
Vehicle Symbols
These
are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For example,
these symbols
are used
on an
original battery:
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BURNS AVOID
SPARKS
OR
FLAMES
SPARK
OR ,\I/,
COULD FLAME
EXPLODE BATTERY
These symbols are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle
is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
4
BELTS
n
POWER
WINDOW 'tl
These symbols have
to do wilh
your lamps:
SIGNALS e e
TURN
RUNNING
.'****o
DAYTIME LAMPS
'**
FOG LAMPS $0
These symbols
are
on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator
lights:
COOLANT -
TEMP -
CHARGING I-1
BAlTERY
SYSTEM
BRAKE
(@)
ENGINE OIL w,
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
(@)
BRAKES
Here are some other symbols
you may see:
FUSE -%-
LIGHTER n
HORN )tr
SPEAKER
b
FUEL e3

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the
air bag system. The module records mformation
about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are
activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.
system. Improper service can mean that your
air bag
system won’t work properly. See your retailer for service.
0 Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
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.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Oldsmobile
Air bags affect how your Oldsmobile 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 Oldsmobile retailer and the Achieva Service
Manual have information about servicing your vehicle
and the air bag system.
To purchase a service manual,
see “Service and Owner Publications” in
the Index.
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 wires wrapped with yellow tape
or 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.

Remote Lock Control (If Equipped)
If your Oldsmobile has this option, you can lock and
unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about
3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote
keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
In addition, the system illuminates the interior lamps for
a set period
of time. The Remote Lock Control system
consists
of a receiver, which is located in the vehicle,
and two hand-held transmitters.
Your Remote Lock Control
operates on a radio
frequency subject to
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry
and Science 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 harmhl interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device
complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and
Science Canada. 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 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:
8
8
8
8
Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle.
You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right,
hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
If you’re still having trouble, see your Oldsmobile
retailer or a qualified technician for service.
2-7

Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your key chain
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.
To replace the battery in the Remote Lock Control:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use a small coin or flathead screwdriver to separate
the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.
Remove
the battery and replace it with the new one.
Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces down.
Use one,
3 volt, CR2032, or equivalent, type battery.
Put the two halves back together. Make sure the
cover is
on tightly, so water won’t get in.
Check the operation
of the transmitter with your
vehicle. If the transmitter does not work, try
synchronizing the transmitter with the receiver.
2-9

Starting Your 2.4 Liter 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.
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. If it doesn’t start right away, and if the weather is
very cold (below
-20” F or -29” C), push the
accelerator pedal about one-quarter
of the way down
while you turn the key to START.
Do this until the
engine starts.
As soon as it does, let go of the key.
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. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
If the vehicle starts briefly
but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time
keep the pedal about one-quarter
of the way down
for five or
six seconds.
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.

Starting Your 3100 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to
START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets
warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If your engine 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
up to 15 seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline
from the engine.
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.
2-18

Rear Reading Lamps (If Equipped)
I
These overhead lamps and the interior courtesy lamps
will come on when you open the doors.
To turn on a reading lamp when the doors are closed,
push the button. Push it again to turn off the lamp.
nunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when you open your trunk.
Battery Saver
Your Oldsmobile is equipped with a battery saver
feature designed to protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading, footwell or
glove box) is left
on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery saver system will automatically shut the lamp
off
after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, either:
The ignition must be turned on,
The activated lamp switch must be turned off and
then
on or
A front door must be opened.
The battery saver feature will also be activated when
any door
of your vehicle is left open.
Also,
if your vehicle is left with the ignition turned off
for over
24 days, battery power to your clock and audio
system will be turned off to reduce battery drain. When
the ignition is turned on again, battery power will be
resupplied. However, under these conditions,
it will be
necessary to reset the clock and audio system settings.
2-48

Charging System Indicator Light
The charging system indicator light will come on
when you start the engine,
then it should go out.
+I
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive
belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away. Driving while this light is on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain
to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your Oldsmobile’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts.
If one part isn’t working, the other part
can still work and stop
you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If
the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem or the brake fluid level could be low. Have your
brake system inspected right away.
BRAKE
I II
United States Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to
RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it
fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
2-62