brakes OLDSMOBILE AURORA 1996 Owner's Manual

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
done
on the brake hydraulic system.
I ’
A CAUTION:
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” in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing
it.
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. 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.
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NOTICE:
a
a 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.
Brake Wear
Your Aurora 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 sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
I NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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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.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your retailer 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.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern 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.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality
GM brake
parts in them, as your Aurora does when it is new. When
you replace parts of your braking system
-- for example,
when your brake linings wear down and you have
to
have new ones put in -- be sure you get new genuine
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.
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Steering Column Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key
to LOCK in each shift lever position.
0 The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check lever
is in PARK
(P).
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move.
You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is
room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. Park on
a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
0 To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle
in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until
the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
Shift to
PARK (P). Then release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing
Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your GM retailer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in an Aurora service manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications’’ in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or
lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes,
loose connections,
or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in
the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc.
You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often
if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
7-42
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Accessory Power Outlet ......................... 2-54
AirBag
....................................... 1-18
How Does it Restrain
........................... 1-22
How it Works
................................ 1-20
Location
.................................... 1-20
Readiness Light ......................... 1 . 19, 2-64
Servicing
................................... 1-23
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-21
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-22
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-21
Air Cleaner
.................................... 6-14
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-5
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-69
Air Control. Climate Control System
............. 3.3. 3.4
Alarm. Universal Theft-Deterrent .................. 2- 15
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-46
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-53
Antenna. Power
................................ 3-28
Antifreeze
...................................... 6-20
Anti-Lock
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.66. 4.6
Anti-LockoutFeature
............................ 2-7
Anti.Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-23
Appearance Care
................................ 6-48
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-55
Arbitration Program
............................... 8-6 Ashtrays
....................................... 2-52
Audio Equipment, Adding
........................ 3-26
Audio Systems
................................. 3-10
Automatic
DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Electronic Climate Control
...................... 3-1
Overdrive
................................... 2-25
Check
...................................... 7-39
Fluid
....................................... 6-17
Operation
................................... 2-23
Park Mechanism Check
........................ 7-41
Auto-Push Knob, Climate Control
.................. 3-2
Averagespeed
................................. 2-76
Battery
........................ : ............. 6-30
Jump Starting ................................. 5-2
Replacement
.................................. 2-11
Saver
...................................... 2-47
Audio
Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-25
Automatic Transaxle
WarningLight
............................... 2-64
Warnings
................................ 5-2, 5-5
Belt, Engine Accessory
.......................... 6-70
Battery
Voltage Message
......................... 2-76
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-6
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-6
9-1
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Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-29
Fluid
....................................... 6-26
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-26
PedalTravel ................................. 6-29
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-29
System Warning Light
......................... 2-65
Trailer
...................................... 4-35
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-40
Wear
....................................... 6-28
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-6
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4-10
Break-In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2-18
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-45
BTSICheck
................................... 7-40
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-32
Parking
..................................... 2-26
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-5
Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-68
Carbon Monoxide
.................... 2.30.4.28. 4.34
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-38
Cassette Tape Player
....................... 3- 12. 3. 19
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-26
Cassette Tape Player Errors
.................. 3.13. 3.20
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-30
Central Door Unlocking System
.................... 2-3
Certification Label
.............................. 4-30
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-35
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-47
Change Oil Soon Message
........................ 2-77 Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-24
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-45
CheckOilLevel
................................ 2-77
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-54
Child Restraints
................................ 1-34
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
........... 1-36
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position
.......... 1-38
Securing in
the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-40
TopStrap
................................... 1-35
WheretoPut
................................ 1-34
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-52
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-58
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-14
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-53
Fabric
...................................... 6-49
Glass
....................................... 6-51
Inside
of Your Aurora ......................... 6-48
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-51
Leather
..................................... 6-51
Outside of Your Aurora
........................ 6-52
Special Problems
............................. 6-50
Stains
...................................... 6-50
Tires
....................................... 6-54
Vinyl
....................................... 6-50
Wheels
..................................... 6-53
Windshield
and Wiper Blades ................... 6-52
Climate Control, Steering Wheel Controls
........... 3-10
Clock. Setting the
............................... 3-10
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-1
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-27
Compact Disc Player
....................... 3-14, 3-21
Compact Disc Player Errors
.................. 3-17. 3-22
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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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Tires ......................................... 6-40
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-46
Buying New'
................................. 6-44
Chains
..................................... 6-47
ChangingaFlat
.............................. 5-24
Cleaning
.................................... 6-54
Compact Spare
............................... 5-34
Inflation
.................................... 6-41
Inflation Check
............................... 7-38
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-42
Loading Your Vehicle
......................... 4-29
Pressure
.................................... 6-41
Temperature
................................. 6-45
Traction
.................................... 6-45
Treadwear
................................... 6-45
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-45
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-43
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-46
When It's Time for New
....................... 6-43
TopStrap
..................................... 1-35
TorqueLock
................................... 2-29
Torque, Wheel Nut
......................... 5-32. 6-68
Towing a Trailer
................................ 4-3 1
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Traction
Control System
................................ 4-8
Control System Active Light
................ 2-68, 4-8
Control System Warning Light
.............. 2-67, 4-9
Off Warning Light ............................. 4-9
Brakes
..................................... 4-35
Driving
on Grades ............................ 4-37
Driving with
................................. 4-35
Trailer Hitches
..................................... 4-34
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-38
Parking on Hills .............................. 4-37
Safety Chains
................................ 4-35
Tongueweight
............................... 4-33
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-34
Towing
..................................... 4-31
Turnsignals
................................. 4-37
Weight
..................................... 4-33
Transaxle Fluid. Automatic
....................... 6-17
Transaxle Fluid Life
............................. 2-76
Transmitters
Remote Lock Control
........................... 2-8
Universal
................................... 2-55
Transportation. Courtesy
.......................... 8-5
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-61
Trunk
Lock
....................................... 2-13
Release. Remote Lockout
...................... 2-13
Security Override
............................. 2-14
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-3
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-34
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
................... 2-33
Turn Signal On Chime
........................... 2-35
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-37
Twilight Sentinel
............................... 2-44
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-41
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-54
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
.................. 2-15
Universal Transmitter
............................ 2-55
LO
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