steering Oldsmobile Aurora 1998 s Owner's Guide

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is
to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as
“rocking”
can help you get out when you’re stuck, but
you must use 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 “Tire Chains” 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 fiont wheels.
You should turn
your traction control system off. (See “Traction Control
System”
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. 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 “Towing Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
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I
I

The cap is behind a hinged door on the left side of
your vehicle.
The remote fuel door release can help keep your fuel
tank from being siphoned. Always be sure the fuel door
is closed and latched after refueling.
To open the fuel door (on
the driver's side of the
vehicle), press the button
next to the trunk release
button, to the right of the
steering column. The
ignition does not need to
be
on. The remote fuel door
release will work in all
transaxle positions. The fuel
door can
be opened
manually in case
of an
electrical power failure. To
do so, first open the trunk.
The release mechanism is
on the driver's side
of the
vehicle, at the top
of the
trunk compartment. Pull
the tab toward you to
release the
fuel door.
NOTICE:
Prying on a locked fuel filler door could damage
it. Use the remote fuel door manual release
located
in the trunk.
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I A CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important parts underhood.
Hood Release
To open the hood, first pull
the hood release handle
inside the vehicle, located to
the left of the steering wheel
under the instrument panel. Then
go to the front
of the vehicle and pull up on the
underhood release.
Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure
all the filler caps are on
properly. Then pull the hood down and close it fiiy.
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4.0L Engine
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Remote Positive (+)
Battery Terminal
B. Windshield Washer
fluid Reservoir
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap Dipstick
(behind air cleaner)
E. Engine Oil Dipstick H. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
E Brake Fluid Reservoir I. Air Cleaner

A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it
will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
11
Power Steering Fluid
I I I
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, a GM thermostat
is recommended.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak
in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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How To Check F wer Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level
up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
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Power Steering
Pump Only ....................... 1 pint (0.5 L)
Complete System ............... 1.5 pints (0.7 L)
Tire Pressures ...... See Tire-Loading Information
label on the rear edge
of the driver’s doox
Wheel Nut Torque .......... 100 lb-ft (140 Nam)
Refrigerant (R=134a),
Air Conditioning
.... See refrigeran.t charge label
under the hood.
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding,
be sure to fill
to the appropriate level as recommended
in this manual.
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 retailer.
Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... C
Type
.................................... V8
Displacement ............................. 4 L
Horsepower ............................. 250
Compression Ratio
...................... 10.3: 1
Firing Order ................... 1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8
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
Gap:
0.050 inch (1.52 mm)
Spark Plugs
................... AC Type 4
1-929
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type
............................... 6.32Pin
Length
..................... 22 inches (56 cm)

Vehicle Dimensions
Length .................. .205.4 inches (522 cm)
Width
.................... .74.4 inches (1 89 cm)
Height
.................... .55.4 inches (141 cm)
Wheelbase
.............. 1 13.8 inches (289.1 cm)
Front Tread
................ .62.5 inches (1 59 cm)
Rear Tread ................ .62.5 inches (159 cm)
Engine Accessory Belt Routing
The 4.0 L engine uses an engine accessory belt. This
diagram shows the features connected by the belt
routing. See “Maintenance Schedule” in the Index
for when to check the belt.
1. Tensioner Arm Pulley
2. Power Steering Pump Pulley
3. Idler Pulley
4. Alternator Pulley
5. Air Conditioner Compressor Pulley
6. Harmonic Balancer

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
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.
+ 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.
# 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 engine oil
and filter
-- 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 and filter change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So if you drive
in
a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE
OIL SOON message appears. Remember to reset the
Oil Life Monitor when the oil has been changed. For
more information, see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in
the Index.
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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 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 a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front 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.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the
cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at
least once a year.
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