collisions,

-frontal collisions.

-- the

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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.

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.

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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 sensors are activated 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

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 Eighty Eight 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.

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1-24

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 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.

Center Passenger Position

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Lap Belt

If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone
can sit in the center positions. If your vehicle has a front
split seat and a rear bench seat, someone can sit in the
center positions.

When you sit in a 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.

1-25

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,

Rear Seat Passengers

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

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

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Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The positions next to the windows have lap
belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

-shoulder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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:

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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.

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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.

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.

To 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.

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

-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash

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

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CAUTION:

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a
vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much
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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1-34

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
base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part
is removable.

-facing infant

-- the

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

-facing restraints are designed to help protect

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

-facing child seat.

-facing

1-37

A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who
are about 40 to 60 lbs. (18 to 27 kg) and about four
to eight years of age. It’s designed to improve the
fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats
with shields use lap
seats without shields use lap
Booster seats can also help a child to see out
the window.

-only belts; however, booster

-shoulder belts.

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1-38

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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

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 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.

-facing child

-facing child restraint

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CAUTION:

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat
can be badly injured or killed by the right front
passenger air bag if it inflates, even though your
vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags.
Never secure a child restraint in the center front
seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint
in the rear seat. You may secure a forward
child restraint in the right front passenger 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

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Top Strap

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be
anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you
can ask your dealer to put it in for you. If you want to
install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how
to do it.

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

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If your child restraint has a top strap, your dealer can
obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation
instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The
dealer can then install the anchor for you. This work will
be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the
anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position

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

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

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.

3. 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.

1-41

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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.

1-42

5. 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.

6. 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.

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CAUTION:

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat
can be badly injured or killed by the right front
passenger air bag if it inflates even though your
vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags.
Never secure a child restraint in the center front
seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint
in the rear seat. You may secure a forward
child restraint in the right front passenger 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.

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

-facing

1-43

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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.

-facing child restraint, you may find it

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.

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 air

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

-shoulder belt. See the earlier part

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

-facing child

-facing child restraint

-facing child restraint. (See

1-45

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

-shoulder belt and

1-47

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.

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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.

1-48

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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.

1-49

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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.

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Section 2 Features and Controls

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

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

2

-2 Keys

2

-4 Door Locks

-8 Remote Lock Control (If Equipped)

2
2

-13 Trunk

-15 Theft

2
2

-16 PASS-Key

2

-17 New Vehicle “Break-In”

-18 Ignition Positions

2
2

-20 Starting Your Engine

-21 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2
2

-22 Automatic Transaxle Operation

2

-26 Parking Brake

-27 Shifting Into PARK (P)

2
2

-30 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

2-

R

II

2

-31 Parking Over Things That Burn

2

-31 Engine Exhaust

-32 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2
2

-33 Windows

-34 Tilt Wheel

2
2

-34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

2

-40 Exterior Lamps

-43 Interior Lamps

2
2

-45 Mirrors

-50 Storage Compartments

2
2

-53 Accessory Power Outlet

2

-54 The Instrument Panel - Your

Information System

2-57 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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

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The ignition keys are for the
ignition only.

The door keys are for the
doors and all other locks.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
plugs from the keys and gives them to the first owner.
However, the ignition key may not have a plug. If the
ignition key doesn’t have a plug, it will have a
bar

-coded key tag.

Each plug or tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or
a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
plugs or key tag in a safe place. If you lose your keys,
you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using these
plugs or tags. If your ignition keys don’t have plugs or
tags, go to your dealer for the correct key code if you
need a new ignition key.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. But 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 door key or remote lock

control transmitter, if your vehicle has this option.

T o lock the door from the
inside, slide the locking
lever down.

T o unlock the door, slide the
locking lever up.

Power Door Locks

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

The switch on each rear door works only that door’s
lock. It won’t lock (or unlock) all of the doors
safety feature.

-- that’s a

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Programmable Automatic Door Locks
(If Equipped)

Close the doors and turn on the ignition. Every time you
move the shift lever out of PARK (P), all of the doors
will lock. And, every time you stop and move the shift
lever into PARK (P), the doors will unlock. If someone
needs to get out while you’re not in PARK (P), have that
person use the manual or power lock. When the door is
closed again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the
manual or power lock to lock the door again. If you
need to lock the doors before shifting out of PARK (P),
just use the manual or power lock button to lock
the doors.

Customizing Your Automatic Door Locks Feature

You can program the automatic door locks feature to
change to the following modes:

Mode 0: Both Features Off (Automatic door locking
and unlocking is disabled. You will always need to lock
your doors manually before driving to increase
occupant safety.)

Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when shifted out
of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock.

Mode 2: All doors automatically lock when shifted out
of PARK (P). Only the driver’s door automatically
unlocks when shifted into PARK (P).

Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when shifted out
of PARK (P). All doors automatically unlock when
shifted into PARK (P).

Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 3.
T o change modes:

1. Close all the doors and turn the ignition on. Keep all
doors closed throughout this procedure.

2. Press and hold LOCK on the driver’s power door
lock switch through Step 4.

3. Press the LOCK button on the remote lock control
transmitter. The automatic door locks will remain in
the current mode.

4. Press the LOCK button on the transmitter again.
Each time the transmitter’s LOCK button is
pressed, the mode will advance by one, going
from 3 to 0 to 1, etc.

Note: The door locks will cycle according to the
mode entered while customizing the memory door
locks. (Mode “0” has no feedback).

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5. Release the power door lock switch. The automatic
door locks will remain in the most recent
mode selected.

This procedure changes the mode for only the
transmitter used to change this setting. The procedure
will need to be repeated for the second transmitter.

Delayed Locking

This feature lets the driver delay the actual locking of
the vehicle. When the power door lock switch or the
remote lock control LOCK button is pressed with the
key removed from the ignition and the driver’s door
open, a chime will sound three times to signal that the
lock delay mode is active. When all doors have been
closed, the doors will lock automatically after five
seconds. If any door is opened before this, the
five

-second timer will reset itself once all the doors have

been closed again.
Pressing the door lock switch or the remote lock control

LOCK button a second time within two seconds will
override this feature.

Personalization Programming

The delayed locking feature can be turned on or off for
each driver’s remote lock control transmitter .

T o turn the feature on:

1. Press and hold LOCK on the driver’s power door
lock switch throughout this procedure. All the doors
will lock.

2. Press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter.
The lock delay is still off and all doors will
remain locked.

3. Press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter again.
Lock delay is now active and all doors will unlock.

4. Release the power door lock switch.

This procedure changes the mode for only the
transmitter used to change this setting. The procedure
will need to be repeated for the second transmitter.

2-6

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If your vehicle is not equipped with the remote lock
control, use the following procedure to turn the
feature on:

1. With the ignition on, press and hold LOCK on the
driver’s power door lock switch. All doors will lock.

2. T oggle the headlamps switch four times (off to on is
one toggle). The doors will unlock to confirm that
the feature is now on.

3. Release the power door lock switch.

T o turn the feature off, repeat the previous procedures.

Rear Door Security Lock

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

To Use One of These Locks

1. Open one of the rear doors.

2. Move the lever all the
way up to the
ENGAGED position.

3. Close the door.

4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock.
The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from

the inside when this feature is in use.

2-7

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To Open a Rear Door When the Security Lock is On

1. Unlock the door.

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.

To Cancel the Rear Door Security Lock

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

2. Move the lever all the way down.

3. Do the same for the other rear door.
The rear door locks will now work normally.

Anti-Lockout Feature

The power door locks will not work if the key is left in
the ignition with the driver’s door open. You can
override this feature by holding the power door lock
switch on the driver’s door for more than three seconds,
unless the engine is running.

Leaving Your Vehicle

If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, 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.

Your remote lock control
system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal
Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules
and with Industry Canada.

2-8

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This device complies with RSS
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.

This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). 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.

-210 of Industry Canada.

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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 driver’s door will unlock when UNLOCK
is pressed.

If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, all
doors will unlock. Pressing the UNLOCK button will
also illuminate the interior lamps. See “Illuminated
Entry” in the Index.

All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed.
The trunk will unlock when the trunk button is pressed

when the ignition is turned to OFF. The trunk button
will also work when the ignition is on, but only while in
PARK (P).

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Instant Alarm

When the button with the horn symbol on the remote
lock control transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound
and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to one
minute. This can be turned off by pressing the instant
alarm button again, or by turning the ignition to ON.

Personalization Features

The following list of features that are available on your
vehicle can be programmed to each driver’s preference
for each of the remote lock control transmitters.

D

Programmable Automatic Door Locks: This
feature programs your door locks to automatically
lock or unlock when shifting in and out of
PARK (P).

D

Security Feedback: This feature provides feedback
to the driver when the vehicle receives a command
from the remote lock control transmitter.

D

Delayed Locking: This feature lets the driver delay
the actual locking of the vehicle. When all doors
have been closed, the doors will lock automatically
after five seconds.

For more detailed information and programming
instructions, refer to the Index for each individual
feature listed.

Security Feedback

This provides feedback to the driver when the vehicle
receives a command from the remote lock control
transmitter. The following modes may be selected:

Mode 0: No feedback when locking or
unlocking vehicle.

Mode 1: No feedback when locking; headlamps and
parking lamps flash when unlocking vehicle.

Mode 2: Headlamps and parking lamps flash when
locking; no feedback when unlocking vehicle.

Mode 3: Headlamps and parking lamps flash when
locking and unlocking vehicle.

Mode 4: Headlamps and parking lamps flash and
horn chirps when locking; no feedback when
unlocking vehicle.

Mode 4: Headlamps and parking lamps flash and horn
chirps when locking; headlamps and parking lamps flash
when unlocking vehicle.

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Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 5. T o
change to another mode:

1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.

2. Press and hold LOCK on the driver’s power door
lock switch located on the driver’s door .

3. Press the trunk button on the transmitter to enter the
programming mode. The transmitter will remain in
its current mode.

4. Press the trunk button again. Each time the trunk
button is pressed, the horn will chirp and the
transmitter will advance to the next mode.

5. Release the power door lock switch on the
driver’s door.

This procedure changes the mode for only the
transmitter used to change this setting. The procedure
will need to be repeated for the second transmitter.

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.

See your dealer to match transmitters to another vehicle.

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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.

For battery replacement, use one DuracellR battery, type

-2032, or a similar type.

DL
T o replace the battery:

1. Insert a coin into the notch near the key ring. Turn
the coin counterclockwise to separate the two halves
of the transmitter.

2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil eraser
to remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.

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3. Remove and replace the battery. Replace it as the
instructions inside the cover indicate.

4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure
moisture cannot enter.

5. T est the operation of the transmitter with your
vehicle. If the transmitter does not work,
resynchronize the transmitter.

Resynchronization

After you have changed the battery in your transmitter,
or if only the instant alarm button works, the transmitter
needs to be resynchronized to the receiver. Do this by
pressing and holding both the LOCK and UNLOCK
buttons at the same time for about eight seconds. You
must be within range of the vehicle.

When the system has been resynchronized, the horn will
chirp and the exterior lamps will flash once. The system
should now operate properly.

Trunk

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:

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 any airflow selection except RECIRC.
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.

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Remote Trunk Release (If Equipped)

Press the release button
located to the left of the
steering column to release
the trunk lid. The remote
trunk release lockout switch
must be ON, and the
transaxle in PARK (P).

Remote Trunk Release Lockout
(If Equipped)

The trunk release switch in
the glove box allows you to
secure items in the trunk.
Move the trunk release
switch to OFF, lock the
glove box and take the key
with you. Now the trunk
release button on the left of
the steering column will not
open the trunk.

T o allow the trunk release switch to operate again, move
the trunk release switch to ON.

Trunk Security Override (If Equipped)

The remote lock control transmitter will open the trunk
even if the trunk release lockout switch is OFF.

2-14

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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.

With the ignition off and the driver’s door open, you’ll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition
and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.

Parking at Night

Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

-deterrent

-- so

Parking Lots

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

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

Then take the door key with you.

