Oldsmobile 1999 Alero Owner's Manual

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The 1999 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the "SRS" system.

Features and Controls

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.

Your Driving and the Road

Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

Problems on the Road

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.

Service and Appearance Care

Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

Maintenance Schedule

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

Customer Assistance Information

This section tells you how to contact Oldsmobile for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.

It also gives you information on "Reporting Safety Defects" on page 8

Index

Here's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find

something you want to read.

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Table of Contents

Summary of Contents for Oldsmobile 1999 Alero

Page 1 This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Oldsmobile for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8 Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.
Page 2 For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Oldsmobile Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road.
Page 3: How To Use This Manual
How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.
Page 4 Vehicle Damage Warnings Also in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
Page 5 Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, These symbols these symbols are important are used on an for you and original battery: your passengers whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE INJURY DOOR LOCK PROTECT...
Page 6 yellowblue NOTES...
Page 7: Table Of Contents
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About...
Page 8: Seats And Seat Controls
Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats adjust them and also about reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Seats CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving.
Page 9 Power Lift Seat-Forward/Rearward Controls (If Equipped) Move the control lever under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place. Power Lift Seat-Height Controls (If Equipped) The power seat switch is located on the lower, left side...
Page 10 6-Way Power Seat Controls (If Equipped) The power seat switch is located on the lower, left side of the driver’s seat. This switch allows you to move the seat up, down, forward, and backward. It also moves the front of the seat up or down and the rear of the seat up or down.
Page 11 Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to an upright position. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.
Page 12: Head Restraints
CAUTION: (Continued) up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.
Page 13: Rear Seats
The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. The seatback latch is designed for handed operation. To fold a front seatback forward, lift the seatback latch fully without pushing forward on the seatback. Push the seatback to its original position, the seatback will lock.
Page 14: Safety Belts: They're For Everyone
Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly.
Page 15: Why Safety Belts Work
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive.
Page 16 yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-10...
Page 17 yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. or the instrument panel ... In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-11...
Page 18: Here Are Questions Many People Ask About
or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. 1-12 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts...
Page 19: How To Wear Safety Belts Properly
If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident even one that isn’t your fault your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.
Page 20: Driver Position
Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.
Page 21 yellowblue If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
Page 22 yellowblue The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
Page 23 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4 Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. Door Models) To move it down, squeeze the release button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing on the shoulder belt guide.
Page 24 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-18 CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
Page 25 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
Page 26 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-20 CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Page 27 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.
Page 28: Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
Page 29: Right Front Passenger Position
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Page 30 CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags.
Page 31 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.
Page 32 The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-26 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear.
Page 33 In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system...
Page 34 In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system.
Page 35: Rear Seat Passengers
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
Page 36 Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly.
Page 37 yellowblue 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.
Page 38: Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides For Children And Small Adults
CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. 1-32 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults...
Page 39 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip. 2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
Page 40 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top. 1-34 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section.
Page 41: Lap Belt
To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Rotate the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed.
Page 42: Children
To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
Page 43 CAUTION: Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should.
Page 44 CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued) 1-38 CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 will suddenly become a 240...
Page 45: Child Restraints
Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. What are the different types of add child restraints? on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it...
Page 46 yellowblue A rear facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash.
Page 47 yellowblue A forward facing child restraint (C E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age.
Page 48 yellowblue A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
Page 49: Where To Put The Restraint
When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both.
Page 50 yellowblue Top Strap Canadian law requires that forward facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle.
Page 51 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position You’ll be using the lap shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint.
Page 52 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-46 4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint.
Page 53 To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt.
Page 54 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-48 5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.
Page 55 CAUTION: A child in a rear facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag.
Page 56 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-50 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint.
Page 57: Larger Children
Larger Children Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat.
Page 58 1-52 CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
Page 59 CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen.
Page 60: Safety Belt Extender
Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you.
Page 61 Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly and what to do if you have a problem.
Page 62 yellowblue Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
Page 63 If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have one made easily using this tag. If you need a new key, go to your dealer for the correct key code. In an emergency, call the Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Center at 1 OLDS (6537). (In Canada, call 6800.)
Page 64: Door Locks
Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers especially children open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked.
Page 65: Power Door Locks
Power Door Locks With the power door locks, you can unlock or lock all of the doors of your vehicle from the driver or front passenger door lock switch. Push the top of the switch to unlock all of the doors. Push the bottom of the switch to lock all of the doors.
Page 66 Mode 2: This mode is only available with the remote lock control transmitter. All doors automatically lock when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the transaxle is shifted into PARK(P) and the key is turned to OFF.
Page 67 Rear Door Security Locks (4-Door Models) Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside. The switch is located on the inside of the rear door. To use the security locks: 1.
Page 68: Leaving Your Vehicle
This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be locked out of your vehicle. If you don’t leave the keys in the ignition, if you use the manual door lock, or if you use the remote lock control transmitter (if equipped), you could still lock your keys inside your vehicle.
Page 69 This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Page 70: Battery Replacement
Programmable Horn Chirp When you use the remote lock control transmitter to lock the doors or use the delayed locking feature the parking lamps will flash and the horn will chirp. The programmable horn chirp can be disabled by pressing and holding either of the door lock switches in the unlock position for 10 seconds with the ignition ON and all of the doors closed.
Page 71 To replace the battery in the remote lock control transmitter: 1. Use a small coin or flathead screwdriver to separate the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter. 2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces down.
Page 72 Trunk CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid:...
Page 73 Remote Trunk Release Lockout Your trunk release is equipped with a lockout feature to help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk when the vehicle is left unattended. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch. To turn the lockout on, slide the switch all the way to the left, to ON.
Page 74 Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this time. You may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Center at 1 OLDS (6537). (In Canada, call 1 6800.)
Page 75: Ignition Switch
New Vehicle “Break In” NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: Don’t drive at any one speed slow for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full throttle starts.
Page 76 With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to four positions. OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition switch, the switch is off. It is the only position from which you can remove the key. This position locks your ignition and transaxle.
Page 77: Starting Your Engine
Starting Your Engine Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position 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.
Page 78: Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine
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 a maximum of 15 seconds.
Page 79 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try this: Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down. Then push your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor.
Page 80 yellowblue Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) 3400 V6 Engine In very cold weather, 0 _ F ( 18 _ C) or colder, the engine 2.4L L4 Engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm up.
Page 81: To Use The Engine Coolant Heater
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. On the 2.4L L4 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is located in front of the engine coolant surge tank. On the 3400 V6 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is located near the air cleaner/filter.
Page 82: Automatic Transaxle Operation
Automatic Transaxle Operation Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the console between the seats. PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. 2-22 CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the...
Page 83 Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Page 84 AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.
Page 85 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.
Page 86: Parking Brake
Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Pull up on the parking brake handle. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. 2-26 To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down.
Page 87 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.
Page 88: Torque Lock
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.
Page 89: Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION: (Continued) can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. Your vehicle has a Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON.
Page 90: Engine Exhaust
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: Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Page 91: Manual Windows
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.
Page 92: Tilt Wheel
Auto Down Switch The driver’s window switch has an auto This switch is labeled AUTO. Push the top of the switch partway, and the driver’s window will open a small amount. If the switch is pushed all the way, the window will go all the way down.
Page 93: Turn And Lane Change Signals
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your: Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer Park Lamps and Headlamps Turn Signal On Chime If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the turn signal.
Page 94: Windshield Wipers
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash rapidly, a signal 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.
Page 95: Windshield Washer
For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the LO position. For high speed wiping, move the stalk up further, to HI. To stop the wipers, move the stalk to OFF. You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes.
Page 96: Cruise Control
CAUTION: In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision. When you release the button, the washers will stop, but the wipers will continue to wipe for about three times or will resume the speed you were using before.
Page 97 CAUTION: Cruise control can be dangerous where you can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control.
Page 98 Resuming a Set Speed Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it. Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can press the cruise control RES ACCL button for about half a second.
Page 99: Exterior Lamps
Using Cruise Control on Hills How well your cruise control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down.
Page 100: Lamps On Reminder
Turn the turn signal lever end cap up two positions to turn on your: Headlamps Parking Lamps Sidemarker Lamps Taillamps License Plate Lamps Instrument Panel Lights Turn the switch to OFF to turn all of the lamps off. Lamps On Reminder If you turn off the ignition and open the driver’s door while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
Page 101: Delayed Headlamps
Automatic Light Control (ALC) When it is dark enough outside, your Automatic Light Control (ALC) will turn on your headlamps along with other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker lamps, park lamps and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim. Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the top of the instrument panel under the defroster grill, so be sure it is not covered.
Page 102: Interior Lamps
Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Intensity Control You can brighten or dim the instrument panel cluster lights by moving the thumbwheel up to increase intensity and to down to decrease intensity. The thumbwheel is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
Page 103: Trunk Lamp
Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped) Press the switch on the lower front portion of the mirror to turn on the lamps. Press the other side of the switch to turn the lamps off. Three-Position Dome Lamp The switch on this lamp has three positions. The ON position will turn on the light.
Page 104 Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror This mirror can be adjusted two ways. First, to adjust the angle of the mirror, move the mirror to a position that allows you see to out the back window. To adjust the height of the mirror, adjust the arm that connects the mirror to the windshield.
Page 105 Power Remote Control Mirror (If Equipped) This selector controls both outside rearview mirrors. Select the mirror you want to adjust by moving the switch to the right or the left. Press any of the four arrow buttons to move the mirror in the direction desired. Adjust each mirror so that you can see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Page 106: Glove Box
Storage Compartments Glove Box Use the key to lock and unlock the glove box. To open, pull the glove box handle up. Center Console Storage Area The center console has two separate storage areas. To open, pull up on the lid. Rear Seat Cupholders Pull down the door on the rear of the center console to use the rear seat cupholders.
Page 107 Ashtray and Lighter (If Equipped) To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go. NOTICE: Don’t put papers and other things that burn into your ashtrays. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materials could set them on fire, causing damage.
Page 108: Sun Visors
Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also remove them from the center mount and swing them to the side, to block out glare from the side. All models are equipped with sun visors that can be extended by sliding the support rod, thus giving twice the coverage.
Page 109 Sunroof (If Equipped) Open the sunshade by hand when using the vent position. To use the vent position of the sunroof, push the switch back and release it. This is the express mode of the sunroof. To fully open the sunroof, push the switch back again and release.
Page 110 yellowblue Instrument Panel 2-50...
Page 111 Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically. The main components of your instrument panel are: A.
Page 112: Instrument Panel Cluster
yellowblue Instrument Panel Cluster Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them. 2-52...
Page 113: Speedometer And Odometer
Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada).
Page 114: Safety Belt Reminder Light
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement.
Page 115: Air Bag Readiness Light
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.
Page 116: Brake System Warning Light
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.
Page 117 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.
Page 118: Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the light comes 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.
Page 119: Enhanced Traction System Active Light
The Enhanced Traction System warning light may come on for the following reasons: If you turn the system off by pressing the ETS button on the center console near the gear shift lever, the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again.
Page 120: Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes on and you hear a chime, your engine is too hot! It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
Page 121 Low Tire Pressure Light (If Equipped) The tire pressure monitor system can alert you to a large change in the pressure in one tire. After the system has “learned” tire pressures with properly inflated tires, the LOW TIRE PRESSURE light will come on if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than the other three tires.
Page 122: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada) United States 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...
