tow Oldsmobile Bravada 2002 s User Guide

2-23
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
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 transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.
DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving.
If you need more power for passing, and you're:

Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h),
push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
DRIVE (D) should not be used when towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for
off
-road driving. Select THIRD (3) when operating the
vehicle under any of these conditions.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however it offers more power but lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3)
when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on
steep hills or winding roads or for off
-road driving.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power
but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use your brakes off and on.
You can also use SECOND (2) for starting your vehicle
from a stop on slippery road surfaces.

2-24
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission won't shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your wheels can't rotate, don't try to drive.
This might happen if you were stuck in very
deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal.
This could overheat and damage the transmission.
Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold
your vehicle in position on a hill.
Shift Lock Release
This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock release system.
If your vehicle has a dead battery and you need to
have your vehicle towed, there is a shift lock release
lever that will allow you to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P).
To access the shift lock release lever, do the following:
1. Press on the sides of the boot around the shift lever
to release the boot.
2. Lift up the boot on the shift lever and you will see
an orange lever.
3. Press the orange lever down and move the shift lever
out of PARK (P).
4. Snap the shift lever boot back in place.

2-25
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot while pressing the button on
the end of the lever and pulling the parking brake lever
on the center console up. If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you
can press the button in at the end of the lever. Hold the
button in as you move the parking brake lever all the
way down.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your parking brakes to overheat. You may have
to replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer and you must park on a hill,
see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index. That section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

2-26
Shifting Into PARK (P)
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.
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, use the
steps that follow. If you're pulling a trailer,
see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
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:

Press and hold in the
button on the lever.

Push the lever all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the key, your vehicle
is in PARK (P).

2-30
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're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
Locking Rear Axle
Your locking rear axle can give you additional traction
on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear
wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature
will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (Option)
There is no lever or switch to engage or disengage the
front axle. It is fully automatic and adjusts as needed
for road conditions. Your vehicle has an active transfer
case allowing two
-wheel-drive operation on dry roads.
The transfer case will shift automatically into all
-wheel
drive on slippery surfaces. You may feel an extra shift
when the all
-wheel drive engages.
Horn
To sound the horn, press on or near the horn symbols
on the center pad of the steering wheel.

2-31
Tilt Wheel
You should adjust the
steering wheel before
you drive. The tilt lever
is located on the driver's
side of the steering column,
under the turn signal lever.
You can raise it to the highest level to give your legs
more room when you enter and exit the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull
the lever toward you. Move the steering wheel to a
comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the
wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:


: Turn and Lane Change Signals


: Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer

Flash
-to-Pass Feature


: Windshield Wipers


: Windshield Washer


: Cruise Control

2-32 Turn and Lane Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow
you to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up
or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will
return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it. When signaling a lane
change a light will flash on the bottom of the driver's
or passenger's outside rearview mirror.As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
more quickly than normal, a signal bulb may be burned
out and other drivers won't see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit
Breakersº in the Index) and for burned
-out bulbs.
If you have a trailer towing option with added wiring for
the trailer lamps, a different turn signal flasher is used.
With this flasher installed, the signal indicator will flash
even if a turn signal bulb is burned out. Check the front
and rear turn signal lamps regularly to make sure they
are working.
Turn Signal On Chime
If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile
(1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the turn
signal. To turn off the chime, move the turn signal lever
to the center.

2-33 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low to high beam,
push the lever toward the instrument panel. To return
to low
-beam headlamps pull the multifunction lever
toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams
are on, this indicator light
on the instrument panel
cluster will also be on.
Flash-to-Pass Feature
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. It works
even if your headlamps are in the automatic position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you,
then release it.
If your headlamps are in the automatic position or on
low beam, your high
-beam headlamps will turn on.
They'll stay on as long as you hold the lever toward
you. The high
-beam indicator on the instrument panel
cluster will come on. Release the lever to return to
normal operation.

2-47 Outside Mirrors
Adjust your outside mirrors so you can see a little of
the side of your vehicle.
Fold the outside mirrors in when entering a car wash.
To do this, pull the mirrors in toward the vehicle.
Push the mirrors back out when finished.
Power Remote Control Mirror
This control is located on the driver's door.
Turn the control to the left or right to choose the mirror;
then press the control to move the mirror in the direction
that you want the mirror to go. To secure the mirror
settings turn the knob back to the center position.
Convex Outside Mirror
A convex mirror's surface is curved so you can see more
from the driver's seat.
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right or left lane,
you could hit a vehicle. Check your inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
Heated Outside Rearview Mirrors
When you operate the rear window defogger, a defogger
also warms the heated driver's and passenger's outside
rearview mirrors to help clear them of ice, snow and
condensation. See ªRear Window Defoggerº in the
Index for more information.

2-51
CAUTION:
An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision
or sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If you remove the cover, always store it
outside of the vehicle. When you put it back,
always be sure that it is securely reattached.
Cargo Tie Downs
There are five cargo tie
downs in the rear that allow
you to strap cargo in and
keep it from moving inside
the vehicle.
Rear Floor Stowage Lid
CAUTION:
If the rear floor stowage lid isn't secured properly,
it can move around in a collision or sudden stop.
People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to
secure the rear floor stowage lid properly.
Your vehicle has a rear floor stowage lid located in the
rear cargo area that allows you to put items underneath it.
To remove the rear floor stowage lid, do the following:
1. Press the latch release and lift up the latch handle.
2. Raise the lid slightly to unhook it.
3. Pull the lid rearward to release it from the forward
mounting tabs.
To reinstall the rear floor stowage lid, reverse the
previous steps. Make sure the lid is secure by applying
slight pressure to the latch until you hear it click.