2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owners Manual

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belts. Here is how to wear one properly. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not 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. 1-24 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 on page 1-31. 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. 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 would 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. 1-25 The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. {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. 1-26 To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Center Rear Passenger Position 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. 1-27 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 on page 1-31. 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. 1-28 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions 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 booster seats and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here is 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. 1-29 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. 1-30 To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and in slide them between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed. 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. 1-31 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-23. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. Child Restraints Older Children Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should ﬁt snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly. Older children who have outgrown booster seats 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. 1-32 {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 for Children and Small Adults on page 1-29. 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. 1-33 {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. Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. 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. 1-34 Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint. {CAUTION: People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint. 1-35 {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 outstanding protection for adults and older children, 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. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. 1-36 {CAUTION: The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint, state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs. {CAUTION: Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints. 1-37 Child Restraint Systems An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous ﬂat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle. A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. 1-38 A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields. A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the ﬁt of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a ﬁve-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. 1-39 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. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The ﬁve-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a ﬂat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side. 1-40 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, therefore, recommend that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger 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 a rear seat. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is 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 Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is anchored properly. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available. 1-41 {CAUTION: Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single bracket could cause the anchor to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per bracket. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say. 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. Anchor the top strap to an anchor point speciﬁed in Top Strap Anchor Location on page 1-43. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. 1-42 Top Strap Anchor Location 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. Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Do not use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position because there is no place to anchor the top strap. Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You will ﬁnd anchors (A) in the rear outside seat positions. This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead, it uses vehicle anchors (A, B) and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap (C). 1-43 In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system. 1-44 To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system has a label on the seatback at each lower anchor position. The labels are located near the base of the rear outside seat positions. {CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint. See “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System” or “Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position” in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle. 1-45 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System 1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach the top strap to the top strap anchor. See Top Strap on page 1-41. Tighten the top strap according to the child restraint instructions. 5. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top strap from the top tether anchor and then disconnect the anchor points. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43. See Top Strap on page 1-41 if the child restraint has one. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. 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. 1-46 Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. 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. 1-47 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. 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. 1-48 Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43. See Top Strap on page 1-41 if the child restraint has one. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you’ll be using the lap belt to secure the child restraint in this position. 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. 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. 1-49 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. 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. 1-50 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 is 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 a rear seat. If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43. See Top Strap on page 1-41 if the child restraint has one. 1-51 A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the restraint in this position. 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 Manual Seats on page 1-2. 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. 1-52 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. 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. 1-53 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 designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They aren’t designed to inﬂate at all in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some 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. 1-54 {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. {CAUTION: 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 CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued) 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 Older Children on page 1-32 and Infants and Young Children on page 1-34. There is a air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. 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 on page 3-26. 1-55 Where Are the Air Bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-56 {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 causing severe injury or even death. 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. When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? An air bag is designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. 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, rear impacts, or in many side 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 and near-frontal impacts. 1-57 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 the vents in the deﬂated air bags. Air bag inﬂation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle. 