1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette instrument panel

yellowblue
2-86 Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how
fast you're going, how much fuel you're using, and many other things you'll need to drive safely and economically.
The indicator warning lights and gages are explained on the following pages.
United States shown, Canadian similar

yellowblue
2-89
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.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 70 seconds. If the
driver's belt is already
buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows a deployed 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 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.

yellowblue
2-93
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
your brakes begin to overheat, the traction control
system will turn off and the warning light will come
on until your brakes cool down.

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.
Low Traction Light (Option)
If your vehicle has the
traction control system,
there will be a LOW
TRACTION light on the
instrument panel.When your traction control system is limiting wheel
spin, the LOW TRACTION light will come on. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this light comes on, so
adjust your driving accordingly. The light will come on
and stay on for four seconds when your anti
-lock system
adjusts brake pressure for less than four seconds or
when your traction control system limits wheel spin for
less than four seconds. Otherwise, the light will go out
as soon as the anti
-lock system stops adjusting brake
pressure or the traction control system stops limiting
wheel spin.
The LOW TRACTION light also comes on briefly, as a
bulb check, when the engine is started. If the light
doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be there to
tell you when the system is active.

yellowblue
3-2
Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for you. Your comfort control system uses
ozone
-friendly R-134a refrigerant.
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a
flow
-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Fan Knob
The left knob is the fan knob and selects the force of air
you want. Turn the knob clockwise to increase fan speed
and counterclockwise to decrease fan speed. The fan
must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor
to operate.Temperature Knob
The center knob controls the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn it counterclockwise
(toward the blue area) for cooler air. Turn it clockwise
(toward the red area) for warmer air.
Mode Knob
This knob selects the direction of where the air will
enter the vehicle.
UPPER: This setting directs outside air through
the instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs outside air into
your vehicle in two ways. Cooler air is directed toward
your upper body through the front instrument panel
outlets, while warmed air is directed through the heater
ducts at your feet.
LOWER: This setting brings in most of the air
through the floor ducts. This setting is also used to send
air to the rear of the vehicle. Keep the area under the
front seats free of objects that could obstruct airflow to
the rear of the vehicle.

yellowblue
3-4 Heating
Turn the temperature knob clockwise (toward the red
area) to warm the air.
In the LOWER mode, outside air will be brought in and
sent through the floor outlets. The heater works best if
you keep your windows closed while using it.
The BI
-LEVEL setting is designed for use on sunny
days when the air is only moderately warm or cool. On
days like these, the sun may adequately warm your
upper body, but your lower body may not be warm
enough. For the best results, turn the temperature control
knob to the middle position, and then adjust it
for comfort.
If you have the optional engine coolant heater and use it
during cold weather, 0
F (
-18
C) or lower, your heating
system will provide heat more quickly because the
engine coolant is already warmed. See ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
To rapidly defrost the windshield, turn the temperature
control knob all the way clockwise (to the red area) and
turn the mode knob to DEFROST. Adjust the fan to the
highest speed.
To keep the windshield clear and bring in heated air
through the heater ducts, turn the mode knob
to DEFOG.
When the temperature outside is above freezing, the air
conditioner compressor will run in these settings to help
remove moisture from the air.
Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger
vents located on the top of the instrument panel. For
additional side window defogging, turn the mode knob
to the BI
-LEVEL setting and adjust the fan to the
highest speed. Aim the side vents on the instrument
panel toward the side windows. For increased airflow to
the side vents, close the center vents.

yellowblue
3-6
Rear Fan Control
This option comes with the rear climate controls.
Keep the area around the base of the center instrument
panel console and the area between and under the front
seats free of objects that would obstruct airflow to the
rear of the vehicle.
The rear fan control is
located below the climate
control system, in
the switchbank.
Turn the fan to the desired setting for the amount of air
to be directed to the rear of the vehicle. The temperature
of the air will be the same as the air in the front of the
vehicle. The rear fan control in the instrument panel
switchbank has an R setting which allows the rear
passengers to use the rear climate control knobs to
adjust the air through the rear air outlets.Rear Comfort Controls
The rear climate control knobs are in the panel located
above the driver's seat.
Turn the temperature knob counterclockwise (to the blue
area) for cooler air, or clockwise (to the red area) for
warmer air.

yellowblue
3-7
To maintain a comfortable temperature in the rear, use
either rear fan control to adjust the force of air coming
through the rear outlets.
Select the desired climate control mode using the
directional controls on the instrument panel (see ªMode
Knobº earlier in the section). The mode you choose will
regulate both the front and rear climate control systems.
Rear Air Vents
To maximize airflow through the rear heater outlet,
place the left bucket seat in the second row in the
forward position (see ªAdjusting Rear Seatsº in
the Index).
The vent behind the left rear seat is the cold air return
vent. Be sure to keep it free of obstructions.
Keep the area around the base of the center instrument
panel console and between and under the front seats free
of objects that could obstruct airflow to the rear.

yellowblue
3-8 Ventilation System
Your vehicle's flow-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the fan is running.
Your vehicle has air outlets that allow you to adjust the
direction and amount of airflow inside the vehicle. Push
the outlet up or down to direct airflow to your
preference. Increase or reduce the amount of airflow by
opening and closing the louvers. Opening and closing
the louvers will also direct airflow from side to side.
The air
-flow through the vents can be shut off
completely by turning the thumb
-wheel next to each
outlet all the way down. You can also stop outside air
from entering by turning the fan to OFF and pushing the
RECIRCULATION button.
Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). This will
allow the heater and defroster to work much better,
reducing the chance of fogging the inside of
your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
blower fan to its highest setting ª5º for a few
moments before driving off. This helps clear the
intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the
chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

Keep the area around the base of the center
instrument panel console and the air path under the
front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate
throughout your vehicle.

In cold weather, operating the system in the
OUTSIDE AIR mode will improve the time it takes
to warm the vehicle.