2003 OLDSMOBILE AURORA tow

Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label.
Reset the Check Tire Pressure System. See
Check Tire
Pressure System on page
5-62.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See Wheel Nut Torque in
Capacities and Specifications
on page
5- 100.
I 1 Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come
off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later,
if you need to, to
get all the rust or dirt
off. See “Changing a Flal
Tire” in the Index.
5-64
ProCarManuals.com

Tire Chains
If your vehicle has P235/55R17 size tires, don’t
use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured
in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends
it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the front tires.
Notice: If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P235/55R17 size tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only
SAE Class
”S” type chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them
on the front tires and tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
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.
5-70
ProCarManuals.com

7. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which
it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come
off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or
dirt from
the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to
get all the
rust or dirt off.
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If
you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel
could fall
off, causing a serious accident.
I I
8. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting
surface.
5-76
ProCarManuals.com

9. Put the wheel nuts
back on with the
rounded end
of the
nuts toward the wheel.
Tighten each nut by
hand until the wheel
is held against
the hub.
If a nut cannot be tightened by hand, use the wheel
wrench, and see your dealer right away.
10. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
5-77
ProCarManuals.com

Cleaning the Outside of Your
Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold
water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don’t use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle
well, removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer.
See
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on
page
5-88. Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed
to dry
on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a
soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to ^. .-:-I -. ..A- - - - ---L-L. - I - .- A . . .-L- I- -- -LA:.- -.. dVUlU 5UI IdbG 5bI dlLI lG5 dl IU VVdlGl 3c.‘uLLll 1y.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water? a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under “Washing
Your Vehicle.”
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials
on page 5-88.
If your vehicle has a “basecoatklearcoaf” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoatlclearcoat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as
are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove
foreign matter.
pcsskle. !! I?ecesss?:;’, LIse !.?cI?-s!Xssb:e c!esners ths?
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. You can help
to keep the paint finish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever
possible.
5-85
ProCarManuals.com

Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or
if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or
windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean
if beads do
not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
Your vehicle may be equipped with either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with
a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied. The surface
of these wheels is similar
to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on
them because you could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff
off
immediately after application.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice; When applying a tire dressing, always take
care to wipe
off any overspray or splash from all
painted surfaces
on the body or wheels of the
vehicle. Petroleum-based products may damage the
paint finish and tires.
5-86
ProCarManuals.com

Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
To access the battery and rear compartment fuse
panels, the rear seat cushion
must be removed. This
procedure is somewhat difficult. You may wish to have
your dealer do this for you.
Notice: The battery and main fuse blocks are
located under the rear seat cushion. The battery’s
ground terminal and some relay wires are exposed.
To help avoid damage to the battery and wires,
be careful when removing or reinstalling the seat
cushion.
Do not remove covers from covered parts.
Do not store anything under the seat, as objects
could touch exposed wires and cause a short.
To remove the rear seat cushion, do the following:
1. Pull up on the front of the cushion to release the
2. Pull the cushion up and out toward the front of the
front hooks.
vehicle.
To reinstall the rear seat cushion, do the following: A safety belt that
isn’t properly routed through
the seat cushion or
is twisted won’t provide
the protection needed
in a crash. ld the safety
belt hasn’t been routed through the seat
cushion at all,
it won’t be there to work for the
next passenger. The person sitting
in that
position could be badly injured. After
reinstalling the seat cushion, always check to
be sure that the safety belts are properly
routed and are not twisted.
5-95
ProCarManuals.com

50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and bottom screens
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) 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, change the fluid and filter at
100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
0 Inspect throttle body bore and valve plates for
deposits, open the throttle valve and inspect all
surfaces. Clean as required.
An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote
t.)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
0 Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control
Service.
67,500 Milles (112 500 km)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
0 Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote
t.)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote @.) (See footnote +.)
6-7
ProCarManuals.com