mirror OLDSMOBILE AURORA 1996 User Guide

Loss of Control
Let’s review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area
of less
danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types
of skids correspond to your Aurora’s
three control systems.
In the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And
in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration skid.
If your traction control system is off, then an
acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving
on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration
or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and
slow down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-14
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reeway Drivi
Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways,
expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest
of all roads. But they have their own special rules.
The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same
speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic
flow. Treat the
left lane
on a freeway as a passing lane. At the entrance, there
is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to
check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to
blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to
the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check
your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as
necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay
in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder
to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your
“blind” spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want
to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
4-21
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Hignway nypnws
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with the
same scenery, along with the hum
of the tires on the road,
the drone
of the engine, and the rush of the wind against
the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen
to you!
If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less
than a second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
0
0
0
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan
the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency. Driving
on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat
or rolling terrain.
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Safety Chains Driving with a Trailer
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into
your vehicle’s brake system.
If you do, both brake
systems won’t work well, or at all. Towing
a trailer requires a certain amount
of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
4-35
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PART NUMBER I SIZE DESCRIPTION I USAGE I ~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~
1050004 2.75 sq. ft. Chamois Shines vehicle without scratching
1050172
16 oz. (0.473 L) Tar and Road
Oil Remover Also removes old waxes and polishes
1050173
I 16 oz. (0.473~lp~Chrom~e~Cleaner and Polish I Removes rust and corrosion I
1050174 16 oz. (0.473 L) White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Removes soil
and black marks
1 05020 1 16 oz. (0.473 L) Magic Mirror Cleaner Polish Exterior cleaner and polish
1050214 32 oz. (0.946
L) Vinyl and Leather Cleaner Spot and stain removal
1050427 23
oz. (0.680 L) Glass Cleaner Cleans grease, grime and smoke film
1050429
6 lbs. (2.72 kg) Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner Cleans
vinyl, cloth, tires and mats
1051398* 8 oz. (0.237 L) Spot Lifter For cloth
1051515 32
oz. (0.946 L) Optikleen Windshield washer solvent and antifreeze
1052349 12
oz. (0.354 L) Lubriplate (White Grease) For hood, trunk, door hinges and latches
1052870 16 oz. (0.473 L) Wash and Wax Concentrate Exterior
wash
10529 18
8 oz. (0.237 L)
Armor All" Protector Protects vinyl, leather and rubber
1052929 16
oz. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner Spray on wheel cleaner
1052930
8 oz. (0.237 L) Capture Dry Spot Remover Attracts and absorbs
soils
12345002
16 oz. (0.473 L) Armor All" Cleaner Cleans vinyl, leather and rubber
I 12345725 I 12 oz. (0.354 L) I Silicone
Tire Shine I Shines tires I
* Not recommended for pigskin suede leather.
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products.
See your Maintenance Schedule for other products.
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Fuse
21
22
23
24
25
26
27 28
29
30
31
32
Usage
Rear Defogger Trunk and
Fuel Door Releases and
Trunk Pull Down
Heated Seat
Electronic Level Control, Instrument Panel
Exterior Lamps
Base@ Stereo (If so equipped)
Power Door Locks
Interior Lamps
Hazard Lamps, Stoplamps
Parking Lamps Heated Outside Mirror
Open
Fuse
33
34
35
36
37
38 39
40
41
42
Usage
Fuel Door Release
Open Battery Thermistor
Instrument Panel
-- Power
Antenna, Remote CD Changer,
Radio Chassis
Instrument Panel
-- Remote
Accessory Power Module, Oil
Level Indicator,
ALDL
Electronic Level Control
Fuel Pump
Open
Rear Defog
1
Rear Defog 2
6-65
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Compact Spare Tire ............................. 5-34
Control of a Vehicle
.............................. 4-5
Convenience Net
............................... 2-51
Convex Outside Mirror
........................... 2-49
Coolant
....................................... 6-20
Heater, Engine
............................... 2-22
Surge Tank
............................. 5-17, 5-18
CoolingSystem
................................ 5-17
Cornering Lamps
............................... 2-44
CourtesyLamps
................................ 2-45
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-5
Cruise Control
................................. 2-37
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users
......... 8-3
Customer Assistance Information ................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-1
Damage, Finish
............................... 6-54
Damage, Sheet Metal
............................ 6-54
Date Display
................................... 2-79
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-42
Dead Battery
................................... 5-2
Defects, Reporting Safety
.......................... 8-7
Defensive Driving
............................... 4-1
Defogger, Rear Window .......................... 3-8
Delayed Illumination
............................ 2-45
Delayed Locking
............................... 2-10
Dimensions, Vehicle
............................ 6-69
Distance to Destination
.......................... 2-78
Dolby' B Noise Reduction
.................. 3-13, 3-20
Defogging
...................................... 3-8
Defrosting
...................................... 3-8
DIC .......................................... 2-74 Door
Ajar Reminder
................................ 2-4
Central Unlocking System
....................... 2-3
Locks
....................................... 2-3
Drive Position, Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-25
Driver Information Center
........................ 2-74
Driver Position
................................. 1-11
Driving
City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-1
Drunken
..................................... 4-2
Freeway
.................................... 4-21
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-27
IntheRain
.................................. 4-17
Night
...................................... 4-15
OnCurves
.................................. 4-10
On Grades While Towing a Trailer
............... 4-37
On Hill and Mountain Roads
.................... 4-23 .
On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-26
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
Wi.th a Trailer
................................ 4-35
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-2
Elapsed Time Indicator
......................... 2-79
Electrical Equipment. Adding
.............. : . 3.26. 6.57
Electrical.System
............................... 6-57
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror
.......... 2-48
Electronic Climate Control
........................ 3-1
Electronic Level Control
......................... 4-31
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Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-32
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5- 1
Headlamps
.................................... 2-42
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-32
High/Low Beam Changer
...................... 2-36
Aiming
..................................... 6-35
Wiring
..................................... 6-57
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance
.............. 8-3
Heated Outside Mirror
........................... 2-50
Heatedseats
.................................... 1-4
Heating ........................................ 3-6
High-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-36
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-23
Hitches, Trailer
................................. 4-34
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-19
Release ...................................... 6-7
Horn
......................................... 2-32
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2- 19
Illuminated Entry ............................... 2-46
Inadvertent Load Protection
....................... 2-47
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-41
Inspections .................................... 7-42
Brakesystem
................................ 7-42
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-42
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot and Seal
........... 7-42
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-42
Steering
.................................... 7-42 Suspension
.................................. 7-42
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-42
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-58
Brightness Control
............................ 2-45
Cleaning
.................................... 6-51
Cluster
..................................... 2-60
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-58
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-45
J ack. Tire .................................... 5-27
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-39
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2-20
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Labels Certification
................................. 4-30
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-56
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-29
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-56
Lamps
........................................ 2-42
Courtesy
.................................... 2-45
Interior
..................................... 2-45
On Reminder
................................ 2-36
Panel
....................................... 2-45
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-28
Level Control. Electronic
......................... 4-31
Lighter
....................................... 2-52
9-5
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Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1.19. 2.64
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.66. 4.6
Battery Warning
.............................. 2-64
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-65
Engine Oil Pressure Light
...................... 2-72
Interior
..................................... 2-45
Parking Brake Indicator
........................ 2-66
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1.6. 2.63
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-69
Traction Active
................................ 4-8
Traction Control System Active
.............. 2.68. 4.8
Traction Control System Warning
............ 2.67. 4.9
Traction
Off Warning ........................... 4-9
Light Sensor. Twilight Sentinel
.................... 2-44
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-29
Locks
......................................... 2-3
Anti-Lockout Feature
.......................... 2-7
Automatic Door
............................... 2-4
Delayed Locking
............................. 2- 10
Door ........................................ 2-3
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-39
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-4
Rear Door Security
............................. 2-6
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-41
Tr~nk
...................................... 2-13
Window
.................................... 2-32
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-43
Lubrication Service. Body
........................ 7-39
Lumbar Controls
................................ 1-2 Magnasteer
............................ ; . GT 4-10
Maintenance
Normal Replacement Parts
...................... 6-69
Record
..................................... 7-45
Underbody
.................................. 6-54
When Trailer Towing
.......................... 4-38
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long Tripmighway Definition
................... 7-5
Long Tripwighway Intervals
..................... 7-5
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-38
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-42
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-43
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-2
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-4
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-69
Maxifuse/Relay Center
.......................... 6-58
Methanol
...................................... 6-3
Mirrors
....................................... 2-48
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-49
Heated Outside
............................... 2-50
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-49
MMT
......................................... 6-3
MountainRoads
................................ 4-23
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-33
Electrochromic
Daymight Rearview
.............. 2-48
Visor Vanity. Illuminated
....................... 2-53
Net. Convenience .............................. 2-51
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-24
New Vehicle Break-In
........................... 2-18
Nightvision
................................... 4-16
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Odometer .................................... 2-6 1
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-61
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6- 10
Oil Life Indicator
............................... 2-76
Oil Pressure Light
.............................. 2-72
Oil Pressure Message
............................ 2-76
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
....... 5-14
Overheating Engine
............................. 5 - 14
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-38
Owner Publications. Ordering
...................... 8-9
Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-54
Parade Dimming
............................... 2-45
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-23
Shifting Into
................................. 2-27
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-29
AtNight
.................................... 2-15
Brake
...................................... 2-26
Brake Indicator Light
.......................... 2-66
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-41
Over Things That
Burn ........................ 2-30
With a Trailer
........................... 4-37. 4-38
PASS-Key
I1 2-17
Passenger Position
.............................. 1-24
Passenger Temperature Control
..................... 3-9
Passing ....................................... 4-12
Perimeter Lighting
.............................. 2-46
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-42
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4-
12
Parking Lots
....................................... 2-15
8 .................................
Power Accessory Outlet
............................. 2-54
Antenna Mast Care
............................. 3-28
Antennaservice
.............................. 7-38
DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-49
Retained
. Accessory ........................... 2-20
Seat
......................................... 1-1
Seatback Recliner .............................. 1-4
Steering
.................................... 4-10
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-24
Windows
................................... 2-32
Lumbar Controls
.............................. 1-2
Memory Function
.............................. 1-3
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts
.................... 1-24
Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner
.................... 8-9
Radio Reception
.............................. 3-26
Radios
.................................. 3-11. 3-17
Rain. Driving In
................................ 4-17
Reading Lamps
................................ 2-47
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
....................... 6-62
Door Security Locks
........................... 2-6
Outside Seat Position
.......................... 1-25
Safety Belt Comfort Guides
..................... 1-28
Seatpassengers
.............................. 1-24
Towing
..................................... 5-13
Window Defogger
............................. 3-8
Rearview Mirror. Electrochromic Daymight
......... 2-48
Power
Seat
9-7
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