1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owners Manual

The 1997 Oldsrnobile Silhouette Owner’s Manual

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Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Oldsmobile. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a probletn while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Oldsmobile running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle manitenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Oldsmobile for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, OLDSMOBTLE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem and the name SILHOUETTE are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. Please keep this manual in your Oldsmobile, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

Natlonal Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 2265981 1 A First Edition ii

0 Copyright General Motors Corporation I996 All Rights Reserved

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. - p\ CAUIION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

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Vehicle Damage Warnings Also in this book you will find these notices:

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NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

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Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

ACID COULD &

CAUSTIC BATTERY

CAUSE BURNS

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

,\I/,

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

SIGNALS e

TURN

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

DAYTIME . RUNNING * ' LAMPS . * *

WINDOW DEFOGGER

$0

VENTILATING FAN

FOG LAMPS

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

LIGHTER

COOLANT TEMP

CHARGING 1'1 BATTERY (a)

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE W

FUEL

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

HORN )tr SPEAKER b

kab NOTES

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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Oldsmobile and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

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Seats and Controls Manual Seats Power Seats Folding Driver’s Seatback Reclining Front Seatbacks Manual Lumbar Control Head Restraints Rear Seats Second Row Safety Belt Stowage Dump and Stow Feature Solid Bench Seats Split Bench Seats Captain Chairs Why Safety Belts Work

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Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Questions and Answers About Air Bags Reat Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Important for Buckling Children in Child Restraints Using the Built-In Child Restraint How to Use Child Restraints Child Restraint Top Straps How to Obtain a Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Parts After a Crash

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, take them out, put them back in, and fold & unfold them. Driver’s 4-way Manual Seat

To raise the scat, pull up on the lever on the front right side of the seat. To lower the seat, push the lever down.

Use the lever on the front left side of the seat to adjust the seat forward or backward. Pull up the lever on the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. To make sure the seat is locked into place, release the lever and try to move the seat with your body.

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

6-Way Power Seats (Option)

Folding Driver’s Seatback

To adjust the six-way power seat: Front Control (A): Raise the front of the seat by holding the switch up. Hold the switch down to lower the front of the seat. Center Control (B): Move the seat forward or backward by holding the control to the front or back. Raise or lower the seat by holding the control up or down. Rear Control (C): Raise the rear of the seat by holding the switch up. Hold the switch down to lower the rear of the seat.

The seatback on the driver’s seat folds forward to put items behind the seat. Lift the lever and fold the seatback forward. The seatback will lock into place when you push it back to the upright position.

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Manual Front Passenger Seats

To use, pull up the lever on the front of the seat to unlock it.

Reclining Front and Captain’s Chair Seatbacks All front seats recline.

To adjust the seatback, rotate this knob. It is easier to recline the seat if you lean forward, taking your weight off the seatback.

Slide the seat to where you want it. To make sure the seat is locked into place, release the lever and try to move the seat with your body.

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Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is m motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined

if your vehicle is moving.

Manual Lumbar Control

Turn the knob on the outboard side of the seat to adjust the lower back support.

When you replace the seats in the vehicle, be sure to follow the label on the back of the seat for proper location. Follow h s diagram when the text in this manual tells you what sets of floor cups to use for each seat.

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Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Rear Seats Seat Controls The rear seats in your vehicle have levers and straps used to adjust, remove and replace the seats. By using the levers and straps, in the correct order, you can easily remove the seats from your vehicle.

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Dump and Stow Feature The rear seats in your vehicle, except the Captain’s chairs, can be folded forward. Use this feature for exiting and entering third row seats. Push adjustable head restraints fully down. Fold the seatback flat on the seat. If the seat adjusts, slide it all the way back. Release the rear set of hooks from the floor pins; hang on to the straps as the seat folds forward.

Second Row Safety Belt Stowage If your vehicle has seats in the third row, there is a sleeve on the second row outside safety belt to store the safety belt while entering and exiting the third row of the vehicle. If your vehicle has a bench seat in the second row, follow this procedure:

Pull the belt out and slide the sleeve along the belt until it reaches the patch of Velcro@ on the roof. Simply press the sleeve against the Velcro patch to secure it in place.

Do not have the second row outside safety belt stored if someone is sitting in the second row outside position. The safety belt would not protect the passenger correctly. To release the second row outside safety belt, just pull the sleeve away from the Velcro patch and use the safety belt as usual. The sleeve should slide freely when not in use. ~ n e r e is also a clip on the safety belt used to secure the belt after it is disconnected from the mini-buckle. When removing the second row bench seat, secure the loose end of the safety belt in this clip. This will keep the safety belt from dangling and possible striking something.

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Removing the Second Row Solid Bench Seat With the seatback in the upright position, unhook the side attachment for the safety belt. This mini-buckle is located on the right side of the seat.

Push up the red center on the buckle with a small pointed object like a key or pen.

1. Pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat to fold

the seatback forward.

Solid Bench Seat If you have a solid bench seat, the seatback can be folded down. The seat can also be folded forward or removed to provide extra storage space. Second Row Solid Bench Seats Folding the Seatback

' pull the nylon strap on the

To fold down the seatback,

back of the seat.

To raise the seatback, pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat while raising the seatback until it locks upright. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked.

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2. From behind the bench seat, pull the nylon strap at the base of the seat to release the rear latches from the floor pins.

4. Unhook the front latches by rolling up the gray

handle under the seat until the handle locks.

3. Do not let go of the straps until the seat is folded all

the way forward.

5. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly towards the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out. This should be done in one motion.

1. Place the front hooks of

the bench seat onto the front two floor pins. To do this, the seat will need to be angled so that the front hooks clear the floor pins.

2. With the seat still folded forward, roll down the gray

handle underneath the seat to lock the front latches.

Replacing the Second Row Solid Bench Seat Don’t put the bench seat in so it faces backward because it won’t latch that way. The solid benches have seat position labels, located on the back of the seat, showing where the seat must go. Follow that diagram. Use the A, C and E sets of floor cups. See “Seat Controls” in the beginning of this section for more details. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly.

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3. If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear

legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

4. Firmly push the rear hooks into the rear floor pins by

pushing down on the rear of the seat.

5. Try to raise the bench seat to check that it is

locked down.

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A CAUTION:

A seat that isn't locked into place properly can move around in a collisio~l or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

6. Pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat and raise

the seatback until it locks upright.

7. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is

locked into place.

If the seatback isn't locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

8. Attach the mini-buckle so that the safety belt is

ready for use when a passenger uses the seat. The buckle reattaches by pushing the latch into the buckle until the red center pops out again.

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Adjusting the Third Row Solid Bench Seat

Third Row Solid Bench Seats Folding the Seatback To fold down the seatback, pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat.

To raise the seatback, pull the nylon strap while raising the seatback until it locks upright.

Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked.

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Removing the Third Row Solid Bench Seat 1. Pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat to fold

the seatback forward.

2. Slide the seat all the way back by either lifting the

front adjuster bar and pushing back, or by lifting the handle on the back of the seat and pulling the seat towards the rear of the vehicle.

3. From behind the bench seat, pull the nylon straps at the base of the seat to release the rear latches from the floor pins.

There are two levers to adjust the seat forward or rearward. They are below the center position of the bench, one in front and one in back of the seat. Lift up either lever and slide the seat forward to allow for extra storage behind the seat, or slide the seat back to allow extra room for third row passengers. Release the lever. Push and pull on the seat to be sure it is locked into place.

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4. Do not let go of the straps until the seat is folded all

the way forward.

5. Unhook the front latches by rolling up the gray

handle under the seat until the handle locks.

6. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly towards the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out. This should be done in one motion.

2. With the seat still folded forward, roll down the gray handle underneath the seat to lock the front latches.

Replacing the Third Row Solid Bench Seat Don’t put the bench seat i n so it faces backward because it won’t latch that way. If you want more storage room behind the seat, adjust the seat by sliding it forward. The solid benches have seat position labels, located on the back of the seat, showing where the seat must go. Follow that diagram. Use all of the sets of floor cups in the third TOW, G, H, I and J sets of floor cups. See “Seat Controls’’ in the beginning of this section for more details. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly. Make sure the seat is in the full rear position before beginning this procedure.

Place the front hooks of the bench seat onto the front two floor pins in the third row. To do this, the seat will need to be angled so that the front hooks clear the floor pins.

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3. If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear

legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

4. If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check

that the seat is in the full rear position.

5. Firmly push the rear hooks into the rear floor pins by

pushing down on the rear of the seat.

6. Try to raise the bench seat to check that it is

locked down.

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,A LAUTION:

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

Split Bench Seats If you have the split bench seat (50/50 or 40/60), the seatbacks can be folded down individually and the sections can be removed individually. The sections can also be adjusted forward or rearward individually. The second row (40/60) split bench may be equipped with built-in child restraint(s). See “Built-In Child Restraint” in the Index.

Folding or Reclining the Seatbacks To fold down the seatback on either section of the split bench seat, pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat or lift up on the lever on the front of the seatback. I Use the lever on the front of the seatback to raise or lower the seatback to the l desired position.

7. Pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat and raise

the seatback until it locks upright.

8. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is

locked into place.

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

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Adjusting the Split Bench Seats

To raise either seatback, pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat while raising the seatback until it locks upright. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked upright.

There are two adjustment levers on each section of the split bench seats to adjust the seat forward or rearward. They are located below the center of each section of the split bench, one in front and one in back of the seat.

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Lift up either lever and slide the seat forward to allow for extra storage behind the seat, or slide the seat back to allow extra room for passengers.

Removing the Split Bench Seat Make sure the seatback is in the upright position and that the safety belts are on the correct section of the seat. The head restraints should be fully down. For the second row bench: With the seatback in the upright position, unhook the side attachment for the safety belt. This mini-buckle is located on the right side of the seat.

Release the lever. Push and is locked into place.

pull on the seat to be sure it

Push up the red center on the buckle with a small pointed object like a key or pen.

I . Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap

on the back of the seat to fold the seatback forward. lifting either one of the adjustment bars and sliding the seat fully rearward.

2. Slide the seat all the way back by

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3. From behind the bench seat, pull the nylon strap at the base of the seat to release the rear latches from the floor pins.

5. To unlatch the front latches, squeeze the angled latch

release bar towards the straight crossbar.

4. Do not let go of the straps until the seat is folded all

the way forward.

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6. Kemove the seat by

rocking it slightly towards the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out.

Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the other section of the split bench seat.

Replacing the Split Bench Sections Don‘t put the sections of the bench seat in so they face backward because they won’t latch that way. If you want more storage room behind the seat, adjust each section by sliding it forward. The split benches have seat position labels, located on the back of each seat, showing where the seat must go. Follow that diagram.

The left (40) section of the 40/60 split bench uses the A and B sets of floor cups.

0 The right (60) section of the 40/60 split bench uses

the C and D sets of floor cups.

0 The left section of the 50/50 split bench uses the G

and H sets of floor cups. The right section of the 50/50 split bench uses the I and J sets of floor cups.

See “Seat Controls” in the beginning of this section for more details. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly. Make sure the seat is in the full rear position before beginning this procedure.

I . Squeeze the angled gray bar towards the solid gray crossbar while placing the front hooks of the bench seat onto the front two floor pins.

2. To do this, the bench seat will need to be angled so that the front hooks clear the floor pins.

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3. If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear

legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

4. If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check

that the seat is in the full rear position.

5. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins

by pushing down on the rear of the seat.

6. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down.

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A CAUTION:

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

7. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat and raise the seatback until it locks upright.

8. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it

is locked.

9. Attach the mini-buckle so that the safety belt is

ready for use when a passenger uses the seat. The buckle reattaches by pushing the latch into the buckle until the red center pops out again.

Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the other section of the split bench seat.

Captain’s Chairs The Captain’s chairs adjust like the manual front passenger seats.

Removing the Captain’s Chairs

The seatback can be reclined or raised by turning the knob on the inboard side of the seat. It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean forward and take the weight off the seatback.

The armrests can be lowered or raised for entering or exiting the vehicle.

1. Pull the nylon strap behind the chair to release the

rear hooks from the floor pins.

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2. The seat can then be lifted off the front floor pins

and removed from the vehicle.

Replacing the Captain’s Chairs The left chair goes in the A and C sets of floor pins. The right chair goes in the D and F sets of floor pins. 1. Hook the front latches over the front floor pins.

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2. Push the rear of the seat down to lock the rear latches

onto the rear set of floor pins.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system.

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

3. Push and pull on the seat to be sure

it is properly attached.

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

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I In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to

wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a

safety belt properly. 1 Your vehicle has a light that

comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

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Put someone on it.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it's just a seat on wheels.

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Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be

the windshield ...

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or the instrument panel ...

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or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious in-juries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you c m unbuckle and get out, is ~ m c h greater if you are belted. If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially i n side and other collisions.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Oldsmobile, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you puli the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you.

To move it down, push down on the button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the ad-juster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing the button down to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off' your shoulder.

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Q; What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

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

as much protection this way.

