1996 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE key

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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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.
2.
3.
If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn’t start in three seconds (or starts
but then stops), push the accelerator pedal about
one-quarter
of the way down for 12 more seconds, or
until it starts.
If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try this:
Wait
15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down.
Then push your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor. Hold it there. Then hold the key
in START.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. When
the engine starts, let go of the key and the accelerator
pedal.
If the engine still doesn’t start, wait another
15 seconds and repeat this step.
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 retailer.
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.
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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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2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position like this:
Pull the lever toward you.
Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. Move the ignition key to the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your Oldsmobile has Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock
(BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P), when the ignition
is
in the RUN position. See “Automatic Transaxle
Operation”
in the Index.
As you step
on the brake pedal, while in PARK (P), you
may hear a click from the solenoid of the
BTSI. This
ensures that the BTSI
is operating properly.
If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK
(P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever
hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of
PARK
(P), try this:
1. Turn the key to the OFF position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
I
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.
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Lamps
Headlamps
PC: Push this switch to turn on:
0 Parking Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps
0 Taillamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Pull the switch to turn
off the lamps.
-:g-: Push this switch to turn on the headlamps,
together with:
Parking Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps
0 Taillamps
0 Instrument Panel Lights
Pull the switch to turn
off the lamps.
Lamps On Reminder
If you turn the ignition key to the OFF or LOCK
position while leaving the lamps on,
you will hear a
warning chime.
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Side A Locking Stc
To open the ashtray, press the right side and turn it open.
To remove the ashtray for cleaning, press the snuffer as
you lift up the bottom of the ashtray.
If you have the optional rear climate control, your side
ashtray will have a flip-up cover.
To remove the ashtray for cleaning, pull up on the
snuffer or the cover.
I
At the base of the center instrument panel console is a
storage bin. Use the door key
to lock and unlock it. To
open the bin, pinch the latch release. Inside the storage
bin, you will find a coinholder.
To remove the bin for cleaning, open it part way, then
pull out and slightly up.
To clean the inside of the bin, vacuum or wipe with a
slightly damp cloth.
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Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people
to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay
on
until the driver’s belt
is buckled.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the words AIR BAG. The system
checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag
module, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more
information
on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in
the Index.
AIR BAG
You will see this light flash
for a few seconds when
you
turn your ignition to RUN
or START. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you
start your vehicle,
or stays on, or comes on when you
are driving, your air bag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
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