Oldsmobile VISTA-CRUISER 1970 User manual

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Important Operating, Safety and Maintenance Instructions
VISTA-CRUISER ·
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE OLDSMOBILE OWNER
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your 1970 Oldsmobile. We urge you
to read it carefully and follow the recommendations contained to help assure the most enjoyable and trouble-free operation
of your vehicle. Listed below ar e subjects that deserve your sp ecial attention .
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL - A special colored supplement describes the operation and maintenance
of the air pollution control systems on your car.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX - A complete index will be found in the back of the manual to assist you in
locating specific information ~ : m your vehicle.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR VEHICLE OWNERSHIP - U.S . Fed eral Law requires the manufacturer
to contact vehicle owners of record in the event a product safety defect is discovered. Your Oldsmobile
De aler should be notified if you change your address or purchased this car used.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE -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 through-
out the country. Should you have a problem that cannot be handled through normal channels, follow the
procedure contained in the section entitled "Owner Relations".
MAINTAINING SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY - A special colored supplement contains recommen-
dations to help you maintain the safety and dependability originally built into your Oldsmobil e.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT -Only you can assure that the investment in your Oldsmobile is
adequately protected. Regular and proper service
as outlined in the manual will help you get the utmost
in satisfaction and extended service from your car.
WARRANTY -When pur('hased new, your Oldsmobile is covered by the Oldsmobile New Vehicle War-
ranty and the Policy on Oldsmobile Owner Service. Complete details will be found in tbe Oldsmobile
New Vehicle Warranty and Owner Protection Plan folder which was given to you by your Oldsmobile
Dealer at the time of new car delivery.
1
See Insert "B"
See Page 54
See Your Dealer
See Page 56
See Insert "A"
See
Page 35
See Your
Warranty Folder
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Safety on the Road
depends on ...
1. You, the Driver
2. The Condition of Your Vehicle
3. Traffic and Highway Conditions
• •• BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL THREEI
REMEMBER: Proper operation, periodic
maintenance and safety inspections help
provide • ••
• Economical Operation of Your Vellicle
•
Safety for You and Your Passengers
•
Dependable Transportation
Observe All TraHlc Laws-
Make Safe Driving a Habit
2
• WHEN PARKED-Don't invite theft by leaving your car
unlocked or leaving valuable articles in view. Never leave
children unattended in the automobile where they could
accidentally release the brake or activate other controls.
• IN TRAFFIC-Study and understand surrounding traffic
conditions before slowing. passing, turning or lane-changing,
so you won't run into the unexpected. Maintain proper
spacing, and check rearward conditions too.
When the light
turns green, make sure cross-wise traffic
has stopped before starting up.
Anticipate your next move and signal your intention at
a reasonable time to the drivers around you.
• DRIVING AT NIGHT-Remember to remove sun glasses
at dusk and at other times when the lighting is poor.
Be especially alert for pedestrians and unlighted vehicles
at dusk and after dark.
Use ~ 'low beam" when approaching or following other cars,
and look slightly to the right of oncoming lights.
Even properly aimed headlamps may cause annoying glare
if the car is heavily loaded in the trunk. Distribute the load
in your car as evenly as possible to avoid blinding other
drivers.
Turn on your headlamps at early dusk, and during bad
weather, to help other drivers see your car.
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• INCLEMENT WEATHER -Proceed cautiously in inel&-
ment weather, until you are sure it is safe to drive faster.
Be prepared for sudden crosswinds when crossing bridges
or viaducts.
Remember that some wet pavement is as treacherous as ice,
and bridges and viaducts can
be slipperier.
• BAD ROADS -Remember, dust obscures vehicles and ob-
stacles as completely as fog; drive cautiously in dust-clouded
areas.
Avoid striking sharp rocks and pot-holes to avoid unneces-
sary (and often hidden) tire damage_
Remember to clean off headlamps, tail lamps and side mark-
ers after driving on wet, dusty, or muddy roads.
• WINTER DRIVING -Drive extra cautiously when winter
comes, until you adjust to winter driving conditions.
