lock OLDSMOBILE AURORA 2002 Owner's Guide

2-23
ACC (Accessory): This position lets you use your
electrical accessories such as power windows, power
sunroof (option), radio and the windshield wipers.
ON: This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. This is the
position for normal driving. Even when the engine is not
running, you can use ON to operate your electrical
accessories and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START: This position starts your engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in the OFF ignition position,
you will hear a warning chime when you open the
driver's door.
Always leave your key in OFF. If you leave it in any
other position, you will drain the battery power.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you
will still have power to accessories such as the power
windows, audio steering wheel controls, clock, sunroof
(option), accessory power outlet and the radio for up to
10 minutes. The instrument panel cluster lights will stay
on for a few seconds, then go out. Once you open a
door, the power will shut off.
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2-26
Automatic Transaxle Operation
There are several
different positions for
your shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks your front 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.
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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 fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON.
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.
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2-31 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).
If you can, it means 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).
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2-32
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully 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
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you
ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift
out of PARK (P), try the following:
1. Turn the key to the OFF ignition position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Take your vehicle to an authorized service center 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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2-34
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.
Horn
Press on the center area of the steering wheel to sound
the horn.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest
level to give your legs more room when you exit and
enter the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, hold
the wheel and pull the
lever toward you. Then
move the wheel to a
comfortable position
and release the lever
to lock the wheel
in place.
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2-39
NOTICE:
The wipers must be turned off when going
through a car wash to avoid damage.
The MIST and wash cycles operate as normal and are
not affected by the Rainsense function. The system can
be overridden at any time by manually changing the
wiper control to LO or HI speed.
NOTICE:
Do not place stickers or other items on the
exterior glass surface directly in front of the
rainsensor. Doing this could cause the rainsensor
to malfunction.
Windshield Washer
The lever on the right side of your steering column also
controls your windshield washer. To spray washer fluid
on the windshield, push the button on the end of the
lever. The wipers will clear the window and then either
stop or return to your preset speed. For more washer
cycles, push and hold the button.
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.
Ice build up can block washer nozzles. Remove ice for
proper operation.
If the fluid level in the windshield washer bottle is low,
the message LOW WASHER FLUID will appear on the
DIC. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index.
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2-47
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness Knob
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument
panel lights.
The knob for this feature is
located on the driver's side
of the instrument panel.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the instrument
panel cluster lights and displays. Turn the knob
counterclockwise to dim the instrument panel cluster
lights and displays.
If it is day and your parking lamps are on, the instrument
panel cluster lights and displays will come on at full
intensity and will not be adjustable. If it is dark enough
outside and your parking lamps are on, the instrument
panel cluster lights and displays and the backlighting for
the door switches will come on, and can also be adjusted.
Courtesy Lamps
If it is dark enough outside and the front reading lamp
slider lever, located on the overhead console, is in the
AUTO position, when any door is opened all of the
vehicles courtesy lamps will come on. See ªReading
Lampsº in the Index. They make it easier for you to
enter and leave the vehicle. The courtesy lamps will
remain on for about 25 seconds after all doors have
been closed. They will then theater dim to off.
Move the front reading lamp slider lever to ON to turn
on the interior courtesy lamps. When the control is
moved back to either OFF or AUTO, the courtesy
lamps will immediately turn off.
If the control is OFF when the doors are opened, only
the lower instrument panel courtesy lamps will come on.
Also, if the control is OFF when illuminated entry or
delayed exit lighting are active, only the lower
instrument panel courtesy lamps will be on.
If a door is left ajar, your interior lamps will turn
off after 10 minutes to save your battery.
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2-48 Illuminated Entry
If it is dark enough outside and you press the unlock
symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter while all
doors are closed, the interior courtesy lamps will come
on and stay on for approximately 40 seconds. When the
40 seconds are up, the lights will automatically fade
until they turn off. The lamps will turn off immediately
by pressing the lock symbol on the remote keyless entry
transmitter, by turning the ignition key to ON or by
activating the power door locks.
Delayed Entry Lighting
When you open the door to enter your vehicle, the
interior lamps will come on if it is dark enough outside.
When you close the door with the ignition off, the
interior lamps will stay on for 25 seconds. When the
25 seconds are up the lights will automatically fade
until they turn off. Locking the doors with the power
door lock switch or with the lock symbol on the remote
keyless entry transmitter, will override the delayed entry
lighting and the lamps will turn off immediately.
Theater Dimming
This feature allows for a three to five-second fade out of
the overhead courtesy lamps instead of immediate turn
off after you remove the key from the ignition. They
will not fade if the interior lamps are manually turned
on. The lower instrument panel courtesy lamps will not
fade out.
Delayed Exit Lighting
This feature will turn on the interior lamps for
25 seconds after you remove the key from the ignition
while the doors are closed and it is night. This will give
you time to find the door handle or lock switches as
you exit the vehicle. When the 25 seconds are up, or
if the key is reinserted into the ignition, the lights will
be turned off by the theater dimming system. The
lamps will turn off immediately by pressing the lock
symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter, by
turning the ignition key to ON or by activating the
power door locks.
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2-49 Parade Dimming
To activate the instrument panel backlighting during the
day, turn the exterior lamps control 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 keyless entry
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 to be 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 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.
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