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PASS-KeyR II

Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)

-deterrent system.

theft
PASS

-Key II is a passive

theft

-deterrent system. It

works when you insert or
remove the key from
the ignition.

-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key

PASS
that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

-Key II

When the PASS
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter
won’t work and fuel won’t go to the engine. If someone
tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key
during this time, the vehicle will not start. This
discourages someone from randomly trying different
keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make
a match.

The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the SECURITY light is on, the
key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.

Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the
Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first
ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS

-Key II system senses that someone is

-Key II.

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If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work. The
SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have to wait
three minutes before trying another ignition key.

See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS

-Key II to have a new key made.

If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and remains on, you will be able to restart your
engine if you turn it off. Your PASS
however, is not working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS

-Key II system.

If you lose or damage a PASS
your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS
to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Center at
1

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

-800-268-6800.

1

-Key II system,

-Key II ignition key, see

-Key II

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

-in.

2-17

Ignition Positions

CAUTION:

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

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

2-18

ACCESSORY (A): In this position you can operate

your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition
switch as you turn the top of it toward you.

LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition
and transaxle.

OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. Use this position if your
vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push

-start your vehicle. A warning chime will sound if

you open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and
the key is in the ignition.

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

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

Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSOR Y and RUN are on positions that allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.

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NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.

Key Reminder Warning

If you leave your key in the ignition, in the OFF
position, you will hear a warning tone when you open
the driver’s door.

2-19

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Retained Accessory Power (If Equipped)

If you have this feature, after you turn the ignition to
OFF and even remove the key, you will still have
electrical power for such accessories as the radio and
power windows for up to 10 minutes. Power is turned
off if you open a door.

Always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave your keys
in any other position than LOCK, your battery will
discharge prematurely.

Starting Your Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
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 3800 Series II 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 for about three to five seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try to help avoid draining your battery or
damaging your starter.

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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 about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal
starting procedure.

NOTICE:

Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.

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

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

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
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

-up. Usually,

2-21

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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.

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.

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your automatic transaxle may have a shift lever
located on the console between the seats or on the
steering column.

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There are several different positions for your shift lever.
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.

CAUTION:

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

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

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

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a brake
shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the
way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever
button on floor shift console models as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into the
gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before
moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.)
See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” 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.

2-23

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NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine
doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

CAUTION:

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

NOTICE:

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

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B): This position is for

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

D

Going less than about 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 pedal 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 (B) for higher speeds.

2-24

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

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

Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B):

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.

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NOTICE:

Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
5 miles (8 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B) 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.

2-25

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NOTICE:

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

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

Parking Brake

T o set the parking brake,
hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot.
Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left
foot. If the ignition is on,
the brake system warning
light will come on and a
single chime may be heard.

If you start to drive with the parking brake set, the brake
light will stay on and a chime will sound after the
vehicle has traveled 40 feet (12 m) until you release the
parking brake.

2-26

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T o release the parking brake, use the PUSH TO
RELEASE parking brake pedal. Hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal with your left foot. This will release the
parking brake pedal. When you lift your left foot, the
parking brake pedal will follow it to the
released position.

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

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.

2-27

Steering Column Shift Lever

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

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

D

Pull the lever toward you.

D

Move the lever up as far as it will go.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

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

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2-28

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Console Shift Lever (Option)

D

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

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

D

Hold in the button on the lever.

D

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

2. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

3. 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).

Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running

CAUTION:

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

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

2-29

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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)

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

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever
hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of
PARK (P), try this:

1. Turn the key to the OFF ignition position. Open and
close the driver’s door to turn off the retained
accessory power feature, if you have it.

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

3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).

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

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

-- push the shift lever all the way into

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Parking Over Things That Burn

CAUTION:

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

Engine Exhaust

CAUTION:

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

You might have exhaust coming in if:

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.

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Running Your Engine While
You’re Parked

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

CAUTION:

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

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

Power Windows

Switches on the driver’s armrest control each of the
windows when the ignition is on or when retained
accessory power is active. In addition, each passenger
door has a control switch for its own window.

