Oldsmobile Cutlass (1999 year). Manual — part 12

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4-34

Three important considerations have to do with weight:
D the weight of the trailer,
D the weight of the trailer tongue
D and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.

Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be?

It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg). But
even that can be too heavy.

It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at:

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

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6006

In Canada, write to:

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

Weight of the Trailer Tongue

The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must
add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle
will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

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If you’re using a weight

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carrying hitch, the trailer

tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you have a weight

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distributing

hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).

After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure
you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.

Hitches

It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
D The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for

hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper

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type hitches to it. Use only a frame

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mounted

hitch that does not attach to the bumper.

D Will you have to make any holes in the body of your

vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt
and water can, too.

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Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

Does your trailer have its own brakes?

Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly. And because you have anti

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lock brakes,

do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you
do, both systems won’t work well, or at all.

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.

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Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.

Passing

You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.

Making Turns

NOTICE:

Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.

When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in advance.

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Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need
additional wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows
on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal
a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about
to turn, change lanes or stop.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.

Driving On Grades

NOTICE:

Do not tow on steep continuous grades exceeding
6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than normal
engine and transaxle temperatures may result
and damage your vehicle. Frequent stops are
very important to allow the engine and transaxle
to cool.

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.

On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.

Pay attention to the engine coolant gage. If the indicator
is in the red area, turn off the air conditioning to reduce
engine load (see “Engine Overheating” in the Index).

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Parking on Hills

CAUTION:

You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.

But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:

1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into

PARK (P) yet.

2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.

3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular

brakes until the chocks absorb the load.

4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking

brake and shift into PARK (P).

5. Release the regular brakes.

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill

1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down

while you:
D Start your engine;
D Shift into a gear; and
D Release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.

4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

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Maintenance When Trailer Towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing

Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.

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Section 5

Problems on the Road

Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.

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2

Hazard Warning Flashers

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2

Other Warning Devices

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3

Jump Starting

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Towing Your Vehicle

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Engine Overheating

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If a Tire Goes Flat

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Changing a Flat Tire

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Compact Spare Tire

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30

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow

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Hazard Warning Flashers

Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.

Press the button once to
turn your hazard flashers
on. The switch will flash
when activated.

Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in.

To turn off the flashers, press the button again.

When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals won’t work.

Other Warning Devices

If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.

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Jump Starting

If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. But please follow the steps here to do it safely.

CAUTION:

Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
D They contain acid that can burn you.

D They contain gas that can explode or ignite.

D They contain enough electricity to

burn you.

If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.

NOTICE:

Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.

The ACDelco Freedom

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battery in your vehicle

has a built

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in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or

jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.

Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle.

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12

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volt

battery with a negative ground system.

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NOTICE:

If the other system isn’t a 12

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volt system with a

negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables

can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.

To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL (N) before setting the parking brake.

3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug

unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off all
lamps that aren’t needed, as well as radios. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. In
addition, it could save your radio.

NOTICE:

Do not leave your radio on while trying to jump
start your vehicle. The radio could be badly
damaged and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty. Be sure to turn off your radio
before following this procedure.

4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.

CAUTION:

An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.

5. Find the positive (+) and negative (

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) terminals on

each battery.

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CAUTION:

Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.

Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t
need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom

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battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if
a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could
be present.

Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.

6. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or

missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you
connect the cables, here are some things you should
know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and
negative (

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) will go to a heavy unpainted metal

engine part. Don’t connect positive (+) to
negative (

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) or you’ll get a short that would damage

the battery and maybe other parts, too.

CAUTION:

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.

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7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)

terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

8. Don’t let the other end

touch metal. Connect it
to the positive (+)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.

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9. Now connect the black

negative (

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) cable to

the good battery’s
negative (

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) terminal.

Don’t let the other end
touch anything until the
next step. The other
end of the negative
cable doesn’t go to the
dead battery.

It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of
the vehicle with the dead battery.

10. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away

from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that
move. The electrical connection is just as good
there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the
battery is much less.

11. If the THEFT SYSTEM light flashes, wait until the

light stops flashing. Now start the vehicle with the
good battery and run the engine for a while.

12. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.

If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.

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13. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent

electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch
each other or any other metal.

A. Heavy Unpainted Metal Engine Part

B. Good Battery

C. Dead Battery

Towing Your Vehicle

CAUTION:

To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:
D Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is

being towed.

D Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.

D Never tow with damaged parts not

fully secured.

D Never get under your vehicle after it has

been lifted by the tow truck.

D Always secure the vehicle on each side with

separate safety chains when towing it.

D Use only the correct hooks.

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NOTICE:

Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.

With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel

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lift

equipment or car

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carrier equipment.

Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See “Roadside
Assistance” in the Index.

Engine Overheating

You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage” in the Index. You will also find a
low coolant level warning light on your vehicle’s
instrument panel. See “Low Coolant Warning Light” in
the Index.