I
To Turn the Wipers Off: Slide the
upper control to the
OFF position.
I I
Damaged wiper blades may
L prevent you from seeing well
enough to drive safely.
To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and
snow from the wiper blades and
blade structures 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 stoF
the motor
until it cools. Clear away
snow or ice from the wiper blades and
blade structures
to prevent an overload.
'I
Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, press and
hold the windshield washer switch. The washers and wipers will operate. When
you release the switch, the washers will
stop, and the wipers will continue to
operate for two cycles, unless your wipers had already been on. In that
case,
the wipers will resume the wiper
speed you had selected earlier.
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A kw More Night Driving
Suggestions
Keep your windshield and all the glass
on your vehicle clean-inside and out.
Glare at night is made much worse by
dirt
on the glass. Even the inside of the
glass can build up a film caused by dust.
Tobacco smoke also makes inside glass
surfaces very filmy and can be a vision
hazard
if it’s left there.
Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and
flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract
repeatedly. You might
even want to keep
a cloth and some glass cleaner in your
vehicle if
you need to clean your glass
frequently. Remember that your headlights light up
far less of a roadway when you are in a
turn or curve.
Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s
easier to pick out dimly lighted objects.
Just as your headlights should be
checked regularly for proper aim,
so
should your eyes be examined regularly.
Some drivers suffer from night
blindness-the inability to see in dim
light-and aren’t even aware of
it.
Driving in tne Rain
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
ProCarManuals.com
Driving a Long Distance
Although most long trips today are
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well
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made on freeways, there are still many
made on regular highways.
Long-distance driving on freeways and regular highways is the same in some
ways. The trip has to be planned and the
vehicle prepared, you drive at higher-
than-city speeds, and there are longer
turns behind the wheel. You’ll enjoy
your trip more if you and your vehicle
are
in good shape. Here are some tips
for a successful long trip. 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 dealerships 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:
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?
Lights: 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 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?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the
ProCarManuals.com
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Replacement blades for your vehicle are
24 inches in length. They come in
different
types and are removed in
different ways. Here's how to remove
the type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away
from the windshield.
2. Lift the release clip with a
screwdriver and pull the blade
assembly
off the wiper arm.
the wiper arm.
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on
CAWRFRT GAWRRR
THIS MH1CX.E CONNJRMS TU ALL APPLICABLE US FEDERAL
OF MANUFACWRE SHOWN ABOVE. MOTOR YWICLE SAFETY SPANDARDS lN EFFECT ON TAe DAn
SERIAL MlMBBR
TIRESIZE '%ED RIM PSYKPA(C0LD)
Loading Mur Vehicle
The CertificatiodTire label is found on
the rear edge of the driver's door.
The label shows the size
of your original
tires and the inflation pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight capacity of
your vehicle. This is called the
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The
GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle,
all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The CertificatiodTire label also tells
you the maximum weights for the front
and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on your front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh station
and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both sides
of the
centerline.
Never exceed the
GVWR for your
vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for either the &ont or
rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you
should spread
it out.
Electronic Level Control
On vehicles equipped with optional
electronic level control, the rear of the
vehicle
is automatically kept level as you
load or unload your vehicle. For more
about
this option see the Index under
Electronic Level Control.
L
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ProCarManuals.com
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 or
other material may be on the blade or
windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with
GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami
Powder@ (GM
Part No. 1050011). The
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water.
Clean
the blade by wiping vigorously
with a cloth soaked in full strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse
the blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked on a
regular basis and replaced when worn.
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Oldsmobile
The paint finish on your vehicle
provides beauty, depth of color, gloss
retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s
finish
is to keep it clean by washing it
often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct
rays of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand,
dish or vehicle washing (non-detergent)
soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that
contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and
not allowed to dry on the surface, or
they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or a
100% cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure vehicle washes may cause
water
to enter your vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of
your Oldsmobile may be necessary
to
remove residue from the paint finish.
You can get
GM approved cleaning
products from your dealer. (See the
Index under Appearance Care.)
Your Oldsmobile has a “basecoatl
clearcoat” paint finish. The clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to the
colored basecoat.
Machine compounding
or
aggressive polishing on a
~:-~~:- basecoat/clearcoat paint finis
dull the finish
or leave swirl
marks., . , .. .
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312
Center Passenger Position (see Safety
Chains. Safety ................. 180
Chains. Tire
.............. .2l2. 253
Changing a Flat Tire
............ 204
Checking Brake Fluid
.................. 240
Engine Coolant
............... 236
Engine Oil
.................. 225
Power Steering Fluid
.......... 238
Things Under the Hood
........ 220
Transaxle Fluid
.............. 232
Child Restraints
................. 35
How to Install ................. 35
Where to Put
................. 36
Children and Safety Belts
..... .34, 40
Cigarette Lighter ................ 94
Circuit BreakerIRelay Panel
....... 267
Circuit Breakers
& Fuses ......... 264
City Driving
................... 165
Cleaner. Air
.............. .230. 271
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
............ 260
Cassette Tape Player
........... 135
Belts)
Safety Belt Systems ............ 42
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......... 262 Compact Discs
............... 136
Finish Care
.................. 259
Foreign Material
.............. 261
Glass
...................... 258
Inside of Your Vehicle
......... 255
Leather or Vinyl
.............. 257
Outside of the Windshield
and Wiper Blades
........... 259
Outside
of Your Vehicle ....... -259
Safety Belts
.................. 258
Special Problems
............. 257
Stains. Removing
............. 257
Top of the Instrument Panel
..... 258
Underbody Maintenance
........ 261
Vinyl or Leather
.............. 257
Warnings
................... 254
Weatherstrips
................ 260
White Sidewall Tires
.......... 260
Windshield
.................. 259
Climate Control System
...... .114, 117
Clock, Setting the
............... 122
Cluster, Instrument Panel
......... 102
Comfort Controls
............... 113
Air Conditioner
............... 114
Heater
...................... 115
Fabric .................. .255. 256 Rear
........................ 116
Ventilation
................... 120
Compact Disc Player (seeAudio Systems)
Compact Overhead Console ....... 99
Compact Spare Tire
............. 212
Compass Display
................ 87
Console, Overhead
.............. 85
Control of a Vehicle
............ -147
Convenience Net
................ 96
Convex Outside Mirror
........... 92
Coolant
...................... 235
Checking
& Adding ........... 236
Proper Mixture to Use
......... 198
Safety Warnings About
.. .199. 200, 236
Temperature Gage
............. 108
Cruise Control
.................. 75
Cup HoldedAshtray, Front ......... 94
Curves. Driving on
.............. 154
Customer Assistance Information
. . 297
Dead Battery: What
to Do ....... 187
Defensive Driving
.............. 144
Defogger. Rear Window
.......... 119
Defogging and Defrosting
......... 118
Delco LOC
II@ ................. 132
ProCarManuals.com
Top Strap ...................... 36
Torque Lock
................... 173
Towing
a Trailer ................ 177
Traffic Lights
.................. 142
Trailer Towing
................. 177
Brakes
...................... 180
Maintenance ................. 183
Safety Chains
................ 180
(see Automatic Transaxle)
(see Automatic Transaxle)
Towing Your Oldsmobile ......... 191
Transaxle, Automatic
Transmission, Automatic
Trip Odometer
................. 104
Turn Signal Indicator
............. 74
Turn Signal/Headlight Beam
Lever
....................... 74
Cruise Control
................ 75
Headlight High-Low
Turn and Lane Change Indicator
................... 74
Turn Signal Indicator
........... 74
. Beam Changer .............. 80
Underhood Light .............. 225
Unleaded Gasoline
.............. 217
Upholstery Care
........... .255, 256
Urban Driving
................. 165
vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ...................... 262
Vehicle Loading
............ .99, 245
Vehicle Storage
................ 242
Ventilation
.................... EO
VIN ......................... 262
Visor Vanity Mirror
.............. 93
Voltmeter
..................... 107
Warning Flashers. Hazard
....... 186
Warning Lights
Anti-Lock Brake System
....... -109
Brake
...................... 108
Gate Ajar
................ .59. 110
Low Fuel
................... 105
Service Engine Soon
........... 110
Sliding Door Ajar ......... .58. 111
Warning. Used
Oil .............. 230
Washer. Windshield
.............. 83
Weatherstrips
................. -260 Weight
Gross Axle Weight Rating
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GAWR)
.................. 245
(GVWR)
................. -245
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
. 252
WheelNuts
................... 206
Wheel Nut Torque
......... .210. 270
Windows
...................... 73
Windows. Power
................ 74
Windshield Washer
.............. 83
Fluid
.................. .239. 292
Windshield Wipers
......... .82. 268
Wheel Replacement
............. 252
Blade Replacement
............ 245
Pulse Delay
.................. 82
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard .... 175
Deep Snow
............ .176. 213
Snow or Ice. Driving On
....... 174
WipedWasher. Rear Window
....... 84
Cleaning the Outside
of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
. . 259
Rear
........................ 84
Winter Driving
................. 173
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Wrecker Towing
................ 191
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ProCarManuals.com