Oldsmobile INTRIGUE 1999 Owner Manual

The 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue 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 INTRIGUE 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. 22600386 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

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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

-10 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

1

Safety Belts

-11 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-11 Driver Position

1

-18 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-19 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

-19 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

-26 Rear Seat Passengers

1

-- and the Answers

-29 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

1

Children and Small Adults

1-33 Children
1

-36 Child Restraints

-48 Larger Children

1
1

-51 Safety Belt Extender

1

-51 Checking Your Restraint Systems

-51 Replacing Restraint System Parts After

1

a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you how to adjust the seats and
explains reclining seatbacks, folding rear seats and
head restraints.

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.

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Lift the lever under the front of the seat up, using a
twisting motion. This will unlock the seat. Slide the seat
to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move
the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked
into place.

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6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)

This switch is designed to
imitate the movements of
your seat cushion. It is
located on the left side of
the driver’s or the right side
of the passenger’s
seat cushion.

T o move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch
forward or rearward. T o raise or lower the seat, push the
switch up or down. T o raise or lower the front portion of
your seat, push the front of the switch up or down. T o
raise or lower the rear portion of your seat, push the rear
of the switch up or down.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

Lift the lever to release the seatback, then move the
seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock
the seatback in place. Pull up on the lever without
pushing on the seatback and the seatback will move
forward. This lever is located on the left side of the
driver’s or the right side of the passenger’s seat cushion.

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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.

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Head Restraints

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

Split Folding Rear Seat

Pull the seat tab latch forward to fold down the rear
seatback or pull the remote release straps in the trunk.
T o return the seat to its original position, push it back up
and make sure it latches.

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.

1-5

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
doesn’t stop.

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

or the instrument panel ... 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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1-9

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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

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

1-10

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.

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.

1-11

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.

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

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

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

1-12

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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 lever and the
shoulder belt guide as shown and move the height
adjuster to the desired position. You can move the
adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt
guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it,
try to move it down without squeezing the release lever
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.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

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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.

1-14

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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CAUTION:

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

1-15

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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CAUTION:

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

1-16

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.

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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.

1-18

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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
If you ever pull the shoulder 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.

-- except for one thing.

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.

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

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.

CAUTION: (Continued)

-- even if you

1-19

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CAUTION: (Continued)

Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the
safety belts. All air bags
air bags
but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to
work only in moderate to severe crashes where
the front of your vehicle hits something. They
aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear,
side or low
unrestrained occupants, Next Generation air
bags may provide less protection in frontal
crashes than more forceful air bags have
provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle
should wear a safety belt properly
not there’s an air bag for that person.

-- are designed to work with safety belts,

-speed frontal crashes. And, for

-- even Next Generation

-- whether or

CAUTION:

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

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CAUTION:

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

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

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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
the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold
level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t
move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 14 mph
(14 to 23 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however,
with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat
above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes
something that will move or deform, such as a parked car,
the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not
designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear
impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant.

-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if

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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

-frontal collisions.

-frontal collisions,

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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.

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the air bag
inflated. Some components of the air bag module
steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s
bag

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

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

-- the

1-24

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

D

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

D

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the air bag system. The module records information
about the readiness of the system, when the 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.

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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 Intrigue 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.

1-25

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.

Rear Seat Passengers

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

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

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

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.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

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When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it
will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and
start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety
Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure
the release button on the buckle is positioned so you
would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if
you ever had to.

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

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The 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.

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

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

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

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Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt

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

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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,

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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.

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

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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

1-35

Child Restraints

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

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

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

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

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

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

-- the base stays secured in the vehicle and

the seat part is removable.

-facing infant

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A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a
child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These
forward
protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs.
(9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches
(66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years
of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is
designed to be used either as a rear
seat or a forward

-facing restraints are designed to help

-facing infant

-facing child seat.

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1-38

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A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who
are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs.
(18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four
to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
Booster seats with shields use lap
however, booster seats without shields use
lap

-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a

child to see out the window.

-only belts;

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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.

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

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

-- even when no child is in it.

-facing child

-facing child restraint

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Top Strap

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

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

1-41

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.

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

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

1-42

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4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of
the retractor to set the lock.

5. T o tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into
the retractor while you push down on the child
restraint. If you’re using a forward
restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to
push down on the child restraint as you tighten
the belt.

