1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 181

Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a 2.4L (Code T) engine. Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it isequipped with a 3.1L (Code M) engine and proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. If you don't use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control whenyou pull a trailer. For example,if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Ask your Oldsmobile retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. -- NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not coveredby your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this part, and your Oldsmobile see retailer for important information about towing a trailer with yourvehicle.