1998 Oldsmobile Aurora Owners Manual

the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies

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3. Just before it reaches the end, give it a quick pull. 4. Let the belt go back all the way. You should hear a slight clicking sound. If you don’t, the adjustment feature won’t set, and you’ll have to start again.

5. Now you can add a small amount of slack. Lean

forward slightly, then sit back. If you’ve added more than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack, pull the shoulder belt out as you did before and start again.

If you move around in the vehicle enough, or if you pull out the shoulder belt, the belt will become tight again. If this happens, you can reset it.

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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. Don’t allow more than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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 1 buckle nearest you.

@’ What’s wrong with this?

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.

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12.' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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 retailer to fix it.

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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.

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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 Passeng . Position

If this happens, just let the belt

same way as -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the way, you will engage the

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 the driver’s safety belt the lap portion of the belt out all child restraint locking feature. 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 “Next Generation” reduced-force frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Reduced-force frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

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 safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a air bag for that person.

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-

A CAU LON:.

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure yon. This is true even with reduced-force frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with reduced-force air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

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” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.

A CAUTT3N:

AIR BAG

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

close to, an

Children who are up against, or very air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants.

CAUTION: (Continued)

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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.

How the Air Bag System Works

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.

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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.

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 8 to 11 mph (13 to 18 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. 1-24

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 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 sensors are activated 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 retailer 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.

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 retailer and the Aurora 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.

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. Don’t let anyone start the vehicle, even to tow it, unless the battery cables are first disconnected.

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 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.

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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.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until

it clicks.

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3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

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.

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The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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

TTTi3N:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. 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.

1-34

A -AUTION:

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 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 infaIit’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.

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at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 2404b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

A CAUTION: a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash 1-36

CAUTION: (Continued)

Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. @ 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.

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 crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.

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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.

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A booster seat (F, G ) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs. (1 8 to 27 kg) and about four to eight years of age. It’s 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.

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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 CAUTION:

is because

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. This 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 far back as it move the front passenger seat as will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in the 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

If your child restraint has a top strap, your retailer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The retailer can then install the anchor for you. In Canada, this work will be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Aurora retailer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your retailer can tell you how to do it. Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored.

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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.

3. 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.

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.

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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

5. 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.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

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.

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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.

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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. 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:

A child in a rearfacing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. 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.

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. I. 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.

5. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the

retractor to set the lock.

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.

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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. Larger Children

6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap 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.

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. 0 Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in

a crash.

0 Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other

people who are.

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. &.’ 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.

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A 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.

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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 retailer 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 you ever see a label on the driver’s or the right front passenger’s safety belt that says to replace the belt, be sure to do so. Then the new belt will be there to help protect you in a collision. You would see this label on the belt near the latch plate. 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.

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L@% NOTES

1-53

NOTES

1-54

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- 14 2-15 2- 16 2-1s 2- 19 2-20 2-21 2-23 2-27 2-28 2-30 2-3 1

Keys Door Locks Remote Lock Control TrUIlk Theft Universal Theft-Deterrent PASS-Key(% New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (Option) Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn

2-3 1 2-3 3 2-34 2-34 2-42 2-45 2-48 2-52 2-55 2-55 2-55 2-56 2-60 2-64 2-75

Engine Exhaust Windows Tilt Wheel Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Cellular Telephone (Option) Accessory Power Outlet Sunroof (Option) Universal Transmitter Instrument Panel Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Driver Information Center

2-1

Keys

Leaving young 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 power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

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The ignition keys are for the ignition only.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the retailer removes the plugs from the keys and gives them to the first owner. However, the ignition key may not have a plug. If the ignition key doesn’t have a plug, there will be a bar-coded key tag instead. Each plug or tag has a code on it that tells your retailer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the plugs or tags in a safe place.. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using these plugs or tags. If your ignition keys don’t have plugs or tags, go to your retailer for the correct key code if you need a new ignition key.

The door Keys are for the doors and all other locks.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of features that can help prevent theft. But 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.

Door Locks

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your door key or remote lock control transmitter.

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 belt properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

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From the inside, to lock the door, rotate the locking lever forward. To unlock the door, rotate the locking lever rearward. There is a red mark on the switch when the door is unlocked.