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

-facing child

1-43

T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Rear Seat Position

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

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

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

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

1-44

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

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

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

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

-facing child restraint, you may find it

1-45

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position

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

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

CAUTION:

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
(See “Seats” in the Index.)

-facing child

-facing child restraint

-facing child restraint.

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1-46

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 shoulder 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.

1-47

6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder 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.

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

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1-48

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.

1-49

CAUTION:

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

lap

-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind

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

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

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1-50

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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 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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✍

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NOTES

1-52

✍

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NOTES

1-53

✍

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NOTES

1-54

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Section 2 Features and Controls

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

2

-2 Keys

2

-4 Door Locks

-9 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)

2
2

-13 Trunk Lid

-14 Theft

2
2

-15 Passlock

2-15 New Vehicle “Break-In”

-16 Ignition Positions

2
2

-17 Starting Your Engine

-20 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2
2

-21 Automatic Transaxle Operation

2

-24 Parking Brake

-25 Shifting Into PARK (P)

2
2

-27 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

-28 Parking Over Things That Burn

2
2

-28 Engine Exhaust

-29 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2

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

R

-30 Windows

2
2

-30 Full Floating Horn

-31 Tilt Wheel

2
2

-31 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

-37 Exterior Lamps

2
2

-39 Interior Lamps

2

-41 Mirrors

-44 Storage Compartments

2
2

-45 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter

-46 Accessory Power Outlets

2
2

-46 OnStar

2

-46 Power Sunroof (If Equipped)

-48 The Instrument Panel -- Your

2
2-53 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

R

System (Option)

Information System

2-

2-1

Keys

CAUTION:

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

They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

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2-2

Your vehicle comes with two master keys and one spare
key. The master key can be used for the ignition, as well
as all door locks, trunk and storage compartments. The
third key is provided as a spare key.

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These keys don’t have key plugs. Your Oldsmobile
dealer or Roadside Assistance has a code for your key.

If you need a new master key, contact your dealer who
can obtain the correct key code or, in an emergency, call
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance at 1
(6537) (In Canada call 1

-800-268-6800).

-800-442-OLDS

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 key inside. You may have to damage your
vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an
extra key.

2-3

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Door Locks

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your key or keyless entry

transmitter, if your vehicle is equipped.

Power Door Locks

Press the power door lock
switch to lock or unlock
all doors.

2-4

The rear doors do not have power door lock switches.
The manual lever on each front and rear door works
only on that door’s lock. It won’t lock or unlock all the
doors. Push the manual lever rearward to unlock and
forward to lock.

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Last Door Closed Locking

This feature allows the doors to be locked while the
passengers are leaving the vehicle. This also provides a
brief time period after all the doors are closed, but
before the doors lock, in which the doors may be
opened. Last Door Closed Locking can be programmed
by the owner.

Last Door Closed Locking is activated by either the
power door lock switch inside the vehicle or by pressing
the LOCK on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. After pressing the power door lock switch
once, three chimes will be heard. The three chimes
indicate that the Last Door Closed Locking has
been activated.

The driver has three actions possible once the Last Door
Closed Locking is activated:

D

Cancel the Last Door Closed Locking by pressing
the unlock switch or by fully inserting the key in
the ignition.

D

Override the Last Door Closed Locking feature and
lock the doors immediately by pressing the lock
switch a second time.

D

Let the Last Door Closed Locking feature complete
the locking of the vehicle.

2-5

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If the driver wishes to let the Last Door Closed Locking
feature complete the locking of the vehicle, no
additional action is required. The Last Door Closed
Locking feature will lock the doors automatically after
all the doors have been closed for a period of five
seconds. During this five second period, any door may
be reopened, at which time the three possible actions
shown previously are again available.

You can customize the vehicle to activate the Last Door
Closed Locking feature as described previously or to
completely disable the Last Door Closed Locking
feature at all times. If disabled, the doors will lock
immediately when a power door lock switch is pressed.
The Last Door Closed locking feature is customized
when the driver performs the following sequence with
the doors closed and the ignition key in ON.

1. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
unlock position.

2. While holding the door unlock switch, cycle the
transaxle out of and back into PARK (P).

3. After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle
will turn the Last Door Closed Locking feature on
or off.

4. During this customization procedure, the chime will
sound, providing the driver feedback. A single chime
will be heard if the Last Door Closed Locking
feature is off, and two chimes will be heard if the
Last Door Closed Locking feature is on.

5. When the door unlock switch is released, the vehicle
will remain in the most recent operating mode.

The Last Door Closed Locking feature is enabled when
the vehicle is shipped from the factory.

Disconnecting the battery for up to a year will not
change the programmed mode of the Last Door Closed
Locking feature.

2-6

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Programmable Automatic Power Door
Locks (ADL)

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

Mode 1: No automatic door lock or unlock.
Mode 2: Automatic all door lock when transaxle is

shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock.
Mode 3: Automatic all door lock when transaxle is

shifted out of PARK (P). Automatic all door unlock
when transaxle is shifted into PARK (P).

Mode 4: Automatic all door lock when transaxle is
shifted out of PARK (P). Automatic driver’s door only
unlock when transaxle is shifted into PARK (P).

The operating mode of the Programmable Automatic
Power Door Locks will be changed when the driver
performs the following sequence with the doors closed
and the ignition key in ON.

1. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
lock position.

2. While holding the door lock switch, cycle the
transaxle out of and back into PARK (P).

3. After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle
will advance to the operating mode by one, starting
from the current operating mode.

4. During this customization procedure, the Automatic
Door Lock and Unlock functions will operate as
defined by each mode listed, providing the customer
with feedback of the current operating mode.

5. If cycled beyond mode 4, the vehicle will enter
operating mode 1. When the door lock switch is
released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent
operating mode.

The Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks are in
operating mode 3 when the vehicle is shipped from
the factory.

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

2-7

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Rear Security Locks

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

T o use one of these locks:

1. Open one of the rear doors.

2. On the inside of the rear door will be a lock. Insert
your master key into this lock and turn it upward.
This will engage the safety lock.

3. Close the door.

4. Do the same thing to the other rear door.

The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the
inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open the
rear door when the security lock is on, unlock the door
from the inside and then open the door from the outside.

Lockout Prevention

Lockout Prevention is a standard feature intended to
provide enhanced security and convenience. This feature
prevents a driver who has left the key in the ignition
from locking the doors using the power door lock switch
while any door is open.

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

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

2-8

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Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped 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 keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

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

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

This device complies with RSS
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 is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.

D

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

D

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

D

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

-210 of Industry Canada.

2-9

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Operation

Press UNLOCK once to unlock the driver’s door and to
turn the interior lamps on (see “Illumination on Remote
Activation” in the Index for more details). Press
UNLOCK again within five seconds to unlock all doors.

T o lock all doors, press LOCK. To unlock the trunk,
press the trunk symbol on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The trunk will only unlock when the vehicle
is in PARK (P).

Remote Alarm

When you press the alarm button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter, the headlamps will flash, the horn will
sound repeatedly and the interior lamps will illuminate.
This will allow you to attract attention if needed. The
alarm will continue until:

D

the driver presses the alarm button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter a second time,

D

the ignition is turned to ON or

D

an alarm of 110 seconds has elapsed.

Remote Activation Verification (RAV)

This feature helps provide audible and/or visible
feedback that a remote keyless entry lock or unlock
command has been received and executed. The ignition
must be in OFF for the Remote Activation Verification
to work.

You may select one of four operating modes for the
reception of a lock command. You may also select one
of four operating modes for the reception of an unlock
command. The selection and programming of the lock
and unlock modes are independent of each other. The
following modes are available for either lock or
unlock verification:

Mode 1: No Verification
Mode 2: Horn Chirp only
Mode 3: Headlamp Flash only
Mode 4: Horn Chirp and Headlamp Flash

2-10

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The operating mode of the Remote Activation
Verification Lock (RAV Lock) feature will be changed
when the driver performs the following sequence with
the doors closed and the ignition key in ON:

1. Press and hold down the power door lock switch
to LOCK.

2. While holding the door lock switch, press and
release the remote keyless entry transmitter LOCK
button. This button press will initialize the
customization mode. Upon initiation of this mode,
the chime will sound the number of chimes
corresponding to the current RAV lock mode.

3. Each additional press of the remote keyless entry
transmitter LOCK button will cause the vehicle to
advance to the RAV lock mode by one, starting from
the current RAV lock mode.

4. If cycled beyond RAV lock mode 4, the vehicle will
enter RAV lock mode 1. When the door lock switch
is released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent
RAV lock mode.

Disconnecting the battery for up to a year will not
change the programmed mode of the Remote Activation
Verification functions.

