battery CADILLAC ELDORADO 2002 10.G Owners Manual

1-26
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near
-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags
would not help you in many types of collisions, including
rollovers, rear impacts and many side impacts, primarily
because an occupant's motion is not toward those air
bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything
more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only
in moderate to severe frontal or near
-frontal collisions.
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates,
so quickly that some people may not even realize
the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag
module
-- the steering wheel hub for the driver's
air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front
passenger's bag
-- will be hot for a short time.
The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will
be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the
deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn't prevent
the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can't get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or door.
Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock
the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the air
bags inflate (if battery power is available). You can lock
the doors again and turn the interior lamps off by using
the door lock and interior lamp controls.
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.

1-27

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 system
commands air bag inflation and driver's safety belt
usage at deployment. The module also records speed,
engine rpm, brake and throttle data.

Let only qualified technicians work on your
air bag system. Improper service can mean that
your air bag system won't work properly. See your
dealer for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's air
bag, it may not work properly. You may have to
replace the air bag module. Do not open or break
the air bag covering.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don't want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
To purchase a service manual, see ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds 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.

2-9
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
The average range of this system is about 10 feet (3 m).
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry transmitter.
If the transmitter does not work or if you have to
stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work,
try the following:

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.Operation
(Lock): When you
press the button with the
lock symbol on it to lock
the doors, the parking
lamps will flash once.
You can program your
vehicle so the parking
lamps will not flash.
For more information, see ªLock/Unlock Confirmationº
in the Index. This also arms the theft
-deterrent system.

2-10
(Unlock): When you press the button with
the unlock symbol on it to unlock the driver's door,
the parking lamps on your vehicle will flash twice.
You can program your vehicle so the parking lamps
will not flash. For more information, see ªLock/Unlock
Confirmationº in the Index.
Pressing the button with the unlock symbol on it again
within five seconds will unlock the other doors. Pressing
this button will also disarm the theft
-deterrent system
and turn on the interior lamps at night.
(Fuel Door): Press the button with the fuel door
symbol on it to open the fuel door. The VALET lockout
button must be off for this feature to work.
(Trunk): Press the button with the trunk symbol
on it to open the trunk. The VALET lockout button
must be off for this feature to work.
The remote keyless entry transmitter can also be
used to recall the memory seats for up to two drivers.
For more information, see ªMemory Seat and Mirrorsº
in the Index.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four
transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about four years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it's probably time to change the battery.

2-11
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.
1. Use a thin object like a coin to pry open the transmitter.
2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil
(or similar object) to remove the old battery.
Do not use a metal object.
3. Remove and replace the battery. Insert the new
battery as the instructions under the cover indicate.
Do not use a metal object.
4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure
no moisture can enter.
5. Check the operation of the transmitter.

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Theft-Deterrent System
The SECURITY light is
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
If the ignition is off and either door is open, the
SECURITY light will flash, reminding you to activate
the system. The light will also flash if the battery has
been disconnected and reconnected.
To activate the theft
-deterrent system, do the following:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door using the power door lock or the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY
light should come on and stay on.
3. Close both doors. The SECURITY light should
go off within about 30 seconds.
The horn will sound and the lamps will flash for about
30 seconds when a door or the trunk is opened without
the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The horn
also sounds if the locks are damaged.Remember, the theft
-deterrent system won't activate if
you lock a door with a key or use the manual door lock.
It activates only if you use a power door lock switch or
the remote keyless entry transmitter.
To avoid activating the alarm by accident,
do the following:

Always unlock a door with a key or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. (Pressing the button with
the unlock symbol on the remote keyless entry
transmitter disables the theft
-deterrent system.)
Unlocking a door any other way will activate the
alarm. Cycling the ignition without disarming the
theft
-deterrent system will also activate the alarm.

The vehicle should be locked with the door key after
the doors are closed if you don't want to activate the
theft
-deterrent system.
If you activate the alarm by accident, unlock either
door with your key. You can also turn off the alarm
by using the unlock button of the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The alarm won't stop if you try to unlock
a door any other way.

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New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key
to five different positions.
A (ACCESSORY): This position lets you use things
like the radio, windshield wipers, power windows and
sunroof (option) when the engine is off. To get into
ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you.
The steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was
before you inserted the key. Once you turn the key
to ACCESSORY, be sure to then turn it to LOCK.
If you leave your key in ACCESSORY when the engine
is turned off, your battery will discharge prematurely.

2-20
NOTICE:
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. Turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key
or the ignition switch. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
B (LOCK): Before you put the key in, the ignition
will be in LOCK. This is the only position from
which you can insert or remove the key. This position
locks the ignition, steering wheel and transaxle.
It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
C (OFF): This position lets you turn off the engine
but still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the
steering wheel like LOCK does. Use OFF if you must
have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off
(for example, if your vehicle is being pushed).
D (RUN): This is the position for driving.
E (START): This position starts the engine.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
NOTICE:
When using RAP, always leave your key in
LOCK. If you leave your key in any other
position than LOCK, your battery will
discharge prematurely.
The following accessories on your vehicle may be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned
from RUN to OFF, and then to LOCK:

Radio

Power Windows

Audio Steering Wheel Controls

Sunroof (Option)
Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes or
if either door is opened. If you want power for another
10 minutes, turn the ignition key to RUN, to OFF and
then to LOCK.

2-21
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 vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start within 10 seconds, hold your
key in START for about 10 seconds at a time
until your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try.

2-46
Light Sensor
The light sensor for the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
and the Twilight Sentinel is located in the center of the
front defogger grille. If you cover the sensor, it will read
ªdarkº and the lamps will come on.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
If the parking lamps have been left on, the exterior lamps
will turn off approximately 10 minutes after the ignition
is turned to LOCK or ACCESSORY. This protects
against draining the battery in case you have accidentally
left the headlamps or parking lamps on. If you need to
purposely leave the lamps on for more than 10 minutes
with the ignition in LOCK or ACCESSORY, turn the
exterior lamps off and then back on. To delay the lamps
from turning off, see ªTwilight Sentinelº in the Index.
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The knob for this feature is located to the left of the
steering wheel on the instrument panel. This knob is also
used to control the exterior lamps. See ªExterior Lampsº
listed previously in this section for more information.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights or
counterclockwise to dim them.
Illuminated Entry
The illuminated entry system turns on the courtesy
lamps and the backlighting to the door controls and
to the exterior lamp knob when a door is opened or if
you press a remote keyless entry transmitter button.
Since the illuminated entry system has a photocell,
this means that it must be dark outside in order for the
courtesy lamps or backlighting to turn on. The courtesy
lamps turn off approximately 20 seconds after the last
door is closed or after the ignition is turned to RUN.