2003 OLDSMOBILE AURORA oil

DIC Warnings and Messages
Other messages or warnings may appear in the DIC
display.
For Canadian drivers, in addition to the
DIC message your DIC will display EXP with
a number
after it which reflects the following messages:
EXP
(Export ID)
Warning Message
1 AIR BAG PROBLEM
3 CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM
4
CHANGE OIL SOON
I 5 I CHECK OIL LEVEL I I
6 I TRANS HOT ... IDLE ENG
I 7 I CONFIRM TIME & DATE I
8
ENGINE HOT
... A/C OFF
9 DRIVERS DOOR AJAR
10 HOT
... STOP ENGINE * 11 HOT
... REDUCE ENG RPM
I 12 I THEFT SYSTEM
FAULT I I
13 I LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
I (ExE% ID) I Warning Message
18
LOW WASHER FLUID
19 LOW TIRE PRESSURE
20 PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
21 PARK BRAKE SET*
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
22
23
TURN SIGNAL
ON? 24 SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON
I 25 I THEFT ATTEMPTED I I
26 [ SERV STABILITY SYS
I 27 I HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED I
28
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
29 TRUNK AJAR
32 STARTING DISABLED*
33 HOT
... IDLE ENGINE
36
42 CHECKGASCAP
STABILITY ACTIVE
The EXP codes are used to make translation from English to other languages easier.
Pressing the RESET button will remove the above
messages or warnings from the DIC display, unless
noted by an asterisk
(*).
I 17 I LOW OIL PRESSURE * I
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CHECK OIL LEVEL - 5: If you ever see the CHECK
OIL LEVEL message, it indicates that the engine oil level
is
1 to 1 1/2 quarts (0.9 L to 1.4 L) low. The message
will appear only
if the engine is running and it has been
at least eight minutes since the engine was last
running. If the message appears, check the oil dipstick
level.
If it reads low, your oil level should be brought
up
to the proper level. See Engine Oil on page 5-15.
After bringing the oil to the proper level, the ignition must
be
off for eight minutes to allow the majority of oil to
drain into the oil pan.
SERV STABILITY SYS
- 26: If you ever see the SERV
STABILITY SYS message, it means there may be a
problem with your stability enhancement system.
If you
see this message,
try to reset the system (stop; turn
off the engine; then start the engine again). If the SERV
STABILITY SYS message still comes on, it means
there is a problem. You should see your dealer
for service. Reduce your speed and drive accordingly. STABILITY ACTIVE
- 25: You may
see the STABILITY
ACTIVE message on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). It means that an advanced, computer-controlled
system has come on to help your vehicle continue
to go in the direction in which you’re steering. This
stability enhancement system activates when the
computer senses that your vehicle is just starting to
spin, as
it might if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery
spot on the road. When the system is on, you may
hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal.
When the STABILITY ACTIVE message is on, you
should continue to steer in the direction you want to
The system is designed to help you in bad weather
or other difficult driving situations by making the most of
whatever road conditions will permit.
If the STABILITY
ACTIVE message comes
on, you’ll know that something
has caused your vehicle to start to spin,
so you should
consider slowing down.
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Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLEAN
PLAYR to indicate that you have used your tape player
for
50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If
this message appears on the display, your cassette tape
player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but
you should clean it as soon as possible
to prevent
damage to your tapes and player. If you notice a
reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to
see
if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this
other cassette has no improvement in sound quality,
clean the tape player.
For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive
cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape
head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The
recommended cleaning cassette is available through
your dealership.
The cut tape detection feature of your cassette tape
player may identify the cleaning cassette as a damaged
tape, in error. To prevent the cleaning cassette from
being ejected, use the following steps.
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the TP CD button for five seconds.
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s
recommended cleaning time. You may
also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type
cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to
clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will
not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner
may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type
cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type
cleaning cassette is not recommended.
After you clean the player, press and hold the eject
button for five seconds to reset the CLEAN PLAYR
indicator. The radio will display CLEANED to show the
indicator was reset.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality
may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette
tape is in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Care of Your CDs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen
a clean,
soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution
and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the side without writing when
handling discs. Pick up discs by graspin9 the outer
edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
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Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance.
If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
- such as after a day’s
work
- don’t plan to make too many miles that first
part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
vou can easilv drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If
it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts
in dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and wiiiing
to heip if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the resewior full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid
a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system
and brake system.
Each of these
is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you find them quickly.
If you’re trailering,
it’s
a good idea to review this information before you
start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See
Engine Overheating on
page
5-28.
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Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
Service ............................................................ 5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work
........................ -5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle
...................................................... 5-4
Fuel
................................................................ 5-5
Gasoline Octane
............................................ 5-5
Gasoline Specifications
.................................... 5-5
California Fuel
............................................... 5-6
Additives
......................................... ...... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries
........................... 5-7
Filling Your Tank
........................................ 5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
..... . 5-11
the Hood
.................................................... 5-12
Hood Release
.............................................. 5-13
Engine Compartment Overview
....................... 5-14
Engine Oil
................................................... 5-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
................................ 5-21
P,L!tSrn2.tlC Tr2!ns2x!n !=!!lid ............................. .- E;-33 --
Engine Coolant ............................................. 5-24
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
.................. 5-28
Engine Overheating
....................................... 5-28
Cooling System
............................................ 5-31
.W indshieid .Washer Fiuid 5-36
Checking Things Under
Power Steering Fluid
..................................... 5-37 ~ ................................
Brakes ........................................................ 5.39
Battery
........................................................ 5.42
Jump Starting
............................................... 5-44
Headlamp Aiming
.............................. ...... 5-50
Bulb Replacement ......................................... -5-54
Halogen Bulbs
............................................. -5-54
Headlamps
................................................. -5-55
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
.......... 5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps
..................................... 5-58
Replacement Bulbs
....................................... 5-58
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.............. 5-59
Tires
.............................................................. 5-60
Inflation
-- Tire Pressure ................................ 5-60
Check Tire Pressure System
.......................... 5-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation
........................... 5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires
....................... 5-65
Buying New Tires
......................................... 5-66
UIIIIUIIII I Ilt: Uudllly uldullly d-UI
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance .................. 5-68
Wheel Replacement
...................................... 5-68
Tire Chains
................................................. -5-70
If a Tire Goes Flat ........................................ 5-70
Changing a Flat Tire
..................................... 5-71
Compact Spare Tire
5-81
I I.-:+- T. n . ._I.&. . n.-- -I:__ _. re7 ..........................
- ......................................
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Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does
not recommend the use
of such gasolines. Fuels
containing
MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and
the performance of the emission control system may
be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer for
service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be
covered by your warranty.
Filling Your Tank
Fuel vapor is highly flammable. It burns
violently, and that can cause very bad injuries.
Don’t smoke
if you’re near fuel or refueling
your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from fuel.
?2 check the !!x! 2xi!2bi!i?;, 2:sk 2R 2ztc C!k, cr
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
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Checking Things Under
the Hood
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
I I
/t CAUTION:
I
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a fire. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
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