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 many 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. 1-58 {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 a door. If you experience breathing problems following an air bag deployment, you should seek medical attention. 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. • Air bags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an air bag inﬂates, 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. • 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. • 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. If you damage the covering for the driver’s Notice: 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. 1-59 Restraint System Check 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. 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 Publications Ordering Information on page 7-12. {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. 1-60 If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system 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 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) on page 1-54. Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash {CAUTION: A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible. If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts? 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 parts. 1-61 ✍ NOTES 1-62 Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............................................................2-2 Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-3 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-4 Doors and Locks .............................................2-7 Door Locks ....................................................2-7 Power Door Locks ..........................................2-8 Delayed Locking .............................................2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................2-9 Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-10 Lockout Protection ........................................2-11 Leaving Your Vehicle ....................................2-12 Trunk ..........................................................2-12 Windows ........................................................2-14 Manual Windows ..........................................2-14 Power Windows ............................................2-15 Sun Visors ...................................................2-15 Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-16 Passlock® ....................................................2-16 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-16 New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-16 Ignition Positions ..........................................2-17 Starting Your Engine .....................................2-18 Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-20 Automatic Transaxle Operation .......................2-22 Manual Transaxle Operation ...........................2-25 Parking Brake ..............................................2-27 Shifting Into Park (P) .....................................2-28 Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-30 Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal ..................2-30 Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-31 Engine Exhaust ............................................2-31 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....2-32 Mirrors ...........................................................2-33 Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-33 Outside Remote Control Mirror .......................2-33 Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-33 Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-34 Storage Areas ................................................2-34 Glove Box ...................................................2-34 Cupholder(s) ................................................2-34 Center Console Storage Area .........................2-35 Sunroof .........................................................2-35 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. Do not 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 to the dealer, the key has a key tag. This tag has a bar-coded key code that tells your dealer how to make extra keys. This tag may be removed and kept by your dealer. If it hasn’t been removed, keep the tag in a safe place. If you lose your key, your dealer can easily make another one by using the key code. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information. Notice: you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys. If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, Remote Keyless Entry System If equipped, the keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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. 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. 2-3 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: • Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. • 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. • Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4. • If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualiﬁed technician for service. Remote Keyless Entry System Operation 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 keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. The following functions are available with the keyless entry system: Q (Lock): Press this button to lock all doors. 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. 2-4 W (Unlock): Press this button once to unlock the driver’s door. If the 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. V (Remote Trunk Release): Press this button to open the trunk, if the trunk lockout is not engaged. You can open the trunk with the transmitter when the vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h), when the parking brake is engaged, or when the ignition is off. The interior lamps will come on for 10 seconds or until the ignition switch is turned to ON. L (Remote Alarm): Press this button to make the horn sound and the headlamps and the parking lamps ﬂash for up to two minutes. The interior lamps will come on and remain on while the horn is sounding and the lamps are ﬂashing. Turn off the horn and lamps by pressing the remote alarm button again or by turning the ignition to ON. Programmable Horn Chirp When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock the doors or use the delayed locking feature the parking lamps will ﬂash and the horn will chirp. Disable the programmable horn chirp 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. Reactivate the horn chirp feature by repeating the above procedure. Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry 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 a maximum of four transmitters matched to it. 2-5 Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about four 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. To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry transmitter do the following: 1. Use a ﬂat object like a coin 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 up. 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. 2-6 Doors and Locks Door Locks {CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. (cid:127) Passengers — especially children — can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued) (cid:127) Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it. (cid:127) Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening. There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key or remote keyless entry system, if your vehicle is equipped with this feature. If your vehicle has remote keyless entry, you can only use your key to unlock the driver’s side door. 2-7 Delayed Locking This feature will allow the driver to delay the actual locking of the vehicle. This feature will not operate if the key is left in the ignition. See Lockout Protection on page 2-11. With the key out of the ignition and the driver’s door open, pressing LOCK on the driver’s power door lock switch will not immediately lock the other doors. Instead a seven second delay will start and three chimes will be heard. Seven seconds after the driver’s door has been closed, all of the doors will lock and the parking lamps will ﬂash. The horn will also chirp if the horn chirp feature is enabled. See “Programmable Horn Chirp” previously for more information. If the driver opens another door before the seven seconds, the doors will not lock until seven seconds after the last door is closed. Press LOCK twice on the power door lock switch on the driver’s door to lock the doors without a delay or press the LOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter while all doors are closed. From the inside, you can lock or unlock the door by moving the manual lever forward or rearward. Power Door Locks With the power door locks, you can lock or unlock all of the doors on your vehicle using the driver’s or front passenger’s door lock switch. Press the bottom of the switch to lock all of the doors. Press the top of the switch to unlock all of the doors. 