
Your Driving and the Road
134
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few
reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when
loaded, will weigh more than
2,000
pounds (900 kg), be sure to use a
properly mounted, weight-distributing
hitch and sway control
of the proper
size. This equipment is very important
for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
Will you have to make any holes in
the body of your vehicle when you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t
seal them, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) from your exhaust can get into
your vehicle (see
Carbon Monoxide in
the
Index). Dirt and water can, too.
. The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper. If
your vehicle has
a deadweight hitch
and a tailgate-mounted spare tire, and
your trailer has a winch or tongue jack,
you could have interference between
them.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer
so that the tongue
will not drop to the road if it becomes
separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by
the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave
just enough slack
so you can turn with
your rig. And, never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000
pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs
its own brakes
- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so
you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. Don’t
tap into your vehicle’s brake
system
if the trailer’s brake system will
use more than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc)
of fluid from your vehicle’s master
cylinder. If it does, both braking
systems won’t work well. You could
even lose your brakes.
Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000
psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not,
the trailer brake system must not be
used with your vehicle.
If everything checks out this far, then
make the brake fluid tap at the port
on the master cylinder that sends
fluid to the rear brakes. But don’t use
copper tubing for this. If
you do, it
will bend and finally break off. Use
steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself
with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the
vehicle you are driving is now a good
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Problems on the Road
154
If You Have a Tailgate-Mounted
Spare Tire:
1. Open the jack storage compartment
by lifting the latch and removing the
cover.
2. Unscrew the wing nut and remove
the jack and wheel wrench.
I I I
3. Outside the vehicle, make sure the
spare tire carrier arm is fully latched
to the tailgate. Unzip the tire cover
and
push it back.
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Problems on the Road
158
I
16. Replace the wheel nut cover on the
spare wheel. Be sure to insert the
pin on the wheel cover into the hole
in the wheel. Screw the cover in
place using the TorxB head wrench.
17. Lower the jack head completely by
rotating the jack handle
counterclockwise. If you have an
inside-mounted spare tire, return
the jack and wheel wrench to their
storage compartment and secure
them with the wing nut. Replace the
jack storage compartment cover.
18. Fasten the flat tire where the spare
was stored. If you have a tailgate-
mounted spare tire carrier, tighten
firmly. Push and pull to make sure it
is not loose.
As soon as possible,
tighten the nuts to 22-32 pound-feet
(30-40
Nom) torque.
I If You’re Stuck: In Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow
19. If you have a tailgate-mounted spare
tire, return the jack and wheel
wrench to their storage
compartment and replace the jack
storage compartment cover. Insert
the cover tabs into the trim panel,
align the cover and fasten the latch. What
you
don’t want to do when your
vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels.
The method known as “rocking” can
help you get out when you’re stuck, but
you must use caution.
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182
Service & Appearance Care
Taillight Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulb, see the Index
under Replacement Bulbs.
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the T15 Torxs-head screws
3. Pull the assembly away from the
from
the light assembly.
fender.
4. Turn the socket countercloclwise to
remove it. If the socket has a tab,
push the tab in while you turn the
socket.
5. Turn the bulb countercloclwise to
remove it.
6. Put the new bulb into the socket and
turn the bulb cloclwise.
7. Put the socket into the light assembly
and turn the socket cloclwise until it
loclts in place.
8. Install the light assembly and screws.
9. Close the tailgate.
Fog Light Bulb Replacement
Don’t change your fog light bulbs unless
you have the proper aiming equipment.
See your Oldsmobile dealer if you have
any further questions.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Replacement blades come in different
types and are removed in different
ways. Here’s how to remove the type
without a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away
2. With a screwdriver, pry the blade
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on
from the windshield.
assembly off the wiper arm.
the wiper arm.
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Accelerator Control System
Your Maintenance Schedule will tell
you how often the accelerator linkage
pivot points must be lubricated and
what type of lubricant to use.
Accelerator cables and cruise control
cables should not be lubricated. Any
cables that are worn or are hard to pull
should be replaced.
Hood Latches and Hood
Hinge
Your Maintenance Schedule will tell
you how to lubricate the hood latch and
hood hinge assembly.
Lock Cylinders
To be sure your locks operate properly,
they must be lubricated. Your
Maintenance Schedule will tell you how
often to lubricate them and what type of
lubricant to use.
You should not use penetrating oils
because they could wash out the factory
installed lubricant and cause the lock to
bind. De-icers which contain alcohol could
also wash away the lubricant,
so
be sure to lubricate the lock after using
a de-icer of this type.
Tailgate-Mounted Spare Tire
Carrier
The spare tire carrier must be lubricated
to keep it operating smoothly. Your
Maintenance Schedule
will tell you
what type of lubricant to use.
Tires
We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle
comes with high quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. These tires
are warranted by the tire manufacturers
and their warranties are delivered with
every new Oldsmobile. If your spare tire
is a different brand than your road tires,
you will have a tire warranty folder from
each of these manufacturers.
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Fluids & Lubricants
I ITEM APPLICATION GM PART NUMBER SIZE
Antifreeze Coolant ................................ Year-round antifreeze for .............. 1052103 1 gal. (3.8 L)
(Ethylene Glycol Base) coolant mixtures
(Grease Gun Insert) 1052497
Chassis
Lubricant
................................. General chassis lube, etc. .............. 12346003 or 14 oz. (397 g)
Delco Supreme 110 Brake Fluid ......... Brake System ................................. 1052535 16 02. (0.5 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid
............ Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case
DEXRON@-I11
........................................................................\
................... 12346143 32 02. (1.0 L)
DEXRONB-IIE ........................................................................\
.................. 12345881 32 02. (1.0 L)
Engine Oil ............................................. Engine lubrication .......................... See the Index under Engine OiZ.
Gear Lubricant 8OW-90 ....................... Limited Slip Differential , ................ 1052271
GM Engine Oil Supplement
(E.O.S.) ... See your dealer for advice ............. 1052367
Engine Oil
............................................. Hood, tailgate and door hinges
Windshield Washer Solvent
................. Windshield washer fluid
Power Steering Fluid
........................... Power Steering System .................. 1050017 32 oz. (1 .O L)
1052884 16 02. (0.5 L)
Front Differential
Silicone Grease
.................................... Weatherstrips ................................. 12345579 1 02. (28 g)
Spray-A-Squeak Silicone Lubricant
.... General purpose silicone ................ 1052276 (aerosol) 4.5 oz. (127 g)
lubricant, weatherstrips
............. 1052277 12 oz. (0.35 L)
16 oz. (0.5 L)
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At Least Once a Year
CHECK
OR SERVICE
Key Lock Cylinders
Body Lubrication
Starter Switch
Steering Column
Lock
WHAT TO DO
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Section D.
Lubricate all body door hinges including the tailgate. Also lubricate all hinges and latches,
including those for the hood, rear compartment, glove box door, console door and any folding
seat hardware. Section
D tells you what to use.
CAUTION When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly\
. If it does, you
or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.
1, Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see Parking Brake in the Index if necessary) and the
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If
regular
brake.
the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service.
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to
LOCK in each shift lever
position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in P (Park).
The key should come out only in LOCK.
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Maintenance Schedule
USAGE
Transfer Case Chassis Lubrication
Windshield Washer Solvent
Hood Latch Assembly
a. Pivots and Spring
b. Release Pawl Anchor
Hood, Door and
Tailgate Hinges, Rear Folding Seat, Fuel
Door Hinge, Rear
Compartment Lid
Hinges
Weatherstrips
Tailgate Mounted Spare Tire Carrier
(if equipped)
FLUID/LUBRICANT
DEXRONB-I11 or DEXRONo-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 12345881).
Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements
of
NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Optildeen@ Washer Solvent (GM Part No.
1051515) or equivalent.
a. Engine oil.
b. Chassis lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB (GM Part No.
1052497 or equivalent) or GC-LB.
Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
Multi-purpose lubricant meeting requirements of GM Part
No. 12345120.
See
RepZacernsnt Parts in the Index for recommended- replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.
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