Oldsmobile Cutlass (1999 year). Manual - part 20

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7-29

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check

While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. The
key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in
PARK (P).

On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check

CAUTION:

When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.

Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
D To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With

the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.

D To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:

With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.

Underbody Flushing Service

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.

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7-30

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections

Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.

Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.

Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection

Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook

-

up, binding, leaks,

cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.

Exhaust System Inspection

Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out

-

of

-

position parts as well as open seams,

holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build

-

up in the floor pan or could let

exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in
the Index.

Engine Cooling System Inspection

Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once 
a year.

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7-31

Throttle System Inspection

Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.

Brake System Inspection

Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook

-

up, binding, leaks, cracks,

chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. The
parking brake is self

-

adjusting and no manual

adjustment is required. You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.

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7-32

Part D: Recommended Fluids 
and Lubricants

NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from 
your dealer.

USAGE

FLUID/LUBRICANT

Engine Oil

Engine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.

Engine Coolant

50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

R

 DEX

-

COOL

R

 or

Havoline

R

 DEX

-

COOL

R

Coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.

Hydraulic Brake
System

Delco Supreme 11

R

 Brake Fluid

(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT

-

3 Brake Fluid).

USAGE

FLUID/LUBRICANT

Windshield
Washer Solvent

GM Optikleen

R

 Washer Solvent

(GM Part No. 1051515) 
or equivalent.

Power Steering
System

GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884 

-

 1 pint,

1050017 

-

 1 quart, or equivalent).

Automatic
Transaxle

DEXRON

R

-

III Automatic

Transmission Fluid.

Key Lock
Cylinders

Multi

-

Purpose Lubricant,

Superlube

R

 (GM Part 

No. 12346241 or equivalent).

Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release Pawl

Lubriplate

R

 Lubricant Aerosol

(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC

-

LB.

Hood and Door
Hinges

Multi

-

Purpose Lubricant,

Superlube

R

 (GM Part 

No. 12346241 or equivalent).

Weatherstrip
Conditioning

Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

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7-33

Part E: Maintenance Record

After the scheduled services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval.

Any additional information from “Owner Checks and
Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on
the following record pages. Also, you should retain all
maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio
is a convenient place to store them.

Maintenance Record

DATE

ODOMETER

READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

8-

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8-1

Section 8

Customer Assistance Information

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

8

-

2

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

8

-

4

Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users

8

-

4

Customer Assistance Offices

8

-

5

GM Mobility Program for Persons 
with Disabilities

8

-

6

Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program
Features and Benefits

8

-

7

Courtesy Transportation

8

-

9

Warranty Information

8

-

9

Reporting Safety Defects to the United 
States Government

8

-

10

Reporting Safety Defects to the 
Canadian Government

8

-

10

Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors

8

-

10

Ordering Service and Owner Publications 
in Canada

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8-2

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer and to Oldsmobile. Normally, any concerns with
the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will
be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service
departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best
intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can
occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your
satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:

STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member of
dealership management. Normally, concerns can be
quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already
been reviewed with the sales, service or parts manager,
contact the owner of the dealership or the 
general manager.

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8-3

STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of 
dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership 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).

We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order
to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the
following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
D 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.)

D Dealership name and location
D Vehicle delivery date and present mileage

When contacting Oldsmobile, please remember that
your concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility.
That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you
have a concern.

STEP THREE -- Both General Motors and your dealer
are committed to making sure you are completely
satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if you
continue to remain unsatisfied after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you must file
with the GM/BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any
additional rights you may have. Canadian owners refer
to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).

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8-4

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to
settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the
interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Although you are required to resort to this informal dispute
resolution program prior to filing any court action, use of
the program is free of charge and your case will generally
be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree with the
decision given in your case, you may reject it and proceed
with any other venue for relief available to you.

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

This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.

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 Network. Any TTY user 
can communicate with Oldsmobile by dialing:
1-800-833-OLDS (6537). (TTY users in Canada can
dial 1

-

800

-

263

-

3830.)

Customer Assistance Offices

Oldsmobile encourages customers to call the toll-free 
number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to 
Oldsmobile, the letter should be addressed to Oldsmobile’s 
Customer Assistance Network.

United States

Customer Assistance Representative
Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network
16 E. Judson Street
P.O. Box 436006
Pontiac, MI 48343-6006

1-800-442-6537
1-800-833-6537 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-442-OLDS (6537)

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8-5

Canada

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

1-800-263-3777 (English)
1-800-263-7854 (French)
1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800

All Overseas Locations

GMODC 

-

 Customer Communication Centre

169-007
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Telephone:

905-644-4112

Fax: 905-644-4866

Caribbean Numbers

1-800-496-9992 (English) Puerto Rico
1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) Puerto Rico
1-800-751-4135 (English) Dominican Republic
1-800-751-4136 (Spanish) Dominican Republic
1-800-496-9994 U.S. Virgin Islands
1-800-389-0009 Bahamas
1-800-534-0122 Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua & B.V.I.

If toll free service is not available in the Caribbean, 
call Puerto Rico 1-787-763-1315.

GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities

This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver or
passenger adaptive
equipment you may require
for your vehicle (hand
controls, wheelchair/scooter
lifts, etc.).

This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1

-

800

-

323

-

9935.

Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1

-

800

-

833

-

9935.

GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1

-

800

-

GM

-

DRIVE (463

-

7483) for details. When 

calling from outside Canada, please dial 1

-

905

-

644

-

3063.

All TTY users call 1

-

800

-

263

-

3830.

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Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance
Program Features and Benefits

Security While You Travel

1

-

800

-

442

-

OLDS (6537)

As the proud owner of a new Oldsmobile vehicle, you
are automatically enrolled in the Oldsmobile Roadside
Assistance program. This value

-

added service is

intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road.

Oldsmobile’s Roadside Assistance toll

-

free number is

staffed by courteous and capable Roadside Assistance
Representatives who are available 24 hours a day, 
365 days a year.

We will provide the following services during the Bumper
to Bumper warranty period, at no expense to you:
D Fuel delivery
D Lock

-

out service (identification required)

D Tow to the nearest dealership for warranty service or

in the event of a vehicle

-

disabling accident

D Flat tire change
D Jump starts
D Minor repairs to disabled vehicles
D Assistance when vehicle is mired in sand, mud 

or snow

D Trip routing
D Trip interruption expense benefits
D Dealership locator service
D Courtesy Transportation 

-

 See Courtesy

Transportation section for details

Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance specifically excludes
coverage for mounting, dismounting or changing of
snow tires, chains or other traction devices.

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In some cases, where service is impractical, the driver
may be authorized to obtain other service for which
reimbursement is provided.
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Oldsmobile’s comprehensive warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside 
Assistance Representative:
D Location of vehicle

D Telephone number of your location

D Vehicle model, year and color

D Mileage of vehicle

D Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

D Vehicle license plate number
Oldsmobile reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in
Oldsmobile’s judgement, the claims become excessive
in frequency or type of occurrence.
While we hope you never have the occasion to use 
our service, it is added security while traveling for 
you and your family. Remember, we’re only a 
phone call away. Oldsmobile Roadside 
Assistance 

--

 1

-

800

-

442

-

OLDS (6537).

Courtesy Transportation

Oldsmobile has always exemplified quality and value in
its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your
ownership experience, we and our participating
dealerships are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a
customer support program for new vehicles.

The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail
purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the
Bumper to Bumper coverage provided by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation
options are available when warranty repairs are
required. This will reduce your inconvenience during
warranty repairs.

Plan Ahead When Possible

When your vehicle requires warranty service, you
should contact your dealer and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment and advising your
service consultant of your transportation needs, your
dealer can help minimize your inconvenience. If it is
determined that your vehicle cannot be scheduled into
the service department immediately and is still
operative, you are encouraged to drive the vehicle until
scheduling can be accomplished.

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If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle
off for service, you are urged to do so as early in the
work day as possible to allow for same day repair.

Transportation Options

Warranty service can generally be completed while you
wait. However, if you are unable to wait Oldsmobile
helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several
transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,
your dealer can offer you one of the following:

Shuttle Service

Participating dealerships can provide you with shuttle
service to get you to your destination with minimal
interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a one
way shuttle ride to a destination up to 10 miles from 
the dealership.

Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement

If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs,
reimbursement up to $30 per day (five days maximum)
may be available for the use of public transportation such
as taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange
transportation through a friend or relative, reimbursement
for reasonable fuel expenses up to $10 per day (five day
maximum) may be available. Claim amounts should
reflect actual costs and be supported by original receipts.

Courtesy Rental Vehicle

When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight
warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide
you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a
rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a
maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This
requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement
and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider
requirements. Requirements vary and may include
minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit
card, etc. You are responsible for fuel usage charges and
may also be responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees,
excessive mileage or rental usage beyond the
completion of the repair.

Generally it is not possible to provide a like

-

vehicle as a

courtesy rental.

Additional Program Information

Courtesy Transportation is available during the
Bumper

-

to

-

Bumper warranty coverage period, 

but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited 
Warranty. A separate booklet entitled “Warranty and
Owner Assistance Information” furnished with each 
new vehicle provides detailed warranty 
coverage information.

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Courtesy Transportation is available only at
participating dealerships and all program options, such
as shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer.
Please contact your dealer for specific information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.

Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the
Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your
dealer for details.

General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any
time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at
its sole discretion.

General Motors and participating dealerships reserve
the right to deny a rental vehicle to anyone not
possessing a valid motor vehicle operators license in
their name, anyone who is under the influence of alcohol
or drugs, or anyone whose mental or physical abilities
are impaired so as to be unable to operate a motor
vehicle safely.

Warranty Information

Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet
that contains detailed warranty information.

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 dealer 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.

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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
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5

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
16 E. Judson Street
P.O. Box 436006
Pontiac, MI 48343-6006

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, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Ordering Service and Owner
Publications in Canada

Service manuals, 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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CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 OLDSMOBILE

SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00

TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00

SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.

OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.

In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $20.00

Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00

CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:

Helm, Incorporated 

S

 P.O. Box 07130 

S

 Detroit, MI 48207

OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time

For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA–MasterCard–Discover)

1999 OLDSMOBILE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION

The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out

the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,

or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)