Page 123 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: Light Flashing A misfire condition has been...
Page 124: Oil Pressure Light
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.
Page 125 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...
Page 126: Security Light
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 it serviced. If the CHANGE OIL light comes on and stays on after you start the engine, have the oil changed.
Page 127 Cruise Light (If Equipped) The CRUISE light comes on whenever you set your cruise control. Low Washer Light United States This light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition. It will also stay on, or come on and a chime will sound, if the fluid reservoir is less than one Service Vehicle Soon Light It will stay on, or come on and a chime will sound if it...
Page 128: Fuel Gage
Fuel Gage United States Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left, when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears empty, the light will come on and you will hear a chime. You still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon.
Page 129 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. Comfort Controls Climate Control System with Air Conditioning Air Conditioning...
Page 130 Comfort Controls With this system, you can control the ventilation and heating in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow through ventilation system described later in this section. Climate Control System with Air Conditioning Fan Knob The left control knob sets the fan speed. To select the force of air you want, turn the knob.
Page 131 DEFOG: This position divides the airflow between the floor outlets and the windshield defroster vent. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this position when it is needed to help dry the air in the vehicle. FRONT DEFROSTER: This position directs most of the airflow through the window defroster vent.
Page 132 Heating On cold days, use FLOOR and the outside air button with the temperature knob all the way in the red area. The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send it to the floor outlets. Your vehicle has heat ducts that are directed toward the rear seat.
Page 133: Rear Window Defogger
Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the defogger button. The indicator light will glow. The rear window defogger will turn itself off after about 10 minutes after the first time the button is pressed, and after five minutes each additional time the button is pressed.
Page 134 Ventilation System For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air through your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow through ventilation system. Your vehicle’s flow through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning fan is running.
Page 135: Setting The Clock
yellowblue Audio Systems AM-FM Stereo Your Delco Electronics audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco Electronics system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Page 136 Playing the Radio VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press the RECALL button until you see the display you want, then hold the RECALL button until the display flashes.
Page 137 Setting the Tone BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease bass. TREB: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Then pull the knob all the way out. Turn it to increase or decrease treble.
Page 138 Playing the Radio VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RCL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press the RCL button until you see the display you want, then hold the RCL button until the display flashes.
Page 139 P SCAN: Press SCAN for more than two seconds, and P SCAN will appear on the display. The radio will go to the first preset station stored on your pushbuttons, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station. Press SCAN again to stop scanning.
Page 140 While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE, BAL, TREB, BASS, TONE, SEEK and SCAN controls just as you do for the radio. Other controls may have different functions when a tape is inserted. The display will show TP with a box around it and an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing.
Page 141 SCAN: Press this button to listen to each selection for a few seconds. The tape will go to the next selection, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next selection. Press this button again to stop scanning. The sound will mute, SCAN will appear on the display and the tape direction arrow will blink while scanning.
Page 142 Playing the Radio VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RCL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press the RCL button until you see the display you want, then hold the RCL button until the display flashes.
Page 143 P SCAN: Press SCAN for more than two seconds, and P SCAN will appear on the display. The radio will go to the first preset station stored on your pushbuttons, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station. Press SCAN again to stop scanning.
Page 144 While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE, BAL, TREB, BASS, TONE, SEEK and SCAN controls just as you do for the radio. Other controls may have different functions when a tape is inserted. The display will show TP with a box around it and an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing.
Page 145 TONE: Press this button to select a tone while playing a cassette. The tone that you set will be activated each time you play a cassette tape. SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to search for the next or previous selection on the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for SEEK to work.
Page 146 Playing a Compact Disc With the ignition on, insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in and the disc should begin playing. If you want to insert a CD when the ignition is off, first press EJECT or RCL. The CD player will play either normal smaller 8 cm discs with an adapter.
Page 147 SCAN: Press this button to listen to each selection for a few seconds. The disc will go to the next selection, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next selection. Press this button again to stop scanning. The sound will mute while scanning, SCAN will appear on the display.
Page 148 Activating the Theft Deterrent Feature The instructions which follow explain how to enter your secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is recommended that you read through all nine steps before starting the procedure. NOTE: If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4.
Page 149: Understanding Radio Reception
If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will appear on the display. You will have to wait an hour with the ignition on before you can try again. When you try again, you will only have three chances to enter the correct code before INOP appears.
Page 150 Tips About Your Audio System Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it.
Page 151: Care Of Your Cassette Tape Player
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
Page 152: Backglass Antenna
Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Page 153 Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving. Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Road Recovery...
Page 154: Defensive Driving
Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”...
Page 155: Drunken Driving
Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision...
Page 156 yellowblue It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
Page 157 But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent.
Page 158: Control Of A Vehicle
Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide.
Page 159 And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied. Avoid needless heavy braking.
Page 160 Here’s how anti lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels.
Page 161 Remember: Anti lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Page 162 When the system is on and the parking brake is fully released, this warning light will come on to let you know if there’s a problem. See “Enhanced Traction System Warning Light” in the Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Page 163: Steering
Braking in Emergencies With anti lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort.
Page 164: Steering In Emergencies
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Page 165: Off - Road Recovery
Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Page 166 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.
Page 167: Loss Of Control
Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Page 168: Driving At Night
Driving at Night 4-16 Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively.
Page 169: Night Vision
Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50 driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20 year old.
Page 170: Driving In Rain And On Wet Roads
yellowblue Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction.
Page 171 Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them. CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents.
Page 172: City Driving
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine.
Page 173: Freeway Driving
Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross country trip.
Page 174: Before Leaving On A Long Trip
If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Oldsmobile dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it. yellowblue...
Page 175: Highway Hypnosis
Here are some things you can check before a trip: Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble...
Page 176: Hill And Mountain Roads
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain. 4-24 If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Page 177: Winter Driving
CAUTION: Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash.
Page 178: Driving On Snow Or Ice
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction.
Page 179 What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (32 F;...
Page 180 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard 4-28 If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers.
Page 181 yellowblue CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe.
Page 182: Recreational Vehicle Towing
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
Page 183 1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it. 2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. 3. Set the parking brake. 4. Remove the following fuses from the left side of the instrument panel fuse block: A) Radio, B) Wiper, H) Powertrain Control Module, K) Body Function Control Module, Cluster.
Page 184: Loading Your Vehicle
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear NOTICE: Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. Your vehicle could be badly damaged and the repairs would not be covered by your warranty. 4-32 Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry.
Page 185 The other label is the Certification label, found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
Page 186: Towing A Trailer
CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a trunk, put them as far forward as you can. Try to spread the weight evenly.
Page 187: If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Page 188: Weight Of The Trailer
And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network 16 E. Judson Street P.O. Box 436006 Pontiac, MI 48343...
Page 189 If you’re using a weight carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a weight hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
Page 190: Safety Chains
Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Page 191: Following Distance
Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer.
Page 192: Turn Signals When Towing A Trailer
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
Page 193: Towing A Trailer (Except 3400 V6 Engine)
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: Start your engine; Shift into a gear; and Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3.
Page 194 yellowblue NOTES 4-42...
Page 195 Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow yellowblue...
Page 196: Hazard Warning Flashers
Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. Press the button on the instrument panel to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.
Page 197: Other Warning Devices
Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle.
Page 198 NOTICE: If the other system isn’t a 12 volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want.
Page 199 CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom battery installed in every new GM vehicle.
Page 200 7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. 8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Page 201 10. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. 11.
Page 202: Towing Your Vehicle
Towing Your Vehicle CAUTION: To help avoid serious personal injury to you or others: Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed. Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds. Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured. Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the tow truck.
Page 203: Engine Overheating
Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage and a low coolant warning light on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” and “Low Coolant Warning Light” in the Index. If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Page 204: If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: Climb a long hill on a hot day. Stop after high speed driving.
Page 205 When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you.
