engine Oldsmobile Bravada 2002 s User Guide

2-20
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
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. At 15 seconds,
the starter will automatically be disengaged.
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, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0
F or
-18
C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there. When the
engine starts, let go of the key.
2. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key
in START for about three seconds. When the
engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again,
do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down
for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.

2-21
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather, 0
F (-18
C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm
-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be
plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting
your vehicle. At temperatures above 32
F (0
C),
use of the coolant heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver's side of the
engine compartment, behind the battery.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach,
use a heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in?
The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.

2-22
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks your wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to
fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- press the button on the shift lever and
push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever
into the gear you wish. See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º
in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
see ªStuck In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.

2-23
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed)
is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.
DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving.
If you need more power for passing, and you're:

Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h),
push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
DRIVE (D) should not be used when towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for
off
-road driving. Select THIRD (3) when operating the
vehicle under any of these conditions.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however it offers more power but lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3)
when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on
steep hills or winding roads or for off
-road driving.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power
but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use your brakes off and on.
You can also use SECOND (2) for starting your vehicle
from a stop on slippery road surfaces.

2-26
Shifting Into PARK (P)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move,
even when you're on fairly level ground, use the
steps that follow. If you're pulling a trailer,
see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into
PARK (P) like this:

Press and hold in the
button on the lever.

Push the lever all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle
is in PARK (P).

2-27 Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you've moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pressing
the button on the console shift lever. If you can, it means
that the shift lever wasn't fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

2-29
Engine Exhaust
CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you can't see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:

Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.

Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.

Repairs weren't done correctly.

Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:

Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and

Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
Running Your Engine While
You're Parked
It's better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
ªEngine Exhaust.º
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even
if the fan is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust
-- with
CO
-- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
See ªBlizzardº in the Index.

2-30
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't move.
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
Locking Rear Axle
Your locking rear axle can give you additional traction
on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear
wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature
will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (Option)
There is no lever or switch to engage or disengage the
front axle. It is fully automatic and adjusts as needed
for road conditions. Your vehicle has an active transfer
case allowing two
-wheel-drive operation on dry roads.
The transfer case will shift automatically into all
-wheel
drive on slippery surfaces. You may feel an extra shift
when the all
-wheel drive engages.
Horn
To sound the horn, press on or near the horn symbols
on the center pad of the steering wheel.

2-58 Safety and Security Services
Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment:
If an air bag deploys, a priority emergency signal is
automatically sent to the center. An advisor will locate
your vehicle's position, try to contact you and assist you
in the situation. If the center is unable to contact you,
an emergency service provider will be contacted.
Stolen Vehicle Tracking: Call the center at
1
-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) to report your
vehicle stolen. The system can then locate and track
your vehicle and the advisor will be able to notify the
proper authorities.
Roadside Assistance with Location: For vehicle
breakdowns, press the OnStar button. An advisor will
contact the appropriate help.
Remote Diagnostics: If an instrument panel light
comes on, the center can perform a check of the engine
on
-board computer. An advisor can then recommend
what action needs to be taken.OnStar MED
-NET: Med-Net can store your personal
medical history and provide it to emergency personnel
if necessary. (Requires activation and additional fee.)
Remote Door Unlock: To contact the center, call
1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide
your security information. An advisor will send a
command to your vehicle to unlock itself. The advisor
can delay unlocking your vehicle. Remote Door Unlock
is disabled 48 hours after the vehicle is parked to
maintain the battery charge.
Vehicle Locator Service: To contact the center, call
1
-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide your
security information. An advisor will send a command
to your vehicle to sound the horn and/or flash the lamps.
In order to provide you with excellent service, calls with
the OnStar Center may be monitored or recorded.

2-61 Programming the HomeLink Transmitter
Do not use the HomeLink Transmitter with any garage
door opener that does not have the ªstop and reverseº
feature. This includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Be sure that people and objects are clear of the garage
door you are programming.
It is recommended that a new battery be installed in
your hand
-held transmitter for quicker and more
accurate transmission of the radio frequency.
Your vehicle's engine should be turned off while
programming the transmitter. Follow these steps to
program up to three channels:
1. Decide which one of the three channels (one of the
HomeLink buttons) you want to program.
2. Press and hold the desired button on HomeLink
through Step 3.3. When the HomeLink indicator light begins to blink
slowly (this may take up to 30 seconds), hold the
hand
-held transmitter about 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm)
away from HomeLink and then press and hold the
transmit button on the hand
-held transmitter.
Continue to hold both buttons until the indicator
light on HomeLink begins to flash rapidly
(this may take up to 90 seconds).
If you have trouble programming HomeLink,
make sure that you have followed the directions exactly
as described and that the battery in the hand
-held
transmitter is not weak. If you still cannot program it,
move the hand
-held transmitter to the left or right or
forward or backward or flip it upside down. HomeLink
may not work with older garage door openers that do
not meet current Federal Consumer Safety Standards.
If you cannot program the transmitter after repeated
attempts, refer to ªTraining a Garage Door Opener
with Rolling Codesº later in this section or contact the
manufacturer of HomeLink at 1
-800-355-3515, or on
the internet at www.homelink.com.
Be sure to keep the original hand
-held transmitter in
case you need to erase and reprogram HomeLink.