oil dipstick Oldsmobile Aurora 2001 Owner's Manuals

For
a More
Detailed Look at
What's Under the Hood
See Section 6
Tire Pressure
See Section 6
Service Station Guide
Oil Viscosity
Engine Oil
See Section 6
Engine Oil Dipstick
See Section 6
Remote Fuel
Door Release
See Section 6
Fuel
Use unleaded gas only,
See Section 6
Cooling System
See Section 5
Hood Release
See Section 6
Windshield Washer
Fluid
See Section 6
Spare Tire Pressure
See Section 5
Alternate
Fuel Door Release
See Section 6
Battery
See Section 6

2-91
CHECK OIL LEVEL - 5: If you ever see the
CHECK OIL LEVEL message, it indicates that the
engine oil level is 1 to 1 1/2 quarts (0.9 L to 1.4 L) low.
The message will appear only if the engine is running
and it has been at least eight minutes since the engine
was last running. If the message appears, check the oil
dipstick level. If it reads low, your oil level should be
brought up to the proper level (see ªEngine Oilº in
the Index). After bringing the oil to the proper level,
the ignition must be off for eight minutes to allow the
majority of oil to drain into the oil pan.
SERV STABILITY SYS
- 26 : If you ever see the
SERV STABILITY SYS message, it means there
may be a problem with your stability enhancement
system. If you see this message, try to reset the system
(stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again).
If the SERV STABILITY SYS message still comes on,
it means there is a problem. You should see your dealer
for service. Reduce your speed and drive accordingly.STABILITY ACTIVE
- 42 : You may see the
STABILITY ACTIVE message on the Driver
Information Center. It means that an advanced,
computer
-controlled system has come on to help
your vehicle continue to go in the direction in which
you're steering. This stability enhancement system
activates when the computer senses that your vehicle is
just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of ice
or other slippery spot on the road. When the system is
on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal.
When the STABILITY ACTIVE message is on,
you should continue to steer in the direction you want
to go. The system is designed to help you in bad
weather or other difficult driving situations by making
the most of whatever road conditions will permit. If the
STABILITY ACTIVE message comes on, you'll know
that something has caused your vehicle to start to spin,
so you should consider slowing down.

6-13
A. Underhood Bussed Electrical Center
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
E. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part
F. Passenger Compartment Air FilterG. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
J. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-14
4.0L V8 Engine
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Underhood Bussed
Electrical Center
B. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
D. Remote Positive (+)
Battery TerminalE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
G. Remote Negative (
-) Terminal
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap
I. Engine Oil DipstickJ. Brake Fluid Reservoir
K. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
(near the air cleaner)
L. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-15
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears on the
instrument panel, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away. For more information, see
ªDIC Warnings and Messagesº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The top of the engine oil
dipstick is a round
yellow loop.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information on location.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.

6-16
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
3.5L V6 Engine
4.0L V8 Engine
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.

6-17
See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index
for more information
on location.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the starburst symbol.
This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by
the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any
oil which does not carry this starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container.
If you have your oil
changed for you, be sure
the oil put into your engine
is American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:

6-23
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 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
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.
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.