service indicator Oldsmobile Aurora 1997 Owner's Manuals

If the light and chime come on while you are driving,
pull
off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that
the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer
to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light
is still
on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.)
‘A CAUTI
I
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake warning light is on. Driving with the
brake warning light on can lead to an accident.
If
the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road
and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.
Parking Brake Indicator Light
PARK
When the ignition is on, this
light will come on when
you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on
if
your parking brake doesn’t
release fully.
If you try to
drive off with the parking
brake set, a chime will also
come on until you release
the parking brake.
This light should also come on when you turn the
ignition key to START.
If it doesn’t come on then, have
it fixed
so it will be ready to remind you if the parking
brake hasn’t released fully.
2-71

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine
Soon Light)
SERVICE
ENGINE SOON
Your Aurora is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD
I1 (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
(In Canada, OBD I1 is replaced by
Enhanced Diagnostics.) The
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated
by the system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition
is on and the engine is not
running.
If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
a
0
Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Retailer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service is required.
Light On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Retailer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged
mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and
extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate
properly
or may cause failure of the tape player.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN to indicate
that you have used your tape player for
50 hours without
resetting the tape clean timer.
If this message appears on
the display, your cassette tape player needs to be
cleaned.
It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as
soon as possible to prevent damage to your tapes and
player.
If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a
known good cassette to see if it is the tape or the tape
player at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement
in sound quality, clean the tape player.
Cleaning may be done with a scrubbing action,
non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub
the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette
turn.
You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type
cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean
the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette may not
clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
After you clean the player, press and hold
EJECT for
five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will
display
--- to show the indicator was reset.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may
degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette
tape is in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Care of Your Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust.
If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth
in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the
edge
of the hole and the outer edge.
3-30

Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise
and affect windshield washer performance. Check with
your Aurora retailer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or
higher. At a minimum, it should meet specifications
ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93
in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been
developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA
specification could provide improved driveability and
emission control system protection compared to
other gasolines.
Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 9 1. If
the octane is less than 9
1, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. (In an emergency, you may be
able to use a lower octane
-- as low as 87 -- if heavy
knocking does not occur.)
If you’re using 91 or higher
octane unleaded gasoline and you hear heavy knocking,
your engine needs service.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood tune-up label), it
is designed to operate on fuels that meet California
specifications. If such fuels are not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle
may fail a smog-check test.
If this occurs, return to your
authorized Aurora retailer for diagnosis to determine the
cause of failure.
In the event it is determined that the
cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel
contains MMT. General Motors does not recornend the
use of such gasolines.
If fuels containing MMT are used,
spark plug life may be reduced and your emission
control system performance may be affkcted. The
malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your authorized
Aurora retailer for service.
6-3

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.
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 fiily).
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.

Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166
000 krn) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240
000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
-f The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the suspension and steering linkage,
transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides and
underbody contact points and linkage.
* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show
you when to change the oil -- usually
between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles
(12
500 km) since your last oil change. Under severe
conditions, the indicator may come on before
3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than
7,500 miles (12 500 krn) or 12 months,
(whichever occurs first), without an oil change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So if you
drive in a dusty area be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL
light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil Life Monitor
when the oil has been changed. For more information, see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection’’ under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspection” in Part
C of this schedule.
7-7

Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles
(240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections’’ following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the suspension and steering linkage,
transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides and
underbody contact points and linkage.
* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when
to change the oil -- usually
between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles
(12
500 km) since your last oil change. Under severe
conditions,
the indicator may come on before
3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle more
than
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months without an
oil change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL
light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil Life Monitor
when the oil has been changed. For more information,
see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in Part
C of this schedule.
7-28

Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-6 1
Lamps
........................................ 2-44
Courtesy
.................................... 2-47
Interior
..................................... 2-46
On Reminder
................................ 2-37
Panel
....................................... 2-46
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-30
Level Control. Electronic
......................... 4-31
Light Sensor. Twilight Sentinel
.................... 2-46
Lighter
....................................... 2-57
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-20, 2-69
Battery Warning
.............................. 2-70
Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning
............ 2-72, 4-7
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-70
Engine Oil Pressure Light
...................... 2-77
Interior
..................................... 2-46
Parlung Brake Indicator
........................ 2-7 1
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-7, 2-69
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-75
Traction Active
................................ 4-9
Traction Control System Active
.............. 2-73, 4-9
Traction Control System Warning
........... 2-72, 4-10
Traction Off Warning .......................... 4- 10
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-30
Locks
......................................... 2-4
Anti-Lockout Feature
.......................... 2-8
Automatic Door
............................... 2-5
Cylinders
................................... 7-40
Door
........................................ 2-4
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................. 7-42
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-40
Delayed
Locking
............................. 2- 12 Memory Door
............................ 2.5, 2.11
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-5
Rear Door Security ............................. 2-7
Trunk
...................................... 2-15
Window
.................................... 2-34
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-44
Lubrication Service, Body
........................ 7-40
Lumbar Controls
................................ 1-3
Magnasteer
TM ................................ 4-11
Maintenance, Normal Replacement
Parts ............ 6-74
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-46
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long Tripmighway Definition ................... 7-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-39
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-43
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-44
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-5
Maintenance, Underbody
......................... 6-59
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-75
MaxifuseRelay Center
.......................... 6-63
Memory Door Locks ........................ 2-5, 2-11
Memory Seat and Mirrors
........................ 2-11
Methanol
...................................... 6-4
Mirrors
....................................... 2-50
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-54
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview .............. 2-50
Heated Outside
............................... 2-54
Memory
.................................... 2-11
Parallel Park Assist
........................... 2-53
9-6

Power Remote Control ......................... 2-53
Visor Vanity. Illuminated
....................... 2-58
With Compass
............................... 2-50
MMT
......................................... 6-3
MountainRoads
................................ 4-24
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-35
Net. Convenience
.............................. 2-56
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-26
New Vehicle Break-In
........................... 2-20
Nightvision
................................... 4-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
............. 6-74
Odometer
.................................... 2-67
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-67
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4- 13
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-11
Oil Life Indicator
............................... 2-82
Oil Pressure Light
.............................. 2-77
Oil Pressure Message
............................ 2-82
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-27
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
....... 5- 14
Overheating Engine
............................. 5- 14
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-39
Owner Publications. Ordering
...................... 8-9
Paint Spotting. Chemical
........................ 6-59
Parallel Park Assist Mirror
........................ 2-53
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-25
Shifting Into
................................. 2-29
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-3 1
Parking
AtNight
.................................... 2-16
Brake
...................................... 2-28
Brake Indicator Light
.......................... 2-71
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-42
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-32
With a Trailer
........................... 4-37. 4-38
Passenger Position
.................... 1 - 19. 1-25. 1-31
Passenger Temperature Control
.................... 3-10
Passing
....................................... 4-13
PASS-Key I1
................................. 2-19
Perimeter Lighting
.............................. 2-48
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-43
Personalization Features
......................... 2-11
Power
Accessory Outlet
............................. 2-59
Antenna Mast Care
............................ 3-31
Antenna Service
.............................. 7-39
DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-53
Seat
.......................................... 1-2
Seatback Recliner
.............................. 1-2
Steering
.................................... 4-11
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-26
Windows
................................... 2-34
Power, Retained Accessory
....................... 2-22
Power Seat
Lumbar Controls
.............................. 1-3
Memory Function
.............................. 1-3
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts
.................... 1-18
Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner
.................... 8-9
Lots
....................................... 2-17
9-7

Transaxle Fluid. Automatic ....................... 6- 18
Transaxle Fluid Life ............................. 2-82
Transmitter. Universal
........................... 2-6 1
Transmitters. Remote Lock Control
................. 2- 13
Transportation. Courtesy
.......................... 8-6
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-67
Trunk Lock
....................................... 2-15
Release. Remote .............................. 2-15
SecurityOverride
............................. 2-15
Trunk Mounted Compact Disc Changer
............. 3-22
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-36
Turn Signal On Chime
........................... 2-37
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
................... 2-35
Twilight Sentinel
............................... 2-46
Turn Signals When Towing
a Trailer
................ 4-37
Underbody Flushing Service
.................. : .. 7-42
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-59
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
.................. 2- 17
Universal Transmitter ............................ 2-6 1
Vehicle Control
...................................... 4-6
Damagewarnings
.............................. iv
Dimensions
................................. 6-74
Identification Number
......................... 6-6 1
Loading
.................................... 4-30
Storage
..................................... 6-33
Ventilation System
............................... 3-7 Visor Vanity Mirrors. Illuminated
.................. 2-58
Visors. Sun
.................................... 2-58
warning Devices
............................... 5-3
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
............... 2-68
Warranty Information
............................. 8-8
Washer Fluid. Windshield
........................ 6-27
Washing
Your Vehicle ........................... 6-57
Weatherstrips
.................................. 6-57
Wheel
Alignment
.................................. 6-50
Nut Torque
............................. '5.31. 6.73
Replacement
................................. 6-50
Wrench
..................................... 5-26
WindowLock
.................................. 2-34
Windows
..................................... 2-34
Express-Down
............................... 2-34
Power
...................................... 2-34
Windshield Washer
............................. 2-40
Fluid
.................................. 2.40. 6.27
Fluid Level Check
............................ 7-39
Windshield Wipers
.............................. 2-39
Bladecheck
................................. 7-40
Blade Replacement
...................... 6.44. 6.74
Cleaning the Blade
....................... 2.39. 6.56
Fuses
...................................... 6-62
Winter Driving
................................. 4-26
Wiring. Headlamp
.............................. 6-62
WoodPanels. Care
.............................. 6-55
WreckerTowing
................................. 5-8
Wrench. Wheel ................................. 5-26