fuel OLDSMOBILE AURORA 2002 User Guide

2-83
Here are four things that some owners ask about. None
of these show a problem with your fuel gage:

At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.

It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took
a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to
fill the tank.

The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.

The tank is not necessarily empty when the gage
reads empty. There is a reserve of about 1.5 gallons
(5.6 L) in the tank. You should still get more fuel as
soon as possible.Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC has different display modes which can be
accessed by pressing the four buttons on the DIC.
These buttons are labeled ON/OFF, SELECT right
arrow, SELECT down arrow and RESET. The button
functions are detailed in the following.
Turn the system on or off by pressing the ON/OFF
button once. When you turn on the ignition, the DIC
will be in the mode last displayed when the engine was
turned off.
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To turn off messages on the DIC (except LOW OIL
PRESSURE, LOW BRAKE FLUID, PARK BRAKE
SET, STARTING DISABLED and the HOT...STOP
ENGINE warning), press the RESET button.
Pressing the SELECT right arrow button will allow you
to access the following modes, DATE/ET, FUEL,
ECON, OIL and GAGE. While in any of these modes,
warning messages can interrupt and take over the
display until you acknowledge the message, or the
condition causing the problem goes away.
English/Metric
The DIC can display information in either English or
metric. To change the display, press and hold the
ON/OFF button for about three seconds. This will also
change the digital screen for the climate control system
between English and metric.
Date/Elapsed Time
Pressing the SELECT down arrow while in DATE/ET
mode will allow you to choose between the date and the
elapsed time menus.Date
To set the date, press and hold the RESET button for
about three seconds while the date is being displayed on
the DIC. When the date set mode is entered the display
will show the following:
YEAR?_____ MM/DD/00
The year will be flashing. To increase the item that is
flashing press SELECT right arrow. To decrease the
item that is flashing press SELECT down arrow.
When you reach the current year press the RESET
button. The DIC will ask for the month. The month will
flash the same as the year. Use the SELECT buttons to
reach the current month and press RESET. The DIC will
then ask for the day. The day will flash the same as the
year. Use the SELECT buttons to reach the current day.
Press the RESET button again and the set display will
stop flashing and go back to the normal operation mode.
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2-85
Elapsed Time (ET)
When the ignition is on, the DIC can be used as a
stopwatch. The display will show hours and minutes.
The elapsed time indicator will record up to 100 hours,
then it will reset to zero and continue counting. Press
SELECT down arrow while in the DATE/ET mode, and
the display will show the amount of time that has
elapsed since the elapsed time indicator was last reset
(not including time the ignition is off), such as:
01:08 ELAPSED TIME
To start or stop the counting of time, press the RESET
button briefly. If the colon (:) in the time is flashing,
time is being counted. Time is displayed in hours and
minutes. Seconds are not displayed. Time will continue
to be counted as long as the ignition is on, even if
another display is being shown on the DIC.
To reset elapsed time to zero, press the RESET button
for three seconds while the elapsed time is displayed.
Fuel
Press the SELECT down arrow while in the FUEL
mode to see how much fuel has been used and the
fuel range functions.Fuel Used
While in the FUEL USED function the display will
show a reading such as:
FUEL USED: 10.4 GAL or FUEL USED: 39.4 L
To learn how much fuel will be used from a specific
starting point, first enter the FUEL USED mode to
display FUEL USED, then press and hold the RESET
button for three seconds.
Don't confuse fuel used with the amount of fuel in
your tank.
Fuel Range
The FUEL RANGE mode calculates the remaining
distance you can drive without refueling. It's based on
fuel economy and the fuel remaining in the tank. The
display will show a reading such as:
FUEL RANGE: 235 MI or FUEL RANGE: 378 KM
If the range is less than 50 miles (80 km), the display
will read LOW FUEL RANGE.
The fuel economy data used to determine fuel range is
an average of recent driving conditions. As your driving
conditions change, this data is gradually updated. Fuel
range cannot be reset.
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2-86 Fuel Economy
Pressing the SELECT down arrow while in the
ECON mode displays average fuel economy and
instantaneous fuel economy calculated for your
specific driving conditions.
Average fuel economy will be shown in a reading
such as:
25.2 AVG MI/GAL or 9.3 AVG L/100 KM
Instantaneous fuel economy will be shown in a reading
such as:
28 INST MI/GAL or 8.4 INST L/100 KM
The average fuel economy is viewed as a long
-term
approximation of your overall driving conditions.
If you press and hold RESET for three seconds in this
mode while you're driving, the system will begin
figuring average fuel economy from that point in time.
Instantaneous fuel economy cannot be reset.
Oil Life
The GM Oil Life System
is the only function
accessible in the OIL mode. Engine oil life is displayed
in a reading such as the following:
OIL LIFE 30%
This is an estimate of the oil's remaining useful life.
It will show 100% when the system is reset after an oil
change. It will alert you to change your oil on a schedule
consistent with your driving conditions.
When the remaining oil life is low, the system will alert
you with this message:
CHANGE OIL SOON
Always reset the OIL LIFE reminder after an oil change.
To reset the oil life system, see ªOil Life Systemº in
the Index. Also, see ªEngine Oil, When to Changeº in
the Index.
Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE yourself after
each oil change. It will not reset itself. Also, be careful
not to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed. It can't be reset
accurately until the next oil change.
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2-95 DIC Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display. For Canadian drivers, in addition to the DIC
message your DIC will display EXP with a number after
it which reflects the following messages:
EXP (Export ID) Warning Message. . . . . . . . . . . .
