1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass Owner's Manual - Page 80
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass Manual
Page 80 highlights
yellowblue 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 gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. NOTICE: Don't drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (41 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (88 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or THIRD (3) as much as possible. Don't shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage your engine. SECOND (2) will select either first or second gear depending on vehicle speed. If your vehicle is slowing, the transaxle will downshift to first gear at 20 to 25 miles per hour (32 to 40 km/h) for engine braking. You may notice some variation in shift speed in SECOND (2) when accelerating or braking. NOTICE: If your front wheels can't rotate, 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 can 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. 2-22