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If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” 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 “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fdils, 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, 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.
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If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or
Snow I 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. What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is
to spin your wheels too fdst. The method known
as
“rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but
you must use caution.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see “Tire Chains’’
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. You should turn
your traction control system
off. (See ”Traction Control
System”
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. 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 “Towing Your
Vehicle”
in the Index.
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Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
U.S. or Canada, unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do
not use leaded gasoline. If you use even one tankful,
your emission controls won't work well or at
all. With
continuous use, spark
plugs can get fouled, the exhaust
system can corrode, and your engine oil can deteriorate
quickly. Your vehicle's oxygen sensor
will be damaged.
All of that means costly repairs that wouldn't be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact
a major oil company that does business in the
country where you'll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just tell
LIS where you're going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LlH 8P7
Remote Fuel Door Release
The remote fuel door release can help keep your fuel
tank from being siphoned. Always be sure the fuel door
is closed and latched after refueling.
To open the fuel door
(on the left of the
vehicle), press the
button next to the
trunk release button,
to
the right of the
steering column. The
ignition need
not be
on. The remote fuel
door release
will work
in all transaxle
positions.
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Checking Things Under the Hood
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important parts underhood.
Hood Release
v-
To open the hood. first
pull the hood release
handle inside the vehicle, located
to the
left of the steering
wheel under
the
instrument panel. Then
go to the front
of the vehicle and pull up on the
underhood release.
Lift the
hood.
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4.0L V8 Engine (Code C)
P P P
\
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Windshield Wdsher Fluid Reservoir
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Brake Fluid Reservoir
Engine Coolant Surge Tank
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
(behind air cleaner)
Engine Oil Dipstick
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Remote Positive Battery Terminal
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Engine Accessory Belt
The 4.0L Aurora engine uses an engine accessory belt.
This diagram shows the features connected by the belt
routing. See”Maintenance Schedu1e”in the Index for
when to check the belt.
1. Tensioner Arm Pulley
2. Power Steering Pump Pulley
3. Idler Pulley 4.
Alternator Pulley
5. Air Conditioner Compressor Pulley
6. Harmonic Balancer
Engine Oil
If the CHECK 01L LEVEL message or the oil warning
light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you
need to check your engine oil level right away.
For more
information, see “Check Oil Level Message” or
“Oil
Warning Light” in the Index. You should check your
engine
oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
It’s a
good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
Turn off the engine and give the
oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan.
If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
surge tank, but only when the engine is cool.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
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.
When you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. Add
enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
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What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change,
always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing. There are
two windshield washer fluid tanks. The upper
tank (shown above)
will empty first. When the lower
tank contains 0.5 quarts (0.5 liters) or less, the message
LOW WASHER FLUID will
be displayed on the Driver
Information Center.
To Add
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid
until the tank is f~111.
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