Page 206 The coolant level should be at or above the FULL COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system. 5-12 CAUTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot.
Page 207 NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX COOL (silicate If coolant other than DEX COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first.
Page 208 yellowblue CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture.
Page 209 NOTICE: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. So use the recommended coolant. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Page 210 yellowblue 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and 3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper remove it. mixture, to the FULL COLD mark or just above the small cylinder at the base of the opening. 5-16...
Page 211 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower.
Page 212: If A Tire Goes Flat
If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Page 213: Removing The Spare Tire And Tools
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire. Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. Pull the carpeting from the floor of the trunk. Turn the center retainer nut on the compact spare cover counterclockwise to...
Page 214 Turn the wing nut counterclockwise and remove it. Then lift off the spacer and remove the spare tire. Remove the jack and wheel wrench from the trunk. Your vehicle’s jack and wheel wrench are stored in a foam tray. Remove the band around the jack. 5-20 The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B).
Page 215: Spare Tire
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Remove the wheel nut caps (you may need to use the wheel wrench to loosen and remove them, if your fingers do not fit into this small area). 2. Then use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts.
Page 216 CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.
Page 217 7. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident.
Page 218 10. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 5-24 11. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown. CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off.
Page 219 NOTICE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. NOTICE: Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.
Page 220 A. Nut E. Wrench B. Wing Nut F. Jack C. Extension G. Tool Tray (If Equipped) H. Flat Road Tire D. Adapter 5-26 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury.
Page 221: Compact Spare Tire
A. Nut E. Wrench B. Cover F. Jack C. Wing Nut G. Spare Tire D. Adapter Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
Page 222: If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice Or Snow
NOTICE: When the compact spare is installed, don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle. Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles.
Page 223: Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains”...
Page 224 yellowblue NOTES 5-30...
Page 225 Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
Page 226: Doing Your Own Service Work
Service Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll...
Page 227 CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task.
Page 228 (See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the Index.) If this occurs, return to your authorized Oldsmobile dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Page 229: Filling Your Tank
NOTICE: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find.
Page 230 While refueling, hang the tethered cap inside the fuel door. To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right. CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Page 231: Checking Things Under The Hood
NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and your fuel tank and emissions system may be damaged.
Page 232 CAUTION: Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Page 233 2.4L L4 (CODE T) Engine When you open the hood, you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank B. Engine Oil Fill Cap C. Engine Oil Dipstick D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Brake Fluid Reservoir F. Air Cleaner/Filter G. Battery H.
Page 234 3400 V6 (CODE E) Engine When you open the hood, you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir C. Engine Oil Fill Cap D. Engine Oil Dipstick 6-10 E. Brake Fluid Reservoir F. Air Cleaner/Filter G. Battery H.
Page 235: Engine Oil
yellowblue Engine Oil 3400 V6 Engine Only If the LOW OIL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see “LOW OIL Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil level 2.4L L4 Engine regularly;...
Page 236: Checking Engine Oil
3400 V6 Engine The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on the 2.4L L4 engine is located at the rear of the engine. The dipstick on the 3400 V6 engine is located on the front of the engine, behind the fan. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan.
Page 237 NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged. 2.4L L4 Engine The 2.4L L4 engine oil fill cap is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment on the engine.
Page 238: What Kind Of Engine Oil To Use
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol.
Page 239: When To Change Engine Oil
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W 30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W to be 0 C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W NOTICE: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines...
Page 240: What To Do With Used Oil
What to Do with Used Oil Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner.
Page 241 CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
Page 242 NOTICE: We recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON R III, because fluid with that label is made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON R III is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. Thermostat Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant system.
Page 243 NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX COOL (silicate If coolant other than DEX COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first.
Page 244: Checking Coolant
NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Page 245 CAUTION: Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure cap little when the engine and radiator are hot. The vehicle must be on a level surface.
Page 246: Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Page 247: Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Page 248: Brake Fluid
Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT brake fluid. 6-24 There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.
Page 249 United States When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”...
Page 250: Brake Wear
Brake Wear Your vehicle has four wheel disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built in wear indicators that make a high pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
