brake light Oldsmobile Cutlass 1999 s User Guide

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4-9
Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won't have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti
-lock brakes.
Using Anti
-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti
-lock work for you. You may feel a
slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but
this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the ªdriver lost controlº accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here's why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate. Both control systems
-- steering and
acceleration
-- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control.

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4-17
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.
CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won't work
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or
a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until
your brakes work normally.

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4-28
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
You can tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for use
at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing
equipment designed for recreational towing. Follow the
instructions for the towing equipment.
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front
There are two ways to tow your vehicle from the front.
To tow your vehicle with a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight
-ahead position
with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.

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5-4
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL (N) before setting the parking brake.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off all
lamps that aren't needed, as well as radios. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. In
addition, it could save your radio.
NOTICE:
Do not leave your radio on while trying to jump
start your vehicle. The radio could be badly
damaged and the repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty. Be sure to turn off your radio
before following this procedure.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery.

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6-25
When your brake fluid falls
to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on.
See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
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.
CAUTION:
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:

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 ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

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6-26 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).
CAUTION:
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.
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 ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º

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6-60
Fuse
Usage
3 Left
-Hand Electrical Center-Stop
Lamps, Hazard Lamps, Body
Function Control Module, Cluster,
Climate Control System
4 Right
-Hand Electrical Center-Fog
Lamps, Radio, Body Function
Control Module, Interior Lamps
5 Ignition Switch
6 Not Used
7 Anti
-Lock Brakes
8 Cooling Fans
Mini
-Relays
9 Rear Defog
10 Not Used
11 Anti
-Lock Brakes
12 Cooling Fan
13 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
14 Cooling Fans
15 Cooling FansFuse
Usage
Micro
-Relays
16 Air Conditioning Compressor
17 Not Used
18 Fuel Pump
19 Automatic Light Control
20 Automatic Light Control
21 Horn
22 Daytime Running Lamps
Mini
-Fuses
23
- 32 Spare Fuse Holder
33 Rear Defog
34 Accessory Power Outlets, Cigar
Lighter
35 Anti
-Lock Brakes
36 Anti
-Lock Brakes
37 Air Conditioning Compressor,
Body Function Control Module

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlets 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6
-3 . . . . . .
Adjuster, Seat 1
-2, 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1
-22, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1
-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag Readiness Light 1
-22, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2
-54, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 2
-55, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Theft, Radio 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Materials 6
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 2
-16, 3-22, 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto
-Down Window 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Light Control 2
-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid 6
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backing Up with a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Lock Control 2
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving on a Long Trip 4
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-2
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2
-54, 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock 2
-26, 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti
-Lock 2-55, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break
-In, New Vehicle 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2
-26, 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back
-Up Lamp 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHMSL 6
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp 6
-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamps 6
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Lamp 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stoplamp 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3
-9, 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player 3
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player Theft
-Deterrent Feature 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage Area 2
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High
-Mounted Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-32 . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position 1
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Light 2
-60, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1
-42 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1
-44 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1
-46 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels 6
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-6
Instrument Panel 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6
-56, 6-57, 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intensity Control 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire
-Loading Information 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2
-25 . . . . . . . Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-22, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti
-Lock Brake System Warning 2-54, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2
-54, 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil 2
-60, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar 2
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure Warning 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2
-56, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Wash 2
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
Warning 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1
-7, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Out Switch 2
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning Light 2
-56, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .