wiper blades OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 1997 Owners Manual

Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough
to drive safely. To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them.
If they’re frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them.
If your blades
do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor.
A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
When you release the button, the washers will stop, but
the wipers will either stop or will resume the delay you
were using before.
To wash your windshield, push in the button at the end
of the stalk until the washers begin.
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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or
turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on
dry roads.
And,
if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious
if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even
if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show
signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
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The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive
in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to
go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Oldsmobile retail facilities all across North America.
They’ll be ready and willing to help
if you need it. Here are some things you
can check before a trip:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, see “Capacities and Specifications’’ in the Index.
Here’s how
to remove the Sheppard’s Hook type:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
Your new Oldsmobile comes with high-quahty
tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where to
obtain service, see your Oldsmobile Warranty booklet
for details.
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Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your
tires can cause overheating
as a result of too much friction. You could
have
an airout and a serious accident. See
“Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Glass
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM
Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on
interior glass.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped
off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield. Clean the outside
of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami’ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part
No. 105001 1. The
windshield is clean
if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
Grime from the windshield
will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked
in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
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’ 3100 Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... M
Type .................................... V6
Displacement
........................ 3.1 Liters
Firing Order
...................... 1-2-3-4-5-6
Horsepower
............................. 155
Thermostat Temperature ........... 195°F (91°C)
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your Oldsmobile retailer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element ......... AC Type A- 1279C
Engine Oil Filter ................ AC Type PF-47
Spark Plugs ..... AC Type 041-940 (Platinum Plug)
Gap:
0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Driver’s Side ................. 22 inches (56 cm)
Passenger’s Side
............... 19 inches (48 cm)
Dimensions
Length ......... I ......... 192 inches (487.8 cm)
Width
................... 69.4 inches (176.3 cm)
Height
................... 56.4 inches (143.2 cm)
Wheelbase
................ 107 inches (27 1.9 crn)
Front Tread
................ .59 inches (149.9 cm)
Rear Tread
............... 59.3 inches (150s cm)
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At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system fkom doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or €rayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired
or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear
worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate-the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified
in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges and latches, including those for the hood and trunk lid.
Part D tells you what to
use. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
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Brakes. Anti-Lock .......................... 2.54. 4.7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
........................... 4-9
Break.In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2-13
BTSICheck
................................... 7-39
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-26
Back-up Lamp
.............................. 6-29
CHMSL
.................................... 6-29
Dome Lamp
................................. 6-31
Front Turn Signal Lamps
....................... 6-27
Headlamps
.................................. 6-27
Rear Turn Signal Lamp
........................ 6-29
BTSI
.................................... 2.24. 7.39
Stoplamp
................................... 6-29
Taillamp
.................................... 6-29
.Capacities and Specifications
.................... 6-57
Carbon Monoxide
............... .2.10.2.25. 4.27 4-35
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-37
Cassette Tape Player
........................ 3.9. 3.14
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-22
CDPlayer
..................................... 3-14
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature
................. 3- 19
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-41
Center Rear Passenger Position
.................... 1-33
Certification Label
.............................. 4-3 1
Chains. Safety ................................. 4-36
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-40
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-20
Charging System Indicator Light
................... 2-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement
.... 6-29 Check Engine Light
............................. 2-55
Check Oil Light
........................... 2.59. 6. 10
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-47
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-47
Child Restraints
................................ 1-36
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
........... 1-38
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position
.......... 1-40
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-42
TopStrap
................................... 1-37
WheretoPut
................................ 1-36
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-51
Cleaner.
Air ................................... 6-15
Cleaning
...................................... 6-41
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-46
Exterior LampsLenses
........................ 6-45
Fabric
........................... ' ........... 6-41
Glass
....................................... 6-44
Inside
of Your Oldsmobile ...................... 6-41
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-43
Leather
..................................... 6-43
Outside
of Your Oldsmobile .................... 6-44
Special Problems
............................. 6-42
Stains
...................................... 6-42
Tires
....................................... 6-46
Vinyl
....................................... 6-43
Wheels
..................................... 6-46
Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-44
Climate Control System
........................... 3-2
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-7
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-23
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