traction control OLDSMOBILE AURORA 1999 User Guide

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5-29
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin
your wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº
can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
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 ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. You should turn
your traction control system off. (See ªTraction Control
Systemº in the Index.) Then shift back and forth
between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning
your wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you
will cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle.
If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may
need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
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6-47 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 ªMSº
(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.
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. 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.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
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.
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6-48 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
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 1/2) times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tiresdepends 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, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
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.
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9-6
Cluster 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Reminder Warning 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornering 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panel 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-29 . . . . . . .
Level Control, Electronic 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light Sensor, Twilight Sentinel
2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-22, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-68, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Warning 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Indicator 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake Indicator 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-8, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Active 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Active 2-69, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Warning 2-68, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Off Warning 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lockout Feature 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Door 2-5, 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programmable Automatic Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar Controls 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-10
Skidding 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Equipment, Adding 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare Tire, Compact 5-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications and Capacities 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications, Engine 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains, Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steam 5-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Emergencies 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnasteer
4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Tilt 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Controls 3-9, 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunroof 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Restraint System 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank, Coolant 5-12, 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank Pressure Cap 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Button, Climate Control System 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . Temperature Control, Passenger 3
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theater Dimming 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Steering Wheel 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting the 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-25, 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a Trailer 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing, Recreational Vehicle 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-11
Traction
Active Light 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System 4-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System Active Light 2-69, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control System Warning Light 2-68, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Warning Light 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-37, 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid, Automatic 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid Life 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitter
Remote Lock Control 2
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trunk
Lock 2
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release, Remote 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Override 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk-Mounted Compact Disc Changer 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn and Lane Change Signals 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal On Chime 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twilight Sentinel
2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal Theft-Deterrent System 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal Transmitter 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 6
-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity Mirrors, Illuminated 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visors, Sun 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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