Central Door Unlocking System If the driver’s door key is held in the unlock position for more than one second, all doors will unlock. Power Door Locks

With power door locks, you can lock or unlock all doors of your vehicle from the driver or front passenger door lock switch.

Door Ajar Reminder If a door is not fully closed when the transaxle is in gear, a chime will sound and the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display one of these messages: DRIVER DOOR AJAR PASSENGER DOOR AJAR LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR Programmable Automatic Door Locks This is a Personalization feature that programs your door locks to automatically lock or unlock. Close the doors and turn on the ignition. Every time you move the shift lever out of PARK (P), all of the doors will lock. And, every time you stop and move the shift lever into PARK (P), the doors will unlock. If someone needs to get out while you’re not in PARK (P), have that person use the manual or power lock. When the door is closed again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the manual or power lock to lock the door again. If you need to lock the doors before shifting out of PARK (P), use the manual or power lock button to lock the doors.

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Customizing Your Automatic Door Locks Feature You can program the automatic door locks feature to change to the following modes:

Mode Operation

No automatic door lock or unlock. All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock. All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). Only the driver’s door automatically unlocks when shifted into PARK (P). All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). All doors automatically unlock when shifted into PARK (P).

Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 3. To change the modes: 1. Close all doors and turn the ignition on. Keep all

doors closed throughout this procedure.

2. Press and hold the lock position on the driver’s

power door lock switch through Step 4.

3. Press the LOCK button on the remote lock control

transmitter. The automatic door locks will remain in the current mode.

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4. Press the LOCK button on the transmitter again.

Each time the transmitter’s LOCK button is pressed, the mode will advance by one, going from Mode 3 to 0 to 1, etc. NOTE: The door locks will cycle according to the mode entered while customizing memory door locks. (Mode “0” has no feedback.)

5. Release the power door lock switch. The automatic door

locks will remain in the most recent mode selected.

6. Turn the ignition to OFF. Delayed Locking This Personalization feature lets the driver delay the actual locking of the vehicle. When the power door lock switch is pressed with the key removed from the ignition and the driver’s door open, a chime will sound three times to signal that the lock delay mode is active. When all doors have been closed, the doors will lock automatically after five seconds. If any door is opened before this, the five-second timer will reset itself once all the doors have been closed again. Pressing the door lock switch twice within two seconds will override this feature.

Personalization Programming The delayed locking feature can be turned on or off for each driver’s remote lock control transmitter. To turn the feature on: 1. Press and hold the lock position on the driver’s

power door lock switch throughout this procedure. All of the doors will lock.

2. Press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter to

enter the programming mode. The lock delay is still off and all doors will remain locked.

3. Press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter again.

Lock delay is now active and all doors will unlock.

4. Release the power door lock switch. To turn the feature off, repeat this procedure. This procedure changes the mode for only the transmitter used to change this setting. The procedure will need to be repeated for the second transmitter. Rear Door Security Locks Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside.

To Use One of These Locks 1. Open one of the rear doors.

2. Move the lever on the door all the way up to the ENGAGED position.

3. Close the door. 4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from inside when this feature is in use.

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To Open a Rear Door When the Security Lock is On

I. Unlock the door from the inside, or from the outside using the remote lock control or central door unlocking feature.

To Cancel the Rear Door Lock 1. Unlock the door from the inside or from the outside using the remote lock control transmitter or central door unlocking feature.

2. Open the door from the outside.

3.

4.

Move the lever all the way down. Do the same for the other rear door.

2. Then open the door from the outside or from the

outside using the remote lock control transmitter or central door unlocking feature. 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.

The rear door locks will now work normally.

Anti-Lockout Feature The power door locks will not work if the key is left in the ignition with the driver’s door open. You can override this feature by holding the power door lock switch for more than three seconds, unless the engine is running. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, open your door and set the locks from the inside, then get out and close the door. Remote Lock Control

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. 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.

This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). 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 to determine if battery replacement or resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions that follow. 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. If you’re still having trouble, see your retailer or a qualified technician for service.

Operation The driver’s door will unlock when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, all doors will unlock. Pressing the UNLOCK button will also illuminate the interior lamps. See “Illuminated Entry” in the Index. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed.

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The trunk will unlock when the trunk button is pressed and the ignition is off. The trunk button will also work when the ignition is on while in any gear.

Instant Alarm When the button with the horn symbol on the remote lock control transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to one minute. This can be turned off by pressing the instant alarm button again, unlocking the vehicle with a key or by turning the ignition on.

Resynchronization If only the instant alarm button works, the transmitter needs to be resynchronized to the receiver. Do this by pressing and holding both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for about eight seconds. You must be within range of the vehicle. Once the transmitter has been resynchronized, the horn will chirp and the exterior lamps will flash once. The system should now operate properly.

Personalization Features The following list of features that are available on your vehicle can be programmed to the driver’s preference for each transmitter.

transmitter.

Memory Door Locks: This feature programs your door locks to automatically lock or unlock when shifting in and out of PARK (P). Security Feedback: This feature provides feedback to the driver when the vehicle receives a command from the remote lock control Delayed Locking: This feature lets the driver delay the actual locking of the vehicle. When all doors have been closed, the doors will lock automatically after five seconds. Perimeter Lighting: When the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed, the headlamps, parking lamps, back-up lamps and cornering lamps will turn on in dark conditions. Memory Seat and Mirrors: This feature programs your driver’s seat and outside mirrors to a set memory position when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed.

For more detailed information and programming instructions, refer to the Index for each individual feature listed above.

Security Feedback This personalization feature provides feedback to the driver when the vehicle receives a command from the remote lock control transmitter. The following modes may be selected:

Mode Security Feedback

No transmitter response when locking or unlocking the vehicle. No transmitter response when locking; headlamps, parking lamps and cornering lamps flash when unlocking the vehicle. Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering lamps flash when locking; no response when unlocking the vehicle. Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering lamps flash when locking and when unlocking the vehicle. Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering lamps flash and horn chirps when locking; no response when unlocking the vehicle. Headlamps, parking lamps and cornering lamps flash and horn chirps when locking; exterior lamps flash when unlocking the vehicle.

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Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 5. To change to another mode: 1. Turn the ignition key to OFF. 2. Press and hold the lock position on the driver’s

power door lock switch throughout this procedure. 3. Press the trunk button on the transmitter to enter the programming mode. The transmitter will remain in its current mode.

4. Press the trunk button again. Each time the trunk

button is pressed, the horn will chirp and the transmitter will advance to the next mode.

5. Release the power door lock switch. This procedure changes the mode for only the transmitter used to change this setting. The procedure will need to be repeated for the second transmitter.

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 retailer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your retailer. When the retailer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your retailer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters matched to it. See your retailer to match transmitters to another vehicle.

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- .

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.

3.

4.

5.

For battery replacement, use a Duracell@battery, type DL-2032, or a similar type.

To replace the battery: 1.

Insert a coin into the notch near the key ring. Turn the coin to the left to separate the two halves of the transmitter. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil eraser to remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. Replace the battery as the instructions under the cover indicate. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure no moisture can enter. Resynchronize the transmitter by pressing and holding the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for eight seconds within range of the vehicle. Once the transmitter is resynchronized, the horn will cllrp and the exterior lamps will flash once.

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Trunk Trunk Lock Release To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the door key and turn it. Remote Trunk Release

Remote Trunk Release Lockout

The trunk release switch in the glove box allows you to secure items in the trunk.

Press the TRUNK release button located to the right of the steering column to release the trunk lid. The trunk release override switch must be in the on position.

The system also works with the remote lock control. The trunk will unlock when the trunk button is pressed, but only when the ignition is off. The trunk button will also work when the ignition is on while in any gear.

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Move the trunk release switch to OFF, lock the glove box and take the key with you. Now the trunk release to the right of the steering column will not open the trunk. However, the remote lock control transmitter will still open the trunk. Trunk Security Override The remote lock control transmitter will open the trunk even if the override switch is in the OFF position.

A 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: 0 Make sure all windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on any airflow selection except RECIRC. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index. 0 If you have air outlets on or under the

instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

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. With the ignition off and the driver’s door open, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition and transaxle. 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.

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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 ignition key?

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area. Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the storage area. Close all windows. Move the trunk security override switch to OFF. Lock the glove box. Lock all the doors except the driver’s. Then take the door key and remote lock control transmitter with you.

Universal Theft-Deterrent Your vehicle has a theft-deterrent alarm system. With this system, if your ignition is off, the SECURITY light will flash as you open the door.

This light reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Here’s how to do it:

SECURITY

1. Open the door. 2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or remote lock control system. The SECURITY light should come on and stay on.

3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off

after about 30 seconds. The security system is not armed until the SECURITY light is off. If the SECURITY light stays on or flashes when the ignition is turned on, there is a problem with the system and the vehicle should be serviced.

If the SECURITY light comes on for one minute and then shuts off while the ignition is on, the security system has detected a problem with itself. See your retailer for service.

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If a door or the trunk is opened without the key or remote lock control transmitter, the alarm will go off. It will also go off if the trunk lock or door locks are damaged. Your vehicle’s lamps will flash and the horn will sound for several minutes, then will go off to save battery power. Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if you lock the doors with a key or manual door lock. It only activates if you use the power door lock switch or remote lock control transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off, but this does not shut off the alarm. Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:

If you don’t want to activate the theft-deterrent system, lock the door either using a key, or the manual door lock switch. Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote lock control system. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm.

I f you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door with your key.

You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK on the remote lock control transmitter. The alarm won’t stop if you try to unlock a door any other way. Testing the Alarm The alarm can be tested by following these steps: 1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver’s

window and open the driver’s door.

2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the remote lock control transmitter.

3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the

SE.CURITY light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual door lock and open the door. This should set off the alarm.

If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the vehicle’s lamps flash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers’’ in the Index. If the alarm does not sound, or the vehicle’s lamps do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an authorized service center.

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PASS-Key@ I1

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key I1 (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key I1 is a passive theft-deterrent system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.

PASS-Key I1 uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. When the PASS-Key I1 system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won’t work and fuel won’t go to the e,ngine. If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key during this time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match.

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The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine does not start and the SECURITY light is on or you get the CLEAN KEY...WAIT 3 MINUTES message on the DIC, the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off. Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your retailer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key 11. If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work. The SECURITY light will flash and the CLEAN KEY... WAIT 3 MINUTES message will appear. But you don’t have to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.

See your retailer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key I1 to have a new key made. If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY light comes on or PASS-KEY SYSTEM FAULT appears, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key I1 system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key I1 system. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key I1 ignition key, see your retailer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key I1 to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Aurora Roadside Assistance Center at 1-800-442-OLDS (6537). In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.

New Vehicle 44Break-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:

Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information.

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Ignition Positions

With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the switch to five positions: ACCESSORY (A): In this position you can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you.

LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can remove the key. This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel like LOCK and it doesn’t send any electrical power to the accessories. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is not running. RUN (D): This is the position that the switch returns to after you start your engine and release the switch. This is the position for driving. Even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel warning lights.

START (E): This position starts your engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to RUN for normal driving.

FNOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But 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.

Key Reminder Warning If you leave your key in the ignition, with the engine off, you will hear a warning chime when you open the driver’s door.

Retained Accessory Power After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you will still have electrical power to such accessories as the radio, power windows, and sunroof (if equipped) for up to 10 minutes. But if you open a door, power is shut off. Always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave your key in any other position than LOCK, you battery will discharge prematurely. Starting Your Engine 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 Aurora is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

Starting Your 4.0L Engine 1. Without pushing 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.

I 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.

2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in

START for about three seconds at a time until your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.

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.

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 retailer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

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Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

In very cold weather, 0 OF (- 18 O C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get 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. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt AC outlet.

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 won’t 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 retailer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The retailer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

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Automatic Transaxle Operation

There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

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It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in the PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes bcfore you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

I NOTICE:

Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. 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 “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index. 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.

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEU‘l’RAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (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. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

I NOTICE:

Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

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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 selector lever is put in FIRST (l), the transaxle won’t shift into FIRST (1) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

If your front wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transaxle. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (0): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re:

Going less than approximately 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 kmh) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (0). Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (@):

When driving on hilly, winding roads, When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears, or When going down a steep hill.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power OVERDRIVE (a) or THIRD (3). You can use but lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC 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.

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Parking Brake

Selectable Shift This button lets you change from a normal driving mode to a power mode. For general driving conditions, use the normal mode. Press the button on your shift lever so that it’s either in the NORMAL or the POWER position. When it’s in the NORMAL position, the line on the button will be showing. When in POWER, the line is not showing. In the NORMAL position, the transaxle shifts at lower engine speeds. For increased performance, you may choose the POWER mode.

Setting the parking brake: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the parking brake indicator light will come on.

Shifting Into PARK (P)

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 won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake by pushing down the parking brake pedal with your left foot.

Releasing the parking brake: You will need to use the PUSH TO RELEASE parking brake pedal. Hold the regular brake down and push the parking brake pedal with your left foot. This will unlock the pedal. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the released position. If you try to drive with the parking brake on, the parking brake indicator light stays on. The PARK BRAKE SET message will appear in the Driver Information Center, and a chime will sound until you release the parking brake or recycle the ignition.

NOTICE:

Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.

If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That part shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

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2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) as follows:

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

vehicle with the

It can be dangerous to leave your engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.

Hold in the button on the lever. Push the lever all the way down toward the front of your vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 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).

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave 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 the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P).

Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “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)” in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

Shifting Out of PARK (P) Your vehicle has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See “Shifting the Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- 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 OFF. Open and close the

driver’s door to turn off the retained accessory power feature.

2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear

you want.

5. Take your vehicle to an authorized service center

as soon as you can.

Parking Over Things That Burn

Engine Exhaust

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange or different.

0 Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. 0 Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris. Repairs weren’t done correctly.

0 Your vehicle or exhaust system had been

modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: 0 Drive it only with all the windows down to

blow out any CO; and

0 Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

Windows Power Windows

Switches on the driver’s armrest control each of the windows while the ignition is on or Retained Accessory Power is active. In addition, each passenger’s door armrest has a switch for its own window.

Express-Down Window The switch for the driver’s window has an express-down feature. Pull the switch back for more than a half second, release it and the window will lower automatically. To partially open the window, pull the switch back and quickly release it. To stop the window from lowering, pull the switch again, then release. To raise the window, hold the switch forward. Window Lock Press the right side of the WINDOW LOCK switch on the driver’s armrest to disable all passenger window switches. The driver’s window controls will still be operable. This is a useful feature when you have children as passengers. Press the left side of the WINDOW LOCK switch to allow passengers to use their window switches again. Horn Nearly the entire surface of the center pad of the steering wheel is an active horn switch. Press anywhere on the pad to sound the horn.

Running Your Engine While You’re P-_- I-ed It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

/ L CA 7 O N :

Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust”). Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan switch 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. “Blizzard” in the Index.)

(See

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. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).

Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index.

Tilt Wheel

Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever

::..,".

.. ..:. s;r:

A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever toward you. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the wheel in place.

The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your: 0 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator

Cruise Control Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer Parking Lamps

0 Flash-To-Pass Feature

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Turn and Lane Change Signals The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.

1 An arrow on the instrument

panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.

To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane changp The lever will return bv itself when you release it.

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t flash but just stay on, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.

Turn Signal On Chime If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), a chime will sound and the DIC will display the TURN SIGNAL ON? reminder message. To turn off the chime, move the turn signal lever to the off position. To turn off the DIC message, press any button on the DIC.

Headlamps

Sidemarker Lamps Taillamps Instrument Panel Lights

0 License Plate Lamps

-‘a-

/ , Turn the band to this symbol to turn on:

Headlamps Parking Lamps Sidemarker Lamps Taillamps Instrument Panel Lights License Plate Lamps

Turn the band to OFF to turn off the 1ampsAights. Lamps On Reminder If the headlamp switch is left on you’ll hear a warning chime when you turn the ignition off, remove the key from the ignition and open the driver’s door.

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Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer

To change the headlamps