1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS steering

5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is tight.
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
fails, 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, and 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.
5-20
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If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice
or Snow
What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is
to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as
“rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but \
you
must use caution.
~ ~~ ~
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you’re
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t
spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires.
If you spin the wheels
too fast whiIe shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
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. 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.
5-33
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3100 (CODE M) Engine
When you open the hood, you'll see:
I A.. Engine Coalant Surge Tank D. Engine Oi€ Dipstick G. Battery
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap E Air Cle,aner Reservoir
H. Windshield Washer Fluid
I'
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Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top
of the reservoir clean, then 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. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Huids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
6-20
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and servlces which should be
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring
and fall). You should let your
GM retailer’s service
department or other
qualified service center do these jobs.
Make sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found
in a GM service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system.
Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-of-position parts
as well as open seams, holes, loose connections or other conditions
whch could cause a heat
build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace
as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace
any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. The
parking brake is self-adjusting and no manual adjustment is required. You may need
to have your
brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
7-41
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Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number
or specification may be obtained from your
GM retailer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine
Oil“ in the Index, ~
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL
Rul
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL TM
coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
Delco Supreme
11@ Brake Fluid
(GM Part
No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
~~
USAGE
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transaxle Key Lock
Cylinders
Windshield
Washer Solvent
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release Pawl
Hood and Door
Hinges
Weatherstrip Conditioning
FLUIDLUBRICANT
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
DEXRON@-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Pu ose lubricant, Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
GM Optikleen@) Washer Solvent (GM
Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Lubriplate lubricant aerosol (GM
Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI
# 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
Multi-pu ose lubricant, Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
See “Replacement
Parts” in the Index for recommended
replacement filters and spark plugs.
7-42
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Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance .............. 8-4
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-29
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-22
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-35
Hood
Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Release
...................................... 6-7
Horn
......................................... 2-27
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-18
Ignition Positions
.............................. 2- 13
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.................... 7-40
IlluminatedEntryExit
........................... 2-38
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-33
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-39
Inspections
.................................... 7-41
Brake System
................................ 7-41
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-41
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-41
Steering
.................................... 7-41
Suspension
.................................. 7-41
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-41
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-46
Cleaning
.................................... 6-43
Cluster
............................ .. ........ 2-48
Fuse Block
........................ 6.51.6.52. 6.53
Intensity Control
............................. 2-37
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-37
Heating
........................................ 3-4
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-22
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-38
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels
....................................... 6-49
Certification
................................. 4-31
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-49
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-30
Vehicle Identification Number
.................... 6-49
Lamps
........................................ 2-35
Exterior
.................................... 2-35
Fog
........................................ 2-37
Interior
..................................... 2-37
MirrorReading
............................... 2-38
OnReminder
................................ 2-35
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-6
Leaving
Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-23
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-22. 2-52
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.54. 4.7
Brake System Warning
.................... 2.53. 6.23
CheckEngine
................................ 2-55
CheckOil
.............................. 2.59. 6.10
Cruise
...................................... 2-60
DoorAjar
................................... 2-61
Engine Oil Pressure Warning
.................... 2-58
Interior ..................................... 2-37
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2.55. 6.18
Charging System Indicator
...................... 2-52
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1'
lul Service and Appearance Care ....................... 6-1
Service and Owner Publications
.................... 8-9
Service Publications
.............................. 8-9
Servicing Your
Air Bag-Equipped Oldsmobile ........ 1-27
Sheet Metal Damage
............................ 6-47
ShiftLever
.................................... 2-17
Shifting
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2- 17
Into Park (P)
................................. 2-22
OUtofPark
................................... 2-24
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
..................... 1-15
Signaling Turns
................................ 2-28
Skidding
...................................... 4-13
Sound Equipment. Adding
.............. 2-14.3-22. 6-50
Spare Tire. Compact
............................. 5-32
Specifications and Capacities
...................... 6-57
Specifications. Engine
........................... 6-58
Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
............... 8-4
Speedometer
................................... 2-49
SRS
......................................... 1-21
Stains. Cleaning
............................. ' ... 6-42
Starter Switch Check
............................ 7-39
Starting
Your Engine ............................ 2-14
Steam
........................................ 5-12
Steering
...................................... 4-10
In Emergencies ............................... 4- 10
Power
....................................... 4-9
Tips
......................................... 4-9
Wheel. Tilt
.................................. 2-27
Stoplamp Bulb Replacement
...................... 6-29
Storage Compartments
........................... 2-41
Storage. Vehicle
................................ 6-26
Stuck
In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-33 Sunvisors
.................................... 2-43
Sunroof
....................................... 2-45
Supplemental Restraint System
.................... 1-21
Surge Tank Coolant
..................................... 5-14
How to Add Coolant
.......................... 5-16
Pressure Cap
................................. 6-19
Symbols. Vehicle
.................................. v
Synchronization. Remote Lock Control
............... 2-9
Tachometer
.................................. 2-50
Taillamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 6-29
TapePlayerCare
............................... 3-22
Theft
......................................... 2-11
Theft-Deterrent Feature,
CD Player ................ 3-19
THEFTLOCK"
................................ 3-19
Thermostat
.................................... 6-19
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-19
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-27
Time, Setting
the ................................ 3-7
Tire Chains
.................................... 6-40
TireLoading
................................... 4-30
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-30
Tires
......................................... 6-32
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-38
BuyingNew
................................. 6-36
ChangingaFlat
.............................. 5-20
Cleaning
.................................... 6-46
Compact Spare
............................... 5-32
Inflation
.................................... 6-33
Inflationcheck ............................... 7-37
Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-34
Chains
..................................... 6-40
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