2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks Programmable automatic power door locks are intended to provide enhanced security and convenience by automatically locking and unlocking doors. This features lets you program your power door locks to one of four different modes. Customizing the Automatic Door Locks for Automatic Transaxle Vehicles 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. Mode 2: This mode is only available on vehicles equipped with a remote keyless entry 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. Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock. Mode 4: No automatic door lock or unlock. Customizing the Automatic Door Locks for Manual Transaxle Vehicles 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. Mode 2: This mode is only available with the remote keyless entry 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. Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). No automatic door unlock. Mode 4: No automatic door lock or unlock. 2-9 Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory it was programmed in Mode 1. To determine the current mode or to change to a different mode, do the following: 1. Put an automatic transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in REVERSE (R) with the parking brake engaged and turn the ignition to ON. 2. Press and hold the lower part of the power door lock switch for 10 seconds. Release the switch when you hear the chime. 3. 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 the lower part of the power door lock switch (two chimes for Mode 2, three chimes for Mode 3 and four chimes for Mode 4). 4. Repeat Step 2 until you hear the number of chimes that matches the mode you want. The mode you selected is now set. 2-10 Rear Door Security Locks If your vehicle is a four-door model, it has rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside. The switch is located on the inside of each rear door. To use the security locks, do the following to each rear door: 1. Move the switch up. 2. Close the door. The rear doors on 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, do the following: 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 a rear door lock, do the following: 1. Unlock the door from the inside and open it from the outside. 2. Move the switch down. 3. Do the same to the other rear door. The rear doors will now work normally. Lockout Protection Lockout protection is intended to provide enhanced security and convenience. This feature prevents a driver who has left the key 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 any door is open, press and hold down the power door lock switch for three seconds. This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be locked out of your vehicle. If you don’t leave the key in the ignition, or if you use the manual door lock or the remote keyless entry transmitter, you could still lock your keys inside your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys with you. 2-11 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. Trunk To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and turn the trunk lock cylinder or use the remote keyless entry transmitter, if your vehicle has this feature. When closing the trunk, push the trunk lid in the center to ensure that the lock 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: (cid:127) Make sure all other windows are shut. (cid:127) Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Climate Control System” in the Index. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. 2-12 (cid:127) Remote Trunk Release Emergency Trunk Release Handle Press the remote trunk release button, located on the driver’s door, to release the trunk lid. The remote trunk release will only work when either the ignition is off, the parking brake is engaged or the vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h). Notice: Using the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk may damage it. Use the emergency trunk release handle only to help you open the trunk lid. There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located inside the trunk on the trunk latch. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to open the trunk from the inside. 2-13 Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit To help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your trunk, you can order a trap-resistant trunk kit from your dealer. This kit includes: • a modiﬁed trunk latch, • a lighted release handle, and • seatback tethers (for vehicles with folding rear seatbacks). See your dealer for additional information. Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather. 2-14 Manual Windows On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window crank to open and close each window. Power Windows If your vehicle has power window switches, they are located on the armrest on the driver’s door. In addition, each passenger door has a window switch. Express Down Window The driver’s window switch has an express down feature. Press the rear of the switch slightly down, and the driver’s window will open a small amount. If the rear of the switch is pressed all the way down, the window will go all the way down. To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front of the switch. To raise the window, press and hold the front of the switch. Window Lockout On four-door models, the driver’s power window controls also include a window lockout. Press the right side of the lockout switch (LOCK) to prevent the passengers from using their window switches. The driver can still operate all of the windows with the lock on. Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors and slide them along the rod to cover different areas of the front window. You can also swing them to cover the side windows. Visor Vanity Mirror Swing down the driver’s side sun visor and lift the cover to expose the vanity mirror. 2-15 Theft-Deterrent Systems 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. Passlock® Your vehicle has 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 about ﬁve seconds after the ignition key is turned to ON and the engine is started. After attempting to start the engine, if the SECURITY light ﬂashes or stays on, wait ten minutes with the key in ON until the light goes off. Then turn the ignition to OFF before attempting to start the engine again. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information. Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: (cid:127) Do not drive at any one speed — fast or slow — for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. (cid:127) Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings are not 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. (cid:127) Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a Trailer on page 4-39 for more information. 2-16 Ignition Positions With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to four different positions. A (OFF): This is the only position from which you can remove the key. With an automatic transaxle, the shift lever must be in PARK (P) with the ignition in OFF to remove the key. With a manual transaxle, the shift lever must be in REVERSE (R) with the ignition in OFF to remove the key. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door while the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition. If your key seems stuck in OFF and you Notice: 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 unlocks the transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is not running. To use ACCESSORY, 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. C (ON): This position is where the key returns to after you start your engine and release the key. The ignition 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 accessories and to display some instrument panel warning lights. D (START): This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON for normal driving. 2-17 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned to OFF. Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON to OFF, the radio will continue to work up to 10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened. 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: Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle moving could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. 2-18 Manual Transaxle The shift lever should be in neutral and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the ﬂoor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down – that’s a safety feature. Starting Your 2.2L L4 ECOTEC™ Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it doesn’t start, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engine by turning the ignition key to START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try. When your engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Don’t “race” your engine when it’s cold. If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts brieﬂy but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for ﬁve or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Notice: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine might not perform properly. Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine warms up. Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If the engine doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the way down while you turn the key to START. Do this until the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of the key. 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine still won’t start or starts brieﬂy but then stops again, repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on temperature. When the engine starts, release the key and the accelerator pedal. Notice: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine might not perform properly. 2-19 Engine Coolant Heater 2.2L L4 ECOTEC™ Engine 3400 V6 Engine Your vehicle may have this feature. In very cold weather, 0°C (−18°F) or colder, the engine coolant heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required. 2-20 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. On the 2.2L L4 ECOTEC™ engine, the engine coolant heater cord is located in front of the coolant surge tank on the passenger’s side. On the 3400 V6 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is located near the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for more information on location. 3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. {CAUTION: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a ﬁre. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps. 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged. How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area. 2-21 Automatic Transaxle Operation Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the console between the seats. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can not 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. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. 2-22 Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular brake and press the shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-30 later in this section. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-30. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. {CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting your vehicle. 2-23 SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. Notice: Driving in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2). FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift into ﬁrst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: • Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. • Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. Notice: Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase speed may damage the transaxle. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving. However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): • When driving on hilly, winding roads. • When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears. • When going down a steep hill. 2-24 Manual Transaxle Operation This is your shift pattern. The clutch must be fully pressed in when shifting a manual transaxle to ensure the transaxle is fully in gear. Here’s how to operate your transaxle: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less that 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever into Neutral and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1). SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to Neutral. Neutral: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and lift up on the ring on the shift lever to shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. Once the shift lever is in REVERSE (R), the ignition can be turned to OFF and the key removed. 2-25 Up-Shift Light Shift Speeds {CAUTION: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Don’t shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. If you have a manual transaxle, you may have a SHIFT light located on the instrument panel cluster. This light will show you when to shift to the next higher gear for the best fuel economy. When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher gear if the weather, road and traffic conditions permit. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on. 2-26 Parking Brake Automatic Transaxle shown, Manual Transaxle similar To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake handle. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-28. To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake handle up until you can press the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake handle all the way down. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. 2-27 Shifting Into Park (P) 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this: {CAUTION: It can be 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. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. If your vehicle is an automatic transaxle, do the following to shift into PARK (P): 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake. 2-28 • Press and hold the button on the shift lever. • Push the shift lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle. 3. Turn the ignition key to OFF. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P). 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. Do not leave your vehicle with the engine running. Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your automatic 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 “torque lock.“ 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 Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-28. 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 your vehicle 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). If you have to leave your automatic transaxle model vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is ﬁrmly set before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without ﬁrst pushing the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P). 2-29 Shifting Out of Park (P) If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system which locks the shift lever in PARK when the ignition is in the OFF position. In addition, you have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON. See Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-22. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY. There is no shift interlock in this key position. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear you want. 5. Have the system ﬁxed as soon as possible. Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal Before leaving your manual transaxle model vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) and ﬁrmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release the clutch. See Manual Transaxle Operation on page 2-25. 2-30 Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust {CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can not see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: (cid:127) Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. (cid:127) Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. (cid:127) Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. (cid:127) Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris. (cid:127) Repairs were not done correctly. (cid:127) Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modiﬁed improperly. If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: (cid:127) Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and (cid:127) Have your vehicle ﬁxed immediately. 