Illumination on Remote Activation

This feature is included on vehicles with the remote
keyless entry system. The interior illumination will be
activated when an remote keyless entry door unlock
command is received. The ignition must be off for the
Remote Activation Illumination to work. The interior
lamps will illuminate until the ignition is turned to ON
or until the illumination period of 40 seconds
has elapsed.

If during the illumination period, a door is opened, the
timed illumination period will be cancelled, though the
interior lamps will remain on until all doors are closed.

Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle

Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. 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.

2-11

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about two years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch
any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage
the transmitter.

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T o replace your battery:

1. Insert a flat object like a dime into the slot on the
back of the transmitter. Gently pry apart the front
and back.

2. Gently pry the battery out of the transmitter. (Do not
use a metal object.)

3. Put the new battery into the transmitter as shown on
the transmitter (use a type CR2032 battery).

4. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the
halves are together tightly so water won’t get in.

5. Resynchronize and then test the transmitter.

2-12

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Resynchronization

After you have changed the battery in your remote
keyless entry transmitter, you will need to resynchronize
the transmitter. To do this, press the LOCK and
UNLOCK buttons together and hold for approximately
seven seconds (or until the horn chirps three times). You
will need to use this procedure if your vehicle has lost
battery power for an extended period of time.

Trunk Lid

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.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

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:

D

Make sure all other windows are shut.

D

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

D

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

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Trunk Lock

T o unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and
turn it clockwise.

You can also use the remote keyless entry transmitter, if
your vehicle is equipped.

2-13

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Remote Trunk Release

Press the button on the left
side of the instrument panel
to unlock the trunk from
inside your vehicle.
Your vehicle must be
in PARK (P).

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.

-deterrent

-- so

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

Parking at Night

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

Parking Lots

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

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

Lock the glove box.

D

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

D

Then take the remote keyless entry transmitter
with you.

2-14

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Passlock

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft

-deterrent system.

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

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

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

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

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

R

-800-442-OLDS (6537)

-800-268-6800).

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.

2-15

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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Your ignition switch is located on the instrument panel.
With the ignition key in the switch, you can turn the
switch to four positions:

OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition switch,
the switch is in OFF. It’s also the only position from which
you can remove your key. This position locks your
ignition and transaxle. It’s a theft-deterrent feature.

2-16

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ACC (B): This position lets you use things like the
radio and windshield wipers when the engine is off.
Your steering wheel will unlock. Use ACC if you must
have your vehicle pushed or towed. This position lets
you turn off the ignition.

ON (C): This position is where the key returns after you
start the vehicle. With the engine off, you can use ON to
display some of your warning and indicator lights.

START (D): This position starts your engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s

door when the ignition is in OFF, ACC or ON and the
key is in the ignition.

NOTICE:

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

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 3.5L 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.

2-17

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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 ten seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging
your starter.

3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, 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.

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.

2-18

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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.

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.

2-19

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Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

3800 Engine shown, 3.5L similar

-18

_

In very cold weather, 0_F (
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.

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

C) or colder, the engine

-up. Usually,

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located near the air cleaner assembly.

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.

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.

-prong

2-20

Automatic Transaxle Operation

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

Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic
transaxle vehicles, when you’re in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline components from
improper operations.

There are several 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.

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CAUTION:

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

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

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

2-21

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake
Shift Interlock (BTSI). You must fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way
into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pushed down.
Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P), being sure
to press the shift lever button. See “Shifting Out of
PARK (P)” in the Index.

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

-Transaxle

NOTICE:

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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.

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

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

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

2-22

NOTICE:

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

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

D

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

D

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator 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 DRIVE (D) for
higher speeds.

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

driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D).

Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of DRIVE (D):

D

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

D

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

D

When going down a steep hill.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power, but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use your brakes off and on.

NOTICE:

Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) at speeds over 55 mph (88
km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use
DRIVE (D) or THIRD (3) as much as possible.

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

2-23

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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
shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift
into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

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

T o release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal with your left foot. When you lift your left
foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the
released position.

2-24

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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.

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

2-25

2. 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.

3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.

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

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Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running

CAUTION:

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

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

2-26

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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. T o 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)

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

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the
shift lever button as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P) into the gear
that you wish.

If you ever hold the brake pedal down, but still can’t
shift out of PARK(P), try this:

1. Turn the key to ACC.

2. Apply and hold the brake.

3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).

