Oldsmobile Intrigue (2002 year). Manual - part 9

2-70

Air Bag Readiness Light

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. 
The system check includes the air bag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. 
For more information on the air bag system, see 
“Air Bag” in the Index.

This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.

If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.

CAUTION:

If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.

The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

2-71

Charging System Indicator Light

The charging system light
will come on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to
ON as a check to show you
it’s working. Then it should
go out.

If it stays on, or comes on while you’re driving, you
may have a problem with the charging system. It could
indicate that you have a loose drive belt or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving
while this light is on could drain your battery.

If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.

Brake System Warning Light

Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.

If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.

United States

Canada

This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it doesn’t come on then, 
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s 
a problem.

2-72

If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in
the Index.

CAUTION:

Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.

A warning chime will sound if your parking brake is set
and the transaxle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

United States

Canada

With the anti

-

lock brake system, the light will come on

when your engine is started and may stay on for three
seconds. That’s normal.

If the anti

-

lock brake system warning light stays on 

longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn
the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on
when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn 
the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while
you’re driving, your vehicle needs service. If the light is
on and the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you
still have brakes, but you don’t have anti

-

lock brakes.

The anti

-

lock brake system warning light should come

on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

2-73

Traction Control System Warning 
Light (Option)

This warning light should
come on briefly when the
engine is started.

If the warning light doesn’t come on then, have it 
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a
problem. If it stays on, or comes on when you’re
driving, there may be a problem with your traction
control system and your vehicle may need service.
When this warning light is on, the system will not 
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:
D If you turn the system off by pressing the

TRACTION CONTROL button located on the
console, the warning light will come on and stay on.
To turn the system back on, press the button again.
The warning light should go off. See “Traction
Control System” in the Index for more information.

D If there’s a brake system problem that is specifically

related to traction control, the traction control system
will turn off and the warning light will come on. If
your brakes begin to overheat, the traction control
system will turn off and the warning light will come
on until your brakes cool down.

D 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.

2-74

Precision Control System (PCS) Warning
Light (Option)

United States

Canada

This light should come on briefly as you start your engine.
If the light doesn’t come on then, have it serviced so it will
be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

If the PCS warning light comes on, it means there may
be a problem with your Precision Control System. When
this light comes on, so will the TRAC OFF light and
both the Precision Control System and the Traction
Control System will not be functioning. If these lights
come on, try to reset the system (stop; turn off the
engine; then start the engine again). If the PCS and
TRAC OFF lights remain on, it means there is a
problem and you should see your dealer for service.
Reduce your speed and drive accordingly.

Low Traction Active (LOW TRAC) Light

Your LOW TRAC (Low
Traction Active) light may
come on for one of the
following reasons:

D The Precision Control System (PCS) (if equipped) is

active and is adjusting brake pressure to help your
vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you
are steering. The PCS activates when the computer
senses that your vehicle is starting to spin, as might
happen if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery
surface on the road, and assists the driver by
selectively applying any one of the vehicle’s brakes.
The system is designed to help you in bad weather or
other difficult driving situations by making the most
of whatever road conditions will allow. When the
system is on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration
in the brake pedal. This is normal.

D The optional Traction Control System is active and is

limiting wheel spin. You may feel the system
working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions
may exist, so adjust your driving accordingly.

2-75

If the LOW TRAC light comes on, slippery road
conditions may exist, so you should consider slowing
down and adjusting your driving accordingly.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

You have a gage that 
shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage
moves into the shaded area
near the hot mark, your
engine is too hot.

That reading means the same thing as the warning light.
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 “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

Low Coolant Warning Light

If this light comes on, 
your system is low on
coolant, and the engine 
may overheat.

This light will come on briefly when the ignition is
turned to ON. This is normal.

See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more
information, and have your vehicle serviced as 
soon as possible.

2-76

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.

This system is called OBD II (On

-

Board

Diagnostics

-

Second Generation) and is intended to

assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the 
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON or
CHECK ENGINE light comes on and a chime will
sound to indicate that there is a problem and service is
required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.

NOTICE:

If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.

2-77

NOTICE:

Modifications made to the engine, transaxle,
exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle or
the replacement of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission controls
and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON 
or CHECK ENGINE light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This
may also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
D Light Flashing 

--

 A misfire condition has been

detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.

D Light On Steady 

--

 An emission control system

malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.

2-78

If the Light Is Flashing

The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
D Reducing vehicle speed.
D Avoiding hard accelerations.
D Avoiding steep uphill grades.
D If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of

cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.

If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.

If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light
Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.

If the Light Is On Steady

You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:

Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?

If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been
left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. 
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.

Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?

If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

Are you low on fuel?

As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may
not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of
air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The
system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this
condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. 
See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index. It will take a few
driving trips to turn the light off.

2-79

Have you recently changed brands of fuel?

If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. 
See “Fuel” in the Index. Poor fuel quality will cause
your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. 
You may notice this as stalling after start

-

up, stalling

when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation
on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.

If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.

If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs

Some state/provincial and local governments have 
or may begin programs to inspect the emission 
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass 
this inspection could prevent you from getting a 
vehicle registration.

Here are some things you need to know in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light is
on or not working properly.

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on

-

board diagnostic) system determines that critical

emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems during
normal driving. This may take several days of routine
driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does
not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system
readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to
prepare the vehicle for inspection.

2-80

Oil Warning Light

If you have a problem with
your oil, this light may stay
on after you start your
engine or come on when
you are driving.

This indicates that oil is not going through your engine
quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could
be low on oil or could have some other oil problem.
Have your vehicle serviced immediately.

The oil light could also come on when the ignition is on
but the engine is not running. This is normal. The light
comes on as a test to show you it’s working, but the light
should go out when you turn the ignition to ON. If it
doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may have a
problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away.

CAUTION:

Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. 
If you do, your engine can become so hot that 
it catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.

NOTICE:

Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by 
your warranty.

2-81

Service Vehicle Soon Light

This light will come on
briefly when the ignition is
turned to ON to show that
the bulb is working.

This light indicates problems with your vehicle that are
not related to emissions.

These problems may not be obvious and may affect
vehicle performance and durability. Consult your dealer
for necessary repairs to maintain vehicle performance.

Low Oil Level Light

Your engine is equipped
with an oil level monitoring
system. When the ignition is
turned to ON, the LOW
OIL light will briefly 
come on.

If the light does not flash, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

If the light stays on, stop the vehicle on a level surface
and turn the engine off. Check the oil level using the
engine oil dipstick. (See “Engine Oil” in the Index.)

The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between key on and engine
crank. It does not monitor engine oil level when the
engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is
only performed if the engine has been turned off for 
an extended period of time, allowing the oil normally in
circulation to drain back into the oil pan.

2-82

Change Oil Light

The CHANGE OIL light
should come on briefly as a
bulb check when you start
the engine. If the light
doesn’t come on, have the
vehicle serviced right away.

If the CHANGE OIL light comes on and stays on after
you start the engine, have the oil changed.

For additional information see “Engine Oil, When to
Change” in the Index. To reset the GM Oil Life
System,

t see “How to Reset the Change Oil Light” 

in the Index.

Security Light

This light will come on
when you turn the key to
START and will stay on
until the engine starts.

If you’re driving and the SECURITY light comes on
and stays on, your Passlock

R

 system is not working

properly. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock and
you should see your dealer. For more information, see
“Passlock” in the Index.

Cruise Light

The CRUISE light comes
on whenever you set your
cruise control. See “Cruise
Control” in the Index.

2-83

Low Washer Fluid Light

This light appears when
your vehicle is low on
windshield washer fluid.

This light will come on when your ignition is turned on
to check the bulb. It will go out after a few seconds. If
the light does not come on when you start your vehicle,
the bulb may need to be replaced. See your dealer to
have it fixed right away.

If this light appears while you’re driving, your vehicle is
low on washer fluid. Be sure to refill the tank as soon as
possible so that you’ll have washer fluid available when
you need it.

Fuel Gage

United States

Canada

Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have
left when the ignition is on.

When the indicator nears empty, you still have a little
fuel left, but you should get more soon.

2-84

Here are four things that some owners ask about. All
these things are normal and do not indicate a problem
with the fuel gage:
D At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the

gage reads full.

D It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage

reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but it
takes more (or less) than half the fuel tank’s capacity
to fill it.

D The gage pointer may move while cornering, braking

or speeding up.

D The gage may not indicate empty when the ignition

is turned off.

Low Fuel Warning Light

 United States

Canada

If your vehicle is low on fuel, this warning light near the
fuel gage will come on.

It will also come on for a few seconds when you first
turn on the ignition as a check to show you it’s working.
If it doesn’t come on then, the bulb may need to be
replaced. See your dealer to have it fixed right away.

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

-

2

Air Conditioning with Electronic Controls

3

-

3

Air Conditioning

3

-

5

Air Conditioning with Automatic and
Auxiliary Temperature Control (If Equipped)

3

-

10

Rear Window Defogger

3

-

11

Ventilation System

3

-

12

Audio Systems

3

-

12

Setting the Clock

3

-

13

AM

-

FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and

Programmable Equalization and Radio Data
System (RDS)

3

-

21

AM

-

FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and

Compact Disc Player with Programmable
Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS),
(If Equipped)

3

-

31

Theft

-

Deterrent Feature

3

-

31

Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)

3

-

32

Understanding Radio Reception

3

-

32

Tips About Your Audio System

3

-

33

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player

3

-

34

Care of Your Compact Discs

3

-

34

Care of Your Compact Disc Player

3

-

34

Backglass Antenna

3

-

35

Chime Level Adjustment