
During your trip, check occasionally  to 
be  sure  that  the  load is secure,  and  that 
the  lights  and 
any trailer  brakes  are  still 
working. 
Following  Distance 
Stay  at least twice  as far  behind  the 
vehicle  ahead  as  you would  when 
driving your vehicle  without  a trailer. 
This  can  help you avoid  situations  that 
require  heavy braking  and  sudden 
turns. 
Passing 
You’ll  need more passing  distance  up 
ahead  when  you’re towing  a  trailer. 
And,  because  you’re  a  good deal longer, 
you’ll  need  to  go much  farther  beyond 
the  passed vehicle before  you can  return 
to  your  lane. 
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 
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  has 
to  have  a different  turn signal flasher 
and  extra  wiring. The green  arrows  on 
your  instrument  panel will flash 
whenever  you signal  a  turn  or  lane 
change.  Properly hooked  up,  the trailer 
lights  will 
also flash, telling  other 
drivers you’re  about  to  turn,  change 
lanes  or stop. 
When towing  a  trailer, the green  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 
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 lwh)  to reduce  the possibility  of 
engine  and  transaxle  overheating. 
If  you  are towing  a trailer  that weighs 
more  than 
1,000 pounds (454 kg),  and 
you  have  an  automatic  transaxle  with 
Overdrive,  you  may prefer to drive  in 
D 
instead  of Overdrive  (or,  as you need  to, 
a  lower  gear).  This  will  minimize  heat 
build-up  and  extend  the  life of your 
transaxle. 
n 
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Towing from  fhe  Rear-Vehicle 
HOOk-Up 
Before hooking  up  to a  tow  truck,  be 
sure  to read  all the  information 
on 
Towing Your Vehicle earlier  in  this 
section. 
1. Attach  T-hook  chains  on  both  sides 
in  the  slotted holes  in the  frame rails 
just  ahead 
of the  rear  wheels. 
I 
2. Position  the lower  sling  crossbar 
directly  under the rear  bumper.  No 
4x4 wood beam  is needed. 
3. Attach a separate  safety chain around 
the  end  of each axle inboard 
of the 
spring. 
4. Be  certain your  vehicle is towed no 
faster  than 
35 rnph (56 ltm/h)  and  no 
farther  than 
50 miles (80 ltm) to 
avoid damage  to your  transaxle. 
Engine  Overheating 
You  will  find  a coolant  temperature 
gage  on your  Oldsmobile's  instrument 
panel. See  the 
Index under Coolant 
Temperature  Gage. 
1 
165 
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Service & Appearance  Care 
I If a  stain  remains, follow the foam- 
type  instructions  described earlier. 
If an  odor  lingers after cleaning  vomit 
or  urine,  treat  the  area  with  a 
waterbaking  soda  solution: 
1 
teaspoon (5 ml) of baking  soda to 1 
cup (250 ml) of lukewarm  water. 
If needed, clean  lightly with solvent- 
type cleaner. 
Combination  Stains 
Such  as candy, ice  cream, mayonnaise, 
chili  sauce  and unknown  stains. 
9 Carefully scrape off excess  stain,  then 
clean  with cool water  and allow  to 
dry. 
solvent-type  cleaner. 
If a stain remains, clean  it with 
Cleaning  Vinyl 
Use  warn1 water and  a clean cloth. 
Rub with  a clean, damp cloth  to 
remove  dirt. 
You may have  to do  it 
more  than  once. 
polish  will stain  if you  don’t  get them 
Things like  tar, asphalt  and  shoe 
214 
off quickly.  Use a clean cloth  and  a 
solvent-type  vinyl cleaner. 
Cleaning  Leather 
Use a soft cloth  with lukewarm water 
and  a  mild soap  or  saddle soap. 
For stubborn  stains,  use a mild 
solution  of 
10% isopropyl  alcohol 
(rubbing  alcohol) and 
90% water. 
Never use oils, varnishes, solvent- 
based  or abrasive cleaners,  furniture 
polish  or shoe polish on  leather. 