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

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

2-27

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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.

2-28

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 door armrest control each of the
windows when the ignition is on. In addition, each
passenger door has a switch for its own window.

The driver’s window switch has an auto
This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the switch rearward,
and the driver’s window will open a small amount. If the
switch is moved all the way back, the window will go all
the way down.

-down feature.

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

The driver’s window
controls also include a
lock-out switch. Press
LOCK to stop front and rear
passengers from using their
window switches.

The driver can still control all windows with the lock on.
Press the other side of the LOCK switch for normal
window operation.

Full Floating Horn

The full floating horn is designed so that you may press
anywhere on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn.

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Tilt Wheel

A tilt 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 wheel and pull the lever
located on the left side of your steering column. Move
the wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever
to lock the wheel in place.

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

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

D

Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator

D

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer

D

Flash

-to-Pass

D

Headlamps

D

T aillamps

D

Parking Lamps

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Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator

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

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

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

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

As you signal a turn or lane change, if the arrow flashes
faster than normal, a signal bulb may be burned out and
other drivers won’t see your turn signal.

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

-out bulbs and then check

A chime will sound if you leave your turn signal on for
more than 3/4 mile (1.2 km).

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer

T o change your headlamps
from low beam to high
beam, push the lever away
from you. To change back
to low beam, pull the lever
toward you.

T o flash your high beams, pull the lever toward you and
release. The lever will return to the low

-beam position.

Flash-to-Pass

With the lever in the low-beam position, pull the lever
toward you momentarily to switch to high beams (to
signal you are going to pass). If you have the headlamps
on, they will return to low beams when you release
the lever.

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Windshield Wipers

You can control the windshield wipers by moving the
lever with the wiper symbol on it up or down. This lever
is located on the right side of the steering wheel.

For a single wiping cycle, pull down on 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.

You can set the wiper speed for a long delay or short
delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light
rain or snow. Push the lever up one click to INT
(intermittent), then turn the band, located on the lever, to
adjust the delay time. Turn the band down for a longer
delay , up for a shorter delay. The wiper speed can only
be adjusted when the lever is in the INT position, not in
HI or LO.

Be sure to clear the ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.

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

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Windshield Washer

At the end of the right-hand lever on the steering wheel,
there is a wiper symbol. T o spray washer fluid on the
windshield, push the button on the end of the lever. The
wipers will run for several sweeps and then either stop
or return to your preset speed.

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.

Cruise Control

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

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 (optional with the 3.5L V6 engine) or
enhanced traction system (3800 V6 engine) begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. (See “Traction Control System” or
“Enhanced Traction System” in the Index.) When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn
the cruise control back on.

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Setting Cruise Control

CAUTION:

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

1. Press the CRUISE
button on the right side
of the instrument panel
to turn it on. A light on
the button will indicate
that the system is on.

2. Get up to the speed you want.

3. Press the COAST SET
button on your steering
wheel and release it.

4. T ake your foot off the accelerator.
The CRUISE light on the instrument panel cluster will

come on after the cruise control has been set to the
desired speed. It will go off when you:

D

step lightly on the brake pedal,

D

press CLEAR on the steering wheel or

D

press the CRUISE button on the instrument panel.

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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,
press the RES ACCEL
button on your steering
wheel. You’ll go right back
up to your chosen speed and
stay there.

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.
Press the COAST SET button on the steering wheel,
then release the button and the accelerator pedal.
You’ll now cruise at the higher speed.

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D

Press the RES ACCEL button on the steering wheel.
Hold it there until you get up to the speed you want
and then release the button. (T o increase your speed
in very small amounts, press the RES ACCEL button
for less than half a second and then release it.
Each time you do this, your vehicle will go
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.)

The accelerate feature will only work after you set the
cruise control speed by pressing the COAST SET button
on the steering wheel.

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control

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

D

Press the COAST SET button on the steering wheel
until you reach the lower speed you want, then
release it.

D

T o slow down in very small amounts, press the
COAST SET button on the steering wheel for less
than a half second. Each time you do this, you’ll go
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control

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

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Using Cruise Control on Hills

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

Ending Cruise Control

There are three ways to cancel the cruise control:

D

Step lightly on the brake pedal,

D

Press CLEAR on the steering wheel or

D

Press the CRUISE button on the instrument panel.

