warning OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 1997 Owner's Guide

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A
transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Oldsmobile retail
facility Service Department and have it repaired as soon
as possible. You may also have your fluid level checked
by your retailer or service center when you have your
oil changed.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL” engine coolant.
This coolant is designed
to remain
in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL
TM extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Oldsmobile will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129 O C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only
DEX-COOL TM (silicate-free) coolant.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first.
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What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL” coolant which
won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant
mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong
mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL TM coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your retailer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
I I
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
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1
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on.
See “Brake System Warning
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme ll@ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing
it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work
well, or they
may not even work
at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:
a
a
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops
of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind
of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish
can be
damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake fluid on
your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately.
See “Appearance Care” in the Index.
6-23
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Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Adrninistration, 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.
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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.
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 ali-gnment
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
Oldsmobile retailer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your 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 Oldsmobile model.
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Tire Chains
NOTICE:
Use tire chains only where legal and only when
you must. Use only
SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install
them on the front tires and tighten them
as
tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
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
Oldsmobile, 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:
Gasoline
Benzene
Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
0 Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
0 Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
6-40
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Engine ........................................ 6-9
Coolant
..................................... 6- 16
Coolant Heater
............................... 2- 15
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-37
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-54
Exhaust
...................... 2.10.2.25.4.27. 4.35
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-54
Identification
................................ 6-49
Oil Level Check .............................. 7-37
Overheating
................................. 5-12
RunningWhileParked
......................... 2-27
Specifications
................................ 6-58
Starting Your
................................ 2-14
Engineoil
.................................... 6-10
Additives
................................... 6- 13
Checking
................................... 6-11
Pressure Warning Light
........................ 2-58
Used
....................................... 6-14
What Kind to Use
............................. 6-12
Whentochange
.............................. 6-14
Exterior Lamps
................................. 2-35
Adding
..................................... 6-11
Ethanol
........................................ 6-4 Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-20
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-42
Following Distance with a Trailer
.................. 4-37
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-5
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-10
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Filling-Your Tank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-62
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-51
Gages
Fog Lamps
.................................... 2-37
Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-54
Fuel
....................................... 2-62
Tachometer
.................................. 2-50
GarmentHook
................................. 2-45
GAWR
....................................... 4-31
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-17
GloveBox
.................................... 2-41
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-31
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-31
GVWR
....................................... 4-31
................................ Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-41 Halogen Bulbs 6-26
Filling
your ................................ 6-5 Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2
Filter.
& ..................................... 6- 15 Head Restraints ................................. 1-5
Finish Care
.................................... 6-45 Headlamps .................................... 2-35
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-20 HiglAow Beam Changer ...................... 2-29
............................ Finish Damage ................................. 6-47 Bulb Replacement 6-27
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2 OnReminder 2-35
Hash-to-Pass
.................................. 2-29 Wiring 6-50
................................
.....................................
9-4
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Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance .............. 8-4
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-29
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-22
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-35
Hood
Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Release
...................................... 6-7
Horn
......................................... 2-27
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-18
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2- 13
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................... 7-40
IlluminatedEntryExit
........................... 2-38
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-33
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-39
Inspections
.................................... 7-41
Brake System
................................ 7-41
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-41
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-41
Steering
.................................... 7-41
Suspension
.................................. 7-41
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-41
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-46
Cleaning
.................................... 6-43
Cluster
............................ .. ........ 2-48
Fuse Block
........................ 6.51.6.52. 6.53
Intensity Control
............................. 2-37
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-37
