brake OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: OLDSMOBILE, Model Year: 1999, Model line: ALERO, Model: OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999Pages: 328, PDF Size: 2.62 MB
Page 88 of 328
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2-28 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 pushing
the button.
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
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever
out of PARK (P). This is called 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 transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
CAUTION: (Continued)
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2-29
CAUTION: (Continued)
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a
Trailerº in the Index.
Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock
(BTSI). You have to 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 and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the
shift lever button before moving the shift lever.)
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC.
2. Apply and hold the regular brake until the end
of Step 5.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle.
5. Shift to the drive gear you want.
6. Have the vehicle fixed 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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2-31
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 are parking on a hill and if you're pulling a
trailer, also see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
Windows
Manual Windows
On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window
crank to open and close each window.
Power Windows (If Equipped)
The power window switches are located on the armrest
of the driver's door. In addition, each passenger door has
a switch for its own window.
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2-36
CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
When you release the button, the washers will stop, but
the wipers will continue to wipe for about three times or
will resume the speed you were using before.
Cruise Control
The cruise control buttons are located on the
steering wheel.
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes or the parking brake or the
BRAKE light is on or you have low brake fluid, the
cruise control will turn off.
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2-38
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off
the cruise control. But you don't need to reset it. Once
you're going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can
press the cruise control RES ACCL button for about half
a second.
You'll go right back up to your chosen speed and
stay there.
If you press the RES ACCL button longer than
half a second, the vehicle will keep going faster until
you release the button or apply the brake. So unless
you want to go faster, don't hold down the
RES ACCL button.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.
Push the CST SET button, then release the button
and the accelerator pedal. You'll now cruise at the
higher speed.Press the RES ACCL button. Hold it there until
you get up to the speed you want, and then release
the button. To increase your speed in very small
amounts, press the RES ACCL button for less
than half a second and then release it. Each
time you do this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) faster.
The accelerate feature will only work after you turn on
the cruise control by pushing the CST SET button.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:
Push the CST SET button until you reach the lower
speed you want, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, push the CST
SET button for less than half a second. Each time
you do this, you'll go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow
down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
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2-39
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to
be too much trouble and don't use cruise control on
steep hills.
Ending Out of Cruise Control
There are four ways to turn off the cruise control:
Step on the brake pedal.
Press the cruise control RES ACCL button and the
CST SET buttons at the same time.
Press the cruise control CANCEL button.
Press the cruise control ON OFF button. The
indicator light on the cruise control button will
turn off.
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.Exterior Lamps
Turn the turn signal lever end cap up one position to
turn on your:
Parking Lamps
Side Marker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
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2-40
Turn the turn signal lever end cap up two positions to
turn on your:
Headlamps
Parking Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Turn the switch to OFF to turn all of the lamps off.
Lamps On Reminder
If you turn off the ignition and open the driver's
door while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.The DRL system will make your high
-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when:
the ignition is on,
the headlamp switch is in OFF or you have turned on
your parking lamps,
the light sensor detects daytime light,
the parking brake is released and
the shift lever is not in PARK (P).
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, park lamps and instrument panel lights will not
be illuminated.
The DRL system will remain off any time your vehicle
is in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged and the
vehicle speed is less than 3 mph (1.9 km/h).
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
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2-41 Automatic Light Control (ALC)
When it is dark enough outside, your Automatic Light
Control (ALC) will turn on your headlamps along with
other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker lamps,
park lamps and the instrument panel lights. The radio
lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the top
of the instrument panel under the defroster grill, so be
sure it is not covered. This will cause the ALC system to
be on whenever the ignition is on.
The ALC system may also come on when driving
through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather or a
tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the ALC
systems so that driving under bridges or bright overhead
street lights does not affect the system. The DRL and
ALC systems will only be affected when the light sensor
sees a change in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
To idle your vehicle with the ALC system off, set the
parking brake while the ignition is off. Then start the
vehicle. The ALC system will stay off until you release
the parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature will continue to
illuminate the headlamps for 20 seconds after the key is
turned to OFF.
To turn off the delayed headlamps feature, turn the turn
signal/multifunction lever up one position and then back
to OFF.
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
The button for your fog lamps is located on the
instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel, beside
the instrument panel intensity control.
When using the fog lamps, the ignition must be on as
well as the parking lamps or the low
-beam headlamps.
Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. An indicator
light on the button will glow when the fog lamps are on.
Push the button again to turn the fog lamps off.
The fog lamps will turn off whenever the high
-beam
headlamps are turned on. When the high beams are
turned off, the fog lamps will come on again.
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2-51
Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how fast
you're going, how much fuel you're using, and many other things you'll need to drive safely and economically.
The main components of your instrument panel are:
A. Fuse Panels
B. Vents
C. Instrument Cluster
D. Hazard Warning Button
E. Audio System
F. Climate Control
G. Auxiliary Power Accessory Outlet
H. Cigarette Lighter/Power Accessory Outlet
I. Parking BrakeJ. Transaxle Shift Lever
K. Enhanced Traction System Switch
L. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
M. Ignition Switch
N. Cruise Control Switches (If Equipped)
O. Tilt Wheel Lever
P. Hood Release Handle
Q. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
R. Instrument Panel Intensity Control
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2-56 Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
United States CanadaThis light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it doesn't come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there's a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See ªTowing Your Vehicleº
in the Index.)
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