1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Owners Manual

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Maintenance Record

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Section 8 Customer Assistance Information

Here you will find out how to contact Oldsmobile if you need assistance. service publications and how to report any safety defects.

This section also tells you how to obtain

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Customer Satisfaction Procedure Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program Features and Benefits Courtesy Transportation GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program

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Warranty Information Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

Oldsmobile retailers have the facilities, trained technicians and up-to-date information to promptly address any concerns you may have. However, if a concern has not been resolved to your complete satisfaction, take the following steps: STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member of retail facility management. Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at that level. I€ the matter has already been reviewed with the Sales, Service or Parts Manager, contact the owner of the retail facility or the General Manager.

STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of retail facility management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the retail facility without further help, contact the Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network by calling 1-800-442-6537. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). For help outside of the United States and Canada, call the following numbers as appropriate:

In Mexico: (525) 625-3256 In Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) or 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)

In the U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 0 In the Dominican Republic: 1-800-751-4135

(English) or 1-800-751-4136 (Spanish)

0 In the Bahamas: 1-800-389-0009

In Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua and the British Virgin Islands: 1-800-534-0122 In all other Caribbean countries: (809) 763- 13 15 In other overseas locations, call GM International Product Center in Canada at: (905) 644-4112.

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Refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for addresses of GM Overseas offices. When contacting Oldsmobile, please remember that your concern will likely be resolved in the retail facility, using the retailer’s facilities, equipment and personnel. That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you have a concern. Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Oldsmobile has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with Oldsmobile by dialing: 1-800-833-OLDS. (TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)

For prompt assistance, please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative: 0 Your name, address, home and business

telephone numbers Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at the top left of the instrument panel and visible through the windshield.)

0 Retail facility name and location 0 Vehicle delivery date and present mileage 0 Nature of concern We encourage you to call us so we can give your inquiry prompt attention. However, if you wish to write Oldsmobile, address your inquiry to:

Customer Assistance Representative Oldsmobile Central Office 920 Townsend Street P.O. Box 30095 Lansing, MI 48909 In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

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Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program Features and Benefits

Who Is Covered? Oldsmabile Roadside Assistance covers all 1.997 Oldsmobile vehicles. Coverage is for the Oldsmobile vehicle, regardless of the driver, a d is concurrent with the Bumper to Bumper wmanty period.

Courtesy Transportation We’re here to help. That’s why whenever your Oldsmobile is undergoing any Bumper to Bumper Warranty service, we’ll make sure you don’t end up stranded at the retail facility. It’s called Courtesy Transportation and it’s our way to make sure you’re able to get out even when your car is in. For same-day service, we’ll give you a one-way shuttle 10 miles. If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, we’ll provide a loaner car or reimburse you up to $30 a day for the cost of alternate transportation -- a cab, a bus or even a rental car if necessary. Having your car serviced is rarely convenient,, but with Courtesy Transportation, at least you’ll be able to get where you need to go, whether it’s here, or there.

ride of up to

it impractical

Some state insurance regulations make to rent vehicles to people under 21 years of age. If you are under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Oldsmobile will reimburse up to $3O/day for documented transportation you receive. Please consult your retailer for details. For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, interim transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your retailer for details. The Roadside Assistance program is available only in the United States and Canada.

GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program. Both Oldsmobile and your Oldsmobile retailer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if a situation arises where you feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, the Customer Satisfaction Procedure described earlier in this section is very successful. There may be instances where an impartial third party can assist in arriving at a solution to a disagreement regarding vehicle repairs or interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. To assist in resolving these disagreements, Oldsmobile voluntarily participates in BBB AUTO LINE.

BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program administered by the Better Business Bureau system to settle automotive disputes. This program is available free of charge to customers who currently own or lease a GM vehicle. If you are not satisfied after following the Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the following address:

BBB AUTO LINE Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203- 1804 Telephone: 1-800-955-5100

To file a claim, you will be asked to provide your name and address, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a statement of the nature of your complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and other factors.

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We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction Procedure before you resort to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary. If this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will be scheduled where eligible customers may present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator. The arbitrator will make a decision which you may accept or reject. If you accept the decision, GM will be bound by that decision. The entire dispute resolution procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file a claim until a decision Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further infomation, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network at 1-800-442-6537. Warranty Information Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information.

is made.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:

NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:

Transport Canada Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario KlG 3J2

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-442-6537 or write:

Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network P.O. Box 30095 Lansing, MI 48909

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada Service manuals, service bulletins, owner’s manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and past model General Motors vehicles. The toll-free telephone number for ordering information in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.

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ORDER TOLL FREE

(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) (Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST) FAX Orders Onlv 1-31 3-865-5927

1-800-782-4356

service. If further informatlon IS needed, write to the address s s, own below or call

Orders will be mailed within 10.days of receipt. Please allow ade uate time for postal 1-800-782-4356. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied against the original order.

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Section 9 Index

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2.54. 4.7

Brakes. Anti-Lock .......................... Braking ........................................ Braking in Emergencies ........................... Break.In. New Vehicle BTSI .................................... 2.24. 7.39 BTSICheck ................................... Bulb Replacement .............................. Back-up Lamp .............................. CHMSL .................................... Dome Lamp ................................. Front Turn Signal Lamps ....................... Headlamps .................................. Rear Turn Signal Lamp ........................ Stoplamp ................................... Taillamp ....................................

4-6 4-9 .......................... 2-13 7-39 6-26 6-29 6-29 6-31 6-27 6-27 6-29 6-29 6-29

3.9. 3.14

........................

.Capacities and Specifications .................... 6-57 ............... .2.10.2.25. 4.27 4-35 Carbon Monoxide Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7-37 Cassette Tape Player Cassette Tape Player Care ........................ 3-22 CDPlayer ..................................... 3-14 CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3- 19 Center Console Storage Area ...................... 2-41 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement . . . . 6-29 Center Rear Passenger Position .................... 1-33 Certification Label .............................. 4-3 1 ................................. Chains. Safety 4-36 Chains. Tire ................................... 6-40 Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-20 Charging System Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52

2.59. 6.

Check Engine Light ............................. 2-55 Check Oil Light ........................... 10 Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-47 Child Restraints ................................ 1-36 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-38 Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-40 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-42 TopStrap ................................... 1-37 WheretoPut ................................ 1-36 Circuit Breakers and Fuses ....................... 6-51 Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-15 Cleaning ...................................... 6-41 Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-46 Exterior LampsLenses ........................ 6-45 ' ........... 6-41 Fabric ........................... Glass ....................................... 6-44 Inside of Your Oldsmobile ...................... 6-41 ............................. 6-43 Instrument Panel Leather ..................................... 6-43 Outside of Your Oldsmobile .................... 6-44 Special Problems ............................. 6-42 Stains ...................................... 6-42 Tires ....................................... 6-46 Vinyl ....................................... 6-43 Wheels ..................................... 6-46 Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-44 Climate Control System ........................... 3-2 Clock. Setting the ................................ 3-7 Comfort Controls ................................ 3-2 ............................. 3-23 Compact Disc Care

Compact Disc Player ............................ 3-14 Compact Spare Tire ............................. 5-32 Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 Convenience Net ............................... 2-43 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-40 Coolant ....................................... 6- 16 Adding ..................................... 6-19 Checking ................................... 6-18 Heater. Engine ............................... 2- 15 SurgeTank .................................. 5-14 Surge Tank Pressure Cap ....................... 6- 19 Whattouse ................................. 6-17 Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14 Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-6 Cruise Control ................................. 2-32 CruiseLight ................................... 2-60 Cupholder, Center Console ....................... 2-42 Cupholder, Instrument Panel ...................... 2-42 Cupholder, Rear Seat ............................ 2-42 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2

Damage. Finish ............................... 6-47 Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-47 Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-36 ................................... 5-3 Dead Battery ......................... 8-8 Defects. Reporting Safety Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2 .......................... 3-5 Defogger. Rear Window

Defogging ..................................... 3-4 ............................ 6-58 Dimensions. Vehicle Dolby' B Noise Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12. 3.17 Dome Lamp ................................... 2-38 Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement .................... 6-31 DoorLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Drive. Automatic Transaxle ....................... 2-19 DriverPosition ................................. 1-12 Driving City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19 Defensive .................................... 4-2 Drunken ..................................... 4-3 Freeway .................................... 4-20 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-26 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5 IntheRain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 OnCurves ................................... 4-9 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-22 On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-25 Throughwater ............................... 4-18 WetRoads .................................. 4-16 Winter ...................................... 4-24 With a Trailer ................................ 4-36 DrunkenDriving ................................ 4-3

Electrical Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . 2-15. 3-20. 6-50 Electrical System ............................... 6-50

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2.10.2.25.4.27. 4.35

Engine ........................................ 6-9 6- 16 2- 15 7-37 2-54

Coolant ..................................... Coolant Heater ............................... Coolant Level Check .......................... Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... Exhaust ...................... FuseBlock .................................. 6-54 Identification ................................ 6-49 Oil Level Check .............................. 7-37 Overheating ................................. 5-12 RunningWhileParked ......................... 2-27 Specifications ................................ 6-58 Starting Your ................................ 2-14 Engineoil .................................... 6-10 Adding ..................................... 6-11 Additives ................................... 6- 13 Checking ................................... 6-11 Pressure Warning Light ........................ 2-58 Used ....................................... 6-14 What Kind to Use ............................. 6-12 Whentochange .............................. 6-14 Ethanol ........................................ 6-4 Exterior Lamps ................................. 2-35

6-26

Fabric Cleaning ............................... ................................ Filling your Filter. & ..................................... Finish Care .................................... Finish Damage ................................. First Gear. Automatic Transaxle Flashers. Hazard Warning ......................... Hash-to-Pass .................................. 9-4

6-41 6-5 6- 15 6-45 Headlamps 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 5-2 2-29

6-27

............................. Flat Tire. Changing 5-20 Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-42 Fog Lamps .................................... 2-37 Following Distance with a Trailer .................. 4-37 Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-5 FrontTowing .................................. 5-10 Fuel .......................................... 6-3 Filling-Your Tank .............................. 6-5 Gage ....................................... 2-62 ........................... 6-5 In Foreign Countries ....................... 6-51

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Gages

Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 Fuel ....................................... 2-62 Tachometer .................................. 2-50 GarmentHook ................................. 2-45 GAWR ....................................... 4-31 Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 GloveBox .................................... 2-41 Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-31 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-31 GVWR ....................................... 4-31 ................................ .......................... ................................. .................................... ............................ ...................... ................................ ..................................... Wiring

Bulb Replacement HiglAow Beam Changer OnReminder

Halogen Bulbs Hazard Warning Flashers Head Restraints

5-2 1-5 2-35

2-29 2-35

Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Heating ........................................ 3-4 High-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-29 Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-22 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-22 Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-35 Hood Checking Things Under ......................... 6-7 Release ...................................... 6-7 Horn ......................................... 2-27 Hydroplaning .................................. 4-18

Ignition Positions .............................. 2- 13 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check .................... 7-40 IlluminatedEntryExit ........................... 2-38 Inflation. Tire .................................. 6-33 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39 Inspections .................................... 7-41 Brake System ................................ 7-41 ............................. 7-41 Exhaust Systems Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41 ...................... Radiator and Heater Hose 7-41 Steering .................................... 7-41 Suspension .................................. 7-41 Throttle Linkage .............................. 7-41 ............................... 2-46 Cleaning .................................... 6-43 .. . . . . . . . . 2-48 Cluster ............................ Fuse Block ........................ 6.51.6.52. 6.53 2-37 Intensity Control Interior Lamps ................................. 2-37

.............................

Instrument Panel

.................................... Jack. Tire Jump Starting ...................................

5-22 5-3

K e y Lock Cylinders Service ..................... Keys ..........................................

7-38 2-2

Labels ....................................... 6-49 Certification ................................. 4-31 ..................... 6-49 Service Parts Identification Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-30 Vehicle Identification Number .................... 6-49 Lamps ........................................ 2-35 Exterior .................................... 2-35 Fog ........................................ 2-37 Interior ..................................... 2-37 MirrorReading ............................... 2-38 OnReminder ................................ 2-35 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-6 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-23 Lights

1-22. 2-52

Air Bag Readiness ....................... Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ............ 2.54. 4.7 Brake System Warning .................... 2.53. 6.23 Charging System Indicator ...................... CheckEngine ................................ CheckOil .............................. Cruise ...................................... 2-60 DoorAjar ................................... 2-61 Engine Oil Pressure Warning .................... 2-58 Interior ..................................... 2-37 Low Coolant Warning ....................

2-52 2-55

2.55. 6.18

2.59. 6.10

Lights (Continued)

.................................. Low Wash 2-60 Oil Pressure ................................. 2-58 ........................... 2-59 Passlock Warning Safety Belt Reminder ...................... 1.8. 2.5 1 Service Vehicle Soon .......................... 2-61 Loading Your Vehicle ........................... 4-30 Lock Out Switch ............................... 2-27 Locks ......................................... 2-4 Cylinders ................................... 7-38 Door ........................................ 2-4 Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-38 .................................. 2-5 Power Door RearDoorSecu rity ............................. 2-5 Low Coolant Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55, 6- 18 Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-42 Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-38

Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts ........... 6-58 ............................ 7-43 Maintenance Record Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7-2 Introduction .................................. 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6 Long Tripmighway Definition Long Tripmighway Intervals ..................... 7-6 Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-37 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 -4 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Selecting the Right Schedule ..................... 7-4 Short Trip/City Definition ....................... 7-5 ........................ 7-5 Short Trip/City Intervals

Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-47 Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-40 Making Turns with a Trailer ...................... 4-38 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-55 ManualFrontSeat ............................... 1-2 Manual Remote Control Mirror .................... 2-39 Methanol ...................................... 6-4 Mirror Reading Lamps ........................... 2-38 Mirrors ....................................... 2-39 Convex Outside .............................. 2-40 Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-39 Manual Remote Control ........................ 2-39 Outside ..................................... 2-39 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-40 Visor Vanity ................................. 2-43 MountainRoads ................................ 4-22 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-28

N e t , Convenience .............................. ..................... Neutral, Automatic Transaxle ......................... New Vehicle “Break-In” Nightvision ...................................

Odometer .................................... Odometer, Trip ................................. Off-Road Recovery ............................. Oil, Engine .................................... Oil Pressure Warning Light ....................... Outside Mirror ................................. Overheating Engine .............................

2-43 2-18 2-13 4-15

2-49 2-49 4-11 6-10 2-58 2-39 5-12

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Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . 7-37 Owner hblications, Ordering . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

1-47 8-8

Replacing Safety Belts ........................... Reporting Safety Defects .......................... Restraints Checking ................................... 1-47 Child ....................................... 1-36 Head ........................................ 1-5 Replacing Parts M e r a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47 System Check ................................ 7-38 Reverse, Automatic Transaxle ..................... 2- 18 Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-21 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5 ........................... 5-33 Rocking Your Vehicle Rotation. Tires ................................. 6-34

safety Belt Extender ............................ 1-47 Safety Belt Reminder Light ................... 1.8. 2.5 .................................... 1-7 Safety Belts Adults ...................................... 1-12 Care ....................................... 6-43 Center Rear Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33 Children .................................... 1-34 Driver Position ............................... 1 . 12 Extender .................................... 1-47 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1 . 12 Incorrect Usage .................... 1- 16.1.45. 1-46 LapBelt .................................... 1-33 Lap-Shoulder ........................... LargerChildren .............................. Passenger Position ............................ Questions and Answers ........................ Rear Comfort Guides ..........................

1-44 1-21 1 . 11 1-30

1.12. 1.27

1.8. 2.51

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............ 1-27 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-27 Reminder Light .......................... Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-47 Right Front Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . i ..... 1-21 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-34 Use During Pregnancy ......................... 1-20 WhyTheyWork ............................... 1-8 Safety Chains .................................. 4-36 Safety Defects. Reporting ......................... 8-8 ... Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... 1 ~ 1 Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4 Seat Adjuster .............................. 1.2. 1-47 ......................... 1-4 Seatback. Reclining Front Seats FoldingRe ar .................................. 1-5 ManualFront ................................. 1-2 Power ....................................... 1-3 Rear ........................................ 1-5 Restraint Systems .............................. 1-1 SeatConhols ................................. 1-2 Securing a Child Restraint ...................... 1-38 Second Gear, Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 Second-Gearstart .............................. 2-21 Service ........................................ 6-2 Bulletins, Ordering ............................ 8-10 Manuals, Ordering ............................ 8-10 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-49 Publications, Ordering .......................... 8-9 Work, Doing Your Own ......................... 6-2

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lul Service and Appearance Care ....................... 6-1 Service and Owner Publications .................... 8-9 Service Publications .............................. 8-9 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Oldsmobile . . . . . . . . 1-27 Sheet Metal Damage ............................ 6-47 ShiftLever .................................... 2-17 Shifting Automatic Transaxle .......................... 2- 17 Into Park (P) ................................. 2-22 OUtofPark ................................... 2-24 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 1-15 Signaling Turns ................................ 2-28 Skidding ...................................... 4-13 Sound Equipment. Adding .............. 2-14.3-22. 6-50 Spare Tire. Compact ............................. 5-32 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-57 Specifications. Engine ........................... 6-58 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance ............... 8-4 Speedometer ................................... 2-49 SRS ......................................... 1-21 Stains. Cleaning ............................. . . . 6-42 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-39 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-14 Steam ........................................ 5-12 Steering ...................................... 4-10 In Emergencies ............................... 4- 10 Power ....................................... 4-9 Tips ......................................... 4-9 Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-27 Stoplamp Bulb Replacement ...................... 6-29 Storage Compartments ........................... 2-41 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-26 Stuck In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-33

2-43 2-45 1-21

Sunvisors .................................... Sunroof ....................................... Supplemental Restraint System .................... Surge Tank Coolant ..................................... How to Add Coolant .......................... Pressure Cap .................................

5-14 5-16 6-19 Symbols. Vehicle .................................. Synchronization. Remote Lock Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 Tachometer .................................. 2-50 Taillamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-29 TapePlayerCare ............................... 3-22 Theft ......................................... 2-11 Theft-Deterrent Feature, CD Player ................ 3-19 THEFTLOCK" ................................ 3-19 Thermostat .................................... 6-19 Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle ................... 2-19 Tilt Steering Wheel ............................. 2-27 Time, Setting the ................................ 3-7 Tire Chains .................................... 6-40 TireLoading ................................... 4-30 Tire-Loading Information Label ................... 4-30 Tires ......................................... 6-32 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-38 BuyingNew ................................. 6-36 Chains ..................................... 6-40 ChangingaFlat .............................. 5-20 Cleaning .................................... 6-46 Compact Spare ............................... 5-32 Inflation .................................... 6-33 Inflationcheck ............................... 7-37 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-34

Tires (Continued)

Loading .................................... Pressure .................................... Temperature ................................. Traction .................................... Treadwear ................................... Uniform Quality Grading ....................... Used Replacement Wheel ...................... .............................. Wear Indicators Wheel Replacement ........................... ....................... When It’s Time for New TopStrap ..................................... TorqueLock ................................... Torque. Wheel Nut ......................... Towing

4-30 6-33 6-38 6-37 6-37 6-37 6-39 6-35 6-38 6-35 1-37 2-23 5-29. 6-57

From the Front ................................ 4-28 FromtheRear ............................... 4-30 .......................... 4-28 Recreational Vehicle Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-32 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-8 Towing Your Vehicle From the Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear ................ 4-30 Trailer 4-37 4-36 4-38 4-36 4-37 4-35 4-40 4-38 4-39 4-37

............................. Backing Up with Brakes ..................................... Driving on Grades ............................ Drivingwitha ............................... Following Distance with ....................... Hitches ..................................... Maintenance When Towing ..................... MakingTums ................................ ParkingonHills .............................. Passingwith ................................. 9-10 .

Transaxle

4-36 4-34 4-35 4-32 4-38 4-34

SafetyChains ................................ Tongueweight ............................... Total Weight on Tires .......................... Towing ..................................... Turnsignals ................................. Weight ..................................... Automatic ................................... 6-16 .......................... Ignition Lock Check 7-40 Transmitters. Remote Lock Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-6 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-49 Trunk ........................................ 2-10 Lamp ...................................... 2-38 ...................... 2-10 Release Lockout. Remote Release. Remote .............................. 2-10 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-4 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals ............... 2-28 Turn Signal On Chime ........................... 2-28 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-38

Underbody Flushing Service ..................... Underbody Maintenance .........................

7-40 6-57

Vehicle

Control ...................................... Damagewarnings .............................. Dimensions ................................. ......................... Identification Number Loading .................................... Storage .....................................

4-6 iv 6-58 6-49 4-30 6-26

.

Ventilation System ............................... Visor Vanity Mirrors ............................ Visors. Sun .....................................

3-6 2-43 2-43

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-3 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50 Warranty Information ............................... 8-8 ........................ Washer Fluid. Windshield 6-21 ........................... 6-45 Washing Your Vehicle Weatherstrips .................................. 6-44 Wheel Alignment .................................. 6-38 Nut Torque .............................. 5-29. 6-57 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38 Used Replacement ............................ 6-39 Wrench ..................................... 5-22

Windshield Washer

Windows ..................................... 2-26 Auto-Down ................................. 2-27 ............................. 2-27 Lock Out Switch Power ...................................... 2-26 ............................. 2-31 Fluid .................................. 2-31, 6-21 Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-37 Windshield Wipers ......................... 2-30, 6-50 Bladecheck ................................. 7-38 ........................... 6-32 Blade Replacement Winter Driving. ................................. 4-24 Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-50 WreckerTowing ................................. 5-8 Wrench, Wheel ................................. 5-22

Service Station Checkpoints

COOLANT SURGE TANK

P5- 1 6 /

FUEL

P6-10 -- lf

3100 ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

SECONDARY

WINDSHIELD

FLUID RESERVOIR / /

P6-21

BATERY

P6-25

HOOD RELEASE P6-7 TRUNK RELEASE P2-10

TIRES P6-32

i 1

For detailed information, refer to the page number listed, or see the Index in the back of the owner’s manual. 9-12

The 1997 Oldsrnobile Cutlass Owner’s Manual

1-1

2-1

3-1

4-1

5-1

6-1

7-1

8- 1

9-1

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Oldsmobile. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll fiid helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Oldsmobile running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Oldsmobile for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

etc.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, OLDSMOBILE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem and the name CUTLASS are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. Please keep this manual in your Oldsmobile, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in new owner can use it.

it so the

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 22652546 A First Edition ii

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1996 All Rights Reserved

Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you the warning.

if you were to ignore

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

the hazard is. Then

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means ‘Don’t,” “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

iii

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also in this book you will fimd these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

do to help avoid

iv

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BAllERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATIERY

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

SIGNALS e

TURN

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

,\I/,

WINDOW DEFOGGER

FOG LAMPS # 0

VENTILATING

FAN (

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

COOLANT TEMP

BAllERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

FUSE

LIGHTER

(0) HORN )cr SPEAKER b e,

FUEL

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

b NOTES

vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Oldsmobile and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

1-2 1-2 1-2 1-4 1-5 1-8 1-11

1-12 1-15

Seats and Controls Manual Seats Power Seats Reclining Front Seatbacks Rear Seats Why Safety Belts Work Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

Air Baps

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

1-20 1-23 Questions and Answers About 1-30 1-34 How to Use Child Restraints 1-36

Safety Belt Comfort Guides

Important Information for Buckling Children in Child Restraints

Top Straps 1-37 Child Restraint 1-47 How to Obtain a Safety Belt Extender 1-47 Checking 1-47 Replacing Parts After a Crash

Your Restraint Systems

Move the lever under the front seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, seat is locked into place.

to make sure the

6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)

the bottom

Move the seat higher by lifting and holding of the button. Lower the seat by pushing and holding the top of the button. To move the seat forward, push the rear of the button forward. To move the seat backward, push the front of the button rearward. Raise the front of the seat by lifting and holding the bottom front end of the button. Lower the front of the seat by pushing and holding the bottom of the front end of the seat. Raise the rear of the seat by lifting and holding the bottom rear of the button. Lower the rear of the seat by pushing and holding the top rear of the button.

The power set button is located on the lower, left side of the driver’s seat. This button allows you to move the seat up, down, forward and backward. It also moves the front of the seat up or down and the rear or down.

of the seat up

1-3

if you buckle

their job when

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even up, your safety belts can’t do you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.

job because it

CAUTION: (Continued)

For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

1-5

Rear Seats Folding Rear Seat

To open the folding rear seat, open the trunk and pull one or both of the tethers located on the left side of the trunk. The leaf-hand tether will open the larger side of the seatback. The right-hand tether will open the smaller side of the seatback. Once a tether is pulled, the seatback can be pushed open through the trunk, or pulled open from inside the vehicle. To close the folding rear seat from inside the car, push the seatback up until you hear a click. Then pull on the seatback to make sure it is secure.

- A CAUTIO

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat safety belt properly.

and using a

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system.

A CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter . . . a lot!

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s on wheels.

just a seat

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

1-9

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel . . .

1-10

. , .. .,.. .. . . . ..

Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Oldsmobile, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

1-12

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

low and snug on In a crash, this applies

The lap part of the belt should be worn the hips, just touching the thighs. force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

1-14

1-15

@ What’s wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

1-16

&.' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

1-17

I

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your retailer to fix it.

1-19

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, inclwling pregnant women. w like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don't wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, a d the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this section. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your Oldsmobile has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger.

Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

~~

~~

~~

~.

CAmONi

~~~

~~

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if‘

you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear

air bag for that person.

There.is ;an air bag readiness light 011 the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol.

How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

1-23

A

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a is wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level about 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that If your it can be somewhat above or below this range. vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts.

1-24

What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.

the air bag

What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the it is safe to do so. vehicle should get out as soon as If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

1-25

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. air Let only qualified technicians work on your bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your retailer for service.

1-26

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt The po8sitions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here's how to wear one properly.

1-27

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the'belt across you.

Don't let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

ION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head.

1-30

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from

Children

1-34

~

~~~

~~~

it orily 25'mph (40 kaalh),, a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

Never hold a baby in your arms while ridiqg i;a a

vehicle. A baby doesn't wei,gh much -- until a

crash. Daring a crash a baby will become so heavy you can't hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Conthiued)

1-35

Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

the front seat. We at

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. Or, secure the child restraint in the rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

in

Top Strap

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside seat Position

, , ,

4. Buckle the^ belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickfy if you ever had to.

I

5. Buckle tkbelt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you everhad to.

6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end whileyou push on

child restraint.

down

the

You’ll be using the lap-shedder belt. See the eadier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.)

2. h t the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.