overheating Oldsmobile Cutlass 1999 Owner's Manuals

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2-56 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the
red area, the light comes on
and you hear a chime, your
engine is too hot! It means
that your engine coolant
has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
In ªProblems on the Road,º this manual shows what to
do. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Low Coolant Warning Light
This light comes on
briefly when you turn
your ignition on.
If this light comes on and stays on and you hear a chime,
the vehicle should promptly be pulled off the road and
the coolant level checked.
See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index. If there are visible
signs of steam, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index
before opening the hood. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as you can.

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4-38 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need
additional wiring. Check with your dealer. 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
NOTICE:
Do not tow on steep continuous grades exceeding
6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than normal
engine and transaxle temperatures may result
and damage your vehicle. Frequent stops are
very important to allow the engine and transaxle
to cool.
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.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.
Pay attention to the engine coolant gage. If the indicator
is in the red area, turn off the air conditioning to reduce
engine load (see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index).

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4-40 Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's
a good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

5-
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-18 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-19 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-29 Compact Spare Tire
5
-30 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow

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5-9
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
equipment or car
-carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index. You will also find a
low coolant level warning light on your vehicle's
instrument panel. See ªLow Coolant Warning Lightº in
the Index.

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5-13
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL 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. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at the FULL COLD mark or slightly higher, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be
sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it. (See ªEngine
Coolantº in the Index for more information.)

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6-18
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON
-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON

-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.
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.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
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
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 ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.

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6-37
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality 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.CAUTION:
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 air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº 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.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.

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9-4
Driving
City 4
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4
-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-17, 3-22, 6-55 . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6
-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2
-10, 2-28, 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6
-59, 6-60, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Warning Light 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil, What Kind to Use 6
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash
-to-Pass 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-7
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7
-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction 7
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Definition 7
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Intervals 7
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting the Right Schedule 7
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Definition 7
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Intervals 7
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Turns with a Trailer 4
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading Lamps 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobility Program 8
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak
-Inº 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off
-Road Recovery 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Warning Light 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Mirror 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8
-10, 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Shifting Into 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park, Automatic Transaxle 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .