1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass warning light

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4-24
Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:

Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.

You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.

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5-9
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
equipment or car
-carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index. You will also find a
low coolant level warning light on your vehicle's
instrument panel. See ªLow Coolant Warning Lightº in
the Index.

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6-19
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

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
only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL 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. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant.

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6-25
When your brake fluid falls
to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on.
See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

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6-26 Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º

9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlets 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6
-3 . . . . . .
Adjuster, Seat 1
-2, 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1
-22, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1
-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag Readiness Light 1
-22, 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6
-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2
-54, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 2
-55, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Theft, Radio 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Materials 6
-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 2
-16, 3-22, 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto
-Down Window 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Light Control 2
-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid 6
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backing Up with a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Lock Control 2
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving on a Long Trip 4
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .