Features & Conlroh
84
It takes a little more or less fuel to fill
up than the gage indicated. For
example, the gage may have indicated
the tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than half the
tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn
a corner or speed up.
The gage doesn’t go back to E when
you turn
off the ignition.
For your fuel tank capacity, see
Service
Station
Information on the last page of
this manual.
Oil Pressure Gage (STANDARD
CLUSTER)
Your oil pressure gage shows the oil
pressure in psi (pounds per
square
inch) when the engine is running. Oil
pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity.
Driving your vehicle with low oil
pressure can cause extensive engine
damage. Have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine Gom
neglected
oil problems can be costly
and is not covered by your warranty.
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VOLTS
Voltmeter (STANDARD CLUSTER)
Your charging system gage will show
the rate of charge when the engine is
running. When the engine is not
running but the ignition is on (in the
Run position), the display measures thc
voltage output of your battery.
The reading will change as the rate
of
charge changes (with engine speed,
etc.), but readings between the warning
zones indicate the normal operating
range. Readings in either warning zone
indicate a possible problem with your
charging system. Have your Oldsmobilc
serviced immediately.
-100
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gage
(STANDARD CLUSTER)
This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage pointer moves
into the red area, your engine is too
hot!
It means that your engine coolant
has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle
under normal driving conditions, you
should pull
off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon
as possible.
HOT COOLANT CAN BURN
YOU
BADLY!
In
Problems on the Road, this manual
shows what to do. See the
Index under
Engine Overheating.
0
0
0
Fuel Gage (ELECTRONIC CLUSTER)
Your fuel gage bars light up when the
ignition is on
to show you about how
much fuel you have left.
When the gage first indicates empty,
you still have
a little fuel left, but you
should get more soon.
A box around the gas pump symbol wil:
flash when your tank is
1/8 full or less.
Here are five things that some owners
ask about. None of these show
a
problem with your fuel gage:
At the service station, the gas pump
shuts
off before the gage reads full.
The top bar does not go out until you
have driven a long distance-about
3r
miles (48 kilometers).
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Features & Con&olk
86
It takes a little more or less fuel to fill
up than the gage indicated. For
example, the gage may have indicated
the tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than half the
tank's capacity to fill the tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn
a corner or speed up.
The tank is not necessarily empty
when the last bar goes out. There is a
1 to 1.5 gallon (4 to 5.6 L) fuel
reserve.
For your fuel tank capacity, see
Service
Station Information on the last page of
this manual.
E
I
Oil Pressure Gage (ELECTRONIC
J 1
CLUSTER)
Your oil pressure gage shows the oil
pressure in psi (pounds per square
inch) when the engine is running. Oil
pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity.
If you have a problem with your oil, the
box around the oil pressure symbol may
begin to flash
after you start your
engine, or when
you are driving. This
indicates that oil is not going through
your engine quickly enough to keep it
cool. The engine could be low on oil, or
could have
some other oil problem.
Have it
fixed right away.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine fcom
neglected oil problems can be costly
and is not covered by your warranty.
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Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
With anti-lock, this light will go on
when you start your engine and may
stay on for several seconds. That’s
normal. If the light doesn’t come on,
have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn
you if there is
a problem.
If the light stays
on, or comes on when
you’re
driving, your Oldsmobile needs
service.
If the regular brake system
warning light isn’t
on, you still have
brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock
brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is
also on, you don’t have
anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem
with your regular brakes. See
Brake
System Warning Light earlier in this part
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
A computer monitors operation of your
fuel, ignition and emission control
systems. This light should come on
when the ignition
is on, but the engine
is not running, as a check to show you
it is working. If it does not come on at
all, have it fixed right away. If it stays
on, or it comes on while you are driving,
the computer is indicating that you
have a problem. You should take your
vehicle in for service soon.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle
with this light on, after a while the
emission controls won’t work as
well, your fuel economy won’t be
as good and your engine may not
run as smoothly. This could lead
to costly repairs not covered by
your warranty.
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Comfort Cont'rok &Audio Systems
LO HI
Climate Control System
Your vehicle's heater and air
conditioner work best
if you keep your
windows closed. Your vehicle also has
flow-through ventilation, described later
in this section, to bring outside air into
your vehicle.
3f Fan Lever: The lever at the top has
four positions. Move it toward
HI to
increase the air flow. To decrease the
air flow, move it toward
LO.
Temperature Lever: Slide the lever on
the left to control the temperature of the
air flow into the vehicle. Move the lever
up for warmer air, down for cooler air.
Function Lever: Slide the lever on the
right to select the function desired. The
air conditioner compressor will operate
in all settings except
VENT and HTR
(Heater) when the outside temperature
is above freezing. When the air
conditioner compressor cycles
on, you
may sometimes notice slight changes in
your vehicle's engine performance and
power. This is normal, because the
system is designed to keep the desired
cooling level and help fuel economy. There are
three air conditioning
settings:
MAX A/C, NORM A/C, and
BI-LEV A/C. On very hot days, your
vehicle will cool down more quickly and
economically in any of these settings
if
you open the windows long enough to
let hot inside air escape. For all settings,
adjust the temperature control lever and
fan speed as desired.
MAX A/C: Select this setting to get
maximum cooling or quick cool-down
on very hot days. This setting
recirculates much of the air inside your
vehicle. It should not be used for long
periods
of time because the air may
become too cold and dry.
Also slide the temperature control lever
down to the coolest setting and adjust
the fan speed as desired.
NORM A/C: Use this setting for
normal cooling on hot days. This setting
cools outside air and directs it through
the instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEV A/C: Use on cool but sunny
days. This setting brings in outside air,
but directs it two ways-through the
instrument panel outlets and the heater
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Driving Guidelines
This multipurpose passknger vehicle is
defined as a utility vehicle in Consumer
Information Regulations issued by the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) of the United
States Department of Transportation.
Utility vehicles have higher ground
clearance and a narrower track to make
them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific
design characteristics give them a
higher center of gravity than ordinary
cars. An advantage of the higher ground
clearance is a better view of the road
allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as conventional
2-
wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions.
If at all possible, avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result
in loss of control or vehicle rollover.
3perating Your Bravada Off
Paved Roads
Many of the same design features that
help make Bravada responsive on paved
roads during poor weather conditions
-
features like the locking rear axle and all-
wheel drive - help make it much better
suited for off-road use than a
conventional passenger
car. Its higher
ground clearance also helps Bravada step
over some off-road obstacles. But
Bravada doesn’t have features like special
underbody shielding and a transfer case
low gear range, things that are usually
thought necessary for extended or severe
off-road service.
This guide is for
operating your Bravada off paved roads.
Also, see Anti-Lock Brakes in the Index.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it
does have some definite hazards. The
greatest of these is the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you’ve left the
great North American road system
behind. Traffic lanes aren’t marked.
Curves aren’t banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can be slippery,
rough, uphill or downhill. In short,
you’ve gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new
skills. And that’s why it’s very
important that
you read this guide.
You’ll find many driving tips and
suggestions. These will help malte your
off-road driving safer and more
enjoyable.
Before You Go Ofi-Roading
There are some things to do before you
go out. For example, be sure to have all
necessary maintenance and service
work done. Be sure you read all the
information about your all-wheel drive
vehicle in this manual.
Is there enough
fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are
the fluid levels up where they should
be? What are the local laws that apply
to off-roading where you’ll be driving?
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Driving In Water
Light rain causes no special off-road
driving problems. But heavy rain can
mean flash flooding, and flood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find
out how deep the water is before
you drive through it. If it’s deep enough
to cover your wheel hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe, don’t
try it - you
probably won’t get through.
Also, water
that deep can damage your axle and
other vehicle parts.
If the water isn’t too deep, then drive
through it slowly. At fast speeds, water
splashes on your ignition system and
your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also
occur
if you get your tailpipe under
water.
And, as long as your tailpipe is
under water, you’ll never be able to
start your engine. When you go through
water, remember that when your brakes
get wet, it may take you longer to stop.
After OtY-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody, chassis or
under the hood. These accumulations
can be a fire hazard.
After operation
in mud or sand, have
the brake linings cleaned and checked.
These substances can cause glazing and
uneven braking. Check the body
structure, steering, suspension, wheels,
tires, and exhaust system for damage.
Also, check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
Your vehicle
will require more frequent
service due to off-road use. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule for additional
information.
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Your Driving und the Road
128
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes
quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your
speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at
higher speeds, you may tend to think you
are going slower than you actually are.
I Before Leaving on a Long
Tip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well
rested. If
you must start when you’re
not fresh
- such as after a day’s work
- don’t plan to make too many miles
that first part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can
easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If
you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s
ready to go.
If it needs service, have it
done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service
experts in Oldsmobile dealerships all
across North America. They’ll be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check
before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid Is the
reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
shape?
you checked all levels?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have
Lights: Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a
safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance
driving? Are the tires all inflated to
the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the
weather outlook along your route?
Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as
“highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack
of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy
stretch of road with the same scenery, along
with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that
can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle
can leave the road in
less than a
second, and you could crash and be
injured.
What can you do about highway
hypnosis? First, be aware that it can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well
ventilated, with a comfortably cool
interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road
ahead and to the sides. Check your
mirrors and your instruments
frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into
a rest, service, or parking area and
take a nap, get some exercise, or both.
For safety, treat drowsiness on the
highway as an emergency.
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