warning Oldsmobile Aurora 1998 s Service Manual

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to
an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have 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.
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.
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.
6-28

Brake Wear
Your vehicle 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).
A CAUTION:
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.
I NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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.
Properly torqued wheel nuts
are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in
the proper sequence
to GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7 of
this manual under Part
C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”
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.
6-30

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed
by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system does
not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to
30 cm),
or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate
of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a
half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction -- A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B,
and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt
and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature -- A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
6-48

The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear
or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel
leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
retailer if any of these conditions exist.
lour retailer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one
it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel
bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for
your Aurora model.
T' 'Y:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts
on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for
replacement.

Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle,
be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
e
e
e
e
e
e
e
e
e
Gasoline
Benzene
Naphtha Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too. Don’t
use any of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces
with a clean, damp cloth.
Your retailer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent
Dry Spot and Soil
Remover for cleaning fabric and carpet. They will clean
normal spots and stains very well. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your retailer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
often. A soft brush may be used
if stains are stubborn.
area immediately or it will set.
6-51

@ Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Outlet ......................... 2-55
Air Bag
....................................... 1-21
How Does
it Restrain .......................... 1-24
How it Works
................................ 1-23
Location
.................................... 1-23
Readiness Light
......................... 1.22, 2.65
Servicing
................................... 1-26
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-24
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-25
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-24
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-15
Air Conditioning ................................ 3-6
Air Control. Climate Control System
............. 3-3. 3-5
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-49
Aluminum or Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
............. 6-56
Antenna. Power
................................ 3-27
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-2 1
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-68. 4-7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Anti-Lockout Feature
............................ 2-9
Anti.Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-2 1
Appearance Care ............................... 6-5 1
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-53
Air
Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-7 1
Alarm. Universal Theft-Deterrent .................. 2- 16 Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-7
Assist Handles
................................. 2-55
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel
................... 3-23
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-25
Audio Systems
................................. 3-11
Automatic DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Electronic Climate Control
...................... 3-2
Overdrive
................................... 2-26
Check
...................................... 7-15
Fluid
....................................... 6-18
Operation
................................... 2-24
ParkMechanismCheck
........................ 7-17
Auto-Push Knob. Climate Control
.................. 3-2
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-54
Automatic Transaxle Averagespeed
................................. 2-77
Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement
............... 6-40
Battery
....................................... 6-31
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Replacement. Remote Lock Control
.............. 2-13
Saver
...................................... 2-47
Warning Light
............................... 2-66
Warnings
................................ 5.3. 5.5
9-1

Battery Voltage Message ......................... 2-77
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-7
Belt. Engine Accessory
.......................... 6-72
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-7
Blizzard
...................................... 4-27
Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-30
Fluid
....................................... 6-28
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-28
Parkmg
..................................... 2-27
PedalTravel
................................. 6-30
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-3 1
System Warning Light
......................... 2-66
Trailer
...................................... 4-34
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7- 16
Wear
....................................... 6-30
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4-10
Break-In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2- 19
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-45
BTSICheck
................................... 7-16
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-33
Exterior Front
................................ 6-33
Exterior Rear
................................ 6-38
Interior Lamps
............................... 6-42
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-6
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-70
Carbon Monoxide
.......... 2- 15. 2.3 1.2.32.4.28. 4.34 Cassette
Deck Service
........................... 7-14
Cassette Tape Player
............................ 3-14
Care
....................................... 3-25
Errors
...................................... 3-14
Cellular Telephone
.............................. 2-55
Center Passenger Position ........................ 1-32
Central Door Unlocking System
.................... 2-5
Certification Label .............................. 4-30
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-34
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-50
Change Oil Soon Message
........................ 2-78
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-24
Check Oil Level Warning
......................... 2-79
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-51
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-57
Child Restraints ................................ 1-37
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
........... 1-42
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position
.......... 1-44
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-46
TopStrap
................................... 1-42
WheretoPut
................................ 1-41
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-54
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-61
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-15
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-56
Fabric
...................................... 6-52
Glass
....................................... 6-54
Inside of
Your Vehicle ......................... 6-51
Instrumentpanel
............................. 6-53
Leather
..................................... 6-53
9-2

Driving City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-21
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-27
IntheRain
.................................. 4-17
OnCurves
.................................. 4-11
On Grades While Towing a Trailer
............... 4-36
On Hill and Mountain Roads
.................... 4-23
On Snow
or Ice .............................. 4-26
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
WetRoads .................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-35
DrunkenDriving
................................ 4-3
Night
...................................... 4-16
Elapsed Time Indicator
......................... 2-80
Electrical Equipment. Adding ........... 2.22. 3.25. 6-60
Electrical System
............................... 6-60
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview Mirror
.......... 2-48
Electronic Climate Control
........................ 3-2
Electronic Level Control
......................... 4-3 1
Engine ....................................... 6-10
Accessory Belt
............................... 6-72
Coolant
..................................... 6-21
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-23
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7- 14
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-70
Exhaust
..................................... 2-31 Fuse Blocks
................................. 6-69
Identification
................................ 6-59
OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-14
Overheating
................................. 5-14
Running While Parked
......................... 2-32
Specifications
................................ 6-71
Starting Your
................................ 2-21
Engine Message (DIC)
........................... 2-77
EngineOil
.................................... 6-11
Adding
..................................... 6-11
Additives
................................... 6-14
Checlung
................................... 6-11
Life Monitor ................................. 2-78
Pressure Light
............................... 2-73
Used
....................................... 6-14
Whentochange
.............................. 6-14
Estimated Time
of Arrival ........................ 2-79
Exhaust, Engine
................................ 2-31
Exit Lighting
.................................. 2-46
Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-33
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-52
Fan Knob. Climate Control System
.................. 3-3
Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-5
Filter. Air
..................................... 6-17
Finish Care
.................................... 6-55
Finish Damage
................................. 6-57
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-26
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2
Flash-To-Pass Feature ........................... 2-37
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-24
9-4

Fluid Capacities ................................ 6-70
FogLamps
.................................... 2-43
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
Front Storage Armrest
........................... 2-52
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-20
FrenchLanguage Manual
11
FrontTowing .................................. 5-11
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Canada
...................................... 6-3
Door Release Button
........................... 6-6
Filling a Portable Container
...................... 6-8
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-74
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
RangeDisplay
............................... 2-77
UsedDisplay
................................ 2-77
Used Reset. Driver Information Center
............ 2-77
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-61
.. ...........................
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-70
Fuel
....................................... 2-74
Garage Door Opener
............................ 2-56
GarmentHook
................................. 2-55
GloveBox
.................................... 2-52
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-30
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-30
Guide en Frangais
11
GAWR ....................................... 4-30
.. .................................
GVWR ....................................... 4-30 Halogen
Bulbs
................................ 6-33
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-7
Headlamps
............................... 2-36, 2-42
Aiming
..................................... 6-36
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-33
Wiring
..................................... 6-60
High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-37
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heated Outside Mirror
........................... 2-52
Heatedseats
.................................... 1-5
Heating ........................................ 3-7
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-37
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-23
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-34
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8
Release
...................................... 6-9
Horn
......................................... 2-33
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-19
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2-20
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................... 7-17
Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-46
Inadvertent Load Protection
....................... 2-48
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-44
Inspections
.................................... 7-18
Brakesystem
................................ 7-19
Engine Cooling System ........................ 7-18

Exhaust Systems ............................. 7- 18
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot and Seal
........... 7- 18
Steering
.................................... 7-18
Suspension
.................................. 7-18
Throttle System
.............................. 7- 19
InstrumentPanel ............................... 2-60
Brightness Control
............................ 2-45
Cleaning
.................................... 6-53
Cluster
..................................... 2-62
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-62
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-45
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-42
.................................... J ack. Tire 5-26
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-15
Key Reminder Warning .......................... 2-21
Keyless Entry
................................... 2-9
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-30
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-59
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-29
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-59
Lamps
........................................ 2-42
Cornering
................................... 2-44
Courtesy
.................................... 2-45
Interior
..................................... 2-45 OnReminder
................................ 2-36
Panel
....................................... 2-45
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-9
Level Control. Electronic
......................... 4-31
Light Sensor. Twilight Sentinel
.................... 2-44
Lighter ....................................... 2-54
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-22. 2-65
Battery Warning
.............................. 2-66
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-66
Engine Oil Pressure Light
...................... 2-73
Interior
..................................... 2-45
Parking Brake Indicator
........................ 2-67
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1.8. 2.65
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-71
Traction Active
................................ 4-9
Traction Control System Active
.............. 2.69. 4.9
Traction Off Warning
........................... 4-9
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-29
Anti-Lockout Feature
.......................... 2-9
Automatic Door
............................... 2-5
Cylinders ................................... 7-15
DelayedLocking .............................. 2-6
Door
........................................ 2-4
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................. 7-17
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-15
Memory Door ............................ 2.5. 2.11
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-5
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-29
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.68. 4.7
Traction Control System Warning
............ 2.68. 4.9
Locks
......................................... 2-4