oil temperature OLDSMOBILE AURORA 1996 Owners Manual

Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
To use the coolant heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 IO-volt AC outlet.
A CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungroundea outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into
a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least
15 amps.
4. After you’ve used the coolant heater, be sure to
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts.
If you don’t, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind
of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your Aurora retailer in the area where you’ll be parking
your vehicle. The retailer can give
you the best advice
for that particular area.
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Attach a separate safety
chain around the outboard
end
of each lower control
arm.
Engine Overh -. hg
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
Aurora’s instrument panel.
Your information center will
also display messages about engine overheating. See
“Coolant Temperature Gage” in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode
Should a low coolant condition exist and the message
HOT STOP ENGINE is displayed, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of four
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. This operating
mode allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in
an emergency; you may drive up to
50 miles (80 km).
Towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should
be avoided.
Y
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 may be severely degraded. Change
the oil and reset the oil life indicator. See “Engine
Oil, When to Change” in the Index.
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RECOMMENOEO SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COUl STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
011 FOR ME EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANBE.
HOT
WEATHER I "F
+ 100
t 20
:::
-
OI
+3
+i
+l
t4
-7
-1 ,- SAE I 1UW-30
PREFERRED above 0°F 1-18"Q . ~, SAL 5w-30
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GWE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 5W-30 if it's
going to be colder than
60" F (1 6 O C) before your
next oil change. When it's very cold, you should use
SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show
its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils, such as
SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines "Starburst" symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
Engirn v~l AUUlLl V GI -.
Don't add anything to your oil. Your Aurora retailer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
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When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
0
0
0
0
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil
to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first. (See “Change Oil Message” in the Index.)
If
the CHANGE OIL NOW message appears in the Driver
Information Center, you should change your oil.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever occurs first. Driving a vehicle
with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
(See “Change Oil Message” in the Index.) Always reset
the engine oil life
to 100% after every oil change.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your retailer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level
is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more
of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90 OF (32 O C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at your Aurora retailer
Service Department.
If
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or
you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
I NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading
if you check your
transaxle fluid.
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Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles (1 66 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
A
50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Aurora will:
0 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.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant it is important that you use
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free)
coolant meeting
GM Specification 6277M.
If
silicated coolant 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.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half cEean, water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets GM Specification
6277M, which won’t damage aluminum parts. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 3634621) with any complete coolant change. If
you use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything
else. A special procedure is required for adding sealer;
see the Aurora Service Manual.
(To order a service
manual, see “Service Publications’’ in the Index.)
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Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your Aurora retailer.
Vehicle Dimensions
Length ................ 205.4 inches (5 217 mm)
Width
.................. 74.4 inches (1 890 mm)
Height
.................. 55.4 inches (1 407 mm)
Wheelbase
............. 11 3.8 inches (2 89 1 mm)
Front Tread
.............. 62.5 inches (1 587 mm)
Rear Tread
.............. 62.5 inches (1 587 mm)
Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... C
Type
.................................... V8
Displacement ........................ 4.0 Liters
Horsepower
............................. 250
Compression Ratio
...................... 10.3: 1
Firing Order
.................... -2-7-3-4-5-6-8
Thermostat Temperature
Specification
.................... 180°F (82°C)
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element .......... AC Type A- 1096C
Engine
Oil Filter ................ AC Type PF-58
Spark Plugs
................... AC Type041 -900
uap: 0.050 inch (1.52 mm)
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Maintenance Schedule
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions
is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police,
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if you
operate your vehicle under any
of these conditions is that
these conditions cause engine
oil to break down SOOIZ~C
your vehicle.
taxi, or other commercial application.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) - Then Every
12,000 Miles (20
000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
At 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) - Then Every
30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Throttle Body Bore and
Valve Plates Inspection.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
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I ~ I
Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule
48,000 Miles (80 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. I
17 Lubricate the suspension and steering
linkage, transaxle shift linkage, parking
brake cable guides and underbody contact
points and linkage (or every
6 months,
whichever occurs first).
I DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED BY: I
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and
bottom screens
if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these
conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32" C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the
fluid andfilter do not require changing.
delivery service.
7-15
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45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. *
0 Lubricate the suspension and steering
linkage, transaxle shift linkage, parking
brake cable guides and underbody contact
points and linkage (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
0 Inspect throttle body bore and valve plates
for deposits, open the throttle valve and
inspect all surfaces. Clean as required.
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and
bottom screens if the vehicle
is mainly
driven under one or more of these
conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 O F
(32 O C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid andfilter
do not require changing.
delivery service.
I
ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
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