steering wheel OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE 1999 Owner's Manual

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4-16
Loss of Control
Let's review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
ªoverdrivingº those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration skid.If your traction control system is off, then an
acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues
--
such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to
make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow down when you
have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
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4-32
To tow your vehicle, 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.
Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire
-Loading Information label
is inside the trunk lid. The label tells you the proper size,
speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for
the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important
information about the number of people that can be in
your vehicle and the total weight you can carry. This
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory
-installed options.
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4-39 Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra 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.
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5-25
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won't move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite end.
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5-38
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has the Enhanced Traction System, you should turn the
system off. (See ªEnhanced Traction Systemº in the
Index.) Then shift back and forth between REVERSE
(R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as
possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in
the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If that
doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may need to be
towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
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6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-13 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-22 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-26 Engine Coolant
6
-31 Power Steering Fluid
6
-33 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-34 Brakes
6
-37 Battery
6
-38 Bulb Replacement
6
-45 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-46 Tires6
-54 Appearance Care
6
-54 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-56 Care of Safety Belts
6
-57 Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6
-57 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-59 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-59 Sheet Metal Damage
6
-59 Finish Damage
6
-60 Underbody Maintenance
6
-60 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-61 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-62 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-62 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-63 Electrical System
6
-69 Replacement Bulbs
6
-70 Capacities and Specifications
6
-71 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
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6-66
Fuse Description
STOP LAMPS Stoplamps Switch
DOOR LOCKS Door Lock Relays (Internal to
Body Control Module) and
External Driver Door Lock Relay
POWER
MIRRORSLeft
-hand and Right-hand
Power Mirrors
RED STRG
WHL ILLUMSteering Wheel Radio
Switch Illumination
FRT PRK LPS,
FOG LAMPSPARK LPS
-- Front Parking
Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps,
Fog Lamps
TAIL LAMPS,
LIC LAMPSTaillamps, License Lamps, Rear
Sidemarker Lamps, Rear
Sidemarker LampsFuse Description
PANEL
DIMMINGDimmable Instrument
Panel Lamps
WIPER Wiper Switch
POWER DROP Power Drop
RADIO,
CRUISERadio, Steering Wheel Radio
Controls, Cruise Control Switches
Circuit Breaker Description
PWR
WINDOWS,
PWR
SUNROOFPower Windows, Power Sunroof
REAR DEFOG Rear Defog
POWER SEATS Power Seats, Fuel Door Relay
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6-68
Fuse Description
5 Ignition Switch, Brake Transaxle Shift
Interlock, Stoplamps, Anti
-Lock Brake
System, Turn Signals, Cluster, Air Bag,
Daytime Running Lamps Module
6 Cooling Fan
7 Interior Lamps, Anti
-Lock Brake System
(3800 V6 Engine Only), Keyless Entry,
Data Link, HVAC Head, Cluster, Radio,
Auxiliary Power, Cigarette Lighter,
Bose Amplifier
8 Ignition Switch, Wipers, Radio, Steering
Wheel Controls, Body Control Module,
Auxiliary Power, Power Windows,
Sunroof, HVAC Controls, DRL, Rear
Defog Relay
Relay Description
9 Cooling Fan 2
10 Cooling Fan 3
11 Starter Solenoid
12 Cooling Fan 1Relay Description
13 Ignition Main
14 Air Pump (3.5L V6 if equipped with
California Emissions)
15 Air Conditioning Clutch
16 Horn
17 Fog Lamps
18 Not Used
19 Fuel Pump
Fuse Description
20 Air Pump (3.5L V6))
21 Generator
22 Electronic Control Module
23 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
24 Not Used
25 Electronic Ignition (3800 V6 Engine
Only), Fuel Injectors/Electronic Ignition
(3.5L V6 Engine Only)
26 Transaxle Sensor
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9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlet 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of your Vehicle 6-63 . . . . .
Air Bag 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-21, 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning
Automatic and Auxiliary Temperature Control 3
-4 . . . . . . .
Electronic Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Control 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Backglass 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-55, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials Chart 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashtray 2
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic
Control, Climate Control System 3
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Check 7
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving On A Long Trip 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-6
Inflation, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections
Brake System 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry
Battery Replacement 2
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . Operation 2
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Exterior 2
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-26 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-21, 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-55, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning 2-57, 4-10 . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Level 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Traction 2-58, 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Fluid 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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