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2-
2-1
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.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-9 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-13 Trunk Lid
2
-14 Theft
2
-15 Passlock
2-15 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-16 Ignition Positions
2
-17 Starting Your Engine
2
-18 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-19 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-23 Parking Brake
2
-24 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-26 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-26 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-27 Engine Exhaust2
-27 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-28 Windows
2
-29 Full Floating Horn
2
-29 Tilt Wheel
2
-30 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-36 Exterior Lamps
2
-38 Interior Lamps
2
-41 Mirrors
2
-45 Storage Compartments
2
-46 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-47 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-48 OnStar System (If Equipped)
2
-49 Power Sunroof (If Equipped)
2
-50 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-55 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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2-14 Remote Trunk Release
Press the button on the left
side of the instrument panel
to unlock the trunk from
inside your vehicle.
Your vehicle must be in
PARK (P).
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your ignition and transaxle will be locked.
And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key?
If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.
Close all windows.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all the doors except the driver's.
Then take the remote keyless entry transmitter
with you.
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2-15
Passlock
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft
-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft
-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock
cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.
During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go
off approximately five seconds after the key is turned to
the ON ignition position.
If the engine stalls and the SECURITY light flashes,
wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from START
as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine is running and the SECURITY light comes
on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the
engine off. However, your Passlock system is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle
is not protected by Passlock at this time. You may also
want to check the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº
in the Index). See your dealer for assistance.
In an emergency, call the Oldsmobile Roadside
Assistance Center at 1
-800-442-OLDS (6537)
(In Canada call 1
-800-268-6800).
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.
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Ignition Positions
Your ignition switch is located on the instrument panel.
With the ignition key in the switch, you can turn the
switch to four positions.
OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition switch,
the switch is in OFF. It's also the only position from which
you can remove your key. This position locks your
ignition and transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? 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.
ACC (B): This position lets you turn off the ignition.
It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield
wipers when the engine is off. Your steering wheel will
unlock. Use ACC if you must have your vehicle pushed
or towed.
ON (C): This position is where the key returns after you
start the vehicle. With the engine off, you can use ON to
display some of your warning and indicator lights.
START (D): This position starts your engine.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With retained accessory power, the power windows,
audio system and sunroof (if equipped) will continue to
work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to
OFF and none of the doors is opened.
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2-32
You can set the wiper speed for a long delay or short
delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light
rain or snow. Push the lever up one click to INT
(intermittent), then turn the band, located on the lever, to
adjust the delay time. Turn the band down for a longer
delay, up for a shorter delay. The wiper speed can only
be adjusted when the lever is in the INT position, not in
HI or LO.
Be sure to clear the ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they're frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.Windshield Washer
At the end of the right-hand lever on the steering wheel,
there is a wiper symbol. To spray washer fluid on the
windshield, push the button on the end of the lever. The
wipers will run for several sweeps and then either stop
or return to your preset speed.
CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes, the cruise control
shuts off.
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CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can't drive safely at a steady speed. So,
don't use your cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes
in tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control.
Don't use cruise control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the optional
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
(See ªTraction Control Systemº in the Index.)
When road conditions allow you to safely use it again,
you may turn the cruise control back on.Setting Cruise Control
CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control switch on when
you're not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you don't want to. You
could be startled and even lose control. Keep the
cruise control switch off until you want to use
cruise control.
1. Press the CRUISE
button on the right side
of the instrument panel
to turn it on. A light on
the button will indicate
that the system is on.
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2-34
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press the COAST SET
button on your steering
wheel and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator.
The CRUISE light on the instrument panel cluster will
come on after the cruise control has been set to the
desired speed. It will go off when you:
Step lightly on the brake pedal,
press CLEAR on the steering wheel or
press the CRUISE button on the instrument panel.Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course shuts off
the cruise control. But you don't need to reset it.
Once you're going about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more,
press the RES ACCEL
button on your steering
wheel. You'll go right back
up to your chosen speed and
stay there.
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Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to
be too much trouble and don't use cruise control on
steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to cancel the cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal,
press CLEAR on the steering wheel or
press the CRUISE button on the instrument panel.
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.Exterior Lamps
The lamp controls are located on the multifunction lever on
the left of the steering wheel. They control these systems:
Headlamps
Taillamps
Parking Lamps
License Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights