Oldsmobile Cutlass (1999 year). Manual - part 5

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2-8

Operation

The following functions are available with the remote
lock control system:

LOCK All doors will automatically lock when the
LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. Press the
button a second time and you will hear a “chirp” to
indicate that the doors have been locked.

UNLOCK:The driver’s door will unlock automatically
when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed.
If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within five
seconds, all remaining doors will unlock.

: The trunk will unlock anytime the vehicle

symbol on the transmitter is pressed, the trunk lockout is
not engaged and the gear selector is in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N).

Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle

Each remote lock control transmitter is coded to prevent
another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters
matched to it.

You can match your transmitter to as many 1999
General Motors vehicles as you own, as long as they
have the same remote lock control system. Contact your
dealer for assistance with this.

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2-9

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote lock
control transmitter should last about two years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch
any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage 
the transmitter.

To replace the battery in the remote lock 
control transmitter:

1. Use a small coin or flathead screwdriver to separate

the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.

2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one.

Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces
down. Use one three

-

volt, CR2032, or equivalent,

type battery.

3. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the

cover is on tightly, so water won’t get in.

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2-10

4. Check the operation of the transmitter with your

vehicle. If the transmitter does not work, try
resynchronizing the transmitter with the receiver.

Resynchronization

Your remote lock control system is equipped with a
security system that prevents anyone from recording and
playing back your signal. The transmitter does not send
the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will
not respond to a signal that has been sent to it more 
than once.

To resynchronize your transmitter and receiver, follow
these directions:

1. Stand close to your vehicle.

2. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on

the transmitter at the same time.

3. Hold the buttons for five seconds. In this time, the

doors should lock and unlock once. This confirms
the resynchronization. If the doors do not lock and
unlock, see your dealer for service.

Trunk

To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and turn 
the trunk lock cylinder or use the remote lock lock control.

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
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 trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:
D Make sure all other windows are shut.

D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling

system to its highest speed with the setting on
VENT. That will force outside air into your
vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.

D If you have air outlets on or under the

instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

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2-11

Remote Trunk Release

Press the remote release button, located on the lower left
side of the instrument panel, to release the trunk lid.
Make sure the lockout feature is not activated. Also, the
remote trunk release will only work when the gearshift
lever is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).

Remote Trunk Release Lockout

Your remote trunk release is equipped with a lockout
feature to help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk
when leaving the vehicle unattended. The switch is
located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the
trunk lid latch.

To turn the lockout on, slide the switch all the way to the
left. To turn the lockout off, slide the switch all the way
to the right.

When the lockout is on, the remote trunk release switch
on the instrument panel will not release the trunk lid.
However, the trunk lid can still be opened with the key,
but not with the remote lock control transmitter.

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2-12

Theft

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft

-

deterrent

features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you 
can help.

Key in the Ignition

If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves 

--

 so

don’t do it.

When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your ignition and transaxle will be locked. And
remember to lock the doors.

Parking at Night

Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

Parking Lots

If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your key?
D If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.
D Put your valuables in a storage area, like your 

trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.

D Close all windows.
D Move the trunk release lockout switch to the 

ON position.

D Lock the glove box.
D Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
D If your vehicle has a remote lock control system,

take the transmitter with you.

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Passlock

R

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft

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deterrent system.

Passlock is a passive theft

-

deterrent system. Passlock

enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a
valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock
cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled.

During normal operation, the THEFT SYSTEM light
will go off approximately five seconds after the key is
turned to the ON ignition position.

If the THEFT SYSTEM light flashes, wait until the light
stops flashing before starting the engine.

In an emergency, call the Oldsmobile Roadside
Assistance Center at 1

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800

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442

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OLDS (6537).

New Vehicle “Break

-

In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break

-

in.” But it will perform better in the long

run if you follow these guidelines:
D Don’t drive at any one speed 

--

 fast or 

slow 

--

 for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don’t make full

-

throttle starts.

D Avoid making hard stops for the first 

200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking

-

in guideline every

time you get new brake linings.

D Don’t tow a trailer during break

-

in. 

See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

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Ignition Positions

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be injured or even killed. They could
operate power windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in
the vehicle with children.

With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to four positions.

OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is off. It is the only position from
which you can remove the key. This position locks your
ignition and transaxle. A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and
the key is in the ignition.

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ACC (Accessory) (B): This position unlocks the
transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers when the engine is not running. To
use ACC, push in the key and turn it clockwise. Use this
position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but
never try to push

-

start your vehicle.

ON (C): This position unlocks the ignition and
transaxle. This position is also where the key returns
after you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical power accessories, and to display
some instrument panel warning lights.

START (D): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.

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Starting Your Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position 

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 that’s a

safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.

NOTICE:

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.

Starting Your Engine

1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your

ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.

NOTICE:

Holding your key in START for longer than 
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about 
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.

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2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but then stops), it

could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to 15 seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.

NOTICE:

Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.

If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

In very cold weather, 0

_F (

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18

_C) or colder, the engine

coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm

-

up. Usually,

the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The

engine coolant heater cord is located near the air
cleaner/filter.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-

volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three

-

prong

110

-

volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a

heavy

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duty three

-

prong extension cord rated for

at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and

store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could 
be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.

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Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the
console between the seats.

PARK (P): This 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 “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If
you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in
the Index.

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Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake

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Transaxle

Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition key is in the RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever 

--

 push the

shift lever all the way into PARK (P) 

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 as you maintain

brake application. Then move the shift lever into the
gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before
moving the shift lever.) See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)”
later in this section.

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 “Stuck
In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” 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 “racing” (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:

Do not shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine racing. Your transaxle can be
damaged by doing this and will not be covered by
your warranty. Shift your transaxle according to
the instructions in this manual.

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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is 
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:
D Going less than 35 mph (56 km/h), push your

accelerator pedal about halfway down.

D Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the

accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to
the next gear and have more power.

NOTICE:

If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it seems not to shift gears as you go faster,
something may be wrong with a transaxle system
sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens, have
your vehicle serviced right away. Until then, you
can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than 35 mph (56 km/h) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds.

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here
are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
D When driving on hilly, winding roads.
D When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting

between gears.

D When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. 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.

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NOTICE:

Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than 
25 miles (41 km), or at speeds over 55 mph 
(88 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or 
THIRD (3) as much as possible. Don’t shift into
SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 
65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage 
your engine.

SECOND (2) will select either first or second gear
depending on vehicle speed. If your vehicle is slowing,
the transaxle will downshift to first gear at 20 to 
25 miles per hour (32 to 40 km/h) for engine braking. 
You may notice some variation in shift speed in
SECOND (2) when accelerating or braking.

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), the transaxle won’t
shift into first gear until the vehicle is going 
slowly enough.

NOTICE:

If your front 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 can damage your transaxle.

Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P)
to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

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Second-Gear Start

Your vehicle is equipped with a second

-

gear start

feature. Place the shift lever in SECOND (2) gear to
provide more traction when you are starting on ice or
other slippery surfaces. The transaxle will be in
SECOND (2) gear when the vehicle begins to move.
After starting in SECOND (2) gear, place the shift lever
in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).

This feature is only for improved traction only when the
road surface is slippery and is not intended for
continuous use or when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow or gravel.

Parking Brake

To set the parking brake,
hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot.
Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left
foot. If the ignition is on,
the brake system warning
light will come on.

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot. Push down on the
parking brake pedal with your left foot. If the parking
brake is not released when you begin to drive, a chime
will sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.