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Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly.
0 Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out
in a crash.
0 Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
people who are.
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.
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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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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
retailer 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. To 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.
Torn
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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fi NOTES
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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
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
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2-4
2-8
2-
13
2- 14
2- 14
2- 15
2-
16
2- 17
2-18
2-20
2-24
2-25
2-27 Keys
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System
Trunk
Theft
Passlock@
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK
(P)
Shifting Out of PARK (P) 2-27
2-28
2-28
2- 29
2-30
2-3
1
2-38
2-40
2-43
2-46
2-49
2-50 2-55 Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
Windows Tilt Steering Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior
Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Power Sunroof (If Equipped)
Instrument Panel
-- Your Information System
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Keys
A CAUTION:
I
Leaving young 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 young children.
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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. These
keys don't have key plugs. Your Oldsmobile
retailer or Roadside Assistance has a code
for your key.
If you need a new master key, contact your retailer
who can obtain the correct key code or, in an
emergency, call Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance
at
1-800-442-OLDS (6537).
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.
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Door Locks Power Door Locks
Press the switch to
all doors.
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 has this option.
From
the inside, push the power lock switch to lock and
unlock the doors. power door lock
lock or unlock
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