1996 OLDSMOBILE AURORA overheating

Xkaction Control System Active Light
TRACTION ACTIVE
When your traction control
system is limiting wheel
spin, this light will come on.
Slippery road conditions
may exist if the traction
control system active light
comes on,
so adjust your
driving accordingly.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
The light will stay on for a few seconds after the traction
control system stops limiting wheel spin. If
the gage pointer moves into the red warning zone,
your engine is hot. To prevent engine overheating, the
air conditioning compressor will turn off automatically,
a fast-pulsed chime will sound, and the message
ENGINE
HOT ... A/C OFF will appear in the information
center.
As the engine cools down, the air conditioning
compressor will automatically turn back on.
ProCarManuals.com

If the coolant temperature is over 261 OF ( 127 O C), the
message HOT
... STOP ENGINE will appear. It means
that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have
been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
In “Problems on the Road,” this manual shows what to
do, See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
If your coolant level is low, the message LOW ENGINE
COOLANT will appear on the Driver Information
Center. Check your coolant level as soon as possible.
See “Engine Coolant” in the Index.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
SERVICE
ENGINE SOON
Your Aurora is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called
OBD I1 (&-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. (In Canada,
OBD I1 is replaced by
Enhanced Diagnostics.) The SERVICE ENGINE SOON
light comes on
to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will
be indicated
by the system before any problem is apparent, which
may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This
system is also designed
to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
ProCarManuals.com

Attach a separate safety
chain around the outboard
end
of each lower control
arm.
Engine Overh -. hg
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
Aurora’s instrument panel.
Your information center will
also display messages about engine overheating. See
“Coolant Temperature Gage” in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode
Should a low coolant condition exist and the message
HOT STOP ENGINE is displayed, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of four
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. This operating
mode allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in
an emergency; you may drive up to
50 miles (80 km).
Towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should
be avoided.
Y
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine
to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil may be severely degraded. Change
the oil and reset the oil life indicator. See “Engine
Oil, When to Change” in the Index.
ProCarManuals.com

The coolant level should be indicated by a CHECK
COOLANT
LEVEL message on the Driver Information
Center.
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
A C,’ UT’O’‘:
~ Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them.
If you
do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine if there is a leak.
If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
I NOTICE:
Engine damage if you keep running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” in the Index.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine fan(s) are running. If the engine
is overheating, both fan(s) should be running.
If they
aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
5-18
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles (1 66 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
A
50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Aurora will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant it is important that you use
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free)
coolant meeting
GM Specification 6277M.
If
silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months whichever
occurs first.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half cEean, water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets GM Specification
6277M, which won’t damage aluminum parts. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 3634621) with any complete coolant change. If
you use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything
else. A special procedure is required for adding sealer;
see the Aurora Service Manual.
(To order a service
manual, see “Service Publications’’ in the Index.)
ProCarManuals.com

Tires
We don’t make tires. Your new Aurora comes with
high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and
where to obtain service, see your Aurora Warranty
booklet
for details. Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires
are dangerous. e
e
e
e
Overloading your tires can cause overheating
as a result of too much friction. You could
have an air-out and
a serious accident. See
“Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by
a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your
tread
is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
6-40
ProCarManuals.com

Engine ................................... 2.76. 6.9
Accessory Belt
............................... 6-70
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-22
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-38
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-68
Exhaust
..................................... 2-30
Fuse Blocks
................................. 6-66
Identification
................................ 6-56
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-38
Overheating
................................. 5-14
Running While Parked
......................... 2-3 1
Specifications
................................ 6-69
StartingYour
................................ 2-20
Engineoil
.................................... 6-10
Adding
..................................... 6-11
Additives
................................... 6-12
Checking
................................... 6- 10
Life Monitor ................................. 2-76
Pressure Light
............................... 2-72
Used
....................................... 6-13
Whentochange
.............................. 6-13
Estimated Time
of Arrival ........................ 2-78
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-30
Exit Lighting
.................................. 2-46
Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-32
Coolant
..................................... 6-20
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-49
Fan Knob. Climate Control System
.................. 3-2
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-4
Filter. Air
..................................... 6-14
Finish Care .................................... 6-53
Finish Damage
................................. 6-54
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Flash-to-Pass Feature
........................... 2-36
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-24
Fluid Capacities
................................ 6-68
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-43
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-3
French LanguageManual
11
Front Storage Armrest ........................... 2-50
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-11
Fuel
.......................................... 6-2
Canada
...................................... 6-3
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-4
Gage
....................................... 2-73
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-3
RangeDisplay
............................... 2-76
UsedDisplay
................................ 2-75
Used Reset, Driver Information Center
............ 2-75
FogLamps
.................................... 2-43
.. ...........................
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-58
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-68
Fuel
....................................... 2-73
GAWR
....................................... 4-30
GloveBox
.................................... 2-50
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-30
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-30
Guide en FranGais
-11 .. ................................
GVWR ....................................... 4-30
ProCarManuals.com

Odometer .................................... 2-6 1
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-61
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6- 10
Oil Life Indicator
............................... 2-76
Oil Pressure Light
.............................. 2-72
Oil Pressure Message
............................ 2-76
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
....... 5-14
Overheating Engine
............................. 5 - 14
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-38
Owner Publications. Ordering
...................... 8-9
Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-54
Parade Dimming
............................... 2-45
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-23
Shifting Into
................................. 2-27
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-29
AtNight
.................................... 2-15
Brake
...................................... 2-26
Brake Indicator Light
.......................... 2-66
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-41
Over Things That
Burn ........................ 2-30
With a Trailer
........................... 4-37. 4-38
PASS-Key
I1 2-17
Passenger Position
.............................. 1-24
Passenger Temperature Control
..................... 3-9
Passing ....................................... 4-12
Perimeter Lighting
.............................. 2-46
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-42
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4-
12
Parking Lots
....................................... 2-15
8 .................................
Power Accessory Outlet
............................. 2-54
Antenna Mast Care
............................. 3-28
Antennaservice
.............................. 7-38
DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-49
Retained
. Accessory ........................... 2-20
Seat
......................................... 1-1
Seatback Recliner .............................. 1-4
Steering
.................................... 4-10
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-24
Windows
................................... 2-32
Lumbar Controls
.............................. 1-2
Memory Function
.............................. 1-3
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts
.................... 1-24
Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner
.................... 8-9
Radio Reception
.............................. 3-26
Radios
.................................. 3-11. 3-17
Rain. Driving In
................................ 4-17
Reading Lamps
................................ 2-47
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
....................... 6-62
Door Security Locks
........................... 2-6
Outside Seat Position
.......................... 1-25
Safety Belt Comfort Guides
..................... 1-28
Seatpassengers
.............................. 1-24
Towing
..................................... 5-13
Window Defogger
............................. 3-8
Rearview Mirror. Electrochromic Daymight
......... 2-48
Power
Seat
9-7
ProCarManuals.com