steering wheel Oldsmobile Bravada 1999 s Owner's Guide

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4-25
CAUTION:
Getting out on the downhill (low) side of a vehicle
stopped across an incline is dangerous. If the
vehicle rolls over, you could be crushed or killed.
Always get out on the uphill (high) side of the
vehicle and stay well clear of the rollover path.
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice
When you drive in mud, snow or sand, your wheels
won't get good traction. You can't accelerate as
quickly, turning is more difficult, and you'll need
longer braking distances.
It's best to use a low gear when you're in mud
-- the
deeper the mud, the lower the gear. In really deep mud, the
idea is to keep your vehicle moving so you don't get stuck.
When you drive on sand, you'll sense a change in wheel
traction. But it will depend upon how loosely packed the
sand is. On loosely packed sand (as on beaches or sand
dunes) your tires will tend to sink into the sand. This has
an effect on steering, accelerating and braking. You may
want to reduce the air pressure in your tires slightly
when driving on sand. This will improve traction.Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction.
On these surfaces, it's very easy to lose control. On wet
ice, for example, the traction is so poor that you will
have difficulty accelerating. And if you do get moving,
poor steering and difficult braking can cause you to slide
out of control.
CAUTION:
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds or rivers can be
dangerous. Underwater springs, currents under
the ice, or sudden thaws can weaken the ice. Your
vehicle could fall through the ice and you and
your passengers could drown. Drive your vehicle
on safe surfaces only.
Driving in Water
Light rain causes no special off-road driving problems.
But heavy rain can mean flash flooding, and flood
waters demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before you drive through
it. If it's deep enough to cover your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust pipe, don't try it
-- you probably won't get
through. Also, water that deep can damage your axle
and other vehicle parts.

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4-26
If the water isn't too deep, then drive through it slowly. At
fast speeds, water splashes on your ignition system and
your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you get
your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your tailpipe is
under water, you'll never be able to start your engine.
When you go through water, remember that when your
brakes get wet, it may take you longer to stop.
CAUTION:
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous.
Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers could drown. If it's
only shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and you could lose
traction and roll the vehicle over. Don't drive
through rushing water.
See ªDriving Through Waterº in the Index for more
information on driving through water.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust system
for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off
-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.

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4-38
What's the worst time for this? ªWet ice.º Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it's about
freezing (32F; 0C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.Whatever the condition
-- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.
Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If
you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and
polish the surface under the tires even more.
Your anti
-lock brakes improve your vehicle's stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have an anti
-lock braking system, you'll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See ªAnti
-Lockº in the Index.

Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that's covered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in
shaded areas where the sun can't reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may
remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If
you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you
are on it. Try not to brake while you're actually on
the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

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4-49 Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra
wiring and a heavy
-duty turn signal flasher (included in
the optional trailering package).
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You should use THIRD (3) when towing a trailer.
Operating your vehicle in THIRD (3) when towing a
trailer will minimize heat buildup and extend the life of
your transmission.

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5-18
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won't move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite end.

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5-29 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. 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 transmission is in gear. By
slowly spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may free
your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a few tries,
you may need to be towed out. Or, you can use your
recovery hooks if your vehicle has them. If you do need to
be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Using the Recovery Hooks
Your vehicle is equipped with recovery hooks. The
recovery hooks are provided at the front of your vehicle.
You may need to use them if you're stuck off
-road
and need to be pulled to some place where you can
continue driving.

6-
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-10 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-16 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 All-Wheel Drive
6
-21 Rear Axle
6
-22 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-22 Thermostat
6
-22 Engine Coolant
6
-25 Power Steering Fluid
6
-26 Windshield Washer Fluid6
-27 Brakes
6
-31 Battery
6
-32 Bulb Replacement
6
-35 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-37 Tires
6
-45 Appearance Care
6
-45 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-47 Care of Safety Belts
6
-49 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-52 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-53 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-53 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-53 Electrical System
6
-60 Replacement Bulbs
6
-60 Capacities and Specifications
6
-61 Air Conditioning Refrigerants

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Fuse/Circuit
BreakerUsage
3 Cruise Control Module and Switch,
Body Control Module, Heated Seats
4 Gages, Body Control Module,
Instrument Panel Cluster
5 Parking Lamps, Power Window
Switch, Body Control Module,
Ashtray Lamp
6 Steering Wheel Radio Controls
7 Headlamp Switch, Body Control
Module, Headlamp Relay
8 Courtesy Lamps, Battery Run
-Down
Protection
9 Not Used
10 Turn Signal
11 Cluster, Engine Control Module
12 Interior LightsFuse/Circuit
BreakerUsage
13 Auxiliary Power
14 Power Locks Motor
15 4WD Switch, Engine Controls
(VCM, PCM, Transmission)
16 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint
17 Front Wiper
18 Steering Wheel Radio Controls
19 Radio, Battery
20 Amplifier
21 HVAC I (Automatic), HVAC Sensors
(Automatic)
22 Anti
-Lock Brakes
23 Rear Wiper
24 Radio, Ignition

9-
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Section 9 Index
A
BS 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Power Outlets 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Adding Sound Equipment 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add-On Equipment 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-23, 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What You See After it Inflates 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All-Wheel Drive 2-26, 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light 2-62, 4-7 . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care and Materials 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Storage 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Steering Wheel Controls 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Headlamp System 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Check 7
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle
Front 6
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking Rear 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge Light 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Keyless Entry 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Run-Down Protection 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-7
Odometer 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Driving 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Your Vehicle Off Paved Roads 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ordering Owner and Service Publications 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . .
Outside Mirrors 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Console 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner and Service Publications 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hills with a Trailer 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payload 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlets 2
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator, Adding Coolant 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios
Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player 3
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-22, 7-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RAP 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Axle 6
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Security Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Washer/Wiper 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 6-51, 7-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Hooks 5-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .