1998 Oldsmobile 88 Owner's Manual - Page 77

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. I 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. 2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in START for about three tofive 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. NOTICE: Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your Oldsmobile is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Starting Your 3800 Series I1 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 down as your go engine gets warm. 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 it floor and holding 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 five or six seconds. for This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. After waiting about15 seconds, repeatthe noma1 starting procedure. 2-18