Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Brand Perception Era:
Oldsmobile was positioned as a mid-to-upper-market brand within GM, aiming for a balance of performance, comfort, and style.
Key Competitors 1999:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Caprice, Buick Park Avenue, Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon.
Design Philosophy:
The Aurora was designed to be a flagship model for Oldsmobile, emphasizing sleek styling, a spacious interior, and a focus on comfort and refinement, often with a powerful V8 engine.
Premium Appointments:
Often featured leather seating, premium audio systems, automatic climate control, and a quiet ride.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's information, operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora.
Listed Sections:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Typically 150-250 pages for a mid-luxury sedan owner's manual of this era.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, starting and charging system (battery), basic maintenance procedures.
Chassis:
Brake system operation (mention of ABS if applicable), steering system basics, suspension system overview.
Electrical And Body:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster functions, climate control operation, power locks and security features, infotainment system basics, seating and restraint systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, air filter replacement, battery maintenance.
Basic Operation:
Starting the engine, operating the transmission, using climate controls, adjusting seats and mirrors, operating lights and wipers, understanding dashboard indicators.
Safety Features:
Proper use of seat belts, airbags (description of operation and maintenance considerations), child seat installation guidance.
Troubleshooting Assistance:
Guidance on dashboard warning lights, basic steps for common issues (e.g., jump-starting a dead battery), when to seek professional service.
Level Of Detail:
Designed for the vehicle owner, providing operational and basic maintenance information. Not a diagnostic or repair manual, but covers specifications needed for maintenance. Excludes detailed internal component repair procedures.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if created from OCR or digital source.
Quality Description:
Digital reproduction of original factory manual. Quality depends on the source scan/digital file, but generally aims for clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Software Requirement:
PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Engine Type:
V-8 (Standard on most trims for this year)
Engine Displacement:
4.0L (3994 cc)
Engine Code:
L47 (Aurora 4.0 V8)
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
275 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Layout:
V-Configuration
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 32 valves
Air Filter Part Number Example:
GM Part Number 25348255 (specific part number may vary slightly by production date/supplier, check with manual).
Coolant Type:
Specific GM Dex-Cool antifreeze or equivalent (orange color).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Overdrive
Transmission Controller:
Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)
Traction Control:
Often equipped with Traction Control System (TCS).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 U.S. quarts (3.8-4.3 Liters) for a fluid change and filter replacement.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated or specific data unavailable for 1999 model year from public sources. Manual will provide general safety information.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not rated or specific data unavailable for 1999 model year from public sources. Manual will provide general safety information.
Antilock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and passenger).
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts; driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Audio System:
Premium Delco-GM sound systems, often with cassette and CD player options, steering wheel controls.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges and digital readouts for odometer, trip computer, and climate controls.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Automatic Climate Control:
Available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Auxiliary Inputs:
Not applicable for this era; no USB or Bluetooth connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specific GM recommendations for Dex-Cool and synthetic oils if used).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Check manual, often around 50,000-100,000 miles under normal conditions, or sooner for severe service.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Manufacturer recommended fluid or water/cleaner mixture.
Common Wear Items:
Water pump seals (especially if Dex-Cool is not properly maintained), O2 sensors, catalytic converters, ignition coils, power steering pumps, HVAC blend door actuators.
Suspension Components:
Struts, ball joints, and bushings may require replacement due to mileage and wear.
Part Number Utility:
The manual lists general part numbers for common maintenance items like filters and bulbs, but always verify with a dealer or parts specialist for specific vehicle identification.
Oldsmobile Legacy:
Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, was one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for innovation and a broad range of vehicles from compact to full-size.
Aurora Introduction:
Introduced for the 1995 model year as Oldsmobile's flagship sedan, replacing the Eighty-Eight Royale and Ninety-Eight. It was built on GM's G platform (shared with Cadillac Seville).
Generation 1995 1999:
This manual covers the first generation Aurora, which received minor updates and refinements during its run.
Manufacturing Location:
Wentzville, Missouri, USA
Model Run:
1995-1999 (First Generation)
Automotive Press Reviews:
The Aurora was generally well-received by automotive press for its styling, comfortable ride, and V8 power, positioning Oldsmobile as a contender in the near-luxury segment, though it faced challenges in broader market perception.
