Oldsmobile Aurora (2001 year). Manual - part 5

2-5

The master key works in 
all of the lock cylinders
(doors, trunk, ignition and
glove box).

The VALET key only
operates the doors and 
the ignition.

Both the master and VALET key have a transponder
embedded into the key for security and vehicle theft
deterrence. The keys also come with a bar code tag.
Keep the bar code tag in a safe place. If you lose your
key, you will be able to have a new one made using the
bar code tag. The replacement key must have a vehicle
theft deterrent system transponder embedded in it.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever 
lock your keys inside. You may even have to
damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you
have extra keys.

2-6

Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers 

--

 especially children 

--

 can easily

open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won’t open it.

Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.

This may not be so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.

From the outside, use your key or remote lock 
control transmitter.

To unlock the door from the inside, move the manual
door lock control located above the door handle
rearward. To lock the door, move the manual door 
lock control forward.

Central Door Unlocking System

If the key is held in the outside key cylinder unlock
position for more than two seconds, all doors will
unlock. All doors will also unlock if the key is turned 
to the unlock position twice within three seconds.

2-7

Power Door Locks

With power door locks, 
you can lock or unlock all
the doors of your vehicle
using the driver’s or the
front passenger’s door 
lock switch.

Door Ajar Reminder

If a door is not fully closed when the transaxle is in gear, a
chime will sound and the Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display one of these messages:
D DRIVERS DOOR AJAR
D PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
D LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
D RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

This is a personalization feature that programs your door
locks to automatically lock or unlock your vehicle.

This feature also allows you to program the vehicle to
lock all doors when shifting out of PARK (P). Also, you
can program the door locks to do one of the following:
D Unlock just the driver’s door when shifting back 

into PARK (P),

D unlock all doors when shifting back into PARK (P),
D unlock just the driver’s door when turning the

ignition to LOCK,

D unlock all doors when turning the ignition to 

LOCK, or

D no automatic door unlock when shifting into 

PARK (P) or turning the ignition to LOCK.

You can also program this feature to be turned off. 
Then you will not have automatic door lock or unlock.

This feature will function when you close the doors and
turn on the ignition. If someone needs to get out while
you’re not in PARK (P), have that person use the manual
or power door lock. When the door is closed again, it
will not lock automatically. Use the manual or power
lock to lock the door again.

2-8

You must program this feature through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See “DIC Personalization
Programming” in the Index.

Overriding Lock Delay

If you need to lock your doors before shifting out of
PARK (P), use the manual or power door lock switch 
to lock the doors.

Delayed Locking

This personalization feature lets the driver delay the
actual locking of the vehicle. When the driver’s power
door lock switch, or the lock symbol on the remote 
lock control is pressed with the key removed from the
ignition and the driver’s door open, a chime will sound
three times to signal that the lock delay mode is active.
When all doors have been closed, the doors will lock
automatically after five seconds. If any door is opened
before this, the five

-

second timer will reset itself once

all the doors have been closed again.

Pressing the driver’s or passenger’s door lock switch or
the lock symbol on the remote lock control a second
time will override this feature.

You must program this feature through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See “DIC Personalization
Programming” in the Index.

Rear Door Security Lock

Your vehicle is equipped
with rear door security
locks that help prevent
passengers from opening
the rear doors of your
vehicle from the inside.

To use one of these locks do the following:

1. Move the lever all the way up to the 

ENGAGED position.

2. Close the door.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the other rear door lock.

The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from
inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open a
rear door when the security lock is on do the following:

1. Unlock the door.

2. Then open the door from the outside.

2-9

If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or
older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open
the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and
older children know how these security locks work, and
how to cancel the locks.

To cancel the rear door lock do the following:

1. Unlock the door and open the door from the outside.

2. Move the lever all the way down.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the other rear door.

The rear door locks will now work normally.

Anti-Lockout Feature

The power door locks will not work if the key is in the
ignition and any door is open. You can override this
feature by holding the driver’s power door lock switch
for more than three seconds.

Leaving Your Vehicle

When you leave the vehicle, open your door and set the
locks from the inside, then get out and close the door.

Remote Lock Control

You can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your
trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away
using the remote lock control transmitter supplied with
your vehicle.

Your remote lock control operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, 
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This device complies with RSS

-

210 of Industry Canada.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of 
the device.