Page 251: Brake Adjustment
Brake Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then very carefully moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
Page 252: Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the bulb package. 6-28 Headlamps For the type of bulb, see “Replacement Bulbs”...
Page 253 yellowblue 1. Remove the fasteners and the splash shield. 2. Lift the two speed clips. 6-29...
Page 254 3. Lift the headlamp assembly forward, out of the mounting bracket. 4. Twist the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise sixth of a turn and pull out the bulb assembly. 5. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness. 6. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to replace the bulb assembly and headlamp housing.
Page 255 To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly prepared as follows: The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly level surface. If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven surface. The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud attached to it.
Page 256 Horizontal Aiming Vertical Aiming 1. Turn the horizontal aiming screw until the indicator is lined up with zero. 2. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the level bubble is lined up with zero. 6-32 Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement 1.
Page 257 Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamp Bulb Replacement A. Parking/Brake Lamp B. Parking Lamp C. Turn Signal D. Back up Lamp E. Parking Lamp For the type of bulb, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. 1. Disconnect the cargo net in the trunk. 2.
Page 258: Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Specifications” in the Index. Tires Your new vehicle comes with high a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Oldsmobile Warranty booklet for details. yellowblue quality tires made by...
Page 259 CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction. You could have an air out and a serious accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires.
Page 260 NOTICE: (Continued) If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get the following: Unusual wear Bad handling Rough ride Needless damage from road hazards. When to Check Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).
Page 261 If the anti lock brake system warning light comes on, the tire pressure monitor system may not be working. See your dealer for service. (Also, see “Anti Brake System Warning Light” in the Index). When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE light comes on, you should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage.
Page 262: Tire Inspection And Rotation
Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
Page 263: Buying New Tires
When It’s Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire.
Page 264: Uniform Tire Quality Grading
CAUTION: Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
Page 265 Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
Page 266: Wheel Alignment And Tire Balance
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset.
Page 267: Tire Chains
Used Replacement Wheels CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Page 268: Appearance Care
Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
Page 269: Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Here are some cleaning tips: Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stains as soon as you can Carefully scrape off any excess stain. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn.
Page 270: Cleaning Vinyl
Cleaning Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth. Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it more than once. Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a vinyl/leather cleaner.
Page 271: Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Cleaning Glass Surfaces Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.) Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches.
Page 272: Cleaning The Outside Of Your Vehicle
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Page 273: Cleaning Tires
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Page 274: Finish Damage
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Oldsmobile will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs first.
Page 275 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials PART NUMBER SIZE 994954 23 in. x 25 in. 1050172 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050173 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050174 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050214 32 oz. (0.946 L) 1050427 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) 1052925 16 oz.
Page 276 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Page 277: Electrical System
Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should.
Page 278 Driver’s Side Fuse Usage RADIO SW Steering Wheel Radio Switches RADIO ACC Radio WIPER Windshield Wiper Motor, Washer Pump TRUNK Trunk Release Relay/Motor, REL/RFA/RADIO RKE, Audio Amplifier 6-54 Fuse Usage TURN LPS Turn Signal Lamps PWR MIRROR Power Mirrors AIR BAG Air Bags BFC BATT Body Computer (BFC)
Page 279 Passenger’s Side Fuse Usage INST LPS Interior Lamp Dimming CRUISE SW Steering Wheel Cruise Control Switch Lamps CRUISE SW Steering Wheel Cruise Control Switches Fuse Usage HVAC HVAC Blower Motor BLOWER CRUISE Cruise Control FOG LPS Fog Lamps INT LPS Interior Courtesy Lamps RADIO BATT Radio...
Page 280 Engine Compartment Fuse Block The engine compartment fuse block is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the battery. 6-56 Fuse Usage Maxi Fuses Ignition Switch Left Hand Electrical Center Power Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk Release, Audio Amplifier, Remote Lock Control yellowblue...
Page 281 Fuse Usage Maxi Fuses Left Hand Electrical Center Lamps, Hazard Lamps, Body Function Control Module, Cluster, Climate Control System Right Hand Electrical Center Lamps, Radio, Body Function Control Module, Interior Lamps Ignition Switch Not Used Anti Lock Brakes Cooling Fan #1 Mini Relays Rear Defog...
Page 282: Replacement Bulbs
Fuse Usage Mini Fuses Ignition System Back Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock Horn Powertrain Control Module Parking Lamps Rear Defog, Daytime Running Lamps, Climate Control System Canister Vent Valve, Exhaust Oxygen Sensors Fuel Pump, Injectors Generator Right Hand Headlamp Left Hand Headlamp Cooling Fan...
Page 283 Capacities and Specifications Engine Crankcase 2.4L L4 Engine ....3400 V6 Engine ....Cooling System 2.4L L4 Engine .
Page 284: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Element 2.4L L4 ..... 3400 V6 ....Engine Oil Filter .
