service OLDSMOBILE AURORA 2002 Owners Manual

1-28
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.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you'll need some new parts for your
air bag system. If you don't get them, the air bag
system won't be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include air bag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual for
your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic frontal
sensor, which helps the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped
with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which
records information about the frontal 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
systems. Improper service can mean that an air
bag system won't work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's
or the right front passenger's air bag, or the
air bag covering on the driver's and right front
passenger's seatback, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the air bag
module in the steering wheel, both the air bag
module and the instrument panel for the right
front passenger's air bag, or both the air bag
module and seatback for the driver's and right
front passenger's side impact air bag. Do not
open or break the air bag coverings.
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1-29 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag systems in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
air bag systems. 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 systems.
Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing work for you
is qualified to do so.
The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.
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 Passenger Positions
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All rear seating positions have lap
-shoulder belts.
Here's how to wear one properly.
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2-10 Leaving Your Vehicle
When you leave the vehicle, open your door and set the
locks from the inside, then get out and close the door.
Remote Keyless Entry System
With this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors or
unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet
(9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter
supplied with your vehicle.
Your remote keyless entry system operates on a
radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS
-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

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.
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2-18
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.
United States Canada
This light reminds you to activate the theft
-deterrent
system. To activate it do the following:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or
remote keyless entry 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. See your dealer
for service.
If a door or the trunk is opened without the key or
remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off.
Your vehicle's lamps will flash and the horn will sound
for 30 seconds, 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 keyless entry transmitter. You should also
remember that you can start your vehicle with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off.
This also shuts off the alarm.
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2-19
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
keyless entry system. Unlocking a door any other
way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock the driver's
door with your key.
You can also turn off the alarm by pressing the
unlock symbol on the remote keyless entry 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 keyless entry transmitter.
3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for
the SECURITY 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. See ªFuses and Circuit
Breakersº 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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2-20
PASS-Key
III
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
-Key III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft
-deterrent system.
PASS
-Key III is a passive
theft
-deterrent system.
This means you don't have to do anything different to
arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert or
remove the key from the ignition.
Your PASS
-Key III system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause 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 harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS
-Key III uses a radio frequency transponder in the
key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS
-Key III system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial
-and-error method to start the vehicle will
be discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key may
have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and
try again.
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2-21
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears
to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse (see ªFuses and
Circuit Breakersº in the Index). If the engine still does
not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty.
See your dealer who can service the PASS
-Key III to
have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS
-Key III decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
This procedure is for learning additional keys only.
Canadian Owners: If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS
-Key III to have new
keys made. To program additional keys you will require
two current driver's keys. You must add a step to the
following procedure. After Step 2 repeat Steps 1 and 2
with the second current driver's key. Then continue
with Step 3.To program the new key, do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has ªPK3º stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver's key in the ignition and
start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to ON
within 10 seconds of removing the previous key.
5. The SECURITY telltale light will turn off once the
key has been programmed. It may not be apparent
that the SECURITY light went on due to how
quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes on
and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine
if you turn it off. Your PASS
-Key III system, however, is
not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS
-Key III system
at this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS
-Key III key, see your
dealer to have a new key made.
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2-22
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 ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to four different positions.
OFF: This is the only
position in which you can
remove the key. This
position locks your ignition
and transaxle. It's a
theft
-deterrent feature.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
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2-32
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in ON. See ªAutomatic Transaxleº 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 want. If you
ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift
out of PARK (P), try the following:
1. Turn the key to the OFF ignition position.
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
CAUTION:
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.
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2-58
NOTICE:
Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle
can damage it or keep other things from working
as they should. This wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Check with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment, and never use anything that
exceeds the amperage rating.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
NOTICE:
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of
the power outlet can cause damage not covered
by your warranty.
OnStar
System (If Equipped)
OnStar is a vehicle communications system that
offers a variety of services and provides a one
-touch
hands
-free communication link between you and the
OnStar Center. To receive OnStar services, a service
subscription agreement is required and an additional
fee may be required. Services are available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. For more information,
call 1
-888-ONSTAR-7 (1-888-667-8277).
OnStar Services Button: Press this button once
to contact an advisor who will be able to assist you with
these services. If you are not quickly connected, the
system will automatically reset and redial. This ensures
connection to the center; there is no additional action
required. Press the Communication button to cancel the
automatic redial.
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