Heating
........................................ 3-4
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-22
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-38
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels
....................................... 6-49
Certification
................................. 4-31
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-49
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-30
Vehicle Identification Number
.................... 6-49
Lamps
........................................ 2-35
Exterior
.................................... 2-35
Fog
........................................ 2-37
Interior
..................................... 2-37
MirrorReading
............................... 2-38
OnReminder
................................ 2-35
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-6
Leaving
Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-23
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-22. 2-52
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.54. 4.7
Brake System Warning
.................... 2.53. 6.23
CheckEngine
................................ 2-55
CheckOil
.............................. 2.59. 6.10
Cruise
...................................... 2-60
DoorAjar
................................... 2-61
Engine Oil Pressure Warning
.................... 2-58
Interior ..................................... 2-37
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2.55. 6.18
Charging System Indicator
...................... 2-52
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Lights (Continued) Low Wash
.................................. 2-60
Oil Pressure
................................. 2-58
Passlock Warning
........................... 2-59
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1.8. 2.5 1
Service Vehicle Soon
.......................... 2-61
Loading
Your Vehicle ........................... 4-30
Lock Out Switch
............................... 2-27
Locks
......................................... 2-4
Cylinders
................................... 7-38
Door
........................................ 2-4
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-38
Power Door
.................................. 2-5
Low Coolant Warning Light
................. 2-55, 6- 18
Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-42
Lubrication Service, Body
........................ 7-38
Maintenance, Normal Replacement
Parts ........... 6-58
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-43
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-2
Introduction
.................................. 7-2
Long Tripmighway Definition
................... 7-6
Long Tripmighway Intervals
..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-37
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7 -4 1
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 7-42
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Selecting the Right Schedule
..................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-5
RearDoorSecu
rity
............................. 2-5 Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-47
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-40
Making
Turns with a Trailer ...................... 4-38
ManualFrontSeat
............................... 1-2
Manual Remote Control Mirror
.................... 2-39
Methanol
...................................... 6-4
Mirror Reading Lamps ........................... 2-38
Mirrors
....................................... 2-39
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-40
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-39
Manual Remote Control
........................ 2-39
Outside
..................................... 2-39
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-40
Visor Vanity
................................. 2-43
MountainRoads
................................ 4-22
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-28
Net, Convenience
.............................. 2-43
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-18
New Vehicle “Break-In”
......................... 2-13
Nightvision
................................... 4-15
Odometer
.................................... 2-49
Odometer, Trip
................................. 2-49
Oil, Engine
.................................... 6-10
Outside Mirror
................................. 2-39
Overheating Engine
............................. 5-12
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-55
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4-11
Oil Pressure Warning Light
....................... 2-58
9-6
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Replacing Safety Belts ........................... 1-47
Reporting Safety Defects
.......................... 8-8
Restraints Checking
................................... 1-47
Child
....................................... 1-36
Head
........................................ 1-5
Replacing Parts Mer a Crash
................... 1-47
System Check
................................ 7-38
Reverse, Automatic Transaxle ..................... 2- 18
Right Front Passenger Position
.................... 1-21
Roadside Assistance
.............................. 8-5
Rocking Your Vehicle ........................... 5-33
Rotation. Tires
................................. 6-34
safety Belt Extender
............................ 1-47
Safety Belt Reminder Light
................... 1.8. 2.5 1
Safety Belts
.................................... 1-7
Adults
...................................... 1-12
Care
....................................... 6-43
Center Rear Passenger Position
.................. 1-33
Children
.................................... 1-34
Driver Position
............................... 1 . 12
Extender
.................................... 1-47
How to Wear Properly
......................... 1 . 12
Incorrect Usage
.................... 1- 16.1.45. 1-46
LapBelt
.................................... 1-33
Lap-Shoulder
........................... 1.12. 1.27
LargerChildren
.............................. 1-44
Passenger Position
............................ 1-21
Questions and Answers
........................ 1 . 11
Rear
Comfort Guides .......................... 1-30 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
............ 1-27
Rear Seat Passengers
.......................... 1-27
Reminder Light
.......................... 1.8. 2.51
Right Front Passenger Position
............ i ..... 1-21
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
................... 1-15
Smaller Children and Babies
.................... 1-34
Use During Pregnancy
......................... 1-20
WhyTheyWork
............................... 1-8
Safety Chains
.................................. 4-36
Safety Defects. Reporting
......................... 8-8
Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... 1~1
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4
Seat Adjuster
.............................. 1.2. 1-47
Seatback. Reclining Front
......................... 1-4
Seats FoldingRe ar
.................................. 1-5
ManualFront
................................. 1-2
Power
....................................... 1-3
Rear ........................................ 1-5
Restraint Systems
.............................. 1-1
SeatConhols ................................. 1-2
Securing a Child Restraint
...................... 1-38
Second Gear, Automatic Transaxle
................. 2-20
Second-Gearstart
.............................. 2-21
Service
........................................ 6-2
Bulletins, Ordering
............................ 8-10
Manuals, Ordering
............................ 8-10
Parts Identification Label
....................... 6-49
Publications, Ordering
.......................... 8-9
Work, Doing
Your Own ......................... 6-2
Replacing After a Crash
........................ 1-47
...
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