Oldsmobile GM DELTA 88 1974 User manual

. ~
OLDSMOBILE
• DELTA 88
• DELTA 88 ROYALE
• CUSTOM CRUISER
• NINETY EIGHT
~
Owner's Manual
Important Operating, Safety and Maintenance Instructions
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OLDSMOBILE
SERVICE
FOR CONTINUING SATISFACTION,
KEEP YOUR GM CAR ALL GM.
GENERAL MOTORS PARTS ARE
IDENTIFIED BY ONE OF THESE
TRADEMARKS:
A WORD TO OLDSMOBILE OWNERS
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance
of your 1974 Oldsmobile, and to provide important safety information. It is
supplemented by three convenient folders which provide additional information on
vehicle maintenance, emission control, and warranties. We urge you to read these
publications carefully and follow the recommendations to help assure the most
enjoyable and trouble free operation of your vehicle.
When it comes to service, remember that your Oldsmobile Dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. Return to him for Guardian
Maintenance Service
and any other assistance you may require.
To assist dealers in handling your needs, Oldsmobile maintains a number of Zone
Offices
throughout the country. Should you have a problem that cannot be handled
through normal channels, follow the procedure presented in Section Six of this
manual under the heading "Owner Assistance",
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing an Oldsmobile
product - and assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring pleasure and
satisfacti on.
OLDSMOBILE DIVISION
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1974 OLDSMOBILE OWNER'S MANUAL
All information, illustrations and specifications
contained
in this manual are based on the latest
product information available at the time of
publication. The right is reserved to make changes at
any time without notice.
For vehicles sold in Canada,
substitute the
name General Motors of Canada, Limited,
wherever
the name Oldsmobile Division
appears in this manual.
Applicable
to CALIFORNIA Sales Only-This vehicle
as delivered
by GM Oldsmobile Division is equipped
with a bUmper energy absorption system meeting
California S.B. 42 (1971) as set forth in Sec 34715
Vehicle Code.
OLDSMOBILE DIVISION
General Motors Corporation
Lansing, Michigan 48921
~ General Motors Corporation 1973
Section CONTENTS
1. BEFORE ORIVING YOUR OLDSMOBILE . \; '0' •••••
2. STARTING AND OPERATING ............... .
• STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS ...... . .... .
• FLOOR CONTROLS .................. ' ... .
• INSTRUMENT PANEL ................... .
• OTHER CONTROLS A~O fEATURES . . ...... .
• CONVERTIBLE FEATURES . ....... Ie •...•.
• STATION WAGON " FEATURES ............. .
3. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY .... c ••••••••••••••
4. APPEARANCE CARE ........... :' .......... .
5. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE .............. .
6. SPECIFICATIONS, OWNER ASSISTANCE & INDEX .
, 7. GAS STATION INFORMATION ............. .
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BEFORE DRIVING YOUR OLDSMOBILE
DRIVER CHECK LIST
BEFORE ENTERING CAR:
1. See
that windows, mirrors and lights are
clean.
2. Visually note inflation condition of
tires.
3. Check that area to rear is clear if about
to back up.
BEFORE DRIVING OFF:
1. Lock all doors.
2. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
3. Adjust inside
and outside mirrors.
4. Fasten seat belts.
5. Check that warning bulbs light when
key is turned to ON or START
position.
6. Release parking brake and see that
brake warning light turns off.
7. Be sure you understand your car and
how
to operate it safely.
KEYS
Two separate keys are provided for your
car. Each key has a different cross section
so
that it can be inserted only in certain
locks.
•
Key with square head (stamped
"J"}-for ignition switch only.
• Key with oval head (stamped
"K")-for
door locks, glove box, console
compartment, and station wagon
tailgate.
IGNITION
SWITCH
ONLY
DOORS & ALL
OTHER LOCKS
The code number of each key is stamped-
on the "knock out" plug in the key head.'
Your Oldsmobile dealer removed these
plugs and placed them with the spare set of
keys
that were given to you at time of
delivery. For your protection:
• Record the numbers and discard the key
plugs.
• Keep
the key numbers in a safe place
such as your wallet, NOT IN THE CAR .
In the event the original keys are lost,
duplicates can
be made by your dealer or a
locksmith using the key code information.
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Be sure to lock the glove box compartment
and remove the key from the car whenever
it
is necessary to leave the ignition key
with an
attendant.
DOOR LOCKS
Front and rear doors can be locked from
the inside by depressing the passenger
guard
door lock button located on the
upper door panel. All doors can be locked
from the outside by simply depressing the
interior door lock button and closing the
door. The front doors can also be locked
by using the square headed key.
POWER
DOOR
LOCKS
The power-operated door-lock system
(optional equipment) makes it possible to
lock and unlock all doors simultaneously.
The switch buttons that operate the Power
Door Locks, are located on
both front
door panels or on the door arm rests. The
automatic locking mechanism does not, at
any time, interfer with manual operation
of any door lock button. The doors wi II
not unlock or open with the inside door
handle when the lock button is depressed,
but can be unlocked individually by lifting
the lock button. An optional device to
automatically unlock the front seat backs
when a
door is opened, is available on
Ninety-Eight coupes with power door
locks.
REMINDER: Always lock the doors when
driving for greater security in the event of an
accident,
to help keep children from opening
the doors,
and for greater security against
entry by unwelcome persons while
momentarily stopped.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT
The trunk compartment (all models except
Custom Cruiser) may be opened with the
oval-end key and by lifting up on the
counter-balanced trunk lid. To close, the
lid must be shut firmly to engage the lock.
The spare wheel and wheel changing tools
are located in the trunk.
MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT
The front seat should be positioned to
provide the driver access to the foot pedals,
steering wheel, instrument panel switches
and for
the best driving visibility.
• Adjust
the seat by releasing the seat lock
mechanism lever located at the lower
side of the seat.
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• Once released, exert slight body pressure
to move the seat forward or rearward.
• Release the lever to lock seat in desired
position.
• Test seat to make certain it is securely
locked.
CAUTION: Do not adjust a manually
operated driver's seat while the car is
moving - the seat could move
unexpectedly, causing loss of control of
the vehicle.
POWER OPERATED SEATS
TWO-WAY CONTROL-(Standard on
certain Ninety-Eight models
and optional
on others) -- To operate, simply move the
switch lever (located on the driver's seat
side cushion panel)
in the direction of
desired travel.
1. The front control provides up and down
movement
at the front of the seat.
2.
The center control provides forward
and backward and
up and down
movement of
the entire front seat
assembly.
3. The rear control provides up and down
S I X - WAY CON T R 0 L - The movement at the back of the seat.
electrically-operated six-way front seat is
available as optional equipment. The
switch control
is located on the driver's
seat left side panel.
On certain models
when combined with the power window
option, it is on the door arm rest panel on
the driver's side. The seat can be moved
forward, rearward, upward downward
or
tilted by means of the seat control switch
as follows:
MANUAL WINDOW CONTROL
Rotate manual window control clockwise
to raise right window(s) and
counterclockwise to raise left window(s).
Reverse direction of
the window control to
lower windows.
POWER
WINDOW
CONTROLS
With this optional power operated window
system, all vertically moving windows
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(except the Station Wagon tailgate
window) are controlled
by the power
window control switches located on
the
left front door. Individual switches are
provided
under each window for passenger
use.
All of these switches have an ignition
interlock so
that windows cannot be
operated unless
the ignition switch is in the
"ON" position.
DOOR CONTROLS
1. Door Latch Handle
2. Power Door Lock Switch
3. Power Window Controls
4. Remote Control, Outside Mirror
5. Power
Seat Controls
FRONT
SEAT-BACK
LATCH
Folding front seat-backs are equipped with
self-latching mechanisms and release
controls designed for
the convenience of
entering and exiting passengers. The
seat-back latch keeps
the seat-back locked
in place while in the up position.
The latch release lever for
the deluxe and
custom bench seat
is located on the upper
outboard section of the backrest. Rotate
the lever to release and tilt the backrest
forward.
Keep seat belts
and buckles clear of
mechanism when tilting folding seats
forward or backwards,
to prevent damage
to these belt restraints.
REARVIEW MIRRORS
INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR -
• Switch mirror to night position to
reduce glare from following headlights.
For best resu Its, lever shou
Id be to the
right for day position, left for night
position.
To raise or lower,
to achieve the desired
field of view, grasp mirror and
exert
DAY-NIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
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sufficient pressure by pushing or pu liing
up, down or sideways.
OUTSIDE MIRROR-Adjust for most
effective view
to rear in lane to your left.
REMOTE OUTSIDE MIRROR-The
remote control lever for this optional
mirror
is located at the upper front edge of
the left
front door on some models or in
the arm rest control center on the driver's
door.
To adjust the position of the mirror,
simply move
the lever in the direction
des.ired.
REMINDER: Avoid hanging objects on the
right
hand coat hook in such a way that you
block the driver's vision to the right rear
quarter.
HEAD RESTRAINTS
Head restraints are designed to help reduce
injuries due
to "whiplash".
• Select one of
the two positions - up or
down -which places the top of the
head restraint closest to the top of your
ears.
• Do not use head restraint above the up
detent position.
• Head restraint can be raised by pulling
up until you feel it click into the detent
position.
• To lower, release latch at base of
supporting rod and push
down on
restraint.
• Do not operate vehicle with head
restraints removed, since occupants lose
the protection they provide.
REAR SEAT fILLER PANEL
CAUTION: The filler panel between
the rear seat and the rear window
should not be used for storage - even of
light weight, small articles. They might
become dangerous projectiles during an
accident. Large items may also reduce
vision to the rear. .
SUN VISOR ADJUSTMENT
The force required to rotate the visor up
and down
may be adjusted by tightening or
loosening the screw indicated in the
illustration. The visors may be removed
from
the center mounting and swung
toward
the door windows to prevent glare
from
the sides.
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AIR CUSHION RESTRAINT SYSTEM
If your vehicle is equipped with the
optional Air Cushion Restraint System
consult the Supplement to the 1974
Oldsmobile Owner's Manual for
information on ACRS function, operation
of the readiness indicator light, and
maintenance requirements.
Use of rear seat lap, or optional shoulder
belts, or optional front lap belts is covered
in this manual, on the pages that follow.
SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a belt system,
starter interlock, and a light/electronic
tone alarm reminder system which is
designed to prevent starting the car until
outboard front seat occupants are buckled
in.
NOTE: 1974 model General Motors
passenger cars
sold in CANADA have a
light-buzzer reminder system which reminds
occupants when the driver's
and any front
passenger's seat belts are
not fastened.
Operation of this "SEAT BEL T
BUZZER/LIGHT REMINDER" is explained
under that heading in this manual. However,
these cars do
NOT have a seat belt starter
interlock system -a system which prevents
starting the car until the driver
and the right
front passengerare
buckled up. Therefore, the
information
about the seat belt starter
interlock
system under the heading "TO
START CAR" in this manual does not apply,
nor do any other references in this manual to
the seat belt starter interlock system apply to
this
new car sold in Canada.
TO START CAR:
• Seat belts
must be properly buckled
a
ro und each outboard front seat
occupant after getting in the car before
the starter will operate.
• The reminder tone alarm and light are
designed
to go on if seat belts are
unbuckled
at occupied front seats while
the vehicle is underway (the engine will
continue to run).
• The engine may be restarted after a stall
without interlock interference if the
driver remains seated.
BELT BUCKLE
I
RELEASE
BUTTON
LATCH PLATE LAP BELT
IF STARTER WILL NOT OPERATE:
• Remove any objects from occupied
front seats.
• Re-buckle front seat belts.
NOTE: Front seating positions contain a
weight detector which is designed to activate
the starter interlock
or the tone alarm and
light reminder whenever a nominal weight is
placed on the seat
and belts are not buckled.
The weight detector cannot distinguish
between a passenger
and any object on the
seat, therefore, such items should
be stowed
elsewhere in the vehicle. It is necessary that
the weight detectors be activated at all times.
This requires a small
but continuous current
from the
battery which under normal
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circumstances will not result in a discharged
battery . However, leaving an object on the
front $e/lt or leaving the front seat belts
fastened while
the car is parked creates a
heavier current drain which
could result in a
discharged battery
after a period of time,
which will vary depending on battery
and
we{Jther conditions.
IF STARTER STI LL WILL NOT
OPERATE:
•
Set parking brake firmly, move
transmission lever
to "Park".
• Turn ignition key to "ON".
• Open hood and press button on the
manual override relay labeled "START",
mounted on bright orange support . at
rear of engine compartment on driver's
side -see illustration. .
• Close
hood, enter car, fasten seat belt,
and follow normal starting procedures.
NOTE: The reminder tone alarm and light
are also designed
to come on if a malfunction
develops in the starter interlock system.
If the
car will
not start and the tone alarm/light
reminder
did not come on, the trouble is not
likely to be due to the starter interlock
system_ If the starter will crank, this indicates
theinterlock is not causing interference.
FRONT SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELT
COMBINATION
• Adjust
front seat to satisfaction of driver
and sit erect and well back in seat.
• In a single motion, pull the lap-shoulder
belt webbing across lap far enough
to
permit inserting metal latch plate end of
belt into the buckle, until a snap is
heard. If webbing is not pulled out far
enough
to reach buckle, let lap belt
rewind into its
retractor to release lock
mechanism, so belt can be pulled
out to
the proper length.
• Position "lap" portion of belt across lap
as
LOW ON HIPS as possible. To reduce
the risk of sliding under belt during an
accident, adjust
to a SNUG FIT by
pulling belt firmly across lap in direction
of lap belt retractor so it can
take up
slack. The belt retractors are designed to
automatically take up excess webbing
and maintain tension on
the belt.
CAUTION: A snug fit and a low lap
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belt position are essential to lessen the
chance of injury in the event of an
accident because this spreads the force
exerted by the lap belt in a collision
over the strong hip bone structure
rather than across the soft abdominal
area. To lessen the chance of injury in
the event of an accident never use the
same belt for more than one person at a
time; avoid wearing belts in a twisted
condition; and do not allow belts or
hardware to become pinched between
the seat structural (metallic) members
or in the door.
Seat belt buckles are located close to the
seat to provide shoulder belt attaching
points
that reduce the tendency of
shoulder belts
to pull the lap belt upward
into
the soft abdominal area in the event of
frontal impact.
• The front seat shouIder belts in this
vehicle are equipped with a "vehicle
sensitive retractor" which is designed to
grip the belt only during a sudden stop
or impact. At other times it is designed
to move freely with the occupant,
regardless of
occupant movement.
• After buckling, any excess slack in
shoulder belt should be removed
by
pushing belt toward guide loop on head
restraint.
• A comfort clip is provided to reduce
possible discomfort caused
by the
tension of the shoulder belt. To adjust,
pull on the shoulder belt to provide the
desired amount of slack, then push the
comfort clip on the shouIder belt snugly
against
the guide loop. HOWEVER, the
clip should not be adjusted so it provides
more than four inches slack (width of a
fist) between
the shoulder belt and your
chest; excessive clearance would reduce
restraint system effectiveness.
• To unfasten belts, depress push button
in center of .buckle.
• When no longer in use, front seat
lap-shoulder belts can be stowed
b.y
allowing them to rewind into their
retractors. The
comfort clip can be
adjusted when removing belts, so
shou.lder belt slack will be fully
taken up
by retractor.
