heating Oldsmobile Silhouette 2000 Owner's Manuals

Table of Contents (cont'd)
Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
SteeringDriving Tips for Various Road Conditions
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer Heating and Air Conditioning
Setting the Radio Clock
Radio/Cassette Player/CD PlayerRadio Theft-Deterrent Feature
Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your VehicleEngine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck
Problems on the Road
iii
Section
3
Section
4
Section
5
Your Driving and the Road Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

2-31
Canceling the Sliding Door Security Lock
1. Unlock the sliding door and open the door from
the outside.
2. Move the security lock lever all the way down.
The sliding door lock will now work normally.
Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate from the outside, turn the key in
the cylinder clockwise. To lock the liftgate using the
key, turn the key counterclockwise.
Open the liftgate using the handle above the license
plate. Once slightly opened, the liftgate will rise by
itself. Lamps in the rear of the vehicle will come on,
illuminating the rear cargo area. See ªInterior Lampsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Be sure there are no overhead obstructions, such
as a garage door, before you open the liftgate.
You could slam the liftgate into something and
break the glass.
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the liftgate open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and
the liftgate:

Make sure all other windows are shut.

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on bi
-level (outside air button is pressed).
That will force outside air into your vehicle.
See ªComfort Controlsº in the Index.

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.

2-77
After repositioning the crossrails, be sure to tighten the
release knobs by turning them clockwise. This will lock
the crossrails in place.
Use the tie-down loops on
the slider to help secure
large loads.
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
The ashtray and cigarette lighter are located below the
instrument panel switchbank in the instrument panel,
below the switchbank. Pull out the drawer to use
the ashtray.
To remove the ashtray for cleaning, grasp the edge of
the ashtray with your fingertips and pull up and out,
in a rocking motion.
To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it's ready, it will pop back out by itself.
NOTICE:
Don't hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won't be able to
back away from the heating element when it's
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
NOTICE:
Don't put papers and other things that burn into
your ashtrays. If you do, cigarettes or other
smoking materials could set them on fire,
causing damage.
Side Ashtrays
To open the ashtray, press the left side and flip it open.
To remove the ashtray for cleaning, press the snuffer as
you lift up the bottom of the ashtray.

2-91

If the traction control system is affected by an
engine
-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States Canada
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is
too hot!It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service
Engine Soon Light in the United States or
Check Engine Light in Canada)
United States Canada
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which
monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.

2-97
If the traction control system warning message comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Traction Active Message (Option)
If your vehicle has the
traction control system,
the TRACTION ACTIVE
message will appear when
the traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
appears, so adjust your driving accordingly. The
message will stay on for a few seconds after the traction
control system stops limiting wheel spin.
The TRACTION ACTIVE message also comes on
briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
message doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it
will be there to tell you when the traction control
system is active.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Message
This message will come
on when your engine gets
too hot.
If this message comes on, it means that your engine
coolant has overheated. If you have been operating your
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should
pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the
engine as soon as possible.
In ªProblems on the Road,º this manual shows what to
do. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.

3-
3-1
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle.
Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3
-2 Comfort Controls
3
-3 Air Conditioning
3
-4 Heating
3
-4 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-5 Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped)
3
-5 Rear Climate Control (Option)
3
-8 Ventilation System
3
-9 Audio Systems
3
-9 Setting the Clock
3
-9AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
with Radio Data Systems (RDS) and
Automatic Tone Control
3
-16 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
with Radio Data Systems (RDS) and
Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)3
-23 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and
Compact Disc Player with Radio Data
Systems (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control
(If Equipped)
3
-33 Rear Seat Audio (If Equipped)
3
-35 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-35 Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
3
-36 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-36 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-37 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-38 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-38 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-38 Integrated Windshield Antenna

3-2
Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for you.
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a
flow
-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Fan Knob
The left knob is the fan knob and selects the force of air
you want. Turn the knob clockwise to increase fan speed
and counterclockwise to decrease fan speed. The fan
must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor
to operate.Temperature Knob
The center knob controls the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn it clockwise (toward
the red area) for warmer air. Turn it counterclockwise
(toward the blue area) for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob is used to select and determine the
direction of the air flowing into the vehicle.
UPPER: This setting directs outside air through
the instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs outside air into
your vehicle in two ways. Cooler air is directed toward
your upper body through the front instrument panel
outlets, while warmed air is directed through the heater
ducts at your feet.
LOWER: This setting brings in most of the air
through the floor ducts. This setting is also used to send
air to the rear of the vehicle. Keep the area under the
front seats free of objects that could obstruct airflow to
the rear of the vehicle.

3-3
DEFOG: This setting directs air to the windshield
and through the floor ducts. This mode is useful during
cold or inclement weather because of your vehicle's
larger windshield area.
DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air
to the windshield and side window vents.
Mode Buttons
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button (the light will
glow) to send outside air into your vehicle. Using this
setting while trying to defrost or defog the windows
will help clear the vents of moisture. Press the
RECIRCULATION button (the light on the OUTSIDE
AIR button will go off) to limit outside air entering the
vehicle. When the DEFOG or DEFROST setting is
selected, the system will automatically go to
OUTSIDE AIR mode.
RECIRCULATION: Press this button (the light
will glow) to limit the amount of fresh air entering your
vehicle by recirculating much of the air inside your
vehicle. You may use this setting to limit odors entering
your vehicle. Press the OUTSIDE AIR button (the light
on the RECIRCULATION button will go off) to let
outside air circulate into the vehicle.Operating the Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system in the RECIRCULATION mode
may cause fogging of the vehicle's windows when the
weather is cold and damp. To clear the fog, switch the
HVAC system to either the DEFOG or DEFROST
mode and increase the fan speed. To avoid re
-fogging
of the windows, operate the HVAC system in the
OUTSIDE AIR mode.
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more
quickly and economically if you open the windows long
enough to let hot, inside air escape. For all settings,
adjust the temperature control knob and fan speed
as desired.
To get maximum cooling or a quick cool
-down on very
hot days, press the A/C and RECIRCULATION buttons
(the lights will glow) and turn the temperature knob
counterclockwise (toward the blue area). Adjust the
mode knob to direct the air to the desired location.
This setting should not be used for long periods of time
because the air may become too cold and dry. Push the
A/C button again (the light will go off) to turn off the
air conditioning.

3-4
When the air conditioner compressor is on, you may
sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle's engine
performance and power. This is normal. The system is
designed to help fuel economy while it maintains the
desired cooling level.
The air conditioner removes moisture from the air, so
you may sometimes notice water dripping from under
your vehicle's engine compartment when it is idling or
after it has been turned off. This is normal.
Heating
Turn the temperature knob clockwise (toward the red
area) to warm the air.
In the LOWER setting, outside air will be brought in
and sent through the floor outlets. The heater works best
if you keep your windows closed while using it.
The BI
-LEVEL setting is designed for use on sunny
days when the air is only moderately warm or cool.
On days like these, the sun may adequately warm your
upper body, but your lower body may not be warm
enough. For the best results, turn the temperature
control knob to the middle position, and then adjust it
for comfort.If you have the optional engine coolant heater and use
it during cold weather, 0
F (
-18
C) or lower, your
heating system will provide heat more quickly because
the engine coolant is already warmed. See ªEngine
Coolant Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting
To rapidly defrost the windshield, turn the temperature
control knob all the way clockwise (to the red area) and
turn the mode knob to DEFROST. Adjust the fan to the
highest speed.
To keep the windshield clear and bring in heated air
through the heater ducts, turn the mode knob
to DEFOG.
When the temperature outside is above freezing, the air
conditioner compressor will run in these settings to help
remove moisture from the air.
Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger
vents located on the top of the instrument panel. For
additional side window defogging, turn the mode knob
to the BI
-LEVEL setting and adjust the fan to the
highest speed. Aim the side vents on the instrument
panel toward the side windows. For increased airflow to
the side vents, close the center vents.

4-36
CAUTION: (Continued)

Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.

Keep the rear
-most windows closed.

If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
RECIRCULATION because it only
recirculates the air inside your vehicle.
(See ªComfort Controlsº in the Index.)
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good
deal longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.