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You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

&.' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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Q: What's wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

A: The belt is over an armrest.

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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&= 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 Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it 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 Oldsmobile has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. 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 L‘supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

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There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows a

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.

/I\ CAUTION:

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 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.

A CAUTION:

An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the right front passenger’s safety belt.

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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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I

Don’t attach anything to, or put anything between, an occupant and an air bag. If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into you and cause injury. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear, so don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any air bag cover.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.’’ If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 kmk). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that

it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. 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 in 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. 0 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.

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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 cover 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 passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag covers.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Oldsmobile Air bags affect how your Oldsmobile 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 Oldsmobile retailer and the Silhouette 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.

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 buck .le 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.

2 . Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. 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.

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

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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.

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

is You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt 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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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Your vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. This ,feature 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. If your vehicle has a bench seat in the second row, there is one guide for the left-hand outside passenger position. If your vehicle has third-row seats, there is one guide for each outside passenger position. 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: I . The guide is located on the side of the seatback.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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2. 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

guide must be on top of the belt.

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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.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Then just let the guide hang from its elastic cord on the side of the seatback.

.... 1

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Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt

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Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and i n every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies

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.

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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t Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so

CAUTION: (Continued)

heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-1b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

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Built-in Child Restraint (Option)

This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. . Each child restraint is designed for use only by children who weigh between 22 and 40 pounds (10 and 18 kg) and whose height is between 33.5 and 40 inches (850 and 1 0 I6 km) and who are capable of sitting upright alone. The child should also be at least one year old. It is important to use a rear-facing infant restraint until the child is about a year old. A rear-facing restraint gives the infant’s head, neck and body the support they would need in a crash. See “Child Restraints” later in this section for more information.

If your vehicle has this option in a 60/40 bench seat, there’s a built-in child restraint at each outboard position of the 60/40 bench seat. This bench seat will only fit in the second row of your vehicle.

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Q: What if the top of my child’s shoulders is above

the shoulder belt slots for the five-point child restraint harness system?

A: A child whose shoulders are above the shoulder

belt slots for the five-point child restraint harness system shouldn’t use this child restraint. Instead, the child should sit on the vehicle’s regular seat cushion and use the vehicle’s adult safety belts.

Securing a Child in the Built-In Child Restraint

BEFORE YOU USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT, BE SURE THE TOP OF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS IS BELOW THE SLOTS THAT THE HARNESS GOES THROUGH. A CHILD WHOSE SHOULDERS ARE ABOVE THOSE SLOTS COULD BE INJURED DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. IF THE TOP OF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS IS ABOVE THE SLOTS, DON’T USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

1. Raise the head restraint until the lower edge of the head restraint is even with the top of the seatback.

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2. Rotate the head restraint rearward until it touches the

top of the seatback. Make sure there is no gap between the lower edge of the head restraint and the top of the seatback.

3. Lower the child restraint cushion.

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/A CAUTION:

Using the vehicle’s regular safety belts on a child seated on the child restraint cushion can cause serious injury to the child in a sudden stop or crash. If a child is the proper size for the built-in child restraint, secure the child using the child restraint’s harness. But children who are too large for the built-in child restraint should sit on the vehicle’s regular seat and use the vehicle’s adult safety belts.

WARNING! FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS ON THE USE OF THIS CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN YOUR CHILD STRIKING THE VEHICLE’S INTERIOR DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. SNUGLY ADJUST THE BELTS PROVIDED WITH THIS CHILD RESTRAINT AROUND YOUR CHILD.

You’ll be using the child restraint’s harness (A) to secure your child. Don’t use the vehicle’s safety belts.

4. Before placing the child in the child restraint, add

slack to the shoulder harness. Pull the black shoulder harness release strap firmly. At the same time pull both shoulder harness straps through the slots in the seatback as shown.

5. Place the child on the child restraint cushion.

6. Select only one side of the harness. Place the harness

over the child’s shoulder.

7. Push the latch plate (B) into the buckle until it clicks. Be sure the buckle is free of any foreign objects that may prevent you from securing the latch plates. If you can’t secure a latch plate, see your Oldsmobile retailer for service before using the child restraint.

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8. Place the other side of the harness over the

child’s shoulder.

9. Push the latch plate into the buckle until

it clicks.

10. Pull up on both latch plates to make sure they

are secure.

11. Now fasten the left and right halves of the

shoulder harness clip together. The purpose of this clip is to help keep the harness positioned on the child’s shoulders.

