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 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-11 Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-17 Trunk
2
-18 Theft
2
-20 Passlock
2-20 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-21 Ignition Positions
2
-22 Starting Your Engine
2
-23 Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
2
-24 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-29 Parking Brake
2
-30 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-32 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-33 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-33 Engine Exhaust2
-34 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-34 Horn
2
-35 Tilt Wheel
2
-35 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-42 Exterior Lamps
2
-45 Interior Lamps
2
-48 Mirrors
2
-52 Storage Compartments
2
-53 Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
2
-54 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-56 OnStar System (If Equipped)
2
-59 Power Sunroof (Option)
2
-60 HomeLink Transmitter (If Equipped)
2
-64 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-68 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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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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.
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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 located on the steering wheel or
press the CRUISE button located 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 lever on the left side of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
: Turn the outside part of the lever with this symbol
on it to operate the lamps.
The exterior lamp switch has three positions.
OFF:
Turning the switch to this position turns off all
lamps, except the Daytime Running Lamps, (DRL).
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(Parking Lamps): Turning the switch to
this position turns on the parking lamps together with
the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamp
Instrument Panel Lights
(Headlamps): Turning the switch to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
Turn the control to OFF to turn off the lamps.
A warning chime will sound, indicating the lamps are on
when the driver's door is open and the ignition switch is
in the OFF or ACCESSORY position.
Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic
Headlamp Control
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lamps are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it isn't covered.
The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on,
the exterior lamp control is not in the headlamp
position position and
the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker and
other lamps won't be on. The instrument panel won't be
lit up either.
2-44
When it's dark enough outside, your front turn signal
lamps will turn off and your headlamps and parking
lamps will turn on.
When it's bright enough outside, your headlamps will go
off and your front turn signal lamps will come on.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL or automatic
headlamps off, set the parking brake while the ignition is
in OFF. Then start your vehicle. The DRL, headlamps
and parking lamps will stay off until you release the
parking brake.
To turn off the automatic headlamp feature when it's
dark outside, move the exterior lamp control to the
parking lamp position. Your parking lamps will remain
illuminated and your headlamps will turn off. The fog
lamps (if equipped) will also be lit if they were on when
you changed to the parking lamp position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
The fog lamps are located
on the left side of the
instrument panel.
The parking lamps must be on or your fog lamps will
not illuminate.
To turn the fog lamps on, press the top of the fog lamp
switch. Press the bottom of the switch to turn the fog
lamps off. A light will glow in the switch to let you
know that they are on.
The fog lamps will go off whenever you change to
high
-beam headlamps. When you return to low beams,
the fog lamps will come on again.
2-71 Charging System Indicator Light
The charging system light
will come on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to
ON as a check to show you
it's working. Then it should
go out.
If it stays on, or comes on while you're driving, you
may have a problem with the charging system. It could
indicate that you have a loose drive belt or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving
while this light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
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.
United States Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there's
a problem.
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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.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn't release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
A warning chime will sound if your parking brake is set
and the transaxle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
United States Canada
With the anti
-lock brake system, the light will come on
when your engine is started and may stay on for three
seconds. That's normal.
If the anti
-lock brake system warning light stays on
longer than normal after you've started your engine, turn
the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays 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 light is
on and the regular brake system warning light isn't on, you
still have brakes, but you don't have anti
-lock brakes.
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.