Oldsmobile Aurora (2001 year). Manual - part 19

6-44

Front Turn Signals and Parking Lamps

1. Remove the two bolts with a 10 mm socket.

2. Use a large screwdriver by the outside mount to

separate the lamp assembly from the outboard snap
mounting pin. Slide the headlamp assembly outward
and lift it out.

3. Disconnect the wiring harness from the 

headlamp assembly.

6-45

4. Tip the headlamp assembly and while pressing the

release, turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise to
remove them.

5. Replace the bulb and socket. Then reconnect the

wiring harness to the lamp assembly.

6. Slide the lamp assembly back into place by lining up

the track on the bottom of the assembly with the
guide on the vehicle. Then connect the outboard snap
and secure the lamp assembly with the two bolts.

6-46

Rear Turn Signals, Stoplamps, Taillamps
and Back-up Lamps

For the proper bulb type, see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index.

1. Open the trunk. Turn the screws located inside of the

trunk counterclockwise and remove them.

2. Remove the plastic trim piece from the trunk.

3. Pull the carpeting away from the rear corner of 

the trunk.

4. Remove the three 10 mm nuts holding the lamp in

place and remove the lamp assembly.

5. While pressing the release, turn the bulb socket

assembly counterclockwise to remove it from the
lamp assembly.

6. Pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the socket.

7. Replace the bulb and reverse the steps to reinstall the

lamp assembly.

6-47

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade
Check” in the Index for more information.

To replace the wiper blade assembly:

1. Lift the wiper arm up from the windshield and set it

in the vertically locked position.

2. Push the tab on the wiper blade assembly and pull

the assembly down enough to release it from the 
“U” hooked end of the wiper arm. Slide the
assembly away from the arm.

3. Remove the blade.

4. To reinstall the wiper blade assembly, slide it over

the wiper arm to engage the “U” hooked end on the
wiper blade assembly. Pull up on the assembly to
lock it into place.

For the proper windshield wiper blade replacement
length and type, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts” in the Index.

6-48

Tires

Your new vehicle comes with high

-

quality tires made by

a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, 
see your Oldsmobile Warranty booklet for details.

CAUTION:

Poorly maintained and improperly used tires 
are dangerous.
D Overloading your tires can cause overheating

as a result of too much friction. You could
have an air

-

out and a serious accident. 

See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

D Underinflated tires pose the same danger as

overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

D Overinflated tires are more likely to 

be cut, punctured or broken by a sudden 
impact 

--

 such as when you hit a pothole.

Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

D Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your

tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.

6-49

Inflation -- Tire Pressure

The Tire

-

Loading Information label, which is on the

rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

NOTICE:

Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It’s not. If your tires
don’t have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
D Too much flexing

D Too much heat

D Tire overloading

D Bad wear

D Bad handling

D Bad fuel economy.

NOTICE: (Continued)

NOTICE: (Continued)

If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
D Unusual wear

D Bad handling

D Rough ride

D Needless damage from road hazards.

When to Check

Check your tires once a month or more.

Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 
60 psi (420 kPa).

How to Check

Use a good quality pocket

-

type gage to check tire

pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.

Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.

6-50

Check Tire Pressure System

The check tire pressure system can alert you to a large
change in the pressure of one tire. The system won’t
alert you before you drive that a tire is low or flat. 
You must begin driving before the system will 
work properly.

The LOW TIRE PRESSURE message will appear 
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) if pressure
difference (low pressure) is detected in one tire. 
The check tire pressure system may not alert you if:
D more than one tire is low,
D the vehicle is moving faster than 65 mph (105 km/h),
D the system is not yet calibrated,
D the tire treadwear is uneven,
D the compact spare tire is installed,
D tire chains are being used, or
D the vehicle is being driven on a rough or frozen road.
If the anti

-

lock brake system warning light comes on, the

check tire pressure system may not be working properly.
See your dealer for service. Also, see “Anti

-

Lock Brake

System Warning Light” in the Index.

The check tire pressure system detects differences 
in tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes in 
tire pressure. The system can alert you about a low 
tire 

--

 but it doesn’t replace normal tire maintenance.

See “Tires” in the Index.

When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE message appears on
the Driver Information Center, you should stop as soon
as you can and check all your tires for damage. If a tire
is flat, see “If a Tire Goes Flat” in the Index. Also check
the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you can. See
“Inflation

-

Tire Pressure” in the Index.

Any time you adjust a tire’s pressure or have one or
more tires repaired or replaced, you’ll need to reset
(calibrate) the check tire pressure system. You’ll also
need to reset the system whenever you rotate the tires,
buy new tires, install or remove the compact spare, and
whenever the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected.

Don’t reset the check tire pressure system without first
correcting the cause of the problem and checking and
adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the
system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the check
tire pressure system will not work properly and may not
alert you when a tire is low or high.

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To reset (calibrate) the system:

1. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.

2. Press the SELECT right arrow button on the DIC

until you enter the GAGE mode. Then press the
SELECT down arrow until TIRE PRESSURE
appears on the display.

3. Press and hold the DIC RESET button for about 

five seconds. After five seconds, the display will
show TIRE PRESSURE RESET. If TIRE
PRESSURE RESET does not appear on the display
after about five seconds, see your dealer for service.
After you release the DIC RESET button, TIRE
PRESSURE NORMAL will appear on the display.

The system completes the calibration process during
driving. Calibration time can take 45 to 90 minutes,
depending on your driving habits. After the system has
been calibrated, the system will alert the driver that a tire
is low, up to a maximum speed of 65 mph (105 km/h).

Tire Inspection and Rotation

Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles 
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See “When It’s Time for New Tires” and
“Wheel Replacement” later in this section for 
more information.

The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation is the
most important. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index for scheduled rotation intervals.

When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.

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Don’t include the compact spare tire in your 
tire rotation.

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire

-

Loading

Information label. Reset the Check Tire Pressure
System. See “Check Tire Pressure System” in the Index.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the Index.

CAUTION:

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if 
you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. 
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.

When It’s Time for New Tires

One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.

You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
D You can see the indicators at three or more places

around the tire.

D You can see cord or fabric showing through the 

tire’s rubber.

D The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep

enough to show cord or fabric.

D The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
D The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that

can’t be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.

6-53

Buying New Tires

To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire

-

Loading Information label.

The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all

-

season tread

design, the TPC number will be followed by an “MS”
(for mud and snow).

If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type 
(bias, bias

-

belted or radial) as your original tires.

CAUTION:

Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias

-

belted tires), the vehicle may not

handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.

It’s all right to drive with your compact spare,
though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.

CAUTION:

If you use bias

-

ply tires on your vehicle, the

wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial

-

ply

tires with the wheels on your vehicle.

6-54

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:

Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. 
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter

-

type snow

tires, space

-

saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with

nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited

-

production tires.

While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half 
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.

Traction 

--

 AA, A, B, C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to 
stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight

-

ahead braking

traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

6-55

Temperature 

--

 A, B, C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of 
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory 
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, 
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance

The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.

Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.

Wheel Replacement

Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer if any of these conditions exist.

Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.

6-56

Each new wheel should have the same load

-

carrying

capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.

If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.

CAUTION:

Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts 
for replacement.

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.

6-57

Tire Chains

NOTICE:

If your vehicle has P235/55R17 size tires, don’t
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because there’s not enough clearance.

Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.

NOTICE: (Continued)

NOTICE: (Continued)

If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.

If you have other tires, 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.

6-58

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.

6-59

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.
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.