Oldsmobile Cutlass 1998 Owner's Manuals

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine
is cool.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant
loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat
stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco'
thermostat is recommended.
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
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I/ I/

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to reguldy check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled
Add. wxsher fluid until the
tnnkis fbll.
WASHER FIJ.JlD OmY.
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There
are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir rnight go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to
an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid
is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fured, since
a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at
all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work
is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
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BRAKE
When your bmke fluid fa
to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on.
See ‘‘Brake System Wm
Light’9 in the hdex.
NOTICE:
0
0

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum 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).
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.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but
if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
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.”
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Brake Pedal navel
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 make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust
for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop,
then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If
you drive in thatway, then -- very carefully -- make a
few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
pumping the brake pedal repeatedly while the engine
is
running with the shift lever in PARK (P).
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle 1s complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example,
if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Every new Oldsmobile has an ACDelco Freedom@
battery.
You never have to add water to one of these.
When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend a
Delco Freedom battery. Get one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label.
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If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove
the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery.
This will help keep your battery from
running down.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around
a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your retailer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
Bdb Replacmeat
This section describes bulb changing procedures for
some
of your interior and exterior lamps. For bulb sizes,
see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index. For any bulbs not
listed in this section, contact
your retail facility.
Halogen Bulbs
I A CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst
if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
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2. Carefully pull directly up on the two latches.
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