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When the key is in the ignition in the RUN position,
the power sliding door will only open if
the transaxle
is
in PARK (P). The transaxle does not have to be in
PARK (P) to close the door.
If the ON/OFF switch is in
the
ON position and the power sliding door is open or in
the process
of closing when you shift out of PARK (P), a
tone will sound and the power sliding door warning light
on your instrument panel will flash (see “Power Sliding
Door Warning Light”
in the Index). This is a warning
light that the sliding door is not completely closed.
IAC TION: I
If you shift the transaxle out of PARK (P) and
accelerate before the power sliding door latches
closed, the door may reverse to the open position.
A child or others could fall out of the vehicle and
be injured.
Always make sure the power sliding
door
is closed and latched before you drive away.
If anything obstructs the power sliding door while it is
closing, the door will automatically reverse to the open
position, provided it meets sufficient resistance. Resistance must be
as strong as the force of the closing
door, or stronger.
The force of the closing door increases
significantly
as the door approaches the latch position.
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To manually close the power sliding door when the
sliding door
ON/OFF switch is in the ON position, pull
the inside or outside latch release or the edge
of the
door. Move the door about
4 inches (10 cm) toward the
closed position and release. The door will close
completely and latch for
you.
To manually close the power sliding door when the
ON/OFF switch is
in the OFF position, pull the inside or
outside latch release and slide the door
all the way
forward to the latch position.
Resetting the rower diding Door
The power sliding door may operate incorrectly or not
all because of the following conditions:
0 A low voltage or dead battery
0 Disconnecting the battery
0 If the GUAGES, TAIL or TURN B/U fuse is
removed or blown.
See “Fuse Panel”
in the Index for more information
about your fuse panel.
If any of these conditions occur, the power sliding door
will need to be reset. To do this, follow the directions
listed here. It will be easier
if you read through them
once before beginning this procedure.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Check to be sure the power sliding door is unlocked
and securely closed.
Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
Turn
the power sliding door ON/OFF switch to OFF.
Remove the TAIL fuse from the fuse panel. Leave it
out for 30 seconds.
Reinstall the fuse and wait 10 seconds.
Move the
ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
2-
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Page 85 of 372

Liftgate Lock Theft
J
To unlock the liftgate, insert the door key and turn the
lock clockwise. The liftgate will automatically lock
when you close
it.
If you have the optional power door locks or the Remote
Lock Control system, the liftgate will lock and unlock
differently. See “Power
Door Locks” in the Index. 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 chime reminding
you to remove your
key from the ignition and take
it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your
ignition and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember
to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
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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?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your glove
box
or locking storage bin.
Lock the storage bin.
0 Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
0 Then take the door key with you.
New Vehicle “Break-In”
NOTICE:
Your modern Oldsmobile doesn’t need an
elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better
in the long run if you follow these guidelines:
Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (804 km). Don’t
make full-throttle starts.
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
0 Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See
“Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more
.
information.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
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Page 87 of 372

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions.
C
A E
ACCESSORY (A): An on position in which you can
operate your electrical power accessories. Press in the
ignition switch
as you turn the top of it toward you.
LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can
remove
the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition
and transaxle.
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. Use this position
if your
vehicle must be pushed
or towed, but never try to
push-start your vehicle. A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the ignition is
OFF and
the key is
in the ignition.
RUN (D): An on position to which the switch returns
after
you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays
in the RUN position when the engine is
running. But
even when the engine is not running, you
can use the
RUN position to operate your electrical
power accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return
to the RUN position for normal driving.
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Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are on positions that allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure it is
all the way in. If it is, then
turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. But turn the key only with
your hand. Using
a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a
safety feature.
To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL
(N) only.
I NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Oldsmobile
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift
to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
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Page 91 of 372

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 Oldsmobile retailer in the area where you’ll be
parking your vehicle. The retailer can give you the best
advice for that particular area. Ensure
the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your Oldsmobile has
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI). You must fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK
(P) when the ignition key is in the RUN position.
As you step on the brake pedal, while in PARK (P), you
may hear a click from the solenoid of the
BTSI. This
Automatic Transaxle Operation
ensures that the BTSI is operating properly.
If you cannot shift out of PARK
(P), ease pressure on
PARK (P) as
you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See
“Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in this section.
There are several
different positions for your shift lever. the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P): This position 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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Page 95 of 372
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but
lower
fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on
very steep hills, or
in deep snow or mud. If the selector
lever
is put in FlRST (l), 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.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on,
the
brake system warning light will come on. See “Brake
System Warning Light” in the Index.
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