Oldsmobile Cutlass (1999 year). Manual - part 15

yellow

blue     

6-12

Engine Oil

If the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see “Check Oil
Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is an added reminder.

It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick is
yellow and located on the
front of the engine.

Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.

yellow

blue     

6-13

Checking Engine Oil

Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.

When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.

NOTICE:

Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.

The engine oil fill cap is located on the front of the engine.

Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.

yellow

blue     

6-14

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use

Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.

If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.

You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:

yellow

blue     

6-15

As shown in the chart, SAE 5W

-

30 is best for your

vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W

-

30 if it’s going

to be 0

_F (

-

18

_C) or above. These numbers on an oil

container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W

-

50.

NOTICE:

Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.

GM Goodwrench

R

 oil meets all the requirements for

your vehicle.

If you are in an area where the temperature falls below

-

20

_F (

-

29

_C), consider using either an SAE 5W

-

30

synthetic oil or an SAE 0W

-

30 oil. Both will provide

easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.

Engine Oil Additives

Don’t add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.

When to Change Engine Oil

If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:
D Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).

This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

D Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent

driving in stop

-

and

-

go traffic).

D Most trips are through dusty areas.
D You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of

your vehicle.

D The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi

or other commercial application.

Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months 

--

 whichever

occurs first.

yellow

blue     

6-16

If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months 

--

 whichever

occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.

What to Do with Used Oil

Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)

Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free

-

flowing oil

from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

The air cleaner is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment.

To check or replace the air filter:

1. Unscrew the four Phillips screws, then pull the 

cover back.

2. Remove the air cleaner filter.

3. Be sure to install the air cleaner filter and replace the

cover tightly.

yellow

blue     

6-17

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.

See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.

CAUTION:

Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.

NOTICE:

If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when 
you’re driving.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A
transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealership service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible. You
may also have your fluid level checked by your dealer
or service center when you have your oil changed.

Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles 
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
D In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature

regularly reaches 90

_F (32_C) or higher.

D In hilly or mountainous terrain.
D When doing frequent trailer towing.
D Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.

yellow

blue     

6-18

NOTICE:

We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON

R

-

III, because fluid with that label is

made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON

R

-

III is not covered by your new

vehicle warranty.

Surge Tank Pressure Cap

NOTICE:

Your pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure

-

type cap and must be tightly installed to

prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.

When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.

Thermostat

Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.

Engine Coolant

The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX

-

COOL

R

 engine coolant. This coolant is designed

to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX

-

COOL

R

 extended life coolant.

The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in 
the Index.

yellow

blue     

6-19

A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX

-

COOL

R

 coolant will:

D Give freezing protection down to 

-

34

_F (

-

37

_C).

D Give boiling protection up to 265_F (129_C).
D Protect against rust and corrosion.
D Help keep the proper engine temperature.
D Let the warning lights and gages work as 

they should.

NOTICE:

When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX

-

COOL

R

 (silicate

-

free) coolant.

If coolant other than DEX

-

COOL is added to the

system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner 

--

 at

30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX

-

COOL

R

 is not

covered by your new vehicle warranty.

What to Use

Use a mixture of one

-

half clean, drinkable water and

one

-

half DEX

-

COOL

R

 coolant which won’t damage

aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don’t need to add anything else.

CAUTION:

Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX

-

COOL

R

 coolant.

yellow

blue     

6-20

NOTICE:

If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.

If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.

NOTICE:

If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

Checking Coolant

The surge tank is located on the passenger’s side of the
engine compartment.

yellow

blue     

6-21

CAUTION:

Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap 

--

 even a

little 

--

 when the engine and radiator are hot.

The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark or slightly higher.

If the low coolant light
comes on and stays on, it
means you’re low on 
engine coolant.

Adding Coolant

If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX

-

COOL

R

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.

CAUTION:

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it 
is hand

-

tight.

yellow

blue     

6-22

Power Steering Fluid

When to Check Power Steering Fluid

It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected 
and repaired.

How to Check Power Steering Fluid

When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.

What to Use

To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

yellow

blue     

6-23

Windshield Washer Fluid

What to Use

When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.

Adding Washer Fluid

Open the cap labeled
WASHER FLUID ONLY.
Add washer fluid until the
tank is full.

NOTICE:

D When using concentrated washer fluid,

follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.

D Don’t mix water with ready

-

to

-

use washer

fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.

D Fill your washer fluid tank only

three

-

quarters full when it’s very cold. This

allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

D Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in

your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.

yellow

blue     

6-24

Brakes

Brake Fluid

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT

-

3

brake fluid.

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out

of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.

So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.

CAUTION:

If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

yellow

blue     

6-25

When your brake fluid falls
to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on.
See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.

What to Add

When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT

-

3 brake

fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Maintenance Schedule.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.

CAUTION:

With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

NOTICE:

D Using the wrong fluid can badly damage

brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral

-

based oil, such as engine

oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

D If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s

painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in 
the Index.

yellow

blue     

6-26

Brake Wear

Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Disc brake pads have built

-

in wear indicators that make a

high

-

pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn

and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).

CAUTION:

The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

NOTICE:

Continuing to drive with worn

-

out brake pads

could result in costly brake repair.

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.

Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.

See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”

yellow

blue     

6-27

Brake Pedal Travel

See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.

Brake Adjustment

Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If
you drive in that way, then 

--

 very carefully 

--

 make a few

moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km),
so your brakes will adjust properly.

If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
pumping the brake pedal repeatedly while the engine is
running with the shift lever in PARK (P).

Replacing Brake System Parts

The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts 
have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle 
is to have really good braking. Your vehicle was designed 
and tested with top

-

quality GM brake parts. When you 

replace parts of your braking system 

--

 for example, when

your brake linings wear down and you have to have new ones
put in 

--

 be sure you get new approved GM replacement 

parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. 
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong 
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear 
brakes can change 

--

 for the worse. The braking performance

you’ve come to expect can change in many other ways if 
someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.

Battery

Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

R

battery. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery’s label.