Page 81 of 363

2-17
Trunk
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Trunk Lock
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and
turn it clockwise.
You can also use the remote keyless entry transmitter
(if equipped).
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).
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.
Page 84 of 363

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.
Page 85 of 363

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 89 of 363

2-25
Maximum engine speed is limited when your vehicle is
in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
There are several positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels.
It's the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply
your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing
it all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the
brake pushed down. Then move the shift lever out
of PARK (P), being sure to press the shift lever button.
See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in the Index.
Page 95 of 363

2-31 Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the
engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave. After
you've moved the shift lever into the PARK (P)
position, hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see
if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without first pushing the shift lever button. If you
can, it means that the shift lever wasn't fully locked
into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Page 96 of 363
2-32
Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You must fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in ON. See ªAutomatic Transaxle Operationº
in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the
shift lever button as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P) into the gear
that you want.If you ever hold the brake pedal down, but still can't
shift out of PARK(P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine, and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as you can.
Page 99 of 363
2-35
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can raise it to the highest level
to give your legs more room when you exit and enter
the vehicle.
The lever that enables you to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, hold the wheel and pull the lever.
Move the wheel to a comfortable level, then release the
lever to lock the wheel in place.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
Turn and Lane
-Change Signals
Headlamp High/Low
-Beam Changer
Flash
-to-Pass Feature
Windshield Wipers
Windshield Washer
For information on the exterior lamps, see ªExterior
Lampsº later in this section.