1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette check engine light

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2-98 Oil Pressure Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with an oil pressure warning
light. Your oil pressure light
lets you know when you
may have a problem with
your engine oil pressure.
When the engine is running and this light comes on, the
engine oil level may be too low. There may also be
another problem causing low oil pressure.
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered
by your warranty.
Low Oil Level Light
If this light comes on, it
means your engine is low
on oil.
You need to check the oil level right away. Have your
vehicle serviced immediately.

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4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the
traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves a little. (You may also hear a clicking
noise if you leave the ignition in the RUN position for
about four seconds before starting the vehicle.)
This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.

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4-28
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.

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5-6
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't
need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom

battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if
a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that first. If you don't, explosive gas could
be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
6. Check that the jumper cables don't have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) and negative (
-) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or a body metal surface.
Don't connect positive (+) to negative (
-) or you will
get a short that would damage the battery and maybe
other parts, too. And don't connect negative (
-) to
negative (
-) on the dead battery, as this can
cause sparks.
CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.

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6-11
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then just let the
hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
If the LEVEL light on the
instrument panel comes on,
it means you need to check
your engine oil level
right away.
For more information, see ªLow Oil Level 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 located at the front of the
engine compartment, near the center. The dipstick
handle has a bright, yellow loop design for
easy identification.
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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9-4
Delayed Illumination 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Sliding 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Information Center (DIC) 2-101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Four-Way Manual Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-41, 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine 6
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-52, 4-28, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Protection Operating Mode 5-10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 2-98, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Add 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment, Adding to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-52, 4-28, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Passenger Compartment Replacement 6-16 . . . . . . . . .
Finish
Care 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-6
Inspections
Brake System 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light Intensity Control 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switchbank 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Override Switch 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Cargo 2
-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Illumination 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exit Lighting 2
-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention 2-16 . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-49 . . . . . . .
Liftgate 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-40, 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-91, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-90, 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning 2-94 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-95, 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel Warning 2-101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Level 2-100, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Traction 2-93, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
III Security 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Sliding Door Warning Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-24, 2-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Warning 2-92, 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Deterrent 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-8
Odometer 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 2-98, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar System
2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Console 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Console Switchbank 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Engine Protection 5-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PARK (P)
Shifting Into 2
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement 6-16 . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
III 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
III Security Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portable Fuel Container, Filling a 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlets 2
-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Option Fuses 6
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirrors 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Sliding Door Warning Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Check 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Use 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Check 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pretensioners, Safety Belts 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Air Vents 3
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Lamp 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Audio 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .