1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Owner's Manual - Page 76

DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.If you need more powerfor passing, and you're: Going less than 35 mph (56 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (56 k m / h ) or more, push the accelerator allthe 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 DRIVE (D). Here are some times you might chooseTHIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D): When driving on hilly, winding roads. When towing a trailer,so there is less shifting between gears. When going down asteep hill. I 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 veryfar that way, your vehicle can be damaged.So, if this happens, have your vehicle servicedright away. Until then,you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds.