Here you will find information about
the care of your Oldsmobile
. This
part begins with service and fuel
information. and then it shows how to
check important fluid and lubricant levels
. There is also technical
information about your vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care
.
Part 6
Service di Appearance Care
Service ......................................................... 216
Fuel ........................................................... 217
HoodRelease
.................................................... 221
Engineoil
...................................................... 225
Aircleaner
..................................................... 230
TransaxleFluid
.................................................. 232
Enginecoolant
.................................................. 235
Power Steering Fluid
.............................................. 238
Windshield Washer Fluid
........................................... 239
Brakes
......................................................... 240
Battery
......................................................... 242
Bulb Replacement
................................................ 243
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
................................. 245
Loading Your Vehicle
............................................. 245
Tires
.......................................................... 247
Appearancecare ................................................. 254
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
................................. 262
Add-on Electrical Equipment
....................................... 263
Fuses
& Circuit Breakers ........................................... 264
Capacities
& Specifications ......................................... 269
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
............................... 271
Fluids
& Lubricants ............................................... 272
ReplacementBulbs
................................................ 273
215
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Service & Appearance Care
Windshield Washer Fluid (CONT.)
I 1 When using concentrated washer ” I
fluid, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for adding water.
I 1 Don’t mix water with ready-to-
use washer fluid. Water can
cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer fluid tank
and other parts of the washer
system. Also, water doesn’t clean
as well as washer fluid.
It
-1 Fill your washer fluid tank only
% full when it’s very cold. This
allows
for expansion, which
could damage the
tank if it is
completely full.
I 1 Don’t use radiator antifreeze in
your windshield washer.
It can
damage your washer system and
paint.
I
240
.. -. -. .. , .:.
Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here. It is
filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are
only two reasons why the
brake
fluid level in your master cylinder
might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.
When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other
reason is that fluid is leaking
out
of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system
fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or later
your brakes won’t work well, or won’t
work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to
“top
off’ your brake fluid. Adding
brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you
add fluid when your linings are
worn,
then you’ll have too much fluid when
you get new brake linings. You should
add (or remove) brake fluid, as
necessary,
only when work is done on
the brake hydraulic system.
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Sewice & Appearaj
The braking system on a modern vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have to be of
top quality and work well together if the
vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-
quality GM brake parts
in them, as your
Oldsmobile does when it is new. When
you replace parts of your braking
system-for example, when your brake
linings wear down and you have to have
new ones put in-be sure you get new
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work
properly. For example, if someone puts
in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change, for the
worse. The braking performance you’ve
come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts
in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
Battery
Every new Oldsmobile has a Delco
Freedom@ battery. You never have to
add water to one
of these. When it’s
time for a new battery, we recommend a
Delco Freedom@ battery. Get one that
has the catalog number shown on the
original battery’s label.
Jump Starting
For jump starting instructions, see the
Index under Jump Starting.
Vehide Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle
for
25 days or more, take off the black
negative
(-) cable from the battery.
This will help keep your battery
from
running down.
II
- Batteries have acid that can
1 burn you and gas that can
plode. You can be badly hurt if
u aren’t careful. See the Index
der Jump Starting for tips on
Irking around a battery without
tting
hurt.
- -
”
Contact your dealer to learn how to
prepare your vehicle for longer storage
periods.
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CHECK
OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO
~
Parking Brake and
Automatic Transaxle
P (Park) Mechanism
Check
1 CAUTION
Underbody Flushing When
you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin
to wuve. IUU ur olrlers could be
A injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle
in
case it hepins tn rnll Re rea& tn Rnnlv the recrlllar hmke at nnm chnlllrl the vehirle hemin tn mnw-
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular
brake, set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running and transaxle in N (Neutral), slowly
remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake
only.
To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to P (Park). Then release all brakes.
L
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take
care
to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
289
ProCarManuals.com
Maintenance Schedule
Section C: Periodic Maintenance lnspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall).
You should let your GM dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary
repairs are completed at once.
