1999 CADILLAC ELDORADO ignition

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2-44 Illuminated Entry
The illuminated entry system turns on the courtesy lamps
and the backlighting to the door controls and to the
exterior lamps control knob when a door is opened or if
you press a remote keyless entry transmitter button. Since
the illuminated entry system has a photocell, this means
that it must be dark outside in order for the courtesy lamps
or backlighting to turn on. The courtesy lamps turn off
approximately 20 seconds after the last door is closed or
after the ignition key is placed in the ignition.
Parade Dimming
This feature prohibits the dimming of the instrument
panel lights during daylight while the headlamps are on.
This feature operates with the light sensor for the
Twilight Sentinel and is fully automatic. When the light
sensor reads darkness outside, the instrument panel
lights can be adjusted by turning the exterior lamps
control knob counterclockwise to dim and clockwise to
brighten lighting. Backlighting to the instrument panel
will turn on, regardless of light conditions.
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located in the roof unless your
vehicle has the optional sunroof where the lamps are
located above the windows. To turn them on, turn the
exterior lamps control knob all the way clockwise.
These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps
automatically come on when either door is opened and it
is dark outside. For manual operation, press the button
to turn them on. Press it again to turn them off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver
This feature is designed to protect your vehicle's battery
against drainage from the interior lamps, trunk lamp,
glove box lamp, cigarette lighters or the garage door
opener. When the ignition is turned off, the power to
these features will automatically turn off after 10
minutes (three minutes if a new car has 15 miles
(24 km) or less). Power will be restored for an additional
10 minutes if either door is opened, the trunk is opened
or the courtesy lamps are turned on.

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2-45 Storage Mode Personalization
This feature is for long-term use and must be
programmed through the Driver Information Center
(DIC) while the ignition is in RUN. Storage mode
personalization protects the battery by placing your
vehicle in a storage mode so that the radio, amplifiers,
instrument cluster and remote keyless entry will not
drain the battery over a long period of time. For
programming information, see ªMemory and
Personalization Featuresº in the Index.
Mirrors
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror
with Compass
Your vehicle has an electrochromic inside rearview
mirror with a compass.
When set in the MIRROR position, this mirror
automatically changes to reduce glare from headlamps
behind you.
The mirror also includes an eight
-point compass
display in the upper right corner of the mirror face.
When on, the compass automatically calibrates as the
vehicle is driven.
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause the
liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Mirror Operation
The right button located at the bottom of the mirror
turns the electrochromic mirror on and off. To turn on
the automatic dimming feature, press MIRROR. To turn
off automatic dimming, press MIRROR again. The
green indicator light will be illuminated when this
feature is active.
Compass Operation
Press the COMPASS button once to turn the compass on
or off.

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2-46
When the ignition and the compass feature are on, the
compass will show two character boxes for
approximately two seconds. After two seconds, the
mirror will display the compass heading.
If, after two seconds, the display does not show a
compass heading (ªNº for North, for example), there
may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the
compass. Such interference may be caused by a
magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder or a
similar magnetic item.
Compass Calibration
If the letter ªCº appears in the compass display, the
mirror may need calibration.
The mirror can be calibrated in one of two ways:

Drive the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less
until the display reads a direction, or

Drive the vehicle on your everyday routine.Compass Variance
The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory.
It will be necessary to adjust the compass to compensate
for compass variance if you live outside zone eight.
Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance
cross
-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust for
compass variance. Compass variance is the difference
between earth's magnetic north and true geographic
north. If not adjusted to account for compass variance,
your compass could give false readings.
To adjust for compass variance:
1. Use the COMPASS side of the button located at the
bottom of the mirror. Press and hold COMPASS
until a zone number appears in the display.
2. Find your current location and variance zone number
on the following zone map.

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2-50 Rear Storage Armrest (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear seat armrest
which includes an open storage compartment and a dual
cupholder that unfolds for use. To open, lift the front
edge. (This feature is available on vehicles with leather
interiors only.)
Convenience Net
The convenience net is located inside the back wall of
the trunk. Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the
net. It can help keep them from falling over during sharp
turns or quick starts and stops.
The net is not for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can. When not using the net,
hook the net to the tabs securing it to the sill plate.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
NOTICE:
Don't put papers or other flammable items
into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them, causing a
damaging fire.
Front Ashtray
The front ashtray is located below the climate control
system. To open, press on the lower edge of the cover.
Rear Ashtray
To use the rear ashtray, lift the lid.
Cigarette Lighter
The cigarette lighter is located near the ashtray. Press it
all the way in and release. It will pop back by itself
when it's ready to light. You may also have a lighter
located at the rear seat air outlet.
Note: Power to the cigarette lighter will shut off
10 minutes after the ignition is turned off. This helps
to prevent battery drainage. For more information, see
ªInadvertent Battery Saverº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won't be able to
back away from the heating element when it's
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.

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2-52
Assist Handles
A handle, located on each side pillar, can be used when
getting out of your vehicle.
Garment Hooks
For your convenience, a garment hook is attached to the
casing around the reading lamps in the rear of the
vehicle. To use, push the lower edge of the hook.
Floor Mats
Your vehicle is equipped with rubber-backed front and
rear floor mats. Keep them clean by vacuuming and
using a spot cleaner, if necessary. Do not machine wash.
Sunroof (Option)
The switch only works when the ignition is on or when
the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
Press the switch rearward and release to express
-open the
glass panel and sunshade. The sunshade can also be
opened by hand. If you want to stop the roof in a partially
opened position, press the switch in either direction. Press
and release the switch again to open it fully.
Press and hold the switch forward to close the glass
panel. The sunshade can only be closed by hand.
To open the vent, press the switch forward when the
glass panel is closed. Open the sunshade by hand. To
close the vent, press the switch rearward.

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2-62 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows 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 modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the air bag system, see ªAir
Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Charging System Indicator Light
When you turn the ignition
key to RUN, this light will
come on briefly to show
that the generator and
battery charging systems
are working.
If this light stays on, you need service and you should
take your vehicle to the dealer at once. To save your
battery until you get there, turn off all accessories.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle'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 is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.

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2-63
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.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See ªTowing Your Vehicleº
in the Index.)
CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you've
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
Parking Brake Indicator Light
This light comes on when
the parking brake is set, and
it will stay on if the parking
brake does not fully release.
If you try to drive with the
parking brake set, this light
will remain on.
This light should also come on briefly as you start the
vehicle. If it doesn't, have the light fixed so it will be
ready to remind you if the parking brake has not fully
released. For more information on how to release the
parking brake, see ªParking Brakeº in the Index.

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2-64 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light(s) will
come on when you start
your engine and may stay
on for several seconds.
That's normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the
light comes on when you're driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or
comes on again while you're driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light isn't
on, you still have brakes, but you don't have anti
-lock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, you don't have anti
-lock brakes and there's a
problem with your regular brakes. See ªBrake System
Warning Lightº earlier in this section.
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System Warning Light
This warning light should
come on briefly as you start
the engine. If the warning
light doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there's
a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you're driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:

If there's a brake system problem that is specifically
related to traction control, the traction control system
will turn off and the warning light will come on.

If the traction control system is affected by an
engine
-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.