2000 Oldsmobile Alero Owners Manual

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Every 2000 Alero under warranty is backed with the following services: Bumper-to-Bumper 3-years/36,000 miles (60 000 km) Limited Warranty ( For vehicles purchased in Canada, ( For vehicles purchased in Canada, 1-800-442-OLDS 1-800-442-OLDS call 1-800-268-6800) call 1-800-268-6800) that provides in an emergency: Courtesy Transportation Free lockout assistance Free dead-battery assistance Free out-of-fuel assistance Free flat-tire change Emergency towing 2000 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual Litho in U.S.A. Part Number 22618959 A First Edition © Copyright General Motors Corporation 1999 All Rights Reserved Section 1 Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts Table of Contents Seats and Restraint Systems Air Bag Systems Child Restraints Features and Controls Keys and Door Locks Remote Lock Control Trunk Release Automatic Transmission (If Equipped) Manual Transmission Parking Brake Windows Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control Interior and Exterior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Convenience Net (If Equipped) Accessory Power Outlets Sunroof (If Equipped) Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Section 2 ii Table of Contents (cont'd) Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Section 3 Heating and Air Conditioning Setting the Radio Clock Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature Your Driving and the Road Section 4 Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Enhanced Traction System Steering Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer Section 5 Hazard Warning Flashers Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Problems on the Road Engine Overheating Changing a Flat Tire If You're Stuck iii Table of Contents (cont'd) Service and Appearance Care Section 6 Fuel Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Brakes Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Section 7 Scheduled Maintenance Owner Checks and Services Periodic Maintenance Inspections Maintenance Schedule Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Maintenance Records iv Table of Contents (cont'd) Customer Assistance Information Section 8 Customer Satisfaction Procedures Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual) Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10 Service Publications Section 9 In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read. Index Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Service Station Guide We support voluntary technician certification. For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez votre concessionaire ou au: DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9 GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, OLDSMOBILE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem and the name ALERO are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Oldsmobile Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. vi How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt. You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” vii Vehicle Damage Warnings Also in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE. viii Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. These symbols have to do with your lamps: These symbols are on some of your controls: These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights: Here are some other symbols you may see: For example, these symbols are used on an original battery: CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven: DOOR LOCK UNLOCK FASTEN SEAT BELTS POWER WINDOW MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH TURN SIGNALS PARKING LAMPS HAZARD WARNING FLASHER DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS AIR BAG FOG LAMPS WINDSHIELD WIPER WINDSHIELD WASHER WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER VENTILATING FAN ENGINE COOLANT TEMP BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM BRAKE FUSE LIGHTER HORN COOLANT SPEAKER ENGINE OIL PRESSURE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FUEL ix Service Station Guide Cooling System See Section 5 Tire Pressure See Section 6 Battery See Section 6 Spare Tire Pressure See Section 5 For a More Detailed Look at What's Under the Hood See Section 6 Hood Release See Section 6 Windshield Washer Fluid See Section 6 Engine Oil Dipstick See Section 6 Oil Viscosity Engine Oil See Section 6 Use unleaded gas only, 87 Octane or higher. See Section 6 Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. 1- 2 1- 9 1- 13 1- 14 1- 14 1- 22 1- 23 1- 23 1- 30 Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Rear Seat Passengers 1- 33 1- 35 1- 37 1- 39 1- 50 1- 53 1- 53 1- 53 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Center Passenger Position Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash 1- 1-1 2-Way Manual Seat Controls Lift the bar under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them -- and also about reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Seats CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. 1-2 Power Lift Seat-Forward/Rearward Controls (If Equipped) Power Lift Seat-Height Controls (If Equipped) Move the control lever under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place. The power seat switch is located on the lower left side of the driver’s seat. Raise the seat by holding the switch up. Lower the seat by holding the switch down. 1-3 Move the seat higher by lifting and holding the bottom of the switch. Lower the seat by pushing and holding the top of the switch. To move the seat forward, push the rear of the switch forward. To move the seat backward, push the front of the switch rearward. Raise the front of the seat by lifting and holding the bottom front end of the switch. Lower the front of the seat by pushing and holding the top front end of the switch. Raise the rear of the seat by lifting and holding the bottom rear of the switch. Lower the rear of the seat by pushing and holding the top rear of the switch. 6-Way Power Seat Controls (If Equipped) The power seat switch is located on the lower, left side of the driver’s seat. This switch allows you to move the seat up, down, forward, and backward. It also moves the front of the seat up or down and the rear of the seat up or down. 1-4 Manual Lumbar Support (If Equipped) Turn the knob on the right front of the driver’s seat cushion clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust support of the lower back. Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to an upright position. 1-5 CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. 1-6 Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Seatback Latches (2-Door Models) CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. The seatback latch is designed for one-handed operation. To fold a front seatback forward, lift the seatback latch fully without pushing forward on the seatback. Push the seatback to its original position, the seatback will lock. 1-7 Easy Entry Seat (2-Door Models) CAUTION: Rear Seats Folding the Rear Seat To fold down the rear seat, pull the release straps located in the trunk. If an easy entry right front seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearward on an easy entry seat to be sure it is locked. The right front seat of your vehicle makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat. 1. Fold the right front seatback forward by lifting the seatback latch fully. 2. The seat will slide forward to allow someone to get into the rear seat area. 3. Push the seatback upright to lock and slide the seat fully rearward to lock. 4. Adjust the seat to the desired position. 5. The front passenger should try to move the seat to make sure the seat is locked into place. 1-8 The right strap operates the right rear split seat. The left strap operates the left rear split seat. Fold the seatback down from the inside of the vehicle. Push the seatback up to return it to its original position. To make sure the seatback is secure, push the seatback into a fully upright position. Pull the seatback forward slightly to make sure that it is latched. The seatback should not fold down. Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too. CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.) 1-9 Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot! Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-10 Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-11 The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... or the instrument panel ... 1-12 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-13 or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight. 1-14 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-15 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. 1-16 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4-Door Models) Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. To move it down, squeeze the release button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the release button to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder. 1-17 Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-18 Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-19 Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-20 Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it. A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-21 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. 1-22 A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your vehicle has air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system: CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person. 1-23 CAUTION: CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children.” 1-24 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. How the Air Bag System Works The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information. Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. 1-25 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-26 When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 14 mph (14 to 23 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. 1-27 What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle. CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door. 1-28 In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service. NOTICE: If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings. If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as water up to the carpeting or higher -- or if water enters your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags inflate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to replace the air bags as well as the sensors and related parts. If your vehicle is ever in a flood, or if it’s exposed to water that soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless repair costs by turning off the vehicle immediately and disconnecting the battery cables. Don’t let anyone start the vehicle under any circumstances. See your dealer for service. Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index. CAUTION: For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so. The air bag system does not need regular maintenance. 1-29 Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. 1-30 If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. 1-31 CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. 1-32 To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt: 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip. 1-33 2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top. 1-34 To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Rotate the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed. Center Passenger Position 1-35 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. Lap Belt When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-36 Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. CAUTION: Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint. Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle. 1-37 CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint. CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued) 1-38 Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle. 1-39 A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable. 1-40 A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat. 1-41 When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why: A booster seat (F) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window. 1-42 CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it. Top Strap In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Your vehicle has top strap anchors already installed for the rear seating positions. You’ll find them behind the rear seat on the filler panel. 1-43 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Anchor the top strap to this bracket. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. 1-44 Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-45 To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 5. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. 1-46 1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. 1-47 Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.) 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. 1-48 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 1-49 Larger Children 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. 1-50 Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. D Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. D Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are. CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time. Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt. 1-51 CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. 1-52 Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the adjuster may need to be replaced. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section. 1-53 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 2- 4 2- 9 2- 13 2- 15 2- 16 2- 16 2- 17 2- 18 2- 20 2- 22 2- 25 2- 27 2- 28 2- 30 2- 30 Keys Door Locks Remote Lock Control (If Equipped) Trunk Theft PasslockR New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Switch Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) Automatic Transaxle Operation Manual Transaxle Operation Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only) Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only) Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle Models Only) 2- 2- 31 2- 31 2- 32 Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transaxle) 2- 33 Windows 2- 34 Tilt Wheel 2- 34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2- 41 Exterior Lamps 2- 44 Interior Lamps 2- 46 Mirrors 2- 47 Storage Compartments 2- 48 Ashtray and Lighter (If Equipped) 2- 48 Sun Visors 2- 49 Auxiliary Power Accessory Outlet 2- 49 Sunroof (If Equipped) 2- 50 Instrument Panel - Your Information System 2- 54 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-1 Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children. 2-2 One key is used for the ignition and all locks. When a new vehicle is delivered, the key has a bar-coded key tag. This tag may be removed by your dealer before it is delivered. Each tag has a key code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the tag in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have one made easily using this tag. If you need a new key, go to your dealer for the correct key code. In an emergency, call the Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Center at 1-800-442-OLDS (6537). (In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.) NOTICE: Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent theft, therefore you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys. 2-3 Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle. 2-4 There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key or remote lock control system, if your vehicle is equipped with this feature. From the inside, you can lock the door by pushing the locking lever forward. To unlock the door, pull the locking lever rearward. Power Door Locks With the power door locks, you can unlock or lock all of the doors of your vehicle from the driver or front passenger door lock switch. Push the top of the switch to unlock all of the doors. Push the bottom of the switch to lock all of the doors. Automatic Door Locks Just close your doors and turn on the ignition. All of the doors will lock when you move your shift lever out of PARK (P) to REVERSE (R) for an automatic transaxle. All of the doors will lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) for a manual transaxle. If someone needs to get out while the vehicle is running, have that person use the door lock. When the door is closed again, it will lock automatically when the vehicle reaches about 5 mph (8 km/h). All doors will automatically unlock when the shift lever is moved to PARK (P) and when the key is turned to OFF. Programmable Automatic Door Locks Programmable Automatic Door Locks is a standard feature intended to provide enhanced security and convenience by automatically locking and unlocking the doors. 2-5 One of four operating modes may be selected and programmed by the driver for an automatic transaxle: D Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). The doors will remain locked unless manually unlocked or the lock button is pressed. All doors will unlock when the transaxle is shifted into PARK (P) and the key is turned to OFF. One of the four operating modes may be selected and programmed by the driver for a manual transaxle: D Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). The doors will remain locked unless manually unlocked or the lock button is pressed. All doors will unlock when the transaxle is shifted into REVERSE (R) and the key is turned to OFF. D Mode 2: This mode is only available with the remote lock control transmitter. All doors automatically lock when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the transaxle is shifted into PARK(P) and the key is turned to OFF. D Mode 2: This mode is only available with the remote lock control transmitter. All doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the transaxle is shifted into REVERSE (R) and the key is turned to OFF. D Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock. D Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). No automatic door unlock. D Mode 4: No automatic door lock or unlock. D Mode 4: No automatic door lock or unlock. The Programmable Automatic Door Locks will be in operating mode 1 when the vehicle is shipped from the factory. 2-6 Disconnecting the vehicle battery for up to one year will not change the programmed mode of the Programmable Automatic Door Locks. The operating mode of the Programmable Automatic Door Locks will be changed when the driver performs the following sequence with the doors closed and the vehicle’s ignition key is turned to ON. Perform the following procedure for an automatic transaxle in PARK (P) and manual transaxle in REVERSE (R) and the parking brake engaged. To change the mode: 1. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch for 10 seconds. Release the switch when you hear the chime. 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is in. You can change the mode by pressing and holding LOCK on the power door lock switch (two chimes for mode 2, three chimes for mode 3 and four chimes for mode 4). 3. Repeat Step 1 until you hear the number of chimes that matches the mode you want. The mode you selected is now set. Delayed Locking The Delayed Locking feature is standard and makes it easier to use your power door locks at any time either manually or with the power door lock switches. This feature will not operate if the key is left in the ignition. See Anti-Lockout Protection later in this section. When the driver leaves the vehicle and the driver’s door is open and pushes the power door lock switch to LOCK, three chimes will be heard. The doors will not lock. Seven seconds after the driver’s door has been closed, all of the doors will lock, the parking lamps will flash and the horn will sound. If the driver opens another door before the seven seconds, the doors will not lock until seven seconds after the last door is closed. If the power door lock switch is pressed to LOCK twice when leaving the vehicle, the doors will lock immediately. 2-7 Rear Door Security Locks (4-Door Models) Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside. The switch is located on the inside of the rear door. To use the security locks: 1. Move the switch up. 2. Close the door. 3. Do the same thing on the other rear door. The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on: 1. Unlock the door from the inside. 2. Then open the door from the outside. If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and older children know how these security locks work, and how to cancel the locks. To cancel the rear door lock: 1. Unlock the door from the inside and open it from the outside. 2. Move the switch down. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. The rear doors will now work normally. 2-8 Anti-Lockout Protection Anti-Lockout Protection is a standard feature intended to provide enhanced security and convenience. This feature prevents a driver who has left the keys in the ignition from locking the doors using the power door locks while any door is open. To override this feature, when the key is in the ignition and a door is open, hold the power door lock switch in the lock position for three seconds. This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be locked out of your vehicle. If you don’t leave the keys in the ignition, if you use the manual door lock, or if you use the remote lock control transmitter (if equipped), you could still lock your keys inside your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys with you. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving your vehicle, open your door and set the locks from the inside, then get out and close the door. Remote Lock Control (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote lock control transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your remote lock control operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. 2-9 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: D Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. D Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. D Check to determine if battery replacement or resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions that follow. D If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service. Operation The following functions are available with the keyless entry system: LOCK: All doors will automatically lock when the LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. The interior lamps will turn off after all of the doors are closed. If all of the doors are closed, the parking lamps will flash twice and the horn will chirp to indicate locking has occurred. 2-10 UNLOCK: The driver’s door will unlock automatically when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within five seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior lamps will stay on for 10 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. The parking lamps will flash twice to indicate unlocking has occurred. : The trunk will unlock anytime the vehicle symbol on the transmitter is pressed, the trunk lockout is not engaged and the ignition is to ON along with the shift lever to PARK (P) and the parking brake is engaged or the ignition is to OFF. The interior lamps will come on for 10 seconds or until the ignition switch is turned to ON. : The horn will chirp and the headlamps and the parking lamps will flash for up to one minute when the horn symbol on the transmitter is pressed. The interior lamps will come on for about 10 seconds or until the ignition is turned to ON. This can be turned off by pressing the horn symbol button again or by turning the ignition to ON. Programmable Horn Chirp When you use the remote lock control transmitter to lock the doors or use the delayed locking feature the parking lamps will flash and the horn will chirp. The programmable horn chirp can be disabled by pressing and holding either of the door lock switches in the unlock position for 10 seconds with the ignition ON and all of the doors closed. When you hear the horn chirp, programming is complete. To reactivate the horn chirp feature, repeat the above procedure. Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote lock control transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters matched to it. 2-11 Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote lock control transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. NOTICE: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter. 2-12 To replace the battery in the remote lock control transmitter: 1. Use a small coin or flathead screwdriver to separate the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter. 2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces down. Use one three-volt, CR2032, or equivalent, type battery. 3. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the cover is on tightly, so water won’t get in. 4. Resynchronize and then test the transmitter. Resynchronization Your keyless entry system is equipped with a security system that prevents anyone from recording and playing back your signal. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal that has been sent to it more than once. To resynchronize your transmitter and receiver, follow these directions: 1. Stand close to your vehicle. 2. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter at the same time. 3. Hold the buttons for seven seconds. In this time, the doors should lock and unlock once. This confirms the resynchronization. If the doors do not lock and unlock, see your dealer for service. Trunk To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and turn the trunk lock cylinder or use the remote lock control transmitter (if equipped). When closing the trunk, close from the center to ensure it fully latches. 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: D Make sure all other windows are shut. D 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 “Comfort Controls” in the Index. D If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. 2-13 Remote Trunk Release Remote Trunk Release Lockout Your trunk release is equipped with a lockout feature to help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk when the vehicle is left unattended. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch. The remote trunk release button is located on the driver’s door. Push the remote release button to release the trunk lid. Make sure the remote trunk release lockout feature is not activated. The trunk will unlock when the remote trunk release button is pressed, the remote trunk release lockout is to OFF and D the ignition is to ON, the shift lever is to PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged and D the ignition is to OFF. 2-14 To turn the lockout on, slide the switch all the way to the left, to ON. To turn the lockout off, slide the switch all the way to the right, to OFF. When the lockout is on, the remote trunk release button on the driver’s door will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk lid can still be opened with the key, but not with the remote lock control transmitter (if equipped). 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 key? D If possible, park in a busy, well lit area. D Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the storage area. D Close all windows. D Move the trunk release lockout switch to the ON position. D Lock the glove box. D Lock all the doors except the driver’s. D If your vehicle has a remote lock control system, take the transmitter with you. 2-15 PasslockR 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 has not been tampered with. During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go off approximately five seconds after the ignition key is turned to ON and the engine is started. If the SECURITY light flashes with the key to ON, wait 10 minutes until the light goes off. Then turn the ignition to OFF before attempting to start the engine. In an emergency, call the Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Center at 1-800-442-OLDS or 1-800-442-6537. (In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.) 2-16 New Vehicle “Break-In” NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: D Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. D 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. D Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information. Ignition Switch With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to four positions. OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition switch, the switch is off. It is the only position from which you can remove the key. With an automatic transaxle, the shift lever must be to PARK (P) with the ignition to OFF to remove the key. With a manual transaxle, the shift lever must be to REVERSE (R) with the ignition to OFF to remove the key. This position locks your ignition and transaxle. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition. ACC (Accessory) (B): This position unlocks the transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is not running. To use ACC, turn the key clockwise to the first position Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle. ON (C): This position is where the key returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel warning lights. START (D): This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON for normal driving. 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. 2-17 Starting Your Engine Automatic Transaxle Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Starting Your 2.4 Liter L4 Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let

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2000 Oldsmobile Alero Owners Manual