2003 Oldsmobile Aurora Owners Manual

A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL@ coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C). Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C). Protect against rust and corrosion. Help keep the proper engine temperature. Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.

How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use. See Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15. If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. 1, Pull out the dipstick. 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the

dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill.

Notice: We recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON@-Ill, because fluid with that label is made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-Ill is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. 3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as

described under “How to Check,” earlier in this section.

4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the

dipstick back in all the way.

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Notice: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) coolant. 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 -- at 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use of coolant other than DEX-COOL@ is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and one-half DEX-COOL@ coolant which won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.

plain water to your cooling

Adding a system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as aicohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL@ 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 ana crack ihe engine, raiiiaiur, b a k r other parts. If you have to add coolant more than four times a year, have your dealer check your cooling system. Notice: If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system. These can be harmful.

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Checking Coolant

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 - even a little - when the engine and radiator are hot.

The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the cold level mark.

The engine coolant surge tank is located in the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, near the windshield. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-74 for more information on location.

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I\

You can be burl you spill engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

coolant on hot

When replacing the pressure cap, make sure the arrow lines up with the tube.

If the LOW ENGINE COOLANT DIC message comes on and stays on, it means you’re low on engine coolant. Adding Coolant If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@ coolant mixture at the surge tank. but only when the engine is cool.

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Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap The cooling system pressure cap is located on the surge tank. Notice: Your cooling system pressure cap is a pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. Your Driver Information Center (DIC) will also display messages about engine overheating. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-38.

Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode If an overheated engine condition exists and the message HOT STOP ENGINE is displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be avoided. Notice: After driving in the overheated engine protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil life system. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.

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If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.

Notice: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.

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If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive normally. If the warning continues and you have not stopped, pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away. If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine for three minutes while you’re parked. If you still have the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” listed previously in this section. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine An overheat warning, along with a low coolant message, can indicate a serious problem. See “Low Coolant Message” under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-50. If you get an engine overheat warning with no low coolant message, 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. Idle for long periods in traffic. Tow a trailer.

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:

1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.

2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan

speed and open the window as necessary.

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Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see:

An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

A. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap S. Two Electric Engine Cooling Fans

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If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.

A low coolant level should be indicated by a LOW ENGINE COOLANT message on the Driver Information Center. If it is, you may have a leak at the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.

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Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.

If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If they aren’t, your vehicle needs service. Notice: Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode’’ in the Index for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.

Notice: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) coolant. 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 - at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use of coolant other than DEX-COOL@ is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, check to see if coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible but the coolant level isn’t at or above the FULL COLD fill mark line (4.5 inches (1 1 cm) from the top of the filler neck), add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL@ coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank A n it Cnn Enn;nn n r m n n l ~ v n rr-n pIcIaauIcI uuy, I d vvvl U c I I U I b y v u uv I L . UcIU L I l y l f ICI Coolant on page 5-24 for more information. If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as follows:

;r. rrnnl hnfnm I r n t l

ids from a hot cooling

Steam and scalding Ii system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge tank pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.

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With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX COOL@ coolant.

Notice: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant IT-:-’=- e.

Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture.

CAUTION:

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(Continued) I

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. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left) about one-quarter turn and tnen stop. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

2. Then keep turning the

pressure cap slowly, and remove it.

3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture, to the FULL COLD fill mark line (4.5 inches (1 1 cm) from the top of the filler neck).

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5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrow

on the pressure cap lines up like this.

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. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches about 4.5 inches (1 1 cm) from the top of the filler neck.

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Power Steering Fluid

The power steering fluid reservoir is near the center of the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for more information on location.

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 ~ n ~ r l r l inrlie-tn Q nrnhlnm Uq~,n thn r r r r r t n m i n n n n - + m A e y e r - I I I I 1 I q J b U L b U I I I U # ” U L ” and repaired. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-74 for reservoir location.

LA y3VuI-I I I . I I U V U L I 1-

““UlU

How to Check Power Steering Fluid Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down, wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid !eve! on the dipstick. The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark. What to Use To determine what kind of fluid to use, see Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

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Notice:

When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full. Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your windshield washer. It can damage your washer system and paint.

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. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for reservoir location. Adding Washer Fluid

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the tank is full.

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Brakes Brake Fluid

A DOT3

Your master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 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. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have

your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all. So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is don - I n the brake hydraulic sys’- -n

If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. A chime will sound if you try to drive with this warning light on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-35.

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What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid. Refer to Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-75. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This will help keep dirt from enteri-- the reservoir.

With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake system, your brakes may not work well, or they may not even work at all. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

Notice:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See “Appearance Care” in the Index.

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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).

The brake wear warning sound means that soon your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

Notices Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM torque specifications. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets. See Brake System Inspection on page 6- 14. Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Brake Adjustment Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.

5-4 1

The battery is located under the rear seat cushion. To access the battery, see Removing the Rear Seat Cushion on page 5-95. You don’t need to access the battery to jump start your vehicle. See Jump Starting on page 5-44.

isn’t properly vented can let

- - ~ t t e r y - . ~ t sulfuric acid fumes into the area under the rear seat cushion. These fumes can damage your rear seat safety belt systems. You may not be able to see this damage, and the safety belts might not provide the protection needed in a crash. If a replacement battery is ever needed, it must be vented in the same manner as the original battery. Always make sure that the vent hose is properly reattached before reinstalling the seat cushion.

Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking system - for example, when your brake linings wear down and you need new ones put in - be sure you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change - for the worse. The braking performance you’ve come to expect can change in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. Battery Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free ACDelco@ battery. When it’s time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco battery. Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

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To be sure the vent hose (A) is properly attached, the vent hose connectors (B) must be securely reattached to the vent outlets (C) on each side of the battery, and the vent assembly grommet (D) must be secured to the floor pan (E).

Vehicle Storage If you’re not going to drive you vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your-battery from running down.

Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” next for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.

Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle for longer storage periods. Also, for your audio system, see Theft-Deterrent Feature on page 3-73.

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Jump Starting

If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to follow the steps below to d

t safely.

Batteries can hurt you. They can be d gerous because:

They contain acid that can burn you. They contain gas that can explode or ignite. They contain enough electricity to burn you.

If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.

Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle. 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt

battery with a negative ground system.

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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. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic transaxle In PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.

Notice: If you leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug

unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or in the accessory power outlet. Turn off the radio and all lamps that aren’t needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it could save your radio!

4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+) and the negative (-) terminal locations on that vehicle. Open the hood on your vehicle and find the remote positive (+) terminal located in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. 5. To access the remote

positive (+) terminal, remove the cover.

You will not see the battery of your vehicle under the hood. It is located under the rear passenger seat. You will not need to access the battery for jump starting. The remote positive (+) terminal is for that purpose.

An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

- ..I. - .I unr. ~n 11 I

Your vehicle has a remote negative (-) terminal, ~utiaiecj r e a r iile puwer sieering I I I ~ I K W J UIAU, fluid reservoir. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for more information on location.

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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@ battery installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running.

6. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or

missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (-) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one. Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts too. And don’t connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal on the dead battery because this can cause sparks.

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7. Connect the red

positive (+) cable to the remote positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote on positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

9. Now connect the black

negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one.

Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (-) cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, metal engine part or to a remote negative (-) terminal

unpainted

the vehicle with the dead battery.

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10. Connect the other end

of the negative (-) cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move.

11. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run

the engine for a while.

12. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If

it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

Notice: Damage to your vehicle may result from electrical shorting if jumper cables are removed incorrectly. To prevent electrical shorting, take care that the cables don’t touch each other or any other metal. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

The electrical connection is just as good there, and the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. Use a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one. Your vehicle has a remote negative (-) terminal marked “G N D .”

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Jumper Cable Removal

A. Dead Battery or Remote positive (+) Terminal B. Good Battery or Remote positive (+) or Remote

Negative (-) Terminals

C. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote

Negative (-) Terminal

To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the

vehicle that had the dead battery.

2. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the

vehicle with the good battery.

3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the

vehicle with the good battery.

4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other

vehicle.

5. Return the positive (+) remote terminal cover to its

original position.

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Headlamp Aiming

Your vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming system equipped with horizontal aim indicators. The aim has been preset at the factory and should need no further adjustment. This is true even though your horizontal aim indicators may not fall exactly on the “ 0 (zero) marks on their scales. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp aim may be affected. Aim adjustment to the low beam may be necessary if it is difficult to see lane markers (for horizontal aim), or if oncoming drivers flash their high beams at you (for vertical aim). If you believe your headlamps need to be re-aimed, we recommend that you take your vehicle to your dealer for service. However, it is possible for you to re-aim your headlamps as described in the following procedure.

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Notice: To make sure your headlamps are aimed properly, read all the instructions before beginning. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage to headlamp parts. The vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:

The vehicle should be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light colored wall or other flat surface. The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly level surface which is level all the way to the wall or other flat surface. The vehicle should be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall or other flat surface. The vehicle should not have any snow, attached to it. The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done. The vehicle should be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one person or 160 Ibs (75 kg) on the driver’s seat. Tires should be properly inflated.

ice or mud

Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle’s low beam lamps. The high beam lamps will be correctly aimed if the low beam lamps are aimed The headlamp aiming devices are under the hood near the headlamps.

properly.

Headlamp Horizontal Aiming

Turn the indicator (B) is lined up with zero.

horizontal aiming screw (A) until the

your headlamps need

If you believe your headlamps need horizontal (lefvright) adjustment, follow the horizontal aiming procedure. If you believe jupiaownj aajustment, ioiiow oniy tne verticai aiming procedure. Adjustment screws can be turned with an E8 Torx@ socket or T15 Torxa screwdriver.

only vertical

Once the horizontal aim is adjusted, then adjust the vertical aim.

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Headlamp Vertical Aiming

Notice: Horizontal aiming must be performed before making any adjustments to the vertical aim. Adjusting the vertical aim first will result in an incorrect headlamp aim. 1. Find the aim dot on the lens of the low beam

lamps.

2. Measure the distance from the ground to the aim

dot on each lamp; if left low beam, subtract two inches. Record this distance.

3. At the wall or other flat surface, measure from the ground upward the recorded distance from Step 2 and draw or tape a horizontal line the width of the vehicle.

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I-

--

- /

.-

4. Turn on the low-beam headlamps and place a piece of cardboard or equivalent in front of the headlamp not being aimed. This should allow only the beam of light from the headlamp being aimed to be seen on the flat surface.

Notice: Do not cover a headlamp to improve beam cut-off when aiming. Covering a headlamp may cause excessive heat build-up which may cause damage to the headlamp.

Turn the vertical aiming screw (C) until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line.

The top edge of the cut-off should be positioned at the bottom edge of the horizontal tape line.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the opposite headlamp.

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Bulb Replacement For the type of bulb to use, see Replacement Bulbs on page 5-58. For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer.

Halogen Bulbs

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.

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Headlamps

1. Remove the two bolts from the headlamp assembly 2. Use a large screwdriver by the outside mount to separate the lamp assembly from the outboard snap mounting pin. Slide the headlamp assembly outward and lift it out.

3. Disconnect the wiring harness from the headlamp

assembly.

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4. Lift the tabs to remove the bulb from the assembly. 5. Replace the bulb. 6. Push the bulb assembly in and turn it clockwise to

install the bulb assembly into the headlamp assembly.

7. Then reconnect the wiring harness to the lamp

assem bly.

8. Slide the lamp assembly back into place by lining

up the track on the bottom of the assembly with the guide on the vehicle.

9. Then connect the outboard snap mounting pin. IO. Secure the lamp assembly with the two bolts.

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Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps Once the headlamp assembly has been removed from the vehicle, the front turn signal and parking lamps can be accessed. See Headlamps on page 5-55 for more information on location.

1. Tip the headlamp assembly and while pressing the release, turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise to remove them.

2. Replace the bulb in the socket. 3. Then reconnect the socket wiring harness to the

lamp assembly.

4. Reinstall the headlamp assembly into the vehicle.

5-57

Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps 1. Open the trunk. 2. Turn the screws located inside of the trunk

counterclockwise and remove them.

3. Remove the plastic trim piece from the trunk. 4. Pull the carpeting away from the rear corner of the

trunk.

5. Remove the three nuts holding the lamp in place

and remove the lamp assembly.

6. While pressing the release, turn the bulb socket assembly counterclockwise to remove it from the lamp assembly.

7. Pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the

socket.

8. Replace the bulb and reverse the steps to reinstall

the lamp assembly.

Replacement Bulbs

StotiTaillamDs Rear

Turn

I- ~

Signal Lamps

I 3057

For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.

5-58

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade Cheek” under Pari B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9 for more information. To replace the wiper blade assembly do the following: 1. Lift the wiper up from the windshield and set it

into the vertically-locked position.

2. Push the tab on the wiper blade assembly and pull

the assembly down enough to release it from the “U” hooked end of the wiper arm. Slide the assembly away from the arm.

3. Remove the blade. 4. To reinstall the wiper blade assembly, slide it over

the wiper arm to engage the “U” hooked end on the wiper blade assembly. Pull up on the assembly to lock it into place.

For the proper windshield wiper blade assembly replacement length and type, see Normal Maintenance Replacement Pan‘s on page 5- 101.

5-59

Tires Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by 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.

Poorly IT ._...____ are dangerous.

ined and ir--,-- -9erly L-3d tires

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. The resulting accident could cause serious injury. Check all tires frequently to maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when your tires are cold.

CAUTION:

(Continued)

5-60

_ I

Overinflated tires are more lik to be cut, punctured or broken by a sudden impact - such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires at the recommended pressure. Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires have been damaged, replace them.

Inflation -- Tire Pressure

The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Notice: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not. If your tires don’t have enough air (underinflation), you can get the following: 0 Too much flexing

Too much heat Tire overloading Bad wear

0 Bad handling

Bad fuel economy

If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get the following:

Unusual wear Bad handling

0 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). woav to Check Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they’re underinflated. Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.

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Check Tire Pressure System The check tire pressure system can alert you to a large change in the pressure of one tire. The system won’t alert you before you drive that a tire is low or flat. You must begin driving before the system will work properly. The LOW TIRE PRESSURE message will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC) if pressure difference (low pressure) is detected in one tire. The check tire pressure system may not alert you if:

more than one tire is low, the vehicle is moving faster than 65 mph (105 km/h), the system is not yet calibrated, the tire treadwear is uneven, the compact spare tire is installed, tire chains are being used, or the vehicle is being driven on a rough or frozen road.

If the anti-lock brake system warning light comes on, the check tire pressure system may not be working properly. See your dealer for service. Also, see Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-36. The check tire pressure system detects differences in tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes in tire pressure. The system can alert you about a low tire - but it doesn’t replace normal tire maintenance. See Tires on page 5-60. When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE message appears on the Driver Information Center, you should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage. If a tire is flat, see If a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-70. Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you can. See Inflation -- Tire Pressure on page 5-60. Any time you adjust a tire’s pressure or have one or more tires repaired or replaced, you’ll need to reset (calibrate) the check tire pressure system. You’ll also need to reset the system whenever you rotate the tires, buy new tires and install or remove the compact spare. Don’t reset the check tire pressure system without first correcting the cause of the problem and checking and adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the check tire pressure system will not work properly and may not alert you when a tire is low or high.

5-62

To reset (calibrate) the system: 1. Turn the ignition switch to ON. 2. Press the SELECT right arrow on

the DIC until you

enter the GAGE mode. Then press the SELECT down arrow until TIRE PRESSURE appears on the display.

3. Press and hold the DIC RESET button for about five seconds. After five seconds, the display will show TIRE PRESSURE RESET. If TIRE PRESSURE RESET does not appear on the display after about five seconds, see your dealer for service. After you release the DIC RESET button, TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL will appear on the display.

The system completes the calibration process during driving. Calibration time can take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your driving habits. After the system has been calibrated, the system will alert the driver that a tire is low, up to a maximum speed of 65 mph (1 05 km/h).

Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles (1 2 500 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. See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-65 and Wheel Replacement on page 5-68 for more information. The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation is the most important. See “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services,” in Section 6, for scheduled rotation intervals.

When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation pattern shown here.

5-63

Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation. After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading Information label. Reset the Check Tire Pressure System. See Check Tire Pressure System on page 5-62. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See Wheel Nut Torque in Capacities and Specifications on page 5- 100.

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. See “Changing a Flal Tire” in the Index.

5-64

When It Is 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. You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber.

0 The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged

deep enough to show cord or fabric. 0 The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that can’t be repaired well because of the size or location of the damage.

5-65

Buying New Tires

To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire's sidewall. When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating, traction, ride and other things during normal service on your vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread design, the TPC number will be followed by an "MS" (for mud and snow). If you ever replace your tires with those not having a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating and construction type (bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.

IL....; tires could cause yo^ .o 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. Be sure to use the same size and type tires on all wheels. It's all right to drive with your compact spare, though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.

lr vehicle, the

If you use bias-ply tires wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.

5-66

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires. While the tires available on General Motors passenger cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these grades, they must also conform to federal safety requirements and additional General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.

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 (1.5) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction - AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaninGr or peak traction characteristics.

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Temperature - A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced. Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your dealer if any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.

5-68

If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.

Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.

Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or ociometer caiibration, neaaiamp aim, bumper neigh, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-71 for more information.

--

Used Rep'-cement '"'heels

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 a crash. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.

5-69

Tire Chains

If your vehicle has P235/55R17 size tires, don’t use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and you or others may be injured in a crash. Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on your vehicle and tire size combination and road conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions. To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t spin your wheels. If you do find traction devices that will fit, install them on the front tires.

5-70

Notice: If your vehicle has a tire size other than P235/55R17 size tires, use tire chains only where legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class ”S” type chains that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with chains on will damage your vehicle. 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. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane.

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop - well off the road if possible. If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

Changing a Flat Tire

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.

Changing a tire can cause an in- y. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:

1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). 3. Turn off the engine.

To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put blocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one being changed. That would be the tire on the other side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.

5-7 1

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire.

The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. Instructions for changing your tires are on the inside of the tire cover. You can rest the cover near you for easy reference while you change the tire. 1. Lift the tire cover to gain access to the compact spare tire and jacking equipment. See Compact Spare Tire on page 5-81 for more information.

5-72

2. Remove the wheel wrench and jack from the jack

container.

3. Remove the compact spare tire from the trunk.

Removing the Wheel Covers

The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B).

insert the hooked end of the wheel wrench in one of the two small notches in the center cover and pry the cover off. Do not drop the cover or lay it face down, as it could be scratched or damaged.

5-73

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire

1. Position the wheel wrench securely over the wheel

nuts and turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the wheel nuts, but don't remove them.

2. Attach the wheel wrench to the bolt on the end of

the jack to create a jack handle.

5-74

3. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise by hand to

lower the jack head until it fits under the vehicle.

I

yet. Put the compact spare tire near you. .

Raising , -ur vehic-- _ _ _ _ h the jack imk. Jpe.., positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.

4. Near each wheel well is a notch in the frame to position the jack head. Position the jack under the vehicle and raise the jack head until it fits firmly against the sheet metal. Do not raise the vehicle

clockwise on the jack. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there’s enough room for the compact spare tire to fit underneath the wheel well.

5. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench

6. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.

Getting u..-er a vehicle when it is ja,..ed 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.

5-75

7. Remove any rust or dirt

from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel.

Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident.

8. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting

surface.

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. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.

5-76

9. Put the wheel nuts

back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.

If a nut cannot be tightened by hand, use the wheel wrench, and see your dealer right away.

10. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.

5-77

11. Using the wheel

wrench, tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown.

Nofice: 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. See “Capacities and Specifications” in the index for the wheel nut torque specification.

12. When the flat tire has been repaired or replaced, reinstall the wheel cover. Be sure to position the alignment pin on the cover with the notch in the wheel. Apply pressure around the edge of the cap to snap it in place. Do not use a hammer or mallet to reinstall the cover. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have replaced the compact spare tire with a regular tire.

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.

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new GM original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification. See ”Capacities and Specifications” in the Index for wheel nut torque specification.

5-78

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools

St0 ... rg a jack, a tire or c...er equipment in the

passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

The compact spare tire is for temporary use only. Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as you can. See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section. See the storing instructions label to return your compact spare tire into your trunk properly.

A. Wrench B. Jack C. Jack Container

D. Retainer E. Compact Spare Tire

Cover

5-80

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). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (IO5 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. You must calibrate the Check Tire Pressure System after installing or removing the compact spare. See Check Tire Pressure System on page 5-62. Of course, it's best to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare will shape in case you need it again. Notice: When the compact spare is installed, don't take your vehicle through an automatic car wash - - --- __ - -I - __ - __ - - - __ -. - I - . . -. n- I ... :&I, V Y l L l I yu1ue 1 4 1 1 3 . I IIC L w r l l l J d L L SlJ"'t: Gar1 ye1 Cauy~ll on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.

last longer and be in good

-_ .:A - -_:I - TL

Don't use your compact spare on other vehicles. And don't mix your compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. They won't fit. Keep your compact spare tire and its wheel together. Notice; Tire chains won't fit your compact spare. Using them can damage your vehicle and can damage the chains too. Don't use tire chains on your compact spare.

5-81

Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:

Alcohol Laundry Soap Bleach Reducing Agents

Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. FabridCarpet Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric and carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains very well. You can get GM - approved cleaning products from your dealer. See GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-88.

Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flames 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. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside. Never use these to clean your vehicle:

Gasoline Benzene 0 Naphtha 0 Carbon Tetrachloride

Acetone Paint Thinner Turpentine Lacquer Thinner Nail Polish Remover

They can all be hazardous - some more than others -and

they can all damage your vehicle, too

5-82

Here are some cleaning tips:

Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stains as soon as you can - before they set.

0 Carefully scrape off any excess stain. 0 Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean

area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set.

Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth.

Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do this 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 vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer for +I.%;.- nrrrrl, I n ) L I 1l.J PI W U U \ r L .

Leather Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry. 0 For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your

dealer for this product.

0 Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather. Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the finish, it can harm the leather.

Top of the Instrument Panel Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. Interior Plastic Components Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the surface finish.

5-83

Wood Panels Use a clean cloth moistened in warm, soapy water (use mild dish washing soap). Dry the wood immediately with a clean cloth. 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 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-88. Notice: Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear window, an electric defogger element may be damaged. Any temporary license should not be attached across the defogger grid.

Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry.

Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. See Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6- 15.

5-84

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. Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Use a car washing soap. Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well, removing all soap residue completely. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-88. Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to -- -LA:.- -.. ^. .-:-I d V U l U 5UI I d b G 5bI dlLI lG5 d l IU V V d l G l 3 c . ‘ u L L l l 1y. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses Use only lukewarm or cold water? a soft cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.”

-. ..A- - - - ---L-L.

- .- A . . . - L -

I-

Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-88. If your vehicle has a “basecoatklearcoaf” paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish.

Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoatlclearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. 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 pcsskle. !! I?ecesss?:;’, LIse !.?cI?-s!Xssb:e c!esners ths? are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.

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The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could damage the surface. Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels. Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off immediately after application. Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels. Tires To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner. Notice; When applying a tire dressing, always take care to wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle. Petroleum-based products may damage the paint finish and tires.

Windshield and Wiper Blades If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water. Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary; replace blades that look worn. Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels Your vehicle may be equipped with either aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then be applied.

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Sheet Metal Damage

If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection. Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.

Finish Damage

Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into major repair expense. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials avaliable from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s body and paint shop.

Underbody Maintenance

Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame! floor pan and exhaust system even though they have corrosion protection.

At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do this for you.

Chemical Paint Spotting

Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can take two forms; blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface. Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GM 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.

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GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials See your GM dealer for more information on purchasing the following products.

GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

Description

Usage

Polishing Cloth Wax-Treated Tar and Road Oil Remover Chrome Cleaner and Use on chrome

I asphalt.

Interior and exterior polishing cloth. Removes tar, road oil and

or

I Polish

stainless steel. Removes soil and black marks from whitewalls. Cleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops.

GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

(cont’d)

Description

Usage

Chrome and Wire Wheel Cleaner

Finish Enhancer

Swirl Remover Polish

Cleaner Wax

Foaming Tire Shine Low Gloss

Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints. Removes dirt and grime from chrome wheels and wire wheel covers. Removes dust, fingerprints, and surface contaminants, Spray on wipe off. Removes swirl marks, fine scratches and other light surface contamination. Removes light scratches and protects finish. Cleans, shines and protects in one easy step, no wiping necessary.

White Sidewall Tire Cleaner

Vinyl Cleaner

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GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

(cont’d)

Spot Lifter

GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

(cont’d)

Description

Usage

Odor Eliminator

Odorless swav odor eliminator k e d on fabrics, vinyl, leather and carpet.

See your General Motors parts department for these products. See Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6- 15.

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Vehicle Identification

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.

Engine Identification The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This code will help you identify your engine, specifications and replacement parts. Service Parts Identification Label You’ll find this label on the underside of the spare tire cover. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:

your VIN, the model designation, paint information and a list of all production options and special equipment.

Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

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Electrical System

Add-on Electrical Equipment Nofice: 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. Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to add anything electrical to your vehicle, see Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-54. Headlamp Wiring The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker in the wiring harness. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and off, or in some cases to remain cff. if this hqppns, hawe p 1 r headlamp system checked right away.

Windshield Wiper Fuses The windshield wiper motor is protected by an internal circuit breaker and a fuse, If the motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have it fixed. Power Windows and Other Power Options Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power windows and other power accessories. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed.

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Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Engine Compartment Fuse Block

The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating. If a MaxiFuse@ should blow, see your dealer for service immediately. If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have a spare fuse, you can “borrow” one that has the same amperage. Pick some feature of your vehicle that you can get along without - like the radio or cigarette lighter - and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage. Replace it as soon as you can. You will find a fuse puller clipped in both of the fuse blocks. Snap the wide end of the fuse puller at the side indentations and pull the fuse out. The MaxiFuses@ are located in two fuse blocks, one located in the engine compartment and the other under the rear seat. If a MaxiFuse@ should blow, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer immediately.

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The engine compartment fuse block is located near the front on the

Comparfment Oiewiew on page 5-14 for more information on location.

Lift the cover to gain access. Fuse 22 or 23 can be moved to the outer position to provide continuous power to the accessory power outlet or cigarette lighter when the ignition is not on. See your dealer for additional assistance, if needed. Leaving an accessory on for a long period of time can drain the vehicle’s battery.

Fuses

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