2-10

Changes or modifications to this system by other than 
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
D Check the distance. You may be too far from your

vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

D Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may 

be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left 
or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

D Check to determine if battery replacement or

resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.

D If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a

qualified technician for service.

Operation

The numbers on the back of your transmitter correspond
to DRIVER #1 and DRIVER #2 on the DIC. For more
information see “DIC” in the Index.

The driver’s door will
unlock and the exterior
lights will flash twice 
when the unlock symbol 
is pressed.

If the unlock symbol is pressed again within five
seconds, all doors will unlock, the exterior lamps will
flash twice and the horn may sound. See “Security
Feedback” in the Index.

2-11

Pressing the unlock symbol will also illuminate the
interior lamps. See “Illuminated Entry” in the Index.

All doors will lock, the exterior lamps will flash once 
and the horn may sound when the lock symbol 
is pressed.

The trunk will unlock when the trunk symbol is pressed
when the ignition is in LOCK. The trunk symbol will
also work when the ignition is on, but only while the
transaxle is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).

Instant Alarm

When the horn symbol on the remote lock control
transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the
headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds.
This can be turned off by pressing the horn symbol
again, unlocking the vehicle with a key or by turning 
the ignition on.

Personalization Features

The following list of features available on your vehicle
can be programmed to the driver’s preference for 
each transmitter.
D Automatic Door Locks: This feature programs 

your door locks to automatically lock or unlock
when shifting in and out of PARK (P) or when the
key is turned to LOCK.

D Security Feedback: This feature provides feedback

to the driver when the vehicle receives a command
from the remote lock control transmitter.

D Delayed Locking: This feature lets the driver delay

the actual locking of the vehicle. When all doors
have been closed, the doors will lock automatically
after five seconds.

D Perimeter Lighting: When the unlock symbol on

the remote lock control transmitter is pressed, the
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), parking lamps 
and back

-

up lamps will turn on if it is dark 

enough outside.

For more detailed information and programming
instructions for each feature mentioned, refer to 
the Index.

2-12

Security Feedback

This feature provides feedback to the driver when the
vehicle receives a command from the remote lock
control transmitter and all doors are closed. The
following settings can be programmed for each of 
the remote lock control transmitters:
D No feedback when locking or unlocking vehicle.
D Parking lamps and the Daytime Running Lamps 

will flash twice when unlocking the vehicle and flash
once when locking the vehicle.

D Horn chirps when all doors are unlocked (second

unlock button press) and when locking the vehicle.

D Parking lamps and the Daytime Running Lamps 

will flash twice each time the button with the unlock
symbol is pressed; the horn chirps when all doors are
unlocked. Parking lamps and the exterior lamps flash
once and the horn chirps when locking the vehicle.

You must program this feature through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See “DIC Personalization
Programming” in the Index.

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.

See your dealer to match transmitters to another vehicle.

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.

2-13

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.

For battery replacement, use a Duracell

R

 battery, type

DL

-

2032, or a similar type.

To replace the battery:

1. Insert a coin into the notch near the key ring. Turn

the coin counterclockwise to separate the two halves
of the transmitter.

2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil eraser

to remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.

3. Replace the battery as the instructions under the

cover indicate.

4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure

no moisture can enter.

5. Test the operation of the transmitter with your

vehicle. If the transmitter does not work,
resynchronize the transmitter.

2-14

Resynchronization

Pressing the transmitter buttons numerous times
(approximately 250 times) out of the vehicle’s operating
range may cause the transmitter not to work. Replacing
the battery and pressing the transmitter buttons out 
of range will also cause the transmitter not to work. 
If only the instant alarm works, the transmitter needs 
to be resynchronized to the receiver. Resynchronize by
pressing and holding both the buttons with the lock 
and unlock symbols at the same time for about eight
seconds. You must be within range of the vehicle.

Once the transmitter has been resynchronized, the locks
will cycle (the horn may chirp and the exterior lamps
may flash) depending on the security feedback settings.
The system should now operate properly.

Trunk

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 any airflow selection except RECIRC.
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.

2-15

Trunk Lock Release

To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the master
key and turn it.

Remote Trunk Release

Press the trunk release
button located on the lower
portion of the driver’s door
to release the trunk lid. The
trunk release lockout switch
must be OFF for this button
to work.

The system also works with the remote lock control.
The trunk will unlock when the trunk symbol is pressed
while the vehicle is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and
the trunk release lockout switch is in OFF.

Trunk Release Lockout

The trunk release lockout
switch in the glove box
allows you to secure items
in the trunk and disable the
fuel door release and the
HomeLink

R

 Transmitter.

Move the trunk release lockout switch to ON, lock the
glove box and take the master key and remote lock
control transmitter with you. Now the remote trunk
release button will not open the trunk, the fuel door
release button will not open the fuel door and the
HomeLink Transmitter will not operate.

2-16

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.

With the ignition off and the driver’s door open, you’ll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition
and transaxle. 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

Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition 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 ON.
D Lock the glove box.
D Lock all doors except the driver’s.
D Give the valet key to the valet. Then take the 

master key with you.

2-17

Universal Theft

-

Deterrent

Your vehicle has a theft

-

deterrent alarm system. With

this system, if your ignition is off, the SECURITY light
will flash as you open the door.

This light reminds you to
activate the theft

-

deterrent

system. To activate it do 
the following:

1. Open the door.

2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or

remote lock control system. The SECURITY light
should come on and stay on.

3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go 

off after about 30 seconds. The security system is 
not armed until the SECURITY light is off. If the
SECURITY light stays on or flashes when the
ignition is turned on, there is a problem with the
system and the vehicle should be serviced.

If the SECURITY light comes on for one minute and
then shuts off while the ignition is on, the security
system has detected a problem. See your dealer 
for service.

If a door or the trunk is opened without the key or
remote lock control transmitter, the alarm will go off.
Your vehicle’s lamps will flash and the horn will sound
for 30 seconds, then will go off to save battery power.

Remember, the theft

-

deterrent system won’t activate 

if you lock the doors with a key or manual door lock. 
It only activates if you use the power door lock switch
or remote lock control transmitter. You should also
remember that you can start your vehicle with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off. 
This also shuts off the alarm.

Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
D If you don’t want to activate the theft

-

deterrent

system, lock the door either using a key or the
manual door lock switch.

D Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote

lock control system. Unlocking a door any other 
way will set off the alarm.

If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door
with your key.

You can also turn off the alarm by pressing the 
unlock symbol on the remote lock control transmitter.
The alarm won’t stop if you try to unlock a door any
other way.

2-18

Testing the Alarm

The alarm can be tested by following these steps:

1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver’s

window and open the driver’s door.

2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the

power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the remote lock control transmitter.

3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the

SECURITY light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the 

door with the manual door lock and open the door.
This should set off the alarm.

If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the
vehicle’s lamps flash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. See “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index.

If the alarm does not sound, or the vehicle’s lamps 
do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized service center.

PASS

-

Key

R

 III

Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS

-

Key III

(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft

-

deterrent system.

PASS

-

Key III is a passive

theft

-

deterrent system.

This means you don’t have to do anything different to
arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert or
remove the key from the ignition.

Your PASS

-

Key III system operates on a radio

frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, 
and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

2-19

This device complies with RSS

-

210 of Industry Canada.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, 
and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than 
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

PASS

-

Key III uses a radio frequency transponder in 

the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

When the PASS

-

Key III system senses that someone 

is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone
using a trial

-

and

-

error method to start the vehicle will

be discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.

When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key may
have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and
try again.

If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and
Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the engine still does
not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
PASS

-

Key III to have a new key made.

It is possible for the PASS

-

Key III decoder to learn 

the transponder value of a new or replacement key. 
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. 
This procedure is for learning additional keys only. 
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS

-

Key III to have keys made and

programmed to the system.

See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS

-

Key III to get a new blank key that is cut 

exactly as the current black colored driver’s key that
operates the system. Do not use a gray

-

colored 

VALET key for this procedure.

2-20

To program the new key:

1. Insert the current driver’s key (black in color) in the

ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.

2. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK,

and remove the key.

3. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN

within 10 seconds of removing the previous key.

4. The SECURITY telltale light will turn off once the

key has been programmed. It may not be apparent
that the SECURITY light went on due to how
quickly the key is programmed.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are 

to be programmed.

If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes on  
and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you  
turn it off. Your PASS

-

Key III system, however, is not

working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. 
Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS

-

Key III system 

at this time.

If you lose or damage a PASS

-

Key III key, see your

dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS

-

Key III to

have a new key made.

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.