NOTE: Take care not to let the "lap"
portion of the belt twist while it is being
rewound into the retractor. The bulk of the
twisted
belt may cause the retractor to jam so
it will not rewind further, while at the same
time the retractor locking mechanism may
prevent the belt from being withdrawn. To
relea:;e a jammed belt, open the cover on the
rear
of the retractor and rotate the key slot
while pulling the . belt upward (see
illustration). This should allow the
belt to be
untwisted.
If for some reason the lap belt
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SHOULDER BELT
LAP BELT
portion remains jammed, or other parts of the
restraint system do not operate properly, take
the vehicle
to your dealer for service.
SEAT BE LT TONE-ALARM/LIGHT
REMINDER
• The
front seat belts are linked to a
tone-alarm and light which remind
occupants to fasten their belts.
• The tone-alarm and light are designed
to
come on when any outboard front seat
occupant's belt is not fastened, while
attempting to start the engine; or if any
front seat belt is unfastened while
driving in any forward gear.
• The reminders do not come on when the
engine is running and a front belt is
unbuckled if the transmission is in Park
or neutral.
If seat belt system, starter interlock
system, or reminder system does not work
as described, see your dealer for
information and assistance.
LAP BELTS (For Rear
Seat and Center
Front Seat Passengers)
• Seating positions next to side windows
except station wagon third seats have
retractors which are designed to
automatically take up excess webbing
and maintain tension
on the lap belt.
These belts should be positioned and
secured
as described above under
"Lap-Shoulder Belt Combination".
Retractors are available as an option on
station wagon third seats.
• Lap belts at center seating positions and
third seats also should be positioned and
secured as described above,
and adjusted
to a SNUG FIT by pulling on the end of
the belt extending from the adjustable
latch plate.
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• To lengthen lap belt at center seating
positions and station wagon third seats
place adjustable latch plate
at right
angles
to the belt webbing and pull on
latch plate; belt should
then slide easily
through the adjustment feature.
OPTIONAL SHOULDER BELTS (Rear
Seat Outboard Passengers And Front Seat
on Convertibh!s)
• When properly worn
with a lap belt, a
shoulder belt can provide
important
additional protection against impact
with
the car interior by restraining
forward
motion of the upper torso in a
collision. This is particularly true in the
case of a frontal impact, which is the
most frequent type of accident.
CAUTION: Do not wear shoulder belt
under the arm or without lap belt. Such
improper use could increase the chance
of injury and the severity of injury in
the event of an accident.
• To fasten the detachable shoulder belt,
unstow it and place the knob on the
shouIder belt end into the keyhole on
the lap belt latch plate. The latch is
designed so that this attachment can
only be completed before fastening the
lap belt. Tilt the knob as necessary, to
pass it through the slot. Pull the knob
firmly upward to seat it at the narrow
end of the keyhole, then fasten the lap
belt. Reverse this procedure when
removing
and restowing the shouIder
belt.
• The detachable shoulder belts are
lengthened and shortened
in the same
manner as center seat lap belts.
• Detachable shoulder belts may be
shortened by pulling on the end of the
belt extending from the adjustable latch
plate.
• To lengthen a detachable shoulder belt,
place adjustable latch plate at right
angles
to the belt webbing and pull on
latch plate; belt should
then slide easily
through the adjustment feature.
• The detachable shoulder belt should
have sufficient slack
to insert a fist's
width between your chest
and the belt.
This can be checked
by insertir.g a
clenched fist between
the belt and your
chest with thumb against chest and back
of hand facing upward.
• When not in use, the detachable
shoulder belt should be stowed
by
leaving it attached to the lap belt and
allowing
the lap belt to rewind into its
retractor. Take up remaining slack using
the shoulder belt adjustment feature.
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SEAT BELT INSPECTION AND CARE
• Periodically inspect belts, buckles,
retractors, interlock and reminder
systems, guide loops, clips, and anchors
for damage that could lessen the
effectiveness of the restraint system.