Remember side streets may
be slippery for days after main
streets have been cleared, and drive accordingly.
In heavy snow or on icy roads, drive more cautiously,
allow more room to stop, and use the brakes conservatively,
and reduce the possibility of skids by using chains or special
tires.
To get moving in snow, press very lightly on the acceler-
ator pedal. increase pressure very slowly. and don't spin
the wheels. If the wheels spin, they will turn the snow to
slick ice or dig your wheels in deeper. Sand, rock salt,
Liquid Tire Chain. or a piece of carpeting under the drive
wheels can help if you do not get begged down.
3
Remember that wet ice - at about 32°F - is extremely
slippery; drive very cautiously_
• EXTENDED TRIPS -Before and regularly during the trip,
check tire pressure, windshield washer
and other fluid levels,
and have necessary maintenance performed on a regular
basis.
When driving along unfamiliar routes, it is safer ·to drive
during daylight hours, and it is wise to obtain up-to-<late
maps and route information beforehand.
Remember that a high percentage of rural accidents involve
head-on collisions and drive accordingly_
Budget your driving over the length of your
trip_ Share
the driving or take rest breaks.
When driving alone for a long period, counteract monotony
by changing radio stations, changing heater settings, open-
ing windows, etc. If fatigue sets in, pull off the road for
a short nap, or at least a rest.
• ALWAYS be prepared for stopped or slow moving vehicles
ahead_
Maintain an adequate distance between your car and the
car ahead, to reduce the chances of rear-end collisions.
If you smell, or otherwise suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the passenger compartment, drive only with all
windows
and vents fully open, and then only until the cause
can
be detennined and corrected.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
A
Word
About
Your
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. The key with the square head and
the letter "]" stamped on it operates the
ignition switch, door locks and the tail-
gate. The key with the oval head and
the leller "K" is used for the concealed
luggage compartment and glove box door
locks. These compartments should be
locked and the key removed from the car
should it be necessary to leave the ignition
key with an attendant.
The code number of each key is stamped
on a ''knock-out'' plug in the key head.
Your Oldsmobile dealer removed the key
plugs and placed them with the spare set
of keys in the special key envelope that
was given to you at time of delivery.
Record the numbers on the key envelope
and discard the key plugs. Keep the key
envelope in a safe place such as your wal-
let, NOT IN THE CAR, so that you can
have duplicate keys made in the event
the original keys are lost.
Door Locks
Front and rear side doors can be locked
from the inside by depressing
the passen-
ger guard door lock buttons located on the
upper door panel.
All doors can be locked
from the outside
by first depressing the
door lock button and depressing
the out-
side door handle plunger while closing the
door. Once closed, release the plunger
and the door is locked.
The front doors can also be locked, in the
usual manner, by using the square headed
4
key. All models have, as a standard safety
feature, overriding door locks. When the
doors are locked,
the door latch mechan-
ism is inoperative, preventing inadvertent
opening of the door by movement of the
inside handle.
CAUTION: Always lock the doors
when driving for greater security in the
event
of an accident and for secmity
against wtauthorized entries. Avoid
pushing on the door glass when open-
ing or closing the doors -instead, use
the handles,
Anti-Theft Steering
Column Lock
The anti-theft lock, located on the right
side of the steering column, has five posi-
tions. Starting from the full counterclock-
wise position (the position nearest you)
they are, accessory, lock, off,
on and start.
To provide added theft protection for your
car, the system is designed to prevent nor-
mal operation of the steering and shift
controls when the ignition switch is in the
"lock" position. The transmission selector
lever must be in "
park" on automatic
transmission models,
or reverse on manual
transmission models, before the key can
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be turn ed to the "lock" position. The igni-
tion switch "accessory" positi
on permits
opera ti on of electrical accessories when the
engine is not running. It can be engaged
only by pushing in
on the ignition key and
turning the key toward you (counterclock-
wise).
The "off' position is provided so
that the ignition can be turned off with-
out locking the steering column
or trans-
miss i o~ selector lever. The key can be
withdrawn only when the switch is in the
"lock" position.
