1994 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA steering wheel

deal longer and not nearly so responsive
as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
connector, lights, 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 lights and any trailer brakes are still
working.
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
When you’re turning with a trailer,
make wider turns than normal. Do this
so your trailer won’t strilte soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or
other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
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When your vehicle is being towed, have
the ignition key off. The steering wheel
should be clamped in a straight-ahead
position, with a clamping device
designed for towing service.
Do not use
the vehicle’s steering column lock for
this. The transmission should be in
P (Park) and the parking brake
released.
Don’t have your Bravada towed with
the wheels in contact with the ground.
If your vehicle is being towed with
sling-type or wheel-lift equipment,
either the front or rear wheels must be
supported on a dolly.
If towing your Bravada with a car
carrier, block supports may be required
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature
;age and the warning light about
a hot
mgine on your Oldsmobile’s instrument
)anel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
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Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan. When the clutch is engaged,
the fan spins faster to provide more air
to cool the engine. In most everyday
driving conditions the clutch is not
engaged. This improves fuel economy
and reduces fan noise. Under heavy
vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or
high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases when the clutch engages.
So
you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be
mistaken as the transmission slipping or
making extra shifts. It is merely the
cooling system functioning properly.
The fan will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages. You may also hear this fan
noise when you start the engine. It will
go away
as the fan clutch disengages.
I Ifa Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out”
while you’re driving, especially if you
maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if you should ever
have a “blowout,” here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot
off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering
wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, then gently brake to a stop
well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve,
acts much like a skid and may require
the same correction you’d use in a skid.
In any rear blowout, remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal. Get the
vehicle under control by steering the
way you want the vehicle to go. It may
be very bumpy and noisy, but you can
still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well
off the road if possible.
If a tire goes
flat, the next section shows
how to use your jacking equipment to
change a flat tire safely.
I Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a
level place. Turn
on your hazard
warning flashers.
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NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy
parts
of your vehicle as well as the
tires.
If you spin the wheels too fast
while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy
your transmission.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out:
First, turn your steering wheel left and
right. That will clear the area around
your front wheels. Then shift back and
forth between
R (Reverse) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as
little as possible. Release the accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly
on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission
is in gear. If that doesn’t
get you out after a few tries, you may
need
to be towed out. If you do need to
be towed out, see
Towing Your Truck
in the Index.
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210
Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services
listed in Schedule I and Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use
are listed in Section
D. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or
anyone else drives the vehicle.
ITEM SERVICE
NO.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH” or “SG” designation may be
shown alone or in combination with
others, such as “SH/CD,”
“SH, SG,
CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30 or SAE 1OW-
30), see the Index under Engine Oil.
2. Chassis Lubrication - Lubricate the
transmission shift linkage, parking
brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. Lubricate the front
suspension and steering linkage.
3. Tire and Wheel Rotation and
Inspection
- For proper wear and
maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions
in this
manual. See
Tires, Inspection G.
Rotation in the Index. Check the
tires for uneven wear or damage. If
you see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment. Check for
damaged wheels also.
Inspection - Inspect the drive belt
for cracks, fraying, wear and proper
tension. Replace as needed.
5. Cooling System Service‘: - Drain,
flush and refill the system with new
or approved recycled coolant
conforming to
GM Specification
6038-M. Keep coolant at the proper
mixture as specified. See
CooZant in
the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion
inhibitor level and maintains proper
engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated.
Tighten screw-type hose clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser. Wash the
pressure cap and neck.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt
To help ensure proper operation, we
recommend
a pressure test of both the
cooling system and the