• Keep sharp edges and damaging objects
away from belts.
• Replace belts if cut, weakened, frayed,
or subjected to coliision loads.
• Check that anchor mounting bolts are
tight.
• Have questionable parts replaced.
• Keep seat belts clean and dry.
• Clean only with mild soap solution and
lukewarm water.
• Do not bleach or dye belts since this
may severely weaken belts.
CHILD RESTRAINT
Children in automobiles should be
restrained
to lessen the risk of injury in
accidents, sudden stops or
other hazardous
situations. GeneraI Motors dealers offer
restraint systems designed specifically for
use with infants and
with small children.
The
GM "Infant Love Seat" is designed for
babies up to 20 pounds. The GM "Child
Love Seat" is designed for children
weighing 20
to 40 pounds, up to 3 feet-4
inches
in height, who are able to sit up
alone.
In using any infant or child restraint
system, read and comply with all
installation and usage instructions. All
unused seat belts near the child should be
stowed properly
to help prevent them from
striking him
in the event of an accident.
If a child is traveling in a vehicle not
equipped with a General Motors infant
restraint
or other safe infant or child
restraint system,
the following precautions
should be
taken:
(1) Infants unable to sit up by themselves
should be restrained
by placing them
in a covered, padded bassinet which is
p I aced crossways in the vehicle
(widthwise)
on the rear seat. The
bassinet should be securely restrained
with
the regular vehicle seat belts. An
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alternate method is to position the
bassinet so that it rests against the
back of the front seat, again crossways
in the vehicle.
(2) Children able
to sit up by themselves
should be placed on a seat and
restrained with a seat belt. When
children ride
in the front seat, both lap
and shoulder belt should be worn.
If
the shoulder belt causes neck or face
irritation due
to the child's size, this
may be reduced in some cases
by
positioning the child further inboard.
If serious discomfort continues, the
child should be lap belted in the rear
seat. Never allow a child
to stand or
kneel on any seat.
(3) General Motors recommends
that
children be restrained properly when
riding. However,
if unusual conditions
prohibit use of restraints and require
that a child must stand, he should
stand on the floor directly behind the
front seat. This will help minimize the
possibility of injury from a frontal
impact in
the event of an accident.
TRAILER HAULING
Since passenger cars are designed and
intended to be used primarily as passenger
conveyances, towing a trailer will
affect
handling, durability and economy.
Maximum safety and satisfaction depends
upon proper use
of correct equipment and
avoiding overloads
and other abusive
operation. The maximum loaded trailer
weight which you can pull
with your
Oldsmobile depends on what special
equipment has been installed on your car.
Oldsmobile does not recommend towing
any trailer unless
the car is properly
equipped. Information on trailer hauling
capabilities, special
equipment required,
and optional equipment offered by
Oldsmobile is available from your
Oldsmobile Dealer or by writing to
Oldsmobile Division, Customer Service
Dept., Lansing, Michigan 48921 (or in
Canada, by writing to General Motors of
Canada Limited, Owner Relations Dept.,
Oshawa, Ontario).
To assist in attaining good handling of the
car-trailer combination, it is important that
the trailer tongue load be maintained at
approximately 10% of the loaded trailer
weight. Tongue loads can be adjusted by
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proper distribution of the load in the
trailer, and can be checked by weighing
separately the loaded trailer and then the
tongue.
When
towing trailers, tires should be
inflated to the highest inflation pressures
shown on the placard
affixed to the inside
of the glove box door. The allowable
passenger and cargo load, also shown on
the
same placard, is reduced by an amount
equal to the trailer tongue load on the
trailer hitch.
MAINTENANCE-More frequent vehicle
maintenance is required when using your
car to pull a trailer. Change the:
• Automatic transmission fluid and
strainer
each 12,000 miles,
• Rear axle fluid each 12,000 miles,
• Engine oil
each 60 days or 3,000 miles,
whichever occurs first,
• Positive crankcase ventilation valve each
12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever
occurs first.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE-During the 500
mile break-in period,
it is recommended
that your new Oldsmobile not be used for
trailer towing. If it is necessary to tow
during this period, avoid speeds over 50
MPH and full throttle starts. The same
precautions should be observed whenever a
new engine, transmission
or axle is installed
in your car.