Express

When the driver’s AUTO switch is held rearward briefly
and then released, the window will automatically lower
completely. The window can be opened in smaller
amounts by pressing the switch rearward and releasing
it immediately.

T o stop the window while it is lowering, press the
switch again, then release. T o raise the window, hold the
switch forward.

Window Lock

Press the right side of the WINDOW LOCK switch to
disable all passenger window switches. The driver’s
window controls will still be operable. This is a useful
feature when you have children as passengers. Press the
left side of the WINDOW LOCK switch to allow
passengers to use their window switches again.

-Down Window

Horn

Nearly the entire surface of the center pad of the
steering wheel is an active horn switch. Press anywhere
on the pad to sound the horn.

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

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

D

Turn and Lane Change Signals

D

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer

D

Flash

-To-Pass Feature

D

Windshield Wipers and Washer

D

Cruise Control

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.

T o 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.

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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.

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t
flash but just stay on, 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
the fuse. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index.

If you have added wiring for towing a trailer, a different
turn signal flasher may be used. With this flasher
installed, the signal will flash even if a turn signal bulb
is burned out. Check the front and rear turn signal lamps
regularly to make sure they are working.

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 OFF.

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer

T o change the headlamps from low beam to high beam
or high beams to low beam, pull the turn signal lever
toward you. Then release it.

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

Flash-To-Pass Feature

This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. It
works even if your headlamps are off.

T o use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you a little,
but not so far that you hear a click.

If your headlamps are off or on low beam, your
high

-beam headlamps will turn on. They’ll stay on as

long as you hold the lever toward you and the
high-beam indicator on the dash will come on. Release
the lever to turn the high

-beam headlamps off.

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Windshield Wipers

The windshield wipers are controlled by turning the
band marked WIPER.

For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold
it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the
band on MIST longer.

For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away
from you to LO. For high
further, to HI. To stop the wipers, turn the band to OFF.

The wiper speed may be set for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or
snow . Turn the band to choose the delay time. The
closer to LO, the shorter the delay.

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.

Keep in mind 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 your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.

-speed wiping, turn the band

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Windshield Washer

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

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.

If the fluid in the windshield washer reservoir is low,
vehicles with the optional reminder package have a
LOW WASH light in the instrument cluster that will
illuminate. See “Low Washer Fluid Warning Light” in
the Index.

Cruise Control

With cruise control, you can
maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more
without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This is
helpful on long trips.

Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h).

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

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CAUTION:

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

1. Move the cruise control switch to ON.

2. Get up to the speed you want.

3. Push in the SET button at the end of the lever and
release it.

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 briefly move the cruise control switch from ON
to R/A (resume/accelerate).

You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay
there. If you hold the switch at R/A, the vehicle will
keep going faster until you release the switch or apply
the brake. So unless you want to go faster, don’t hold the
switch at R/A.

Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control

There are two ways to go to a higher speed:

D

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

D

Move the cruise switch from ON to R/A. Hold it
there until you get up to the speed you want, and
then release the switch. T o increase your speed in
very small amounts, move the switch to R/A briefly
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 have set
the cruise control speed by pushing the SET button.

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control

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

D

Push in the button at the end of the lever until you
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.

D

T o slow down in very small amounts, push the
button briefly. Each time you do this, you’ll go
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control

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

Using Cruise Control on Hills

How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the 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.

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Ending Cruise Control

There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:

D

Step lightly on the brake pedal.

D

Move the cruise switch to OFF.

Erasing Speed Memory

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

Exterior Lamps

Headlamps

Press this button to turn
on the following:

D

Parking Lamps

D

Sidemarker Lamps

D

T aillamps

D

Instrument Panel Lights

Push the button again to turn off all the lamps and lights.

Press this button to
turn on:

D

Headlamps

D

Parking Lamps

D

Sidemarker Lamps

D

T aillamps

D

Instrument Panel Lights

Push the button again to turn off all the lamps and lights.

Lamps On Reminder

If you open the driver’s door while leaving the manual
headlamps or parking lamps switch on and the key is
removed from the ignition, you will hear a warning tone.

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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.

