Oldsmobile Cutlass (1999 year). Manual - part 17

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6-44

NOTICE:

The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.

See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for 
more information.

Used Replacement Wheels

CAUTION:

Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or
how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.

Tire Chains

NOTICE:

Use tire chains only where legal and only when
you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install
them on the front tires and tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.

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Appearance Care

Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.

Never use these to clean your vehicle:
D Gasoline
D Benzene
D Naphtha
D Carbon Tetrachloride
D Acetone
D Paint Thinner
D Turpentine
D Lacquer Thinner
D Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous 

--

 some more than 

others 

--

 and they can all damage your vehicle, too.

Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
D Alcohol
D Laundry Soap
D Bleach
D Reducing Agents

Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle

Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces
with a clean, damp cloth.

Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet

Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi

-

Purpose Interior

Cleaner and Capture Non

-

Solvent Dry Spot and Soil

Remover for cleaning fabric and carpet. They will clean
normal spots and stains very well. You can get
GM

-

approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See

“Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.)

Here are some cleaning tips:
D Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
D Clean up stains as soon as you can 

--

 before they set.

D Carefully scrape off any excess stain.

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D Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a 

clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.

D If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the

entire area immediately or it will set.

Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner 
on Fabric

1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.

2. Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask

surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.

3. Mix powdered cleaner following the directions on

the container label to form thick suds.

4. Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t

saturate the material and don’t rub it roughly.

5. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge

to remove the suds.

6. Wipe cleaned area with a clean, damp towel or cloth.

7. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.

Special Fabric Cleaning Problems

Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black),
egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and
blood can be removed as follows:

1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the

soiled area with cool water.

2. If a stain remains, follow the multi

-

purpose interior

cleaner instructions described earlier.

3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, 

treat the area with a water/baking soda solution: 
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.

4. Let dry.

Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:

1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.

2. First, clean with cool water and allow to 

dry completely.

3. If a stain remains, follow instructions for

Multi

-

Purpose Interior Cleaner.

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Cleaning Vinyl

Use warm water and a clean cloth.
D Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You

may have to do it more than once.

D Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if

you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth 
and a vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer for 
this product.

Cleaning Leather

Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the
leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
D For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your

dealer for this product.

D Never use oils, varnishes, solvent

-

based or abrasive

cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.

D Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned

immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the
finish, it can harm the leather.

Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel

Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.

Cleaning Interior Plastic Components

Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft 
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.

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Care of Safety Belts

Keep belts clean and dry.

CAUTION:

Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.

Cleaning Glass Surfaces

Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See
“Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.)

Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.

Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades

If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade 
or windshield.

Clean the outside of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami

R

 Powder (non

-

scratching

glass cleaning powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.

Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full

-

strength

windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade 
with water.

Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.

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Weatherstrips

Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)

Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle

The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.

Washing Your Vehicle

The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or 
cold water.

Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don’t use strong soaps or
chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM

-

approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See

“Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.) Don’t
use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that
contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be
flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface,
or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all

-

cotton towel to avoid surface

scratches and water spotting.

High pressure car washes may cause water to enter 
your vehicle.

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses

Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow
instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.”

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Finish Care

Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM

-

approved cleaning products

from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.)

Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non

-

abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat 

paint finish.

NOTICE:

Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non

-

abrasive cleaners that are marked

safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.

Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.

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Cleaning Aluminum Wheels 
(If Equipped)

Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.

The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners
with acid or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because
you could damage the surface. Do not use chrome polish
on any wheels other than chrome

-

plated wheels.

Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.

Cleaning Tires

To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.

NOTICE:

When applying a tire dressing always take care to
wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted
surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle.
Petroleum

-

based products may damage the paint

finish and tires.

Sheet Metal Damage

If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti

-

corrosion material to the parts repaired or

replaced to restore corrosion protection.

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Finish Damage

Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.

Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch

-

up

materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.

Underbody Maintenance

Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and
exhaust system even though they have 
corrosion protection.

At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.

Chemical Paint Spotting

Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet

-

shaped

discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.

Although no defect in the paint job causes this,
Oldsmobile will repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km)
of purchase, whichever occurs first.

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GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

PART NUMBER

SIZE

DESCRIPTION

USAGE

994954

23 in. x 25 in.

Polishing Cloth – Wax Treated

Exterior polishing cloth

1050172

16 oz. (0.473 L)

Tar and Road Oil Remover

Removes tar, road oil and asphalt

1050173

16 oz. (0.473 L)

Chrome Cleaner and Polish

Use on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass

1050174

16 oz. (0.473 L)

White Sidewall Tire Cleaner

Removes soil and black marks from whitewalls

1050214

32 oz. (0.946 L)

Vinyl Cleaner

Cleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops

1050427

23 oz. (0.680 L)

Glass Cleaner

Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints

1052918**

8 oz. (0.237 L)

Armor All

t Protectant

Protects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas

t, plastic,

rubber and vinyl

1052925

16 oz. (0.473 L)

Multi-Purpose Interior

Cleaner

Cleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels 

and floor mats

1052929

16 oz. (0.473 L)

Wheel Cleaner

Spray on and rinse with water

1052930

8 oz. (0.237 L)

Capture Dry Spot Remover

Attracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric

12345721

2.5 sq. ft.

Synthetic Chamois

Shines vehicle without scratching

12345725

12 oz. (0.354 L)

Silicone Tire Shine

Spray on tire shine

12377964*

16 oz. (0.473 L)

Finish Enhancer

Removes dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants

12377966*

16 oz. (0.473 L)

Cleaner Wax

Removes light scratches and oxidation and protects finish

12377984*

16 oz. (0.473 L)

Surface Cleaner

Removes contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks

See your General Motors Parts Department for these products.

* For exterior use only.

See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.

** Not recommended for use on instrument panels.

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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.

Engine Identification

The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.

Service Parts Identification Label

You’ll find this label on the bottom of your spare tire
cover. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
On this label is:
D your VIN,
D the model designation,
D paint information and
D a list of all production options and 

special equipment.

Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

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Electrical System

Add-On Electrical Equipment

NOTICE:

Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add

-

on electrical equipment can

keep other components from working as 
they should.

Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag

-

Equipped Vehicle” in the Index.

Headlamp Wiring

The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses, one for each
headlamp, in the fuse block. An electrical overload will
cause the lamps to turn off. If this happens, have your
headlamp wiring checked right away.

Windshield Wipers

The windshield wiper motor is protected by an internal
circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to
heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor
cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical
problem and not snow, etc., be sure to get it fixed.

Power Windows and Other Power Options

Circuit breakers in the fuse block protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed or 
goes away.

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Fuses and Circuit Breakers

The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links in the wiring itself.

Look at the silver

-

colored band inside the fuse. If the

band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.

If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have a
spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick a feature of your vehicle that you
can get along without 

--

 like the radio or cigarette

lighter 

--

 and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.

Replace it as soon as you can.

There are three fuse blocks in your vehicle: two
instrument panel fuse blocks and the engine
compartment fuse block.

Instrument Panel Fuse Block

The instrument panel fuse
blocks are located at each
end of the instrument panel.
To access the fuses, open
the fuse panel door by
pulling out.

To replace the door, insert the hooks at the front end
first, then push the door into the instrument panel to
secure it.

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Instrument Panel Fuse Block 

-

 Left

Fuse

Usage

A

Radio

B

Wipers

C

Trunk Release and Remote Lock
Control

D

Turn Signals

E

Power Mirrors

F

Air Bag

Fuse

Usage

G

Body Function Control Module

H

Powertrain Control Module

J

Door Locks

K

Body Function Control Module,
Cluster

STOP LPS

Stoplamps

HAZARD LPS

Hazard Lamps

IPC/HVAC
BATT

Cluster, Climate Control

MICRO RELAY
TRUNK REL

Remote Trunk Release

CIRCUIT BRKR
PWR SEATS

Power Seats

MICRO RELAY
DR UNLOCK

Door Locks

MICRO RELAY
DR LOCK

Door Locks

MICRO RELAY
DRIVERS DR
UNLOCK

Not Used

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Instrument Panel Fuse Block 

-

 Right

P90–16–6907–X

Fuse

Usage

A

Instrument Panel Lights, Dimmer

B

Cruise Control

C

Climate Control System

D

Cruise Control

E

Fog Lamps

F

Interior Lamps, Body Function
Control Module

G

Radio

H

Sunroof

CIRCUIT BRKR
PWR WNDWS

Power Windows

MICRO RELAY
FOG LPS

Fog Lamps

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Engine Compartment Fuse Block

The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the 
air cleaner.

Fuse

Usage

Maxi

-

Fuses

1

Ignition Switch

2

Left

-

Hand Electrical

Center

-

Power Seats, Power

Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk
Release and Remote Lock Control