Soiled leather should be cleaned 
immediately. 
If dirt  is allowed  to work 
into  finish,  it can harm  the leather. 
Cleaning  the Top of the 
Instrument  Panel 
Use  only  mild  soap  and  water  to clean 
the  top  surfaces 
of the  instrument 
panel. Sprays containing silicones 
or 
waxes  may cause annoying reflections 
in  the  windshield  and even  make  it 
difficult  to see  through  the  windshield 
under  certain  conditions.  Vacuum 
the carpeted area  as needed, 
and  clean  as you  would  any  other 
carpet. 
Care of Safety Belts 
Keep  belts clean  and dry. 
I 
I 
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Service & Appearance  Care 
218 
Yehicle  Identijication 
Number 
(VIN) 
This  is the  legal  identifier  for your 
Oldsmobile. It  appears on a plate  in the 
front  corner  of the  instrument  panel, on 
the  driver’s side. 
You can  see it if you 
look  through  the  windshield from 
outside  your vehicle.  The 
VIN also 
appears  on  the  Vehicle Certification  and 
Service  Parts labels  and the certificates 
of  title  and registration. 
Engine ldenfificafion 
The  eighth  character  in your VIN is the 
engine code. This code  will help  you 
identify your engine, specifications, and 
replacement  parts. 
1 
._. _. .- .. .. .- 
~.:~:~.~~~:~~~~:;~~~~~:~;.’:~,‘~~~.~~~~.~:~~~~;~:~,~~~;~~.~~,~;.~~\
~,~~~:~;:~~~::~~~:::.~,~~.’.~:. . . . . . . , . . . 
Service Parts Identz!jication 
Label 
You’ll  find this label  inside  the glove 
box door. It’s very  helpful if you ever 
need  to order  parts.  On this  label  is: 
your VIN, 
the model  designation, 
paint  information,  and 
a list of all  production  options  and 
Be  sure  that  this  label  is not removed 
from  the vehicle. 
special equipment. 
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Customer Assistance Infomation 
250 
I Customer Satiflaction 
Procedure 
four satisfaction  and goodwill  are 
.mportant  to  your dealer and 
3ldsmobile. Normally, any concern 
with  the sales  transaction  or  the 
)peration  of your vehicle  will be 
Sesolved  by  your dealer’s Sales or 
Service  Departments.  Sometimes, 
lowever, despite  the best  intentions  of 
dl  concerned,  misunderstandings  can 
jccur.  If your concern  has  not been 
Sesolved  to your satisfaction,  the 
:allowing steps should  be taken: 
STEP  ONE - Discuss your concern 
vith  a  member 
of dealership 
nanagement.  Complaints can often  be 
picltly  resolved  at  that level. If the  matter  has 
already been  reviewed with 
the  Sales, Service,  or  Parts Manager, 
contact  the owner  of the  dealership  or 
the  General Manager. 
STEP TWO - If after  contacting  a 
member  of dealership management,  it 
appears  your concern  cannot be 
resolved  by the  dealership  without 
further  help, contact  the Oldsmobile 
Customer  Assistance  Network by 
calling  1-800-442-6537.  In  Canada, 
contact  GM  of Canada  Customer 
Assistance Center in  Oshawa by calling 
1-800-263-3777 (English)  or 
1-800-263-7854  (French). 
In  Mexico,  call 
(525) 254-3777. In 
Puerto  Rico or 
U.S. Virgin  Islands,  call 
1-809-763-1315. In  all other  overseas 
locations,  contact  GM North  American 
Export  Sales in Canada  by calling 
For prompt  assistance, please have  the 
following  information  available to give 
the  Customer Assistance 
Representative: 
Your  name,  address,  telephone 
1-416-644-4112. 
number 
Vehicle  Identification Number  (This 
is available  from the vehicle 
registration  or  title,  or the plate  at  the 
left  top  of the  instrument  panel and 
visible  through  the windshield.) 
Dealership  name  and location 
Vehicle  delivery  date  and  present 
Nature of concern 
We  encourage  you to call  the toll free 
number  listed previously  in order  to 
give  your inquiry prompt  attention. 
However,  if you  wish  to write 
Oldsmobile, write  to 
United States 
Customer Assistance Representative 
Oldsmobile Central  Office 
920 Townsend  Street 
P.O. 
Box 30095 
Lansing, 
MI 48909 
Canada 
General Motors  of Canada  Limited 
Customer Assistance Center  1908  Colonel  Sam  Drive 
Oshawa,  Ontario 
L1H 8P7 
mileage 
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264 
Things  Under the Hood ................ 186 
Transaxle  Fluid 
.............................. 195 
Chemical  Paint Spotting 
.................. 217 
Child  Restraints 
.................................. 35 
How  to Install 
.................................. 35 
Where  to Put 
.................................... 36 
Children  and Safety  Belts 
............ 34. 39 
Child  Security  Lock 
............................ 55 
Circuit  BrealtedRelay  Panel ............ 222 
Circuit  Breakers 
& Fuses ................. 219 
City  Driving 
...................................... 145 
Cleaner,  Air 
.............................. 194, 226 
Cleaning  Aluminum  Wheels 
......................... 216 
Compact  Discs 
............................... 129 
Fabric 
..................................... 213, 214 
Finish  Care 
..................................... 216 
Foreign  Material 
............................ 2  16 
Glass 
.............................................. 215 
Inside  of Your  Oldsmobile 
............ 212 
Leather and  Vinyl 
.......................... 214 
Outside 
of the  Windshield  and Wiper 
Blades 
............................................. 215 
Outside 
of Your Oldsmobile ......... 215 
Safety  Belts 
.................................... 214 
Special  Problems 
........................... 213 
Stains.  Removing 
........................... 213 
Cigarette  Lighter 
................................ 89 
Cassette  Tape  Player 
...................... 128 
Top  of the  Instrument  Panel 
......... 214 Underbody 
Maintenance 
............... 217 
Vinyl  or Leather 
............................. 214 
Warnings 
........................................ 2 12 
Weatherstrips 
................................. 216 
Windshield 
..................................... 215 
Climate  Control  System 
............ 11 1. 113 
Clock.  Setting  the 
............................. 117 
Cluster.  Instrument  Panel .................. 98 
Comfort  Controls 
............................. 11 1 
Air Conditioner .............................. 11 1 
Heater ............................................ 111 
Rear ................................................ 113 
Ventilation ..................................... 1 16 
(see 
Audio Systems ) 
Compact  Disc  Player 
Compact  Overhead  Console 
.............. 95 
Compact  Spare Tire 
......................... 178 
Compass  Display 
................................ 81 
Console,  Overhead ............................. 79 
Control 
of a  Vehicle ......................... 134 
Convenience  Net 
................................ 91 
Convex  Outside  Mirror 
...................... 87 
Coolant ............................................. 197 
Checking 
& Adding ....................... 198 
Proper  Mixture  to Use 
............ 168, 197 
Safety  Warnings  About 
.................. 167, 168, 169, 198 
Temperature  Gage 
......................... 103 
Cruise  Control 
.................................... 72 
Cup  Holder/Ashtray,  Front 
............... 89 Curves.  Driving 
on 
........................... 138 
Customer  Assistance  Information 
... 249 
Dead  Battery:  What  to 
Do ............. 158 
Defensive  Driving 
............................ 132 
Defogger.  Rear  Window 
................... 115 
Defogging  and Defrosting 
................ 115 
Delco  LOC  II@ 
................................. 126 
Dome  Lights 
....................................... 84 
Door  Locks 
............................. 45.  46. 52 
Door.  Power  Sliding ................... 52.  107 
Door.  Sliding 
...................................... 51 
Driver  Position 
................................... 22 
Driving  At  Night 
......................................... 142 
City 
................................................. 145 
Controlling  a Skid 
......................... 141 
Defensively 
.................................... 132 
Drunlten 
......................................... 132 
Freeway 
.......................................... 145 
Hill  and  Mountain 
......................... 147 
In a Foreign  Country ..................... 184 
In  Rain 
........................................... 143 
Long  Distance 
................................ 146 
Loss 
of Control .............................. 141 
On  Curves 
...................................... 138 
Passing ........................................... 140 
Through  Deep  Standing Water 
....... 60 
Winter  Driving 
............................... 148 
With  a Trailer 
................................. 151 
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266 
Gate Ajar  Light ................................ 107 
Gear Positions 
Gearshift  Lever 
Glove  Boxes/Storage  (see 
Shifting the Transaxle ) 
(see Shifting  the  Transaxle) 
Compartment 88 
alogen  Bulbs ............................... 203 
................................... 
H 
Hazard 
Warning  Flashers ................ 158 
Replacing 
....................................... 203 
Headlights 
.......................................... 74 
Headlight 
& Taillight.  Removing 
and 
High-Low  Beam  Changer 
.................. 75 
Instrument  Panel  Intensity  Control 
.. 76 
On”  Reminder 
................................ 75 
Replacement  Bulb 
.......................... 228 
Wiring 
............................................ 223 
Head  Restraint 
................................... 14 
Heater  (see 
Comfort Controls) 
High  Beams ........................................ 75 
Hill  and Mountain  Roads 
................ 147 
Hood  Release 
................................... 186 
LL 
Operation ......................................... 75 
“Highway  Hypnosis” 
....................... 146 
Hills.  Parking  on 
.............................. 156 
Safety  Warning 
.............................. 187 
Warning.  Overheated 
Engine 
.......................... 187.  198. 199 
Horn .................................................... 69  Hot 
Engine.  Safety 
Warnings 
............. 166. 187. 198.  199 
Hydroplaning 
.................................... 144 
Identification  Number.  Vehicle 
...... 21 8 
Idling  Your  Engine ....................... 67. 68 
If  You’re  Stuck: In Sand.  Mud. 
Ice  or Snow 
.................................... 179 
Ignition  Key 
................................................... 44 
Positions 
.......................................... 58 
Illuminated  Entry  System 
.................. 50 
Indicator  Lights (see Warning  Lights) 
Infant Restraint (see Child Restraints) 
Inflation.  Tire ........................... 178. 208 
Inflator. 
Air ......................................... 85 
Inside  Rearview  Mirror 
...................... 86 
Instrument  Panel 
................................ 97 
Instrument  Panel  Cluster 
................... 98 
Instrument  Panel Intensity Control 
.. 76 
Instrument  Panel  Warning  Lights 
... 100 
Interior  Lights 
........................ 76, 79. 80 
Override  Switch 
83 ............................... 
J- ack, Tire ......................................... 172 
Jump  Starting 
................................... 158 
Keyless  Entry,  Remote 
..................... 48 
Keys 
.................................................... 44 
L ane  Change  Indicator .................... 71 
Front 
................................................ 23 
Rear 
.................................................. 32 
Use by  Children ......................... 34, 39 
Level  Control,  Electronic 
............ 94,  206 
Liftgate 
....................................... 56,  107 
Lighter 
................................................ 89 
Lights  Dome 
................................................. 84 
Fog 
................................................... 76 
Headlights 
........................................ 74 
Interior  Lights  Control 
.................... 76 
Interior  Lights  Override  Switch 
...... 83 
On”  Reminder 
................................ 75 
Reading 
...................................... 80, 83 
Removing & 
Lap-Shoulder  Belt .............................. 23 
(6 
Rear Interior  Lights ......................... 84 
Replacement  Bulbs 
........................ 228 
Replacing  Bulbs 
................... 204, 228 
Taillights 
........................................ 204 
Turn  Signal 
...................................... 71 
Underhood 
..................................... 190 
Warning  Lights 
.............................. 100 
Lights  On Reminder 
........................... 75 
Loading  Your  Vehicle 
................ 92,  206 
Locks  Manual 
....................................... 45, 52 
Power ............................................... 46 
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