ABS Oldsmobile Silhouette 1999 Owner's Manuals

yellowblue
2-72 Storage Bin
At the base of the center instrument panel console, there
is a storage bin. To open the bin, lift the latch release
and the door will fold down.
Inside the bin, you will find a tray that slides out. Slide
the tray all the way toward the rear of the vehicle until
the tray locks onto the plastic tabs at the end of the guide
rails. The tray holds CDs or cassettes in the center area.
You can also store cassettes in the left side area. The
right side area can hold either the coinholder, which lifts
out, or another cassette. The tray can be removed for
cleaning or when you want to replace the selection of
CDs or cassettes. Slide the tray back into the storage bin
before closing the bin door. The tray can also be placed
in the glove box for locked storage if desired.Removing and Replacing the Tray
To remove the tray, slide it almost all the way out. Don't
let the tray lock over the plastic tabs at the end of the
guide rails (A). Lift the tray out of the guide rails. The
rubber mat under the tray also lifts out for cleaning.
When the rubber mat is replaced, be sure the tabs at the
back of the mat are seated in the slots at the back of the
storage bin.

yellowblue
2-73
The dividers in the tray can be removed by squeezing
the plastic tabs on the bottom of the dividers, while
pulling up. Replace the dividers by sliding them down
until the tabs click into place.
To replace the tray, line up the guides on the bottom of
the tray with the guide rails in the storage bin door. Slide
the tray back in.
Front Seat Storage Bin
The storage bin is located under the manual front
passenger's seat. To open the bin, lift the handle and
slide the drawer out.
Cupholders
There are cupholders on the inboard side of the front
passenger's seat and the right side of the second row
bench seat.
To use the cupholders, simply pull down the tray. Keep
the trays up when not in use.
Your vehicle also has cupholders on either side of the
vehicle, next to the third row seats. The seatbacks have
cupholders that can be used when the seatbacks are
folded down.
Rear Storage Compartments
Your vehicle has a storage compartment on either side of
the vehicle, next to the third row seat(s).

yellowblue
2-82
To use your air inflator system, the engine must be
running or the ignition key in ACCESSORY. Attach the
appropriate nozzle adapter, if required, to the end of the
hose that has the pressure gage. Then attach that end of
the hose to the object you wish to inflate. Remove the
protective cap covering the outlet. Attach the other end
of the hose to the outlet. Press the ON switch.If the air inflator system does not turn on, the fuse may
be blown or installed incorrectly. See ªFuses and Circuit
Breakersº in the Index or see your dealer for service.
Your air inflator will automatically shut off after about
10 minutes. To reset, press the ON switch again.
Don't run your air inflator for longer than 30 minutes at
one time. If you do, you may damage the system. After
30 minutes, wait at least 10 minutes before restarting the
air inflator.
To turn off the inflator, press OFF and detach the hose,
first from the inflated object, then from the outlet.
Replace the protective cap. Place the inflator kit tools in
the pouch, and store in the glove box.
To replace the cover, line up the tabs at the back of the
cover and put it in place. Push down the tab to secure
the cover.

yellowblue
2-83
Accessory Power Outlets
Power outlets can be used to plug in electrical
equipment such as a cellular telephone, CB radio, etc.
Follow the proper installation instructions that are
included with any electrical equipment you install.
The front power outlet is located next to the ashtray and
lighter. Pull the cover down to use the power outlet.
When not in use, replace the cover.
The rear power outlet is located in the rear compartment
on the driver's side. To remove the cover, pull the tab on
the cover and pull it off.To replace the cover on the rear outlet, line up the tabs at
the back of the cover and put the cover in place. Push
down the tab to secure the cover.
When not in use, always cover the rear outlet with the
protective cap.
NOTICE:
When using the accessory power outlet:

Maximum load of any electrical equipment
should not exceed 20 amps.

Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment
when not in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended periods can
drain your battery.

yellowblue
2-103
Turn the ignition on and cycle the DIC to the
Compass/Temperature mode. Press both the E/M and
MODE buttons simultaneously for approximately five
seconds. The last entered variance zone number will be
displayed. Press the E/M button until the proper
variance number, as shown on the map, is showing.
Press the MODE button to set the new variance zone
and resume normal operation.
The display will show all the display segments for half a
second to acknowledge the change in zone number.
Automatic Compass Calibration
The compass is self
-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the calibration process may not be complete. In
these cases the calibration symbol, C, will be displayed
where the compass reading is normally displayed.
To calibrate the compass, in an area free from large
metal objects, make three 360
turns. The calibration
symbol will turn off and the compass reading will
be displayed.Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic and the calibration
symbol does not appear, you must manually put the
compass into the calibration mode.
Turn the ignition on and cycle the DIC to the
Compass/Temperature mode. Press both the E/M and
MODE buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds
until the calibration symbol appears. Release both
buttons and complete three 360
turns in an area free
from large metal objects. The calibration symbol will
turn off and the compass reading will be displayed.
Error Displays

An error of the vehicle's speed sensor or fuel sender
will cause
-E- to be displayed.

In the absence of vehicle communications, a double
dash ª
--º is displayed.
If one of these error messages appear, see your dealer.

yellowblue
4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the
traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves a little. (You may also hear a clicking
noise if you leave the ignition in the RUN position for
about four seconds before starting the vehicle.)
This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.

yellowblue
4-8
Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet.
You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels.The anti
-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire
and road conditions.
You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

yellowblue
4-15
Loss of Control
Let's review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
ªoverdrivingº those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.

yellowblue
4-39 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.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, belts, cooling system and brake system. Each
of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will
help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's a
good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

yellowblue
5-5
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlet. Turn off all lamps
that aren't needed as well as radios. This will avoid
sparks and help save both batteries. In addition, it
could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (
-) terminals on
each battery.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
5. Your vehicle has a
remote positive (+) jump
starting terminal. The
terminal is under a
tethered cap at the front
of the underhood fuse
and relay center.
Squeeze the tabs and
pull up on the cap to
access the remote
positive (+) terminal.
You should always use the remote positive (+) terminal
instead of the positive (+) terminal on your battery.