290
INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Steering, Suspension
and Front-Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal
Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
Brake System
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then in\
spect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken,
damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or
other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes
into the vehicle. See the
Index under Engine Exhaust.
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts.
Replace parts as needed.
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for \
proper hookup, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also
inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.
You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent
braking.
NOTE: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be
serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong
with the brake system.
See the Index under Brake System Warning Light. If your anti-lock brake
system warning light stays on, comes on or flashes, something may be wrong with the anti-lock
brake system. See the
Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.
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Index
Accessory Power Outlet .......... 89
Adding Brake Fluid
............. .240. 272
Engine Coolant
.. .198. 236. 269. 272
Engine Oil
............. .225. 269
Power Steering Fluid
.. .239. 270. 272
Sound Equipment
............. 121
Transaxle Fluid
..... .234. 269. 272
Adjusting Rear Seats
............. 19
Air Cleaner
.............. .230. 271
Air Conditioner
................ 114
Air Inflator System
.............. 90
Alcohol. Driving Under the Influence
of ......................... 145
Alcohol in Gasoline
............. 217
Aluminum Wheels
........ .252. 260
Antenna
...................... 136
Antifreeze
........... .235. 269. 272
Anti-Lock Brake System
......... 149
Brake Master Cylinder
........ 240
Junction Block Fuse
.......... 267
Warning Light
............... 109
Appearance Care ............... 254
Ashtrays and Lighter
..... .94. 95. 96
Electrical Equipment
.. .63.
121. 263
Windshield Washer Fluid
.. .239. 292 Audio Systems
................. 121
AM/FM Stereo Radio
......... 123
Cassette Player
........ .125. 127
AM/FM Stereo Radio with
Compact Disc Player
........ 129
Care of Audio Systems
......... 135
Radio Reception. For the Best
... 134
Setting the Clock
............. 122
Steering Wheel Touch Controls
. . 134
Adding Fluid
....... .234. 269. 272
Checking Fluid
.............. 232
Shifting
..................... 65
Automatic Transaxle
Battery
...................... 242
Jump Starting
................ 187
Battery Warning Gage
........... 107
Blizzard
...................... 175
Block Heater. Engine ........ .63. 229
“Blowout
,” Tire ................ 203
Brake Adjustment
.................. 153
Anti-Lock Brakes
............. 149
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
..................... 109 Junction Block
Fuse
........... 267
Fluid
.................. .240. 272
Master Cylinder
.............. 240
Parking
..................... -68
Pedal Travel
................. 152
Rear Drums
................. 152
Warning Light
................ 108
Wear Indicators
............... 151
Brake System Warning Light
...... 108
Braking
....................... 148
Braking in Emergencies
.......... 153
Braking Technique .............. 148
“Break-In,” New Vehicle
..... .60, 178
Bucket Seats, Removable Rear
...... 17
Buckling Up (see Safety Belts)
Bulb Replacement
Headlight
................... 243
Taillight
.................... 244
Bulbs, Replacement
............. 273
Capacities
& Specifications ...... 269
Carbon Monoxide in
Cassette Tape Player Exhaust
.... .60, 71, 72,
111, 175, 181
(see
Audio Systems)
311
ProCarManuals.com
314
Flow-Through Ventilation ........ 120
Fluid Brake
................. .240. 272
Capacities
................... 269
Power Steering
...... .238, 270. 272
Transaxle
.......... .232. 269. 272
Windshield Washer
....... .239. 292
Fluids
& Lubricants ........ .272. 291
Fog. Driving in
................. 164
Fog Lights
................ .81. 164
Freeway Driving
................ 166
Fuel
......................... 217
Alcohol in Fuel
............... 217
Capacity
.................... 217
Door Release. Remote
.......... 219
Exhaust Warnings
...... .60. 71. 72.
