Oldsmobile Aurora (2001 year). Manual - part 6

2-21

Ignition Positions

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

LOCK (A): This is the only position in which you 
can remove the key. This position locks your ignition,
steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft

-

deterrent feature.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; 
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But 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.

ACCESSORY (B): This position lets you use your
electrical power accessories such as power windows,
power sunroof (option), radio and the windshield wipers.

RUN (C): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. This is the
position for normal driving. Even when the engine is not
running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical
power accessories and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.

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

2-22

Key Reminder Warning

If you leave your key in the LOCK ignition position,
you will hear a warning chime when you open the
driver’s door.

Always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave it in any
other position, you will drain the battery power.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you
will still have electrical power to accessories such as the
power windows, audio steering wheel controls, clock,
sunroof (option), accessory power outlet and the radio
for up to 10 minutes. The instrument panel cluster lights
will stay on for a few seconds, then go out. Once you
open a door, the power will shut off.

Starting Your Engine

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

--

 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.

2-23

Starting Your 3.5L V6 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.

2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in

START for about 10 seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging
your starter.

3. If your engine still 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 about three seconds. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do the same 
thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or
six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the
engine. After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the
normal starting procedure.

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.

2-24

Starting Your 4.0L V8 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.

2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in

START for about three seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging
your starter.

3. If your engine still 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 about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.

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.

2-25

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

In very cold weather, 0

_F (

-

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.

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 on 
the passenger’s side of the vehicle, above the
headlamp assembly.

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

-

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.

2-26

Automatic Transaxle Operation

There are several 
different positions for 
your shift lever.

PARK (P): This position 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.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift
lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition key is in RUN.

2-27

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:

Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

2-28

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is 
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:
D Going less than approximately 35 mph (55 km/h),

push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.

D Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the

accelerator all the way down.

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

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, or

D when going down a steep hill.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power 
but lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) or THIRD (3). 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.

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 (1) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

If your front wheels can’t turn, 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 could 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.

2-29

Parking Brake

Your vehicle has a PUSH
TO RELEASE 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 while the parking brake is set and a single
chime will be heard.

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal with your left foot. This will release the
parking brake pedal. When you lift your left foot, the
parking brake pedal will follow it to the release position.

If you try to drive approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) with
the parking brake on, the brake light stays on and a
chime sounds until you release the parking brake.

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 any hill,
see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section 
shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

2-30

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 by pushing down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.

2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pushing the

lever all the way forward.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

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

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

2-31

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).

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

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).

2-32

Shifting Out of PARK (P)

Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transaxle” in 
the Index.

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 lever into the gear you want. If you 
ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift 
out of PARK (P), try the following:

1. Turn the key to the LOCK ignition position.

2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.

3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).

4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear 

you want.

5. Take your vehicle to an authorized service center 

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.

2-33

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

-

in place can be a blizzard. 

See “Blizzard” in the Index.

2-34

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.

Horn

Press on the center area of the steering wheel to sound
the horn.

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.

2-35

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
D Turn and Lane Change Signals
D Headlamps
D Headlamp High/Low

-

Beam Changer

D Parking Lamps
D Flash

-

To

-

Pass

D Fog Lamps

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 either 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 cluster 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.

2-36

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows 
flash very fast, a bulb may be burned out and other
drivers won’t see your turn signal.

If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid 
an accident.

If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn,
check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the
Index) and for burned

-

out bulbs.

Turn Signal On Chime

If your turn signal is left on for more than 0.8 miles 
(1.3 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the turn
signal and the DIC will display the TURN SIGNAL
ON? reminder message. To turn off the chime and
message, move the turn signal lever to the off position.
To turn off the DIC message while the turn signal is 
still active, press any button on the DIC.

Headlamps

The headlamp control 
is located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.

Turn the control to this symbol to turn on

 the following:
D Parking Lamps
D Sidemarker Lamps
D Taillamps
D License Plate Lamps
D Instrument Panel Lights