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An unfastened shoulder harness clip won’t help keep the harness in place on the child’s shoulders. If the harness isn’t on the child’s shoulders, it won’t be able to restrain the child’s upper body in a sudden stop or crash. The child could be seriously injured. Make sure the harness clip is properly fastened.

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12. Pull the shoulder harness adjustment strap (C)

firmly until the harness is snugly adjusted around the child. You should not be able to put more than two fingers between the harness and the child’s chest. Make sure the harness and buckle strap are not twisted.

Removing the Child from the Built-In Child Restraint

13. Adjust the position of the harness on the child’s shoulder by moving the clip up or down along the harness. On each side of the harness, the shoulder part should be centered on the child’s shoulder. The harness should be away from the child’s face and neck, but not falling from the child’s shoulders. If you expect that the child will sleep while riding, you can recline the seatback. See “Seats” in the Index.

1. Unfasten the shoulder harness clip.

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Storing the Built-In Child Restraint Always properly store the built-in child restraint before using the vehicle's lap-shoulder belt.

2.

3. 4.

5.

Unlatch the harness by pushing the button on the buckle. Move one side of the harness off the child's shoulder. Move the other side of the harness off the child's shoulder. Remove the child from the child restraint cushion.

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1. Move both latch plates and both sides of the shoulder

harness clip to the bottom of the harness straps.

2. Fold the child restraint cushion and leg rest up into

the seatback.

3. Press the child restraint cushion firmly into

the seatback.

4. Then press the leg rest firmly into the seatback, and secure it by pressing the upper corners against the fastener strips on the seatback.

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Child Restraints 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. 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 a rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

5. Rotate the head restraint forward and push it all the

way down.

Just like the other restraint systems in your vehicle, your built-in child restraint needs to be periodically checked and may need to have parts replaced after a crash. See “Checking Your Restraint Systems’’ and “Replacing Seat and Restraint System Parts After a Crash” in the Index.

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Top Strap

A child in a reapfacing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rearfacing child restraint in a rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. Or, 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.

it should be

If your child restraint has a top strap, anchored. A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second row. Anchor brackets for the second row outside positions are located just above the place where the third row lap-shoulder belts meet the floor.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

There’s a vinyl sleeve there; t o get to the bracket, push this vinyl sleeve aside slightly. Anchor the top strap to the bracket. If you need to have an anchor bracket installed for the right-hand side of a 60/40 bench seat, you can ask your Oldsmobile retailer to put it i n for you. If you want to install an anchor bracket yourself, your retailer can tell you how to do it. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself.

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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. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

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 shoulder 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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Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position (Third Row Bench Seat)

You’ll be using the lap belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

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. 1-72

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. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

5.

6.

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. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.

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7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different place in the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice about how to attach the child restraint properly.

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 front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. If your vehicle is a passenger van, always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If your vehicle is a cargo van, do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

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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. 1. Because your vehicle has a 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. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

4. 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. 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.

I

6. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of

the retractor to set the lock.

7. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt

back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

8. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To re~nove 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.

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Larger Children

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

they need to use the

a crash.

0 Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other

people who are.

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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 s~nall that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.

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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. If your vehicle has a built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip, child head restraint and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt and built-in child restraint system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt or built-in child restraint 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. 1-80

If your vehicle has the built-in child restraint, torn or frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces just like torn or frayed safety belts can. They may not protect a child in a crash. If a harness strap is torn or frayed, get a new harness 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 safety belts or built-in child restraint parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But the safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new safety belts or harness straps. If safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt, built-in child restraint or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt or built-in child restraint wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. 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.

if

Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Oldsmobile, 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 2-7 2- 10 2- 12 2-13 2-15 2-19 2-23 2-26 2-26 2-28 2-29 2-3 1 2-35 2-37 2-4 1 2-50

Important Information About Keys Door Locks Remote Lock Control Battery Replacement for RKE Switchbanks Sliding Door Power Sliding Door Operation of Sliding Door Security Locks Preventing Theft of Your Vehicle New Vehicle "Break-In" Ignition Positions Tips on Starting Your Engine Using the Engine Coolant Heater Automatic Transaxle Operation Parking Brake Guidelines Important Information on Engine Exhaust Locks and Lighting Choices Windows

2-52 2-52 2-53

2-54 2-55 2-59 2-59 2-6 I 2-66 2- 67 2-7 I 2- 84 2-85 2- 86 2-88 2-92

Adjusting the Tilt Steering Wheel Functions of the Multifunction Lever How to Use the High/Low Beam Headlamp Changer Windshield Wipers and Fluid Using Cruise Control Exterior Lamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Interior Lamps Rearview Mirrors Storage Compartments Driver Information Center Accessory Power Outlets S u nroo f Air Inflator System Instrument Panel Overview All About Your Warning Lights and Gages

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.

2-2

Door Locks

The master key can be used for the ignition as well as all door locks, the liftgate lock and the storage compartments.

If you need a new key, contact your Oldsnmbile retailer, who can obtain the correct key code.

NOTICE:

Your Oldsmobile has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your key inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an extra key.

Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key or the Remote Lock Control transmitter (if your vehicle has this option).

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Front Doors

To lock either front door from the inside, push the locking lever forward. To unlock either front door from the inside, pull back on the locking lever.

To unlock either front door from the outside with the key, insert the key and turn it toward the front of the vehicle. You can lock either front door from the outside with your key by inserting and turning it toward the rear of the vehicle.

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Power Door Locks (Option)

From the inside, press the front of the power door lock switch (on either front door) to unlock all doors and the liftgate. If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft Deterrent system, the power door lock switch will not unlock the doors until the system is disarmed. See “Content Theft Deterrent” in the Index for more details. You can lock all doors and the liftgate from the inside by pressing the rear of the power lock switch on either front door. If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft

Deterrent system, the power door lock switch may cause the system to arm. See “Content Theft Deterrent” in the Index for more details. To unlock any door or the liftgate from the outside with your key, turn the key to the unlock position and release. This will only unlock that door or the liftgate. You can unlock all the doors and the liftgate by holding the key cylinder i n the unlock position for one second. With power door locks, you can lock all the doors from the outside by inserting the key and turning the key cylinder to the lock position. With power locks, when the doors are locked, the inside as well as the outside door latch release cannot open the doors. This safety feature prevents a door from being accidentally opened from the inside by moving the handle. To override this safety feature, move the locking lever to the unlock position on the door you want to open. When the liftgate has been unlocked with the power door locks, you won’t need the key to open it. Simply squeeze the handle above the license plate. This is also true if you use the optional Remote Lock Control transmitter. See “Remote Lock Control” later in this section.

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Automatic Door Locks (Option) All of the doors will lock automatically when you move your shift lever out of PARK (P). All doors will unlock automatically when the ignition is turned off while the shift lever is in PARK (P). You can program the Automatic Door Locks to operate with the Remote Lock Control system and to lock and unlock automatically to suit your needs. See “Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index. With the automatic door locks feature, you can still lock or unlock the doors at any time, either manually or with the power door lock switches. Last Door Closed Locking The Last Door Closed Locking feature makes it easier to use your power door locks to all the doors and the liftgate when leaving your vehicle. When any door or the liftgate is open, the first time you attempt to lock the doors using the power lock switch or the key chain transmitter (if equipped), will result in three chimes to signal that Last Door Closed Locking is being used. All doors and the liftgate can be opened for five seconds from the time the last door is closed.

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Five seconds after the last door is closed, all the doors will lock. You can lock the doors immediately by using the power door lock switch or the key chain transmitter. If the ignition is in the RUN or ACCESSORY position, this feature will not lock the doors. To turn the Last Door Closed Locking feature off or on, see “Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index. Sliding Door Delayed Locking If the sliding door is open when you use your power door locks to lock the vehicle, the sliding door is not locked. Normally the Last Door Closed Locking Feature will be used to lock the sliding door after it has been closed. When the ignition is on or if the Last Door Closed Locking Feature has been overridden or programmed off, the Sliding Door Delayed Locking feature will lock your sliding door for you. Three seconds after the sliding door is closed, all the doors will lock. If you have the dual sliding doors, all doors will lock three seconds after both sliding doors are closed.

Lockout Deterrent The Lockout Deterrent feature makes it difficult for you to lock your keys in your vehicle. If the driver’s door is open while the keys are in the ignition, you will not be able to use your power door lock to lock the vehicle. If you don’t leave the keys in the ignition or if you use the manual door lock, you could still lock your keys in your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys with you. To turn this feature off or on, see “Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from the inside. Then get out and close the door. Remote Lock Control (Option) If your Oldsmobile has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors and the liftgate using the key chain transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

LOCK

Your Remote Lock Control operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry and Science Canada Rules. 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.

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This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and Science 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. The range of this system is about 30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for