111. 175. 181
Fuels with Alcohol
............ 217
Gage
....................... 105
In Foreign Countries
........... 218
Low. Warning
................ 105
Methanol in Fuel
.............. 217
Requirements
................ 217
Filling
Your Tank
............. 219
Fuse Panel and Usage
...... .265. 266 Fuses
& Circuit
Breakers ......... 264
Anti-Lock Brakes Fuse
......... 267
Injector Fuse
................ 268
Gages Coolant Temperature
.......... 108
Fuel ........................ 105
Oil Pressure
................. 106
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......... 106
Tachometer
.................. 103
Voltmeter
................... 107
Garage Door Opener
Compartment
................. 85
Gasoline ...................... 217
Gasoline Tank, Filling Your
....... 219
Gas Station Information
.......... 320
Gate Agar Light
................ 110
Gear Positions
(see
Shifting the Transaxle)
Gearshift Lever (see Shifting the
Transaxle)
Glove Box/Storage Compartment .... 93
&dogen Bulbs ................ 243
Hazard Warning Flashers
......... 186
Headlight
& Taillight. Removing
and Replacing
........... .243. 244
Headlights
..................... 79
High-Low Beam Changer
...... -80
Instrument Panel Intensity
Control
.................... 81
“On” Reminder
............... 80
Operation .................... 80
Replacement Bulb ............. 273
Wiring
..................... 268
Head Restraint .................. 16
Heater (see
Comfort Controls)
Heater, Engine Block ............. 63
High Beams
............... .80, 160
“Highway Hypnosis’’ ............ 169
Hill and Mountain Roads
......... 170
Hills. Parking on ........... .171. 183
Hood Release .................. 221
Safety Warning
............... 222
Warning. Overheated Engine
........... .195. 236. 238
Horn ......................... 72
Hot Engine. Safety Warnings.
.......... .195, 236. 238
Hydroplaning
.................. 163
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316
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Requirements
............ .60. 178
Night Driving
.................. 159
Night Vision
................... 160
octane Requirements
(see
Fuel Requirements)
Odometer and Speedometer ....... 103
Oil. Engine ................... 225
Pressure Gage
................ 106
Pressure Indicator
............. 106
Quality
..................... 227
Thickness
................... 227
UsedOil
.................... 230
When to Change .............. 229
Oil Warning
................... 106
Operation
of Lights .............. 80
Outside Rearview Mirrors
......... 92
Overhead Console
............... 85
Overheated Engine .............. 195
Warnings
........... .195, 236, 238
Owner Checks
& Services ........ 287 park.
Shifting Into
.............. 69
Parking On
Hills ................ .171. 183
Parking Brake
.................. 68
Parking on
Hills ........... .171. 183
Passing
....................... 156
Payload ...................... 245
Over Things That
Burn.
......... 71
With the Engine Running
.... .70. 72
Passenger Belts (see
Safety Belts)
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ... 290
Polishing and Waxing
(see
Appearance Care)
Power (Anti-Lock) Brakes ........ 149
Power Door Locks
.............. 48
Power Mirrors
.................. 92
Power Outlet. Accessory
.......... 90
Power Seat Controls ............. 15
Power Sliding
Door .............. 54
Power Steering
................. 153
Power Steering Fluid
... .238. 270, 272
Power Windows
........... .74. 268
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts During
...................... 29
Problems on the Road
........... 185
Publications
.................. 304 Radiator
Overheating
(see Overheated Engine)
Radiator Pressure Cap ........... 238
Radio (see
Audio Systems)
Reading Lights .................. 85
Rear Climate Control
............ 117
Rear Interior Lights
.............. 89
Rear Seats
...................... 17
Adjusting
.................... 19
Removing
.................... 18
Replacing
.................... 20
Third Row Entry
............... 17
Rear Window Defogger
........... 119
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
.... 84
Rearview Mirror
................ 92
Reclining Seatbacks
.............. 15
Reminder Light ................. 25
Remote Keyless Entry
............ 49
Replacement Bulbs
.............. 273
Replacement Fuses
............. 265
Replacement
Parts .............. 271
Remote Fuel Door Release
........ 219
Removing Rear Bucket Seats
...... -18
Replacing Brake System
Parts ..... 242
Replacing Bulbs
........... .243, 244
Replacing Rear Bucket Seats
....... 20
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