NOTE:
The Anti-Theft Steering Column
Lock
is not intended as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always set your park-
brake when leaving
the vehicle unattended
to help assure
that the vehicle will not
move.
CAUTION: In a parking situation, al-
ways let go of tbe steering wheel BE-
FORE turning the ignition key to LOCK
positioo. When parkiDg
on a bill with
wbeels turned
in to tbe curb, be sure
tbe car bas come to a complete stop
before
turning tbe key to LOCK posi-
tion. Turning tbe wbeels to
left or right
after tbe car stops "winds up" tbe steer-
ing system, wbich can resuk in a
"spring back"
of tbe steering wheel
when the lock is released. As a further
precaution, ne_ reacb through the
steering wheel to operate controls, or
for any other reason.
When leaving your car unattended:
• Set the parking brake
• Place automatic transmission selector
in Park (Reverse for manual trans-
mission)
• Turn key to LOCK position
• Remove the key
• Lock all doors
The ignition key warning buzzer warns
you if you have left
the key in the anti-
theft lock when the driver's door is opened.
Heed its warning- remove the key and
5
lock t he doors. The visible vehicle identi-
fication n
umber of the instrument panel
aids
in apprehension of thieves and recov-
ery of stolen vehicles.
He lp it work; make
sure it is
not obscured by gloves. maps
or other objects.
Starting the Engine
CAUTION: When starting the engine
with
tbe car parked, always have tbe
brake applied-use tbe foot brake on
automatic transmission cars and tbe
parkiDg brake on manual transmission
cars.
NOTE: To prolong battery life, turn off
switches for headlamps, radio. heater fan
and other unnecessary electrical loads
prior
to starting the engine in colder
weather. Leave accessories off until the
engine
is running smoothly.
Automatic Transmission Start Procedure-
Place transmission selector lever in "P" or
"N " CP" preferred). A starter s a f e t y
switch incorporated in automatic trans-
mission cars is designed
to prevent starter
operation while
the transmission selector
level is in any drive position.
If it is
necessary to re-start the engine with the
car moving, place
the selector lever in "N".
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Manual Transmission Start Procedure-
Hold clutch pedal to the lIoor throughout
the starting procedure. A starter safety
switch incorporated in manual transmis-
sion cars is designed to prevent starter
operation when the clutch is not fully de-
pressed. Select the proper gear range
before releasing the clutch pedal.
Cold Engine -Fully depress accelerator
pedal and slowly release. With foot off
the accelerator pedal crank the engine by
turning the key to the Start position and
release when engine starts.
If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat above pro-
cedure. When the engine is running
smoothly, the idle speed may be reduced
by slightly depressing
the accelerator pedal
and then slowly releasing.
Warm Engine-Depress accelerator pedal
about halfway and hold while crank in g
the engine.
Extremely Cold Weather (Below 0' F) Or
After Car Has Been Standing Idle Several
Days-Fully depress and release acceler-
ator pedal two or three tim es before
cranking the engine. With foot off the
accelerator pedal crank the engine
by turn-
ing the key to the "Start" position
and re-
lease when engine starts.
If Engine Fails to Start using the appro-
priate procedure above, first, fully depress
and release the accelerator pedal several
times. Then remove foot from the accel-
eratOr and crank the engine.
If the engine still does not start, fully de-
press the accelerator pedal and hold to
the lloor while cranking the engine.
If
th e engine has been lIooded with gaso-
line it may start to run but not have
enough power to keep running. In that
case, continue cranking with the acceler-
ator fully depressed until the engine clears
itself of excess gasoline and runs smoothly.
Exhaust Gas Warning
(Carbon Monoxide)
Avoid inhaling exhaust gases because they
contain carbon monoxide, which is a po-
tenially lethal gas that by itself is colorless
and odorless.
SITIING IN A PARKED CAR WITH
ENGINE RUNNING FOR AN EXTEND-
ED PERIOD IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
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
6
engine running for any more than a short
period, the following precaution should be
observed:
• Adjust heatiog or cooling system to
force outside air into car with blower
set at medium or high speed and con-
trols set in any pOSition except "OFF"
or "MAX."
