Oldsmobile Cutlass (1999 year). Manual - part 6

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NOTICE:

Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your rear 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 are parking on a hill, see
“Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

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 “Towing a
Trailer” in the Index.

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and

set the parking brake.

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2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:

D Hold in the button on the lever.
D Push the lever all the way toward the front of

your vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.

4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can

leave your vehicle with the key in your hand, your
vehicle is in PARK (P).

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) without first pushing
the button.

If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully
locked into PARK (P).

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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 “torque lock.” 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 “Shifting Into PARK (P)” 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).

Shifting Out of PARK (P)

CAUTION:

Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a
Trailer” in the Index.

Your vehicle has a Brake

-

Transaxle Shift Interlock

(BTSI). You have to apply your regular brake before
you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in
RUN . See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.

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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 into the gear you wish. (Press the shift
lever button before moving the shift lever.)

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:

1. Turn the key to the ACC ignition position.

2. Apply and hold the regular brake until the end of

Step 5.

3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).

4. Turn the key to START, to start the vehicle.

5. Shift to the drive gear you want.

6. Have the vehicle fixed 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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Engine Exhaust

CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:
D Your exhaust system sounds strange 

or different.

D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

D Your vehicle was damaged when driving over

high points on the road or over road debris.

D Repairs weren’t done correctly.

D Your vehicle or exhaust system had been

modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into 
your vehicle:
D Drive it only with all the windows down to

blow out any CO; and

D Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

Running Your Engine While 
You’re Parked

It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.

CAUTION:

Idling the engine with the climate control system
off could allow dangerous exhaust into 
your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under
“Engine Exhaust”).

Also, idling in a closed

-

in place can let deadly

carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust 

--

 with 

CO 

--

 can come in easily. NEVER park in a

garage with the engine running.

Another closed

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in place can be a blizzard. 

(See “Blizzard” in the Index.)

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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 “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.

If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a
trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

Windows

Manual Windows

On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window
crank to open and close each window.

Power Windows (If Equipped)

The power window switches are located on the armrest
of the driver’s door. In addition, each passenger door has
a switch for its own window.

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Auto

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Down Switch

The driver’s window switch has an auto

-

down feature.

This switch is labeled AUTO. Push the switch back
partway, and the driver’s window will open a small
amount. If the switch is pushed all the way back, the
window will go all the way down.

To stop the window while it is lowering, move the
switch forward. To raise the window, move and hold the
switch forward.

Lock

-

Out

-

Switch

The driver’s power window controls also include a lock
out switch. Press LOCK OUT to stop front and rear
passengers from using their window switches. The
driver can still control all the windows with the lock on.
Press the LOCK OUT button again for normal 
window operation.

Horn

You can sound the horn by pressing the horn symbol on
your steering wheel.

Tilt Wheel

A tilt steering 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.

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.

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Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes your:
D Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
D Headlamp High/Low

-

Beam Changer

D Park Lamps and Headlamps

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 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.

A warning chime signal will come on if you have left
your turn signal on for more than 3/4 mile (1 km).

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrow
flashes rapidly, a signal bulb may be burned out and
other drivers won’t see your turn signal.

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If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrow doesn’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned

-

out bulbs and then check

the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index).

Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer

To change the headlamps
from low beam to high
beam, push forward on the
turn signal/multifunction
lever.

To change the headlamps from high beam to low beam,
pull the turn signal lever toward you. When the high
beams are on, a light on the instrument panel will also
be on.

Flash-to-Pass

This feature lets you use your high

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beam headlamps to

signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.

To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you until the high

-

beam headlamps come on, then

release the lever to turn them off.

Windshield Wipers

You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk
with the wiper symbol on it up or down.

For a single wiper cycle, move the stalk down to MIST,
then release it. For more cycles, hold the stalk 
down longer.

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For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the
LO. For high

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speed wiping, move the stalk up further, to

HI. To stop the wipers, move the stalk to OFF.

You can set the wiper speed for a long or short 
delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light
rain or snow.

Move the stalk to INT, then turn the inner band, labeled
INT ADJ, and choose the delay you want. Turn the inner
band up for shorter delay times between wiper cycles.
Turn the band down for a longer delay time between
wiper cycles.

Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your
blades do become damaged, get new blades or 
blade inserts.

Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.

Windshield Washer

To wash your windshield, push in the button at the end
of the stalk until the washers begin.

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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.

When you release the button, the washers will stop, but
the wipers will continue to wipe for about three times or
will either stop or will resume the speed you were 
using before.

Cruise Control

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. 
Cruise control does not work at speeds below 
25 mph (40 km/h).

When you apply your brake, the cruise control shuts off.

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CAUTION:

D Cruise control can be dangerous where you

can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So,
don’t use your cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.

D Cruise control can be dangerous on

slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes
in tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control. Don’t
use cruise control on slippery roads.

Setting Cruise Control

CAUTION:

If you leave your cruise control switch on when
you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You
could be startled and even lose control. Keep the
cruise control switch off until you want to use it.

The cruise control buttons are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.

1. Press the cruise control OFF/ON button.

2. Get up to the speed you want.

3. Press the SET DECEL button and release it.

4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.

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Resuming a Set Speed

Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off
the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it. Once
you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can
press the cruise control ACCEL RESUME button for
about half a second.

You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and 
stay there.

If you press the ACCEL RESUME button longer than
half a second, the vehicle will keep going faster until
you release the switch or apply the brake. So unless you
want to go faster, don’t hold down the ACCEL
RESUME button.

Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control

There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
D Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.

Push the SET DECEL button, then release the button
and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the
higher speed.

D Press the ACCEL RESUME button. Hold it there

until you get up to the speed you want, and then
release the button. To increase your speed in very
small amounts, press the ACCEL RESUME button
for less than half a second and then release it. Each
time you do this, your vehicle will go about 
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.

The accelerate feature will only work after you turn on
the cruise control by pushing the SET DECEL button.

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Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control

There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:
D Push the SET DECEL button until you reach the

lower speed you want, then release it.

D To slow down in very small amounts, push the SET

DECEL button for less than half a second. Each time
you do this, you’ll go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control

Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow
down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.

Using Cruise Control on Hills

How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to
be too much trouble and don’t use cruise control on
steep hills.

Ending Out of Cruise Control

There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:
D Step lightly on the brake pedal;
D Press the cruise control OFF/ON button.

Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory

When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.

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Exterior Lamps

Turn the turn signal lever end cap up one position to
turn on:
D Parking Lamps
D Side Marker Lamps
D Taillamps
D License Plate Lamps
D Instrument Panel Lights

Turn the turn signal lever end cap up two positions to
turn on:
D Headlamps
D Parking Lamps
D Sidemarker Lamps
D Taillamps
D License Plate Lamps
D Instrument Panel Lights
Turn the switch to OFF to turn all of the lamps off.

Lamps On Reminder

If you open the driver’s door and turn off the ignition
while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a 
warning chime.

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Daytime Running Lamps

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.

The DRL system will make your low

-

beam headlamps

come on at a reduced brightness when:
D the ignition is on,
D the headlamp switch is to OFF or you have turned on

your parking lamps,

D the light sensor detects daytime light,
D the parking brake is released and
D the shift lever is not in PARK (P).
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker,
park lamps and instrument panel lights will not 
be illuminated.

The DRL system will remain off any time your vehicle
is in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged.

As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.

Automatic Light Control (ALC)

When it is dark enough outside, your Automatic Light
Control (ALC) will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as the
taillamps, sidemarker, park lamps and the instrument
panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.

Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the top
of the instrument panel under the defroster grill, so be
sure it is not covered which will cause the ALC system
to be on whenever the ignition is on.

The ALC system may also be on when driving through a
parking garage, heavy overcast weather, a tunnel. This 
is normal.

There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the ALC
systems so that driving under bridges or bright overhead
street lights does not affect the system. The DRL and
ALC systems will only be affected when the light sensor
sees a change in lighting lasting longer than this delay.

To idle your vehicle with the ALC system off, set the
park brake while the ignition is off. Then start the
vehicle. The ALC system will stay off until you release
the park brake.

As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.