Page 285 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance. Introduction How this Section is Organized Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Scheduled Maintenance Part B: Owner Checks and Services Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...
Page 286: Introduction
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your dealer for details. Introduction Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment.
Page 287 CAUTION: Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work only if you have the required know and the proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, have a qualified technician do the work.
Page 288: Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
Page 289: Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
Page 290 Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 291 Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 292 Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
Page 293 Scheduled Maintenance 52,500 Miles (87 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 294 Scheduled Maintenance 67,500 Miles (112 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
Page 295 Scheduled Maintenance 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks.
Page 296 Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) j Inspect spark plug wires (except 2.4L Code T L4 engine). An Emission Control Service. j Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. j Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: –...
Page 297: Part B: Owner Checks And Services
Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed in this part are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Part D.
Page 298: At Least Twice A Year
A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Oldsmobile dealership Service Department and have it repaired as soon as possible. At Least Once a Year...
Page 299 Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2.
Page 300 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.
Page 301: Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed in this part are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
Page 302: Part D: Recommended Fluids And Lubricants
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine Oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity.
Page 303: Part E: Maintenance Record
Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY READING Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services”...
Page 304 yellowblue Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-20...
Page 305 Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Oldsmobile if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects. Customer Satisfaction Procedure Customer Assistance for Text Telephone...
Page 306: Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Customer Satisfaction Procedure Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Oldsmobile. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur.
Page 307 STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network by calling 1-800-442-6537. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
Page 308: Customer Assistance For Text Telephone
Customer Assistance Offices free telephone Oldsmobile encourages customers to call the toll-free number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to Oldsmobile, the letter should be addressed to Oldsmobile’s Customer Assistance Network. United States Customer Assistance Representative Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network 16 E.
Page 309: Gm Mobility Program For Persons
Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 All Overseas Locations GMODC Customer Communication Centre 169-007 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Telephone: 905-644-4112 Fax:...
Page 310: Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program Features and Benefits Security While You Travel OLDS (6537) As the proud owner of a new Oldsmobile vehicle, you are automatically enrolled in the Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance program. This value added service is intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive in the city or travel the open road.
Page 311: Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicle model, year and color Mileage of vehicle Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Vehicle license plate number Oldsmobile reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Oldsmobile’s judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence.
Page 312: Plan Ahead When Possible
Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Oldsmobile helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,...
Page 313: Warranty Information
Additional Program Information Courtesy Transportation is available during the Bumper Bumper warranty coverage period, but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate booklet entitled “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information” furnished with each new vehicle provides detailed warranty coverage information.
Page 314: Reporting Safety Defects To The United
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors.
Page 315: Reporting Safety Defects To General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-442-6537, or write: Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network 16 E. Judson Street P.O. Box 436006 Pontiac, MI 48343-6006...
Page 316 1999 OLDSMOBILE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
Page 317 ORDER TOLL FREE (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) 1-800-551-4123 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927 PUBLICATION FORM PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER NUMBER Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair Owner’s Manual In Portfolio Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
Page 318 yellowblue NOTES 8-14...
Page 319 Section 9 Index ccessory Power Outlets ......Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle Adjuster, Seat .
Page 320 Brake (Continued) ....System Warning Light Trailer ........Transaxle Shift Interlock .
Page 321 Compact Disc Care ............Compact Disc Player Compact Disc Player Care .
Page 322 Engine (Continued) ........Overheating Running While Parked .
Page 323 gnition Positions ..........Ignition Transaxle Lock Check Illuminated Entry/Exit .
Page 324 Locks ......... .
Page 325 Passenger Position ..............Passing Passing with a Trailer .
Page 326 Safety Belts (Continued) ........Extender How to Wear Properly .
Page 327 Steering ..............In Emergencies Power .
Page 328 Trailer (Continued) ........Hitches Maintenance When Towing .

Oldsmobile 1999 Alero Owner's Manual

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Section 4 Your Driving and the Road

Section 5 Problems on the Road

Section 7 Maintenance Schedule

Section 8 Customer Assistance Information

Quick Links

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Summary of Contents for Oldsmobile 1999 Alero