1 AIR BAG PROBLEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 CHANGE OIL SOON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 CHECK OIL LEVEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 TRANS HOT...IDLE ENG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 CONFIRM TIME & DATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 DRIVERS DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 ENGINE HOT...A/C OFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 HOT...REDUCE ENG RPM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 HOT...STOP ENGINE *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 THEFT SYSTEM FAULT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 LOW BRAKE FLUID *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 LOW ENGINE COOLANT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 LOW FUEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17 LOW OIL PRESSURE *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 LOW TIRE PRESSURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 LOW WASHER FLUID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 PARK BRAKE SET *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 PASSENGER DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 SERVICE VEHICLE SOON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 TURN SIGNAL ON?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 THEFT ATTEMPTED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 SERV STABILITY SYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 TRUNK AJAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32 HOT...IDLE ENGINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33 STARTING DISABLED *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36 CHECK GAS CAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42 STABILITY ACTIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The EXP codes are used to make translation from
English to other languages easier.
Pressing the RESET button will remove the above
messages or warnings from the DIC display, unless
noted by an asterisk (*).
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3-6 Comfort Controls Personalization
(If Equipped)
This feature enables up to two drivers to store and recall
comfort control settings for temperature, air delivery
mode and fan speed.
The memory buttons (1 or 2) for this feature are located
on the driver's door panel and correspond to the
numbers (1 or 2) found on the back of each remote
keyless entry transmitter.
To recall comfort settings, press the unlock button
on the remote keyless entry transmitter and put the
ignition in ACC (Accessory) or ON. The climate
control setting last chosen by the identified
driver (1 or 2) will be recalled.
To program a personal climate control setting, do
the following:
1. Choose a climate control setting for the driver
and if desired, for the passenger. See ªAutomatic
Electronic Climate Controlº and ªPassenger
Temperature Control (Option)º earlier in this section.
2. Adjust the direction of the airflow.3. Locate the memory buttons on the driver's
door panel.
4. Press a memory button (1 or 2) until you hear two
beeps. The beeps confirm that your selection has
been saved and can now be recalled.
Follow these steps each time you want to change the
stored settings. For more information on the memory
feature, see ªMemory Seat and Mirrorsº in the Index.
Air Conditioning
The air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air inside
of the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor is enabled in all
modes unless the air conditioning button is not selected
(the indicator light will not be illuminated). However,
the air conditioning compressor will not operate when
the outside temperature is below 34
F (1
C). When the
air conditioner is on, you may sometimes notice slight
changes in your vehicle's engine speed and power. This
is normal, because the system is designed to cycle the
compressor on and off to maintain the desired
temperature and to help with fuel economy.
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The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you're not fresh
-- such as after a day's
work
-- don't plan to make too many miles that first
part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you'll find experienced and able service experts in
Oldsmobile dealerships all across North America.
They'll be ready and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?

Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?

Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?

Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble
-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long
-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to
the recommended pressure?

Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?

Maps: Do you have up
-to-date maps?
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4-29

Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you've been stopped by the snow.

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body
insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor
mats
-- anything you can wrap around yourself or
tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly.
This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps
the battery charged. You will need a well
-charged
battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling
later on with your headlamps. Let the heater run for
a while.
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4-30
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle
-- such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as ªdinghy towingº (towing your
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and
ªdolly towingº (towing your vehicle with two wheels
on the ground and two wheels up on a device known
as a ªdollyº).With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See ªDinghy
Towingº and ªDolly Towingº following.
Here are some important things to consider before
you do recreational vehicle towing:

What's the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.

How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.

Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.

Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you would
prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you'll want to
make sure your vehicle is prepared to be towed.
See ªBefore Leaving on a Long Tripº in the Index.
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Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire
-Loading Information label,
found on the rear edge of the driver's door, tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressure for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory
-installed options.
The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver's door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out. Don't carry more than 176 lbs. (80 kg) in
your trunk.
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