The Oldsmobile Aurora, produced for model years 2001 through 2003, was a flagship luxury sedan built on the GM G platform (GMT325). This generation offered a choice between a 215-horsepower 3.5L V6 and a more potent 270-horsepower 4.0L V8 'Shortstar' engine, both featuring sequential fuel injection and a distributorless ignition system. Known for its distinctive styling and comfortable interior, the Aurora aimed to provide a refined driving experience, complemented by features like dual-zone automatic climate control and an optional premium audio system. Its robust engineering and safety features, including standard ABS and up to five-star NHTSA front impact ratings for 2001 models, underscored Oldsmobile's commitment to quality in its final years.
This comprehensive factory service manual provides detailed information for maintaining and repairing the Oldsmobile Aurora (2001-2003). It covers all essential vehicle systems, including engine mechanical and electrical components, fuel and emission control systems, clutch, manual and automatic transaxles, driveshaft and axle, suspension, steering, brake systems, body interior and exterior, and HVAC. The manual includes step-by-step procedures for routine maintenance, diagnostics, component replacement, and complex rebuilds, along with comprehensive wiring diagrams. This resource is invaluable for DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and any owner seeking in-depth knowledge to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their Aurora.
Platform:
GM G platform (GMT325)
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Oldsmobile Aurora owners seeking comprehensive repair information.
Advantage:
Provides dealer-level technical data, covering all repair scenarios comprehensively, which is superior to generic Haynes or Chilton manuals.
Dealer Equivalent:
Authentic factory service data, identical to what is used by authorized Oldsmobile technicians.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers every service and repair imaginable, from routine maintenance to complete component overhauls.
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 2000-3000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Repair Manual
Searchability:
Searchable Text
Index:
Yes (Internal PDF Index)
Powertrain:
Engine (mechanical & electrical), fuel, emission control, clutch, manual transaxle, automatic transaxle, driveshaft & axle
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes
Body And Comfort:
Body (interior & exterior), restraint systems, HVAC
Electrical:
Engine electrical, body electrical systems
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
Repair Rebuild:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, body panel repair, HVAC component replacement
Component Replacement:
Removal and installation procedures for all major and minor components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical circuit diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic DIY tasks to complex dealership-level repairs and diagnostics
Quality:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams
Printability:
Printable pages for use in a workshop environment
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Option 1:
3.5L L85 V6 (VIN 1)
Engine Option 2:
4.0L L47 "Shortstar" V8 (VIN E)
Horsepower 3.5L:
215 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 3.5L:
236 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 4.0L:
270 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 4.0L:
293 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
System Type:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for L47 V8, 87 octane for L85 V6)
Capacity 3.5L:
10.8 US quarts (10.2 L)
Capacity 4.0L:
12.4 US quarts (11.7 L)
Capacity 3.5L:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter
Capacity 4.0L:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 L) with filter
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Transaxle Option 1:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (4T65-E)
Transaxle Option 2:
N/A (Manual transmission was not offered on Aurora during these years)
Automatic Features:
Driver Shift Control (selectable gear positions), Adaptive Shift Control
Automatic Transaxle Fluid:
Dexron III or Dexron VI (as specified by GM service bulletin)
Length:
203.7 inches (5174 mm)
Width:
75.1 inches (1908 mm)
Height:
56.7 inches (1440 mm)
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches (2799 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3700-4000 lbs (1680-1815 kg) depending on engine and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, consult vehicle placard
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-star (2001 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star (2001 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2001 models)
Traction Control:
Standard on most models
Stabili Trak:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player and cassette deck; optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges with driver information center (DIC)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors (Ultrasonic).
Onstar:
Optional OnStar telematics system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended for optimal performance and longevity)
Coolant:
GM P/N 12378395 (or equivalent) orange coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Issue 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on Northstar V8 engines), leading to coolant loss.
Common Issue 2:
Head gasket failures or blown head bolts (particularly on early Northstar engines, though less common in 2001+ models).
Common Issue 3:
EGR valve clogging, leading to rough idle and potential check engine lights.
Common Issue 4:
Cracked dashboard (a common GM issue from this era due to material degradation).
Common Issue 5:
Power steering leaks or pump issues.
Common Issue 6:
HVAC blend door actuator failures, affecting temperature control.
Common Issue 7:
Window regulator failures.
Oldsmobile Legacy:
Oldsmobile was one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for innovation and a range of vehicles from compact to luxury.
First Generation:
First introduced for the 1997 model year, the Aurora was Oldsmobile's flagship sedan, designed to compete in the luxury market.
Second Generation Facelift:
The 2001-2003 models represent the second generation, featuring updated styling, a new V8 engine option (the 'Shortstar'), and significant interior refinements.
Production Period:
1997-2003 (Model Years)
Assembly Location:
Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan, USA
Discontinuation Context:
The Oldsmobile brand was retired by General Motors in 2004, marking the end of the Aurora's production.
Ward Top10 Engine:
The 4.0L 'Shortstar' V8 engine was awarded one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 1997 and 1998, praised for its power and smooth operation.
Design Awards:
The Aurora was recognized for its distinctive and aerodynamic styling, setting it apart from traditional American luxury sedans.
