ignition Oldsmobile Alero 2001 s User Guide

2-21
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
OFF (A): This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. With an automatic transaxle, the shift
lever must be in PARK (P) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key. With a manual transaxle, the shift lever
must be in REVERSE (R) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key. A warning chime will sound if you
open the driver's door when the ignition is off and the
key is in the ignition.
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.
ACC (Accessory) (B): This position unlocks the
transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers when the engine is not running. To
use ACC, turn the key clockwise to the first position
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push
-start your vehicle.
ON (C): This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The ignition
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel warning lights.
START (D): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.

2-22 Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to OFF.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or
ACC. Once the key is turned from ON to OFF, the radio
will continue to work up to 10 minutes or until the
driver's door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
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.

2-23 Manual Transaxle
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start
the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is
not all the way down
-- that's a safety feature.
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 warms up.
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 the engine doesn't start in 10 seconds, or if the
weather is very cold (below
-20
F or -29
C), push
the accelerator pedal about one
-quarter of the way
down while you turn the key to START. Do this until
the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of the key.
3. 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 a
maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. If the engine still won't start or starts
briefly but then stops again, repeat Step 1 or 2,
depending on temperature. When the engine starts,
release the key and the accelerator pedal.
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.

2-27
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You have to apply
your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in ON. 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) 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.) See ªShifting Out of
PARK (P)º later in this section.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
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 transaxle, see ªStuck
In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
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 transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn't covered by your warranty.

2-30
SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up
on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way
you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake
pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal
and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch
pedal and lift up on the ring on the shift lever to shift
into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly
while pressing the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Shift into REVERSE (R) only after your
vehicle is stopped. Shifting into REVERSE (R)
while your vehicle is moving could damage
your transaxle.
Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
for parking your vehicle.
Once the shift lever is in REVERSE (R), the ignition
can be turned to OFF and the key removed.

2-31 Shift Speeds
CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Don't shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)
If you have a manual
transaxle, you may have a
SHIFT light. This light will
show you when to shift to
the next higher gear for the
best fuel economy.
When this light comes, you can shift to the next higher
gear if the weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift
when the light comes on.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Pull up on the parking brake
handle. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will come on.

2-33
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:

Hold in the button on the shift lever.

Push the shift lever all the way toward the front
of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)
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).

2-34 Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
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)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control
system. You have to apply your regular brake before you
can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON.
See ªAutomatic Transaxle Operationº 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) 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 Your Vehicle/Key Removal
(Manual Transaxle Models Only)
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal
in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) and firmly
apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been
placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed
in, you can turn the ignition key to OFF, remove the key
and release the clutch. See ªManual Transaxle
Operationº in the Index.

2-39 Headlamps
The headlamp control is on the turn signal/
multifunction lever.
Turn the headlamp control to this symbol to turn on
the following:

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Turn the headlamp control to this symbol to turn on
the following:

Headlamps

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel LightsTurning the headlamp control to AUTO will turn the
headlamps, taillamps and parking lamps on and off
automatically, while the ignition is on, by sensing how
dark it is outside. For more information see ªAutomatic
Light Controlº later in this section.
Lamps On Reminder
If you open the driver's door and turn off the
ignition while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam,
push the turn signal/multifunction lever away from you.
When the high beams are
on, a light on the instrument
panel cluster will come on
if the ignition is in ON.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low beam,
pull the turn signal lever toward you.

2-44
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.
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 five ways to turn off the cruise control:

Step on the brake pedal.

Press the cruise control CANCEL button.

Press the cruise control RES ACCL button and the
CST SET buttons at the same time.

Press the cruise control ON OFF button. The
indicator light above the cruise control button will
turn off.

Push the clutch pedal if your vehicle has a
manual transaxle.
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.