Erasing Cruise Speed Memory

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

Exterior Lamps

The lamp controls are located on the multifunction
lever on the left of the steering wheel. They control
these systems:

D

Headlamps

D

T aillamps

D

Parking Lamps

D

License Lamps

D

Sidemarker Lamps

D

Instrument Panel Lights

Turn the end of the lever to this symbol to turn on

the headlamps and other operating lamps.

Turn the end of the lever to this symbol to turn
on the parking and other operating lamps without
the headlamps.

Turn the end of the lever to OFF to turn off the lamps.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s

door when you turn the ignition switch to OFF or ACC
with the lamps on.

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Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic
Headlamp Control

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 makes the
DRL work, so be sure it isn’t covered.

The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when:

D

the ignition is on,

D

the headlamp switch is off and

D

the parking brake is released.

When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker and
other lamps won’t be on. Your instrument panel won’t
be lit up either.

When it’s dark enough outside, your front turn signal
lamps will turn off and your headlamps and parking
lamps will turn on.

When it’s bright enough outside, your headlamps will go
off and your front turn signal lamps will come on.

T o idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake while the ignition is in OFF. Then start your
vehicle. The DRL, headlamps and parking lamps will
stay off until you release the parking brake.

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

Fog Lamps

T o turn the fog lamps on,
press the fog lamp switch
on the left side of the
instrument panel.

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A light will glow on the switch to let you know that they
are on. (Your parking lamps must be on, or your fog
lamps won’t come on.) Press the switch again to turn the
fog lamps off.

The fog lamps will go off whenever you change to
high

-beam headlamps. When you return to low beams,

the fog lamps will come on again.

Interior Lamps

Instrument Panel Brightness Control

You can brighten or dim the
instrument panel lights by
turning the interior
lamps dial.

Turn the dial up to increase the brightness of the
instrument panel lights. Turn the dial down to decrease
the brightness.

Courtesy Lamps

When any door is opened, several lamps come on. These
lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it easy for you to
enter and leave your vehicle. You can also turn these
lamps on by turning the interior lamps dial all the
way up or by each individual lamp.

Illuminated Entry

Your courtesy lamps will come on and stay on for a set
time whenever you press UNLOCK on the remote
keyless entry transmitter (if equipped).

If you open a door, the lamps will stay on while it’s open
then turn off automatically about 25 seconds after you
close it. If you press UNLOCK and don’t open a door,
the lamps will turn off after about 40 seconds.

Illuminated entry includes a feature called theater
dimming. With theater dimming, the lamps don’t just
turn off at the end of the delay time. Instead, they slowly
dim after the delay time until they go out. The delay
time is cancelled if you turn the ignition key to ON, so
the lamps will dim out right away. When the ignition is
on, illuminated entry is inactive, which means the
courtesy lamps won’t come on unless a door is opened.

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Illumination on Door Handle Activation

Illumination on Door Handle Activation is a standard
feature intended to provide enhanced security and
convenience by allowing the driver to activate the
vehicle interior illumination without unlocking or
opening any vehicle door.

The ignition must be off and the doors locked for the
Illumination on Door Handle Activation to work. The
Illumination on Door Handle Activation feature can
function in two ways.

If the driver pulls and releases any front door
handle within one second, the interior lamps will
illuminate until:

D

The ignition is turned to ON,

D

The power door locks are activated or

D

An illumination period of 25 seconds has elapsed.

Or, if the driver pulls and holds any front door handle
for more than one second, the interior lamps will
illuminate until:

D

The ignition is turned to ON,

D

The door handle is released or

D

An illumination period of 50 seconds has elapsed.

If during the illumination period a door is opened, the
timed illumination period will be cancelled, though the
interior lamps will remain on since the vehicle door
is open.

Delayed Illumination

The Delayed Illumination feature will continue to
illuminate the interior for 25 seconds after all doors have
been closed so that you can find the ignition and buckle
your seat belt at night. Delayed Illumination will not
occur while the ignition is in ON. After 25 seconds have
elapsed, the interior lamps will slowly fade out. The
lamps will fade out before 25 seconds have elapsed
if you:

D

Turn the ignition to ON.

D

Lock all doors using your remote keyless entry
transmitter (optional).

D

Lock the doors using the power door lock switch.

If during the Delayed Illumination period a door is
opened, the timed illumination period will be cancelled,
though the interior lamps will remain on since the door
is opened.

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