The trunk lid should be closed while driv-
ing to prevent drawing exhaust gases into
the car. However, if for some reason the
trunk must remain open while moving, the
following precautions should be observed:
• Close all windows.
• Adjust heating or cooling system to
force outside air into car with blower
set at high speed, and controls set in
any position except "OFF" or "MAX."
• On cars equipped with outside air
vents in or under instrument panel,
open vents fully.
The best protection against carbon mon-
oxide entry into the car body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system. When-
ever a change is noticed in the sound
of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes
can be detected inside the vehicle,
or
when th e underside of the vehicle is dam-
aged, have a competent mechanic inspect
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the complete exhaust system and adjacent
body areas for broken, damaged or mis-
positioned parts, deterioration, open seams
or loose connections which could permit
exhaust fumes to seep into the
trunk or
passenger compartment. In addition, in-
speet the exhaust system each time the
vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace
or adjust as required.
Emergency Starting
If your Oldsmobile is equipped with a
manual 3- or 4-speed transmission, it can
be started in an emergency by pushing.
When being pushed to start the engine
turn ignition to "ON," depress the clutch,
place the shift lever in high gear. Release
the clutch when the car speed reaches
lO to 15 miles per hour. Bumpers and
other parts contacted by the pushing ve-
hicle should be protected from damage
during pushing. Never tow the car to start.
Engines in vehicles with automatic trans-
missions cannot be started by pushing the
car. To start the car when the Energizer
(battery) is discharged, use a single aux-
iliary battery or Energizer of the same
voltage as the discharged battery with
suitable jumper cables.
(Refer to Energizer, page 42.)
Turbo Hydra-Matic
The shift indicator is located on the instru-
ment panel just above the steering column
and the selector lever on the right side of
the steering column.
"Park" provides a positive transmission
lock to keep the car from rolling when
parking or when starting the engine. The
selector lever must be pulled toward you
before it can be moved to this position.
NEVER move the seleetor lever to the
"Park" position when the car is moving.
"R" Reverse position is for backing the car.
Bring the car to a complete stop before
moving the selector into reverse.
"N" Neutral is the out-of-gear position. It
is provided for starting a stalled engine
while the vehicle is in motion and for rUD-
ning the engine while standing with th e
brakes applied.
Do not coast in neutral.
"0" Drive Range is the driving range for
1
normal city and highway driving. This
pOSition pennits the transmission to oper-
ate through its complete range of gear
ratios and to select the proper ratio for
road and load conditions.
CAUTION: Care should
be taken to
avoid sudden accelerations when both
drive wheels of any vehicle are on a
slippery surface. This could cause both
drive wheels to spin, especially when
the car
is equipped with Anti-Spin dif-
ferential, and allow the vehicle to slide
sideways on the curved surface
of a
road or in a hun .
"S" Super Range position is used when
super performance is needed for increased
acceleration in traffic, hill climbing Or "en-
gine braking" downhill. The selector lever
may be moved from un" to "S" and vice
versa, under most operating conditions.
"Super" should not be used at speeds
above 75 mph.
CAUTION: Use caution when shifting
into lower gear ratios on slippery sur-
faces, with vehicle moving-the abrupt
braking action could cause the driving
wheels to skid.
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"L" Low position is available for heavy
pulling through
mud or sand and for
"engine braking" when descending steep
hills.
The selector lever may be moved
to
"L" position at any sped but the trans-
mission will only shift automatically into
low range when car speed
is under ap-
proximately
40 mph. The transmission
will not upshift from low range as long
as the selector lever
is in "L" position.
GOOD DRIVING PRACTICE: Before
descending a steep
or long grade, down
a mountain or hi1lside, reduce speed
and shift into a lower gear. Use tbe
brakes sparingly to prevent them from
overbeating and thus reducing brake
effectiveness.
Extra Power to Pass -
When a sudden
burst of power is desired
at speeds below
65 mQh, the transmission can be down-
shifted by depressing
the accelerator com-
pletely to
the floor. For passing at moder-
ate speeds, 30-45 miles per hour, depress-
ing the accelerator pedal only part way
down will usually provide sufficient accel-
eration.
Rocking the
Car -H it becomes necessary
to rock the car to free it from sand, mud
or snow, move the selector lever from "D"
to "R" in a repeat pattern while simulta-
neously applying moderate pressure to the
accelerator.
Do not race engine. Avoid
spinning wheels when trying to free the
car.
Three-Speed Manual
Transmission
All forward gears on the Oldsmobile 3-
speed manual transmission are fully syn-
chronized. This transmission is shifted
through the standard
"H" pattern as
shown in the illustration. Before shifting
into any gear, depress
the clutch pedal
and then shift into the desired gear. In
first and reverse gears, release the clutch
8
pedal slowly while simultaneously depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. In second and
third gears, release
the clutch a little
faster. This reduces
the wear on the
clutch and provides smoother operation.
OPERATING CAUTIONS
1. Do not "speed shift"; allow time be-
tween shifts for the transmission syn-
chronizers to coordinate.
2. Do not use second or third gear to
accelerate from a stop.
3. Always place gear selector in neutral
and set the foot brake when starting
the engine.
4. Never leave vehicle unattended with
the engine running.
5. Always set parking brake firmly before
leaving
the vehicle.
B. Do not coast in Neutral.
7. "Never ride" the clutch pedal as this
will cause excessive slippage with
resultant wear on
the clutch parts.
GOOD DRIVING PRACTICE: Do use
second
gear at slow speeds (\ess than
30 miles per bour) when driving in
"stop and go" traffic, for improved
vebicle performance during acceleration
and wben descending steep hills.
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Extended Vehicle Storage
If you plan to store your Oldsmobile over
an extended pe riod of time, certain steps
should
be taken to give it maximum pro-
t
ec tion. It is reco mmended that you write
Oldsmobile Division, Service Deparbnent,
Lansing, Michigan 48921, for detailed in-
structions on how to
prepare your Olds-
mobile for storage.
fuel Requirements
Your Vista-Cruiser is designed to operate
efficient1y
on "Regular" or "Premium"
grade fuels commonly sold in th e United
States and Canada.
The table indicates
the fuel grade requirements for your Vista-
Cruiser engine.
Use of a fuel which is too low in anti-
knock quality will result in a "spark-
knock." Since
the anti-knock quality of
all regular grade or of all premium grade
gasolines
is not the same and factors such
as altitude, terrain
and air temperature
affect operating efficiency, knocking may
result even though
you are using the grade
of fuel recommended for your engine. If
persistent knocking is encountered, it may
be necessary to change to a higher grade
of gasoline and,
if knocking continues,
consult your authorized Oldsmobile Deal-
er. In any case, continuous or excessive
knocking may result in engine damage
and constitutes misuse of the engine for
which
the Oldsmobile Division is not re-
sponsible
under the terms of the Manu-
facturer's
New Vehicle Warranty.
I
FUEL
ENGINE GRADE
V-8 (350
cu . in.)
2 Bbl. (low compression)
4 Bbl. (high compression)
V-8 455 (cu in .)
4 Bbl. (high compression)
fuel
filler Tube
Location
Regular
Premium
Premi um
•
Access to the fuel tank filler tube on your
Vista-Cruiser is gained through the door
in the left rear fender. The cap is re-
moved by slowly turning it counterclock-
wise.
9
Guardian Maintenance Tip -Fill up with
gas when
the gauge shows below the half-
full mark because more condensation oc-
curs in a partially filled tank.
CAUTION, Gasoline is flammable and
explosive under certain conditions. Al·
ways stop th. engine and do Dot smoke
or allow OpeD flame. or !paries Dear the
vehicle when refueling. If gasoline
fmnes are noticed while driving, the
eause should be determined and cor·
rected without delay.
New Car Operating Speeds
Driving speeds for your new Oldsmobile
should
be limit ed 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
variety. which is considered "severe serv-
ice" 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.
The vehicle should be
driven a minimwn of 500 miles before
hauling a trailer
of less than 2,000 lbs.
gross weight
and at least 1,000 miles if
the trailer exceeds 2,000 lbs. gross weight.
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