2-31 {CAUTION: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn. {CAUTION: It can be 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. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-28. If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a trailer, also see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. Running Your Engine While You Are Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. {CAUTION: Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under Engine Exhaust on page 2-31. Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the climate control fan is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in a garage with the engine running. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See Winter Driving on page 4-26. 2-32 Mirrors Outside Power Mirrors Manual Rearview Mirror The mirror can be adjusted two ways. First, to adjust the height of the mirror, adjust the arm that connects the mirror to the windshield. Second, adjust the angle of the mirror, by moving the mirror to a position that allows you to see out of the back window. To reduce glare from headlamps behind you, move the lever toward you to the night position. To return the mirror to the daytime position, move the lever away from you. Outside Remote Control Mirror The outside rearview mirror should be adjusted so you can see a little of the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. Adjust the driver’s outside mirror with the control lever on the driver’s door. To adjust your passenger’s mirror, sit in the driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for you. If your vehicle has power mirrors these controls are located on the driver’s door. First move the selector switch left or right depending on which mirror you want to adjust. Then use the arrows on the control pad to move the mirror in the desired direction. 2-33 Outside Convex Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. {CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes. Storage Areas Glove Box To open, pull the glove box latch toward you. Cupholder(s) Pull down the door on the rear of the center console to use the rear seat cupholders. 2-34 Center Console Storage Area The center console has two separate storage areas. To open, pull up on the lid. Sunroof If your vehicle has this feature, the switch is located on the headliner between the sun visors. The sunroof will only operate while the ignition is in ON. The sunroof can be opened to a vent position or it can be express-opened all of the way. To open the sunroof to the vent position, you must ﬁrst open the sunshade by hand. Then push the switch back and release it. To fully open the sunroof, push the switch back again and release it. In both the vent and fully open positions, the air ﬂow can be adjusted for driving comfort by pushing and holding the switch forward until the sunroof moves to the desired position. To close the sunroof, push the switch forward and hold it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if the switch is released during operation. Close the sunshade by hand. The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if your vehicle has an electrical failure. Notice: sliding glass panel, damage will occur and the sunroof may not open or close properly. Always close the glass panel before closing the sunshade. If you force the sunshade forward of the 2-35 ✍ NOTES 2-36 Section 3 Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Overview ...............................3-2 Hazard Warning Flashers ................................3-4 Other Warning Devices ...................................3-5 Horn .............................................................3-5 Tilt Wheel .....................................................3-5 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever .........................3-6 Windshield Wiper Lever ...................................3-9 Cruise Control ..............................................3-10 Exterior Lamps .............................................3-14 Interior Lamps ..............................................3-16 Accessory Power Outlets ...............................3-18 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter ........................3-19 Climate Controls ............................................3-19 Climate Control System .................................3-19 Outlet Adjustment .........................................3-22 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators .............3-23 Instrument Panel Cluster ................................3-24 Speedometer and Odometer ...........................3-25 Tachometer .................................................3-25 Safety Belt Reminder Light .............................3-26 Air Bag Readiness Light ................................3-26 Charging System Light ..................................3-27 Up-Shift Light ...............................................3-28 Brake System Warning Light ..........................3-28 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light .............3-29 Enhanced Traction System Warning Light .........3-30 Enhanced Traction System Active Light ............3-31 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage ..................3-31 Low Coolant Warning Light ............................3-32 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............................3-32 Oil Pressure Light .........................................3-35 Change Engine Oil Light ................................3-36 Security Light ...............................................3-37 Cruise Control Light ......................................3-37 Low Washer Fluid Warning Light .....................3-37 Service Vehicle Soon Light ............................3-38 Fuel Gage ...................................................3-38 Audio System(s) .............................................3-39 Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ..................................3-39 Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) .........................................3-40 Radio with CD (Base Level) ...........................3-40 Radio with CD (Up Level) ..............................3-45 Radio with Cassette and CD ..........................3-55 Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios) ...........................................3-67 Understanding Radio Reception ......................3-67 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player .................3-67 Care of Your CDs .........................................3-68 Care of Your CD Player ................................3-68 Backglass Antenna .......................................3-69 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System (48 Contiguous US States) .........................3-69 Chime Level Adjustment ................................3-69 3-1 Instrument Panel Overview 3-2 The main components of your instrument panel are the following: A. Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-90. B. Air Outlets. See Outlet Adjustment on page 3-22. C. Instrument Panel Cluster. See Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-24. D. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. See Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-4. E. Audio System. See Audio System(s) on page 3-39. F. Climate Control System. See Climate Control System on page 3-19. G. Side Window Defogger Vent. See “Defogging and Defrosting” in Climate Control System on page 3-19. H. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped). See “Fog Lamps” in Exterior Lamps on page 3-14. I. Instrument Panel Brightness Thumbwheel. See “Instrument Panel Brightness” in Interior Lamps on page 3-16. J. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-6. K. Hood Release Handle. See Hood Release on page 5-10. L. Cruise Control Switches (If Equipped). See Cruise Control on page 3-10. M. Tilt Wheel Lever. See Tilt Wheel on page 3-5. N. Ignition Switch. See Ignition Positions on page 2-17. O. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See Windshield Wiper Lever on page 3-9. P. Enhanced Traction System Button (If Equipped). See Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9.

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2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owners Manual