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What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs
so quickly that some people may not even realize the air
bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in
the steering wheel hub will be hot for a short time. The
part of
the bag that comes into contact with you may be
warm, but
it will never be too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated
air bag. Air bag inflation will not prevent the driver
from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor
will
it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
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0
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When an air bag Iates, 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.
0
The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it
inflates, 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 the air bag module and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a 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.
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 retailer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the cover for the driver’s air bag,
it may not work properly.
You may have to
replace the air bag module. Do not open or break
the air bag cover.
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Rear Seat Passengers Lap-Shoulder Belt
It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! The
positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder
Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear belts.
Here’s how to wear one properly.
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
~~
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Qon’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.
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Larger Children
Children who have outgrown child restraints should
wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a
window
so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and
get the additional restraint
a shoulder belt can provide.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained
in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly.
Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in
a crash.
Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
people who are.
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1 Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and
optional features on your Oldsmobile, and information
on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the
instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you
if
everything is working properly -- and what to do if you
have
a problem.
Keys
A CAUTION:
~hild
Leaving young children in
a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A c
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 young children.
U
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Endgate
A CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the rear
window or endgate open because carbon
monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle.
You can’t see
or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the rear window or
endgate open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal between
the body and the rear window or endgate:
0 Make sure all windows are shut.
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.
instrument panel, open them all the
way.
If you have air outlets on or under the
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Endgate Release
There are several ways to release the endgate. However,
the endgate glass will not release if the vehicle
is in gear.
You can use
you key to unlock the endgate from the
outside. Insert
the key in the endgate lock button and
turn it counterclockwise. All doors will unlock.
You may also use the Keyless Entry system
described earlier.
The endgate can be opened without a key if the driver’s
door is unlocked.
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Page 61 of 340

Emergency Release for Opening Endgate
1. Peel back or slit the carpet locally to expose the
access hole in the trim panel.
2. Use a thin screwdriver
L‘
to reach through the
access holes in both the
trim
ane el and the 1
hardware cover.
3. Reattach the carpet securely. Pry the release
lever
toward the passenger’s
side
until the glass latch
pops open.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some
cities. Although your Oldsmobile has
a number of
theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we
put
on it can make it impossible to steal. However,
there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don’t do it.
When
you park your Oldsmobile and open the driver’s
door, you’ll hear a tone reminding
you to remove your
key from the ignition and take
it with you. Always do
this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will
your ignition and transmission. 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? What if
you have to leave something valuable
in your vehicle?
0 Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
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Page 73 of 340

Engine Exhaust
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:
0 Your exhaust system sounds strange
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
0 Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.
0 Repairs weren’t done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
or different.
modified improperly.
blow out any CO; and
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.
A CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the air system control off
could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle
(see the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust”).
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide
(CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is
a garage. Exhaust -- with
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.)
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Page 74 of 340
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’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”
in the Index.
Windows
Power Windows
These switches on the
driver’s door control
each
of the windows
when the ignition is
in the RUN position.
There are individual controls
on each of the side doors.
rress the side
of the switch with the down arrow to
lower
a window. Press the side of the switch with the up
arrow to raise a window.
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