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2-18 Trunk Release Handle
NOTICE:
The trunk release handle was not designed to be
used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk release handle could damage it.
There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located
inside the trunk on the latch. This handle will glow
following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to
open the trunk from the inside.
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit
To help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your
trunk, you can order a trap
-resistant trunk kit from your
dealer. This kit includes:
a modified trunk latch,
a lighted release handle, and
seatback tethers (for vehicles with folding
rear seatbacks).
See your dealer for additional information.
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.
Page 83 of 363

2-19 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
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still 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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2-20
Passlock
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft
-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft
-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel to go to the engine 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
flow is disabled.
During normal operation, the SECURITY light will
go off approximately five seconds after the key is turned
to START.
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, contact Oldsmobile Roadside
Assistance. See ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index
for more information.
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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2-21
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key
to four different positions.
Your ignition switch is located on the instrument panel.
A (OFF): This position locks your ignition and
transaxle. It's a theft
-deterrent feature. It's also the
only position from which you can remove your key.
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.
B (ACCESSORY): 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. In this position
your steering wheel will unlock. Use ACCESSORY if you
must have your vehicle pushed or towed.
C (ON): This position is where the key returns to
after you start the vehicle. With the engine off, you
can use ON to display some of your warning and
indicator lights.
D (START): This position starts your engine.
Page 100 of 363

2-36 Turn and Lane-Change Signals
The turn signal lever has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or
down. When the turn is finished, the lever will
return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.
As you signal a turn or lane change, if the arrow flashes
faster than normal, a signal bulb may be burned out and
other drivers won't see your turn signal.If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned
-out bulbs and then check
the fuse. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.
A chime will sound if you leave your turn signal on for
more than 3/4 mile (1.2 km).
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
When the high beams are
on, this light will appear on
the instrument panel.
To change your headlamps from low beam to high
beam, push the lever away from you. To change back to
low beam, pull the lever toward you.
To flash your high beams, pull the lever toward you and
release. The lever will return to the low
-beam position.
Fog lamps, (if equipped), will not be illuminated while
the headlamps are in the high
-beam mode.
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2-37 Flash-to-Pass Feature
With the lever in the low-beam position, pull the
lever toward you momentarily to switch to high beams
(to signal you are going to pass). If you have the
headlamps on, they will return to low beams when
you release the lever.
Windshield Wipers
Use this lever located on the right side of the steering
wheel to operate the windshield wipers.
OFF: Move the lever to OFF to turn off the
windshield wipers.INT (Intermittent): Move the lever to INT to choose a
delayed wiping cycle. Turn the INT ADJ band down for
a longer delay or up for a shorter delay. The further the
INT ADJ band is turned upward, the shorter the delay
will be and the further the INT ADJ band is turned
downward, the longer the delay will be. The wiper speed
can only be adjusted when the lever is in the INT
position. Use this position for light rain or snow.
LO (Low Speed): Move the lever up to the first setting
past INT, for steady wiping at low speed.
HI (High Speed): Move the lever up to the second
setting past INT, for steady wiping at high speed.
MIST: Move the lever all the way down to MIST for a
single wiping cycle. Hold it there until the windshield
wipers start; then let go. The windshield wipers will stop
after one wipe. If you want more wipes, hold the band
on MIST longer.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wipers. If this
occurs, a circuit breaker will stop the wipers until the
motor cools. So, be sure to clear any ice and snow from
the windshield wiper blades before using them. If the
wiper blades are frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen them, or warm the windshield before turning the
wipers on. If your blades do become worn or damaged,
get new blades or blade inserts.
Page 102 of 363
2-38 Windshield Washer
At the end of the lever on right side of the steering
wheel, 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
cycles and then either stop or return to the 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.
The LOW WASHER
FLUID light, located on the
instrument panel will come
on when your vehicle is low
on washer fluid.
If you see this light while driving, your vehicle's washer
fluid is low. You should refill the windshield washer
fluid reservoir as soon as possible so that you'll have
washer fluid when you need it.
Page 104 of 363
2-40
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 located on the
right side of the
instrument panel to turn
it on. A light in the
button will indicate that
the system is on.2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press the COAST SET
button located 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 do the following:
Step lightly on the brake pedal,
press the CLEAR button located on the steering
wheel or
press the CRUISE button located on the
instrument panel.