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2003 Oldsmobile Aurora Owner's Manual - Page 226

2003 Oldsmobile Aurora Manual

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Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the informationin "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 thispart. 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 Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you'll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. 0 Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Don't drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on your vehicle's parts. the weight of the trailer, ^:.%La " , : I 1 1l e ...welyl I1 UI 11 le ildllel iUl lyue LL, Three important considerations have to do with weight: f , I . 4.L. 0 and the total weight on your vehicle's tires. 4-37

Section	Page
Table of Contents	2
Seats and Restraint Systems	8
Front Seats	9
Manual Passenger Seats	9
Power Seats	9
Manual Lumbar	10
Power Lumbar	11
Heated Seats	12
Reclining Seatbacks	12
Head Restraints	14
Safety Belts	15
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	15
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts	19
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	20
Driver Position	21
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	27
Right Front Passenger Position	28
Rear Seat Passengers	28
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	32
Safety Belt Extender	34
Child Restraints	35
Older Children	35
Infants and Young Children	37
Child Restraint Systems	41
Where to Put the Restraint	44
Top Strap	45
Top Strap Anchor Location	46
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	47
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	49
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	51
Air Bag Systems	54
Where Are the Air Bags?	56
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?	58
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?	59
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?	59
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?	59
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	61
Restraint System Check	62
Checking Your Restraint Systems	62
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	63
Features and Controls	64
Keys	66
Remote Keyless Entry System	68
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation	69
Doors and Locks	73
Door Locks	73
Central Door Unlocking System	74
Power Door Locks	74
Door Ajar Reminder	74
Delayed Locking	74
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	75
Rear Door Security Locks	76
Lockout Protection	77
Leaving Your Vehicle	77
Trunk	77
Windows	80
Power Windows	81
Sun Visors	81
Theft-Deterrent Systems	82
Universal Theft-Deterrent	82
PASS-Key III	84
PASS-Key III Operation	84
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	86
New Vehicle Break-In	86
Ignition Positions	86
Starting Your Engine	87
Engine Coolant Heater	88
Automatic Transaxle Operation	89
Parking Brake	92
Shifting Into Park (P)	93
Shifting Out of Park (P)	95
Parking Over Things That Burn	95
Engine Exhaust	96
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked	97
Mirrors	98
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass	98
Outside Power Mirrors	100
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror	100
Outside Convex Mirror	101
Outside Heated Mirrors	101
OnStar System	102
HomeLink Transmitter	104
HomeLink Transmitter	104
Programming the HomeLink Transmitter	105
Storage Areas	108
Glove Box	108
Front Storage Area	108
Assist Handles	108
Floor Mats	109
Rear Storage Area	109
Convenience Net	109
Sunroof	110
Vehicle Personalization	111
Memory Seat and Mirrors	111
Instrument Panel	114
Instrument Panel Overview	115
Hazard Warning Flashers	117
Other Warning Devices	118
Horn	118
Tilt Wheel	118
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	119
Exterior Lamps	127
Interior Lamps	130
Accessory Power Outlets	134
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter	135
Climate Controls	136
Automatic Climate Control System	136
Outlet Adjustment	140
Steering Wheel Climate Controls	141
Climate Controls Personalization	142
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	143
Instrument Panel Cluster	144
Speedometer and Odometer	145
Tachometer	146
Safety Belt Reminder Light	146
Air Bag Readiness Light	147
Battery Warning Light	148
Brake System Warning Light	148
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	149
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light	150
Traction Control System Active Light	151
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	151
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	152
Oil Pressure Light	155
Cruise Control Light	156
Fuel Gage	157
Driver Information Center (DIC)	158
DIC Warnings and Messages	163
DIC Vehicle Personalization	165
Audio System(s)	172
Setting the Time	172
Radio with Cassette and CD	173
Navigation/Radio System	182
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer	183
Personal Choice Radio Controls	186
Theft-Deterrent Feature	186
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	187
Understanding Radio Reception	187
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	187
Care of Your CDs	188
Care of Your CD Player	189
Diversity Antenna System	189
Chime Level Adjustment	189
Driving Your Vehicle	190
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	191
Defensive Driving	191
Drunken Driving	191
Control of a Vehicle	194
Braking	195
Traction Control System (TCS)	197
Steering	199
Off-Road Recovery	202
Passing	202
Loss of Control	204
Driving at Night	205
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	207
City Driving	210
Freeway Driving	211
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	212
Highway Hypnosis	213
Hill and Mountain Roads	213
Winter Driving	215
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	221
Towing	222
Towing Your Vehicle	222
Recreational Vehicle Towing	222
Loading Your Vehicle	223
Towing a Trailer	225
Service and Appearance Care	234
Service	236
Doing Your Own Service Work	237
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	237
Fuel	238
Gasoline Octane	238
Gasoline Specifications	238
California Fuel	239
Additives	239
Fuels in Foreign Countries	240
Filling Your Tank	240
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	244
Checking Things Under the Hood	245
Hood Release	246
Engine Compartment Overview	247
Engine Oil	248
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	254
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	255
Engine Coolant	257
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	261
Engine Overheating	261
Cooling System	264
Power Steering Fluid	270
Windshieid Washer Fluid	271
Brakes	272
Battery	275
Jump Starting	277
Headlamp Aiming	283
Bulb Replacement	287
Halogen Bulbs	287
Headlamps	288
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps	290
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps	291
Replacement Bulbs	291
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	292
Tires	293
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	293
Check Tire Pressure System	295
Tire Inspection and Rotation	296
When It Is Time for New Tires	298
Buying New Tires	299
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	300
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	301
Wheel Replacement	301
Tire Chains	303
If a Tire Goes Flat	303
Changing a Flat Tire	304
Compact Spare Tire	314
Appearance Care	315
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	315
Care of Safety Belts	317
Weatherstrips	317
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	318
Sheet Metal Damage	320
Finish Damage	320
Underbody Maintenance	320
Chemical Paint Spotting	320
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	321
Vehicle Identification	323
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	323
Service Parts Identification Label	323
Electrical System	324
Add-on Electrical Equipment	324
Headlamp Wiring	324
Windshield Wiper Fuses	324
Power Windows and Other Power Options	324
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	325
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion	328
Capacities and Specifications	333
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	334
Maintenance Schedule	336
Maintenance Schedule	337
Introduction	337
Your Vehicle and the Environment	337
Maintenance Requirements	337
How This Section is Organized	338
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	339
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	339
Scheduled Maintenance	340
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	344
At Each Fuel Fill	344
At Least Once a Month	344
At Least Twice a Year	345
At Least Once a Year	345
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	348
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	348
Exhaust System Inspection	348
Fuel System Inspection	348
Engine Cooling System Inspection	349
Throttle System Inspection	349
Brake System Inspection	349
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	350
Part E: Maintenance Record	351
Customer Assistance Information	354
Customer Assistance Information	355
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	355
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	356
Customer Assistance Offices	356
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	358
Roadside Assistance Program	358
Courtesy Transportation	359
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	361
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	362
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	362
Service Publications Ordering Information	362

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Your vehicle

can

tow a trailer

is equipped with the

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

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.

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.

You

Do Decide

Pull

Trailer

you

do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit

restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure

your rig will

legal, not only where

you live

but also where

you’ll

be driving.

good source for

this information can

be state or provincial police.

Consider using a

sway control. You can ask

a hitch

dealer about sway controls.

Don’t tow

a trailer at

all during the first

1,000

miles

600

km)

your

new vehicle is driven. Your

engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first

500

miles

(800

km) that you

tow

a trailer, don’t drive over

mph

(80

km/h)

and

don’t

make starts at full throttle. This helps your

engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at

the heavier loads.

Obey

speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.

Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed

for trailers, or

more than

mph

(90

km/h),

to save

wear

on your vehicle’s parts.

Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer,

L L ,

...

^:.%La

,I.

4.L.

”,:I,”

^_.%..^

welyl

ildllel

iUl

lyue

and the total weight

on your vehicle’s tires.

4-37