CAUTIONS:
(1) A frame mounted load distributing
hitch with sway control of sufficient
capacity is required for trailers over
2,000 Ibs_ loaded weight.
(2) Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
They can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
(3) Trailer brakes are required on
trailers over 1,000 Ibs. loaded weight.
(4) Do not tap into the car's hydrau lie
brake system if operation of the trailer
brake system requires more than 0.02
cubic inch of fluid displacement from
the car's master cylinder. The car's
master cylinder flu id capacity will not
be sufficient to operate both car and
trailer brakes under all conditions of use
if more than 0.02 cubic inch of fluid
displacement is required.
(5) Whenever a trailer hitch is removed,
be certain to have any mounting holes
in the underbody properly sealed to
prevent possible entry of exhaust fumes,
dirt or water (See Engine Exhaust Gas
Caution).
NEW CAR OPERATING SPEED
Driving speeds for your new Oldsmobile
should
be limited to a maximum of 50
miles per hour for the first 100 miles and
65 miles per hour
for the next 400 miles
with no heavy throttle accelerations. If
most of your driving is of the around-town
)
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variety, which is considered "severe
service" especially
in cold weather, be sure
to include some 25 to 50 mile highway
trips during the break-in period and vary
the car's speed.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Your Oldsmobile is designed to operate on
fuel of approximately 91 research octane
number or higher, sold in the United States
and Canada. If you plan to operate your
Oldsmobile outside the continental limits
of the United States or Canada, there is a
possibility that the best fuels available are
so low
in anti-knock quality that excessive
knocking and serious engine damage may
result from their use. To obtain
information on the quality of fuels
available
in the countries in which you plan
to travel, write to Oldsmobile Division,
Customer Service Department, Lansing,
Michigan,
48921, (or in Canada write to
General Motors of Canada Limited, Owner
Relations Department, Oshawa, Ontario),
giving:
• The vehicle identification number (on
plate on instrument panel ahead of the
steering wheel and visible through the
windshield, or from registration slip or
title).
• The country or countries in which you
plan to travel.
It is recommended that you not operate
your Oldsmobile inany country not having
fuels meeting the r~quirements of your
Oldsmobile engine. Engine modifications
are
not available to compensate for low
anti-knock
quality fuels. Operation of your
car under conditions of continuous or
excessive knocking constitutes misuse of
the engine and may cause engine damage
for which Oldsmobile Division is not
responsible under the terms of the
Oldsmobile New Vehicle Warranty.
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16
STARTING AND OPERATING
Section
Page
A - Steering Column Controls ..•.... 17
B - Floor Controls
............... 22
C - I nstrument Panel ............. 25
o - Other Controls & Features ....... 40
E - Convertible Features ..•........ 42
F - Station Wagon Features ......... 43
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION
(CARBON MONOXIDE)
Avoid inhaling exhaust gases because they
contain carbon monoxide, which by itself
is colorless and odorless. Carbon monoxide
is a dangerous gas that can cause
unconsciousness and
is potentially lethal.
If at any time you suspect that exhaust
fumes are entering the passenger
compartment, have the cause determined
and corrected as soon as possible.
If you
must drive under these conditions, drive
only with all windows fully open.
The best protection against carbon
monoxide
entry into the car body is a
properly maintained engine exhaust
system, car body and body ventilation
system. It
is recommended that the
exhaust system and body be inspected by a
competent mechanic:
• Each time the vehicle is raised for oil
change.
• Whenever a change is noticed in the
sound of the exhaust system.
• Whenever the exhaust system,
underbody or rear of the vehicle is
damaged.
See your Maintenance Schedu Ie folder for
inspection procedure.
To allow proper operation of the car's
ventilation system, keep
front ventilation
inlet grille clear
of snow, leaves or other
obstruction at all times.
SITTING IN A PARKED
ENGINE RUNNING
EXTENDED PERIOD
RECOMMENDED.
CAR WITH
FOR AN
IS NOT
Do not run engine in confined areas such as
garages any more
than needed to move
vehicle
in or out of area. When vehicle is
stopped in an UNCONFINED area with the
engine running for any more than a short
period, adjust heating or cooling system to
force outside air into car as follows:
1. On cars not equipped with air
conditioning, set fan
to medium or high
speed and upper control lever
to any
position
except OFF.
2. On cars equipped with air conditioning,
set fan
to medium or high speed, upper
control lever to any position except
OFF, and lower control lever to any
position
except extreme left COLD.
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The trunk lid should be closed while
driving to help prevent inadvertently
drawing exhaust gases into the car. It is
unwise to drive at high speeds for long
durations with the trunk lid open.
However,
if for some reason the trunk
must remain open for a period while
moving, or electrical wiring or other cable
connections to a trailer must pass through
the seal between
trunk lid and body, the
following precautions should be observed:
• Close all windows.
• Adjust heating or cooling system to
force outside air into car as described in
items 1, 2 and 3 above but with fan set
at high speed.
• On cars equipped with outside air vents
in or under instrument panel, open vents
fully.
A-Steering Column Controls
A - Cruise Control Engage Button
B - Turn Signal Lever
C - Tilt-Away Steering Wheel Lever
D - Ignition Switch
E - Horn Blower Pad
F - Hazard Warning Flasher Button
G - Transmission Selector Lever
ANTI· THEFT STEERING COLUMN LOCK
Th, "Mh,ft lo'k, lo"" .. d on th' dght It
side of the steering column, has five
positions:
• Accessory-Permits operation of
electrical accessories, except power
windows, when
the engine is not
running. To engage, push key in and
turn toward you (counterclockwise).
• Lock-Normal parking position. Locks
ignition and provides added
theft
protection by preventing normal
operation of steering wheel and shift
controls. Key cannot be returned to
"lock" position and removed until
transmission is placed in "park".
• Off-Permits turning engine off without
locking steering wheel and shift controls.
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18
• Run-Normal operating position.
• Start-Permits engagement of starter.
NOTE : The anti-theft steering column lock is
not a substitute for the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake when leaving the car
unattended.
If difficulty is experienced in turning the
ignition key and lock knob to unlock the
ignition, attempt to turn the steering wheel
as hard as possible in the direction the
wheels are turned. At the same time turn
the ignition-lock knob in a clockwise
direction with
as much effort as you can
apply with your own hand. Do not attempt
to use a tool of any kind to apply
additional force on
the lock knob, as this
could break the knob.
PARKING
When leaving your car unattended,
• Set Parking brake.
• Place automatic transmission selector in
Park.
• Turn key to LOCK position.
• Remove key (the tone alarm wi ll remind
you).
• Lock all doors.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE: This car is equipped with a safety
belt starter interlock system. Outboard front
seats must have seat belts fastened before
engine can be started . (Refer to the seat belt
restraint system procedure as outlined in the
first section of this manual.)
1. Apply the foot brake_
2. Place transmission selector in "P" or
"N" ("P" preferred). - A starter safety
switch prevents starter operation while
the transmission selector is in any drive ·
position. (If it is necessary to re-start
the engine with the car moving, place
the selector lever in "N".)
3. Depress accelerator pedal and activate
starter as outlined below for different
conditions.
• Cold Engine-Fully depress accelerator
pedal
and slowly release. With foot off
the pedal, crank the engine by turning
the ignition key to the Start position -
release when engine starts.
If engine starts, but fails to run, repeat this
procedure. When engine is running
smoothly (approximately 30 seconds). the
idle speed may be reduced by slightly
depressing the accelerator pedal and then
slowly releasing.
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