instrument panel Oldsmobile Aurora 2001 s Owner's Guide

2-48 Parade Dimming
To activate the instrument panel backlighting during
the day, turn the headlamp switch to the parking lamp
position. Dimming of the instrument panel display is
not possible during daylight hours. The instrument panel
display can only be adjusted when the parking lamps
are on and it is dark outside.
Perimeter Lighting
When the unlock symbol on the remote lock control
transmitter is pressed, the DRL headlamps, parking
lamps and back
-up lamps will turn on for approximately
25 seconds if it is dark enough outside.
This feature can be programmed on or off for each
transmitter. You can also program how long the
exterior lamps will stay on after unlocking the vehicle.
You must program this feature through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See ªDIC Personalization
Programmingº in the Index.
Front Reading Lamps
These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps will come
on when you open a door. They will turn off when you
turn on the ignition. If a door is left open, they will turn
off after about 10 minutes.
To turn on the reading lamps when the doors are closed,
press the button under the lamp you want on. Press it
again to turn the lamp off.
These lamps work even when the ignition is off. To avoid
draining your vehicle's battery, be sure to turn off all
front and rear reading lamps when leaving your vehicle.

2-62
The Instrument Panel - Your Information System

2-63
The main components of your instrument panel are:
A. Air Outlet
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
C. Steering Wheel Controls for Climate Control System
D. Steering Wheel Controls for Audio System
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer Control
F. Driver Information Center (DIC)
G. Hazard Warning Flasher Button
H. Climate Control System
I. Instrument Panel Brightness ControlJ. Trip Odometer Buttons
K. Hood Release
L. Parking Brake
M. Cruise Control Lever
N. Ignition Switch
O. Audio System
P. Accessory Power Outlet
Q. Glove Box (Trunk Release Lockout Switch inside)

2-64
Instrument Panel Cluster
Your vehicle is equipped with this instrument panel cluster, which includes indicator warning lights and gages that are
explained on the following pages. The 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.
United States version shown, Canada similar

2-68 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the air bag sensors, the
air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag
system, see ªAir Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few seconds
when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light
doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready
to warn you if there is a problem.
On the DIC an AIR BAG PROBLEM message will
be displayed when there is a problem with the air bag
system. See ªDIC Warnings and Messagesº in the
Index for more information.

3-4
Automatic Operation
Press the AUTO
-PUSH knob when you want the
system to automatically adjust the interior temperature
to your preference. When the system is set for automatic
operation, air will come from the floor, the panel outlets
or the windshield outlets depending on the temperature
inside the vehicle, the outside temperature, the engine
coolant temperature and the sun load. Fan speed will
vary as the system reaches and maintains the comfort
setting you have selected.
To find your comfort setting, start with the system in
automatic mode by pressing the AUTO
-PUSH knob.
Adjust the comfort setting by using the red and blue
buttons located below the digital display until you
reach a setting of 75
F (24
C) on the display. Give the
vehicle about 30 minutes to stabilize and then readjust
the comfort setting if necessary. The display will show
the comfort setting for five seconds and then it will
show the outside temperature.In cold weather, the system will delay turning on the
fan to avoid blowing cold air. The length of the delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature and the
outside temperature. Turning the AUTO FAN knob
will override this delay by turning off the automatic fan
mode and changing the fan speed.
Your automatic electronic climate control system has a
sun sensor located on the top of the instrument panel
that detects direct sunlight. To keep you and your
passengers comfortable, the system may supply cooler
air to the side toward the sun. Be careful not to put
anything over this sun sensor. The automatic electronic
climate control system may not operate correctly if this
sensor is covered.
To change the automatic electronic climate control
display from an English display to a metric display,
push the OFF button located in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) for two seconds. The display in the DIC
will also change from an English to a metric display. To
return to an English display, repeat the above procedure.

3-5
Manual Operation
You may override the automatic airflow distribution by
turning the AUTO
-PUSH knob. After you turn this
knob, the comfort setting will be displayed for five
seconds, then the outside temperature will be displayed.
The fan control will remain in the automatic control
mode unless you turn the AUTO FAN knob to select
a manual fan speed.
PANEL: This setting directs airflow through the
upper air outlets located in the instrument panel.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs the airflow
through both the panel air outlets and the lower floor
outlets. There is also a small amount of air directed to
the front defroster and the side window defrosters.
FLOOR: This setting directs most of the airflow
to the lower floor outlets with some airflow directed to
the side window defrosters. There is also a small amount
of airflow directed to the front defroster.
DEFOG: This setting directs the majority of
the airflow to the lower floor outlets and the front
defroster. A small amount of airflow is directed to the
side window defroster outlets. This mode can be useful to remove the moisture from the inside of the windshield
when the outside temperature is cold or the humidity is
high. Be sure the A/C indicator light comes on to allow
the air compressor to come on automatically to help
dehumidify the air.
DEF (Defrost): This setting directs the majority
of the airflow to the windshield with some airflow to
the side window defrosters and lower floor outlets.
To increase the fan speed, turn the AUTO FAN knob
clockwise. If defrost is selected from AUTO mode,
your automatic electronic climate control system will
automatically increase the defrost outlet temperature
and fan speed. For maximum front defrost performance
under extreme icing or frosting conditions, increase the
temperature setting to 90
F (33
C) and increase
the fan speed to high.
Even though A/C is not selected, in front defrost
mode the A/C compressor will run automatically
at temperatures over approximately 40
F (4
C) to
improve windshield clearing performance. This
dehumidifies the air to help dry the windshield.
Even though the compressor may be running,
the A/C indicator light will not come on in front
defrost unless you select A/C.

3-9 Ventilation System
Your vehicle's flow-through ventilation system always
allows filtered outside air to flow through your vehicle
when it is moving, even when the system is off.
The direction of the air
can be controlled by
adjusting or closing
the outlets in the
instrument panel.
Turn the thumbwheel between the front outlets to open
and close the outlets. Adjust the direction of airflow
from side to side with the controls in each outlet.
Turn the control between the rear outlets up to direct air
through the upper outlets. Turn the control down to direct
air through the lower outlets. Adjust the direction of
airflow from side to side with the controls in each outlet.
Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet area between the base
of the windshield and the hood free of ice, snow, or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). The defroster
and heater will work far better, reducing the chance of
fogging the inside of your windows, if this area is clear.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects.
This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle.

4-36 Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel
will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash,
telling other drivers you're about to turn, change lanes
or stop.When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.

5-2
Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press and release
the button located in the center of the instrument panel.
The indicators for the turn signals will flash on and off.
Your hazard flashers work no matter what position your
key is in, and even if the key isn't in.
To turn off the flashers, press the button down again.
When the flashers are on, your turn signals won't work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.