A light sensor on top of the instrument panel monitors
the exterior light level for the operation of DRL and
T wilight Sentinel
system will make your low
a reduced brightness when:

D

The ignition is on,

D

the headlamp switch is off and

D

the transaxle is not in PARK (P).

When the DRL are on, only your low
will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won’t be on. Your instrument panel won’t be
lighted either.

R

, so be sure it isn’t covered. The DRL

-beam headlamps come on at

-beam headlamps

When it’s dark enough outside, your low
headlamps will change to full brightness. The other
lamps that come on with your headlamps will also come
on. When it’s bright enough outside, the regular lamps
will go off, and your low
reduced brightness of DRL.

T o idle your vehicle with the DRL off, shift the
transaxle into PARK (P). The DRL will stay off until
you shift out of PARK (P).

At night, you can turn off all exterior lamps when you
are in PARK (P) by moving the twilight sentinel control
all the way to OFF. If it was on OFF, move the control to
the right to turn it on, then back to OFF. The lamps will
come back on when you put the transaxle in gear.

T wilight sentinel will keep your headlamps on for up
to three minutes, to light your way when you leave
your vehicle.

See “T wilight Sentinel” later in this section to learn how
to operate this feature.

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

-beam headlamps change to the

-beam

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Fog Lamps (If Equipped)

The button for your
fog lamps is below the
TRUNK button on your
instrument panel.

Your low
for your fog lamps to work.

-beam headlamps or parking lamps must be on

Twilight Sentinel

At night, you can turn off all exterior lamps when you
are in PARK (P) by moving the Twilight Sentinel
control all the way to OFF. If it was on OFF, move the
control to the right to turn it on, then back to OFF. The
lamps will come back on when you put the transaxle
in gear.

R

Turn the Twilight
Sentinel switch to the right
from OFF.

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T wilight Sentinel will keep your headlamps on for up to
three minutes, to light your way when you leave
your vehicle.

T o operate Twilight Sentinel, turn the control to MAX
for the three minute delay. Turn it the other way to
reduce the delay. Turn the control to OFF to turn
twilight sentinel off.

Also, it’s possible that your headlamps may go out if
you drive from a dark area into a bright area like a
lighted parking lot. If this happens, turn on your
headlamps with the regular headlamp switch.

Interior Lamps

Instrument Panel Intensity Control

You can brighten or dim your instrument cluster, radio,
climate control and interior lamps by rotating the
INTERIOR control dial when your lamps are on. Turn
the control dial all the way to the right and you will turn
on the interior courtesy lamps.

Courtesy Lamps

When any door is opened, several lamps go on. They
make it easy for you to enter and leave the car. To turn
on these lamps, rotate the INTERIOR control dial all the
way to the right.

Illuminated Entry System (If Equipped)

When you lift the handle of either front door or press the
UNLOCK button on the optional remote lock control
transmitter, lamps inside your vehicle will turn on.
These lamps will turn off after about one minute. These
lamps will also turn off if you start the engine or activate
the power locks. If a door is left ajar, your interior lamps
will turn off after 10 minutes to save your battery.

Delayed Illumination

When you open the door, the interior lamps will come
on. When you close the door with the ignition off, the
interior lamps will stay on for 25 seconds or until the
ignition is turned to an on position. Please note that
locking the doors with the power door lock switch will
override the delayed illumination feature and the lamps
will turn off right away.

Theater Dimming

This feature allows for a three to five-second fade out of
the courtesy lamps instead of immediate turn off.

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Exit Lighting

With this feature, the interior lamps will come on for
25 seconds after you remove the key from the ignition.
This will give you time to find the door pull handle or
lock switches.

If your vehicle is equipped with the optional remote lock
control, the exit lighting feature will activate only when
retained accessory power is active.

Parade Dimming

This feature prohibits the dimming of your instrument
panel displays during daylight while your headlamps are
on. This feature operates with the light sensor for the
T wilight Sentinel and is fully automatic. When the light
sensor reads darkness outside, you will be able to dim
your instrument panel displays once again.

Front Reading Lamps

These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps will come
on when you open the doors.

T o turn on a reading lamp when the doors are closed,
press either switch. Press it again to turn the lamp off.

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