1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass check oil

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6-12
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see ªCheck Oil
Lightº 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.
The engine oil dipstick is
yellow and located on the
front of the engine.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several 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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6-13 Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap is located on the front of the engine.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.

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6-16
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
-- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don't let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The air cleaner is located on the driver's side of the
engine compartment.
To check or replace the air filter:
1. Unscrew the four Phillips screws, then pull the
cover back.
2. Remove the air cleaner filter.
3. Be sure to install the air cleaner filter and replace the
cover tightly.

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6-17
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A
transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealership service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible. You
may also have your fluid level checked by your dealer
or service center when you have your oil changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.

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7-26
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.

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9-2
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2
-54, 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock 2
-26, 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti
-Lock 2-55, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break
-In, New Vehicle 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2
-26, 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back
-Up Lamp 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHMSL 6
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp 6
-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamps 6
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Lamp 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stoplamp 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3
-9, 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player 3
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player Theft
-Deterrent Feature 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage Area 2
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High
-Mounted Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-32 . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position 1
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Light 2
-60, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1
-42 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1
-44 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1
-46 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels 6
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-4
Driving
City 4
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4
-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-17, 3-22, 6-55 . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6
-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2
-10, 2-28, 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6
-59, 6-60, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Warning Light 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil, What Kind to Use 6
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash
-to-Pass 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-6
Instrument Panel 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2
-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6
-56, 6-57, 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intensity Control 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire
-Loading Information 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2
-25 . . . . . . . Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-22, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti
-Lock Brake System Warning 2-54, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2
-54, 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2
-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil 2
-60, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar 2
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure Warning 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2
-56, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Wash 2
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
Warning 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1
-7, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Out Switch 2
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning Light 2
-56, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .