service indicator Oldsmobile Aurora 1998 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.)
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake warning light
is on. Driving with the
i 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
When the ignition is on,
PARK
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.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
0
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
SERVICE
ENGINE SOON
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. 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:
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 may be 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.

When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning
cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because
your unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature
and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. If
the cleaning cassette ejects, insert the cassette at least
three times to ensure thorough cleaning.
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 will not
eject on its own.
A non-scrubbing action cleaner may
not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
The
use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning
cassette is not recommended.
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 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.
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to
the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with
lubricants internal to the
CD mechanism.
3-26

If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
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 recommend 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 affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your authorized
Aurora retailer for service. To
provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required
to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and
fuel system, allowing your emission control system
to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to
add anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines
.
containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
help clean the air. General Motors recommends that you
use these gasolines if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
I NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
6-4

Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your retailer is ready
to advise if you think something should be added. 2. Press
RESET and
hold for five seconds. The word
RESET will appear, then OIL LIFE 100 % will
be displayed.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has an Oil Life Indicator. The Oil Life
Indicator will let you know when to change your 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
(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. Remember to reset the Oil Life
Indicator when the oil has been changed. For more
information, see “Oil Life Indicator” in the Index.
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator
Always reset the engine oil life to 100 percent after
every oil change.
It will not reset itself. To reset the
OIL LIFE reminder, do the following:
1. With the ignition on, press the
ENG button so the
OIL LIFE percentage
is displayed.
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.
6-14

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

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.
7-5

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

Rear Door Security ............................. 2-7
Tr~nk
...................................... 2-14
Window
.................................... 2-33
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-20
Lubrication Service. Body
........................ 7- 15
Lumbar Controls
................................ 1-3
Magnasteer
M ................................ 4. 10
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts
............ 6-7 1
Maintenance Record ............................ 7-22
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7- 1
Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7- 14
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7- 18
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-20
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-57
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-7 1
Maxifuse/Relay Center
.......................... 6-6 1
Memory Door Locks
........................ 2.5. 2. 11
Memory Seat and Mirrors
........................ 2- 11
Methanol
...................................... 6-4
Mirrors
....................................... 2-48
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-52
Electrochromic Daymight Rearview
.............. 2-48
Heated Outside
............................... 2-52
Memory
.................................... 2-11
Parallel Park Assist
........................... 2-5 1
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-5 1
Visor Vanity. Illuminated ....................... 2-55
With Compass
............................... 2-48
Maintenance
When Trailer Towing
................. 4-37 MMT
......................................... 6-4
Mountain Roads
................................ 4-23
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-34
Net. Convenience
.............................. 2-53
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-25
New Vehicle Break-In
........................... 2-19
Nightvision
................................... 4-16
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ............. 6-71
Odometer
.................................... 2-63
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-63
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4-13
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-11
Oil Life Indicator
............................... 2-78
Oil Pressure Light
.............................. 2-73
Oil Pressure Message
............................ 2-77
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-26
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
....... 5-14
Overheating Engine
............................. 5-14
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-14
Owner Publications. Ordering
................. 8-9. 8-10
Paint Spotting. Chemical
........................ 6-57
Parallel Park Assist Mirror
........................ 2-51
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-24
Shifting Into
................................. 2-28
Shifting
Out of ............................... 2-30

Parkmg AtNight
.................................... 2-15
Brake
...................................... 2-27
Brake Indicator Light
.......................... 2-67
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-17
Lots
....................................... 2-16
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-3 1
With a Trailer ........................... 4-36, 4-37
Passenger Position
.................... 1-21, 1-27, 1-32
Passenger Temperature Control
.................... 3- 10
Passing ..&.................................... 4-13
PASS-Key 11 ................................. 2-18
Perimeter Lighting .............................. 2-46
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7- 1 8
Personalization Features ......................... 2- 11
Power
Accessory Outlet
............................. 2-55
AntennaMastCare
............................ 3-27
Antennaservice
.............................. 7-14
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-51
Seat
......................................... 1-2
Seatback Recliner
.............................. 1-2
Steering .................................... 4-10
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-25
Windows
................................... 2-33
Power, Retained Accessory
....................... 2-21
Power Seat
Lumbar Controls
.............................. 1-3
Memory Function
.............................. 1-3
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts
.................... 1-20
DoofLocks ................................... 2-5 Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner
............... 8.9. 8-10
Radio Reception
.............................. 3-24
Radios
....................................... 3-11
Rain. Driving
In ................................ 4-17
Reading Lamps
........................... 2-47. 2-48
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
....................... 6-66
Door Security Locks
........................... 2-7
Outside Seat Position
.......................... 1-27
Safety Belt Comfort Guides
..................... 1-30
Seatpassengers
.............................. 1-27
Towing
..................................... 5-13
Window Defogger
............................. 3-9
Rear Storage Armrest
............................ 2-53
Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement
................ 6-40
Rearview Mirror
................................ 2-48
Compass Calibration
.......................... 2-51
Compass Variance
............................ 2-50
Electrochromic Daymight
...................... 2-48
Heated Outside
............................... 2-52
Parallel Park Assist
........................... 2-51
With Compass
............................... 2-48
RecallonDIC
................................. 2-81
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-6
Refrigerants. Air Conditioning .................... 6-71
Remote Fuel Door Release
............................. 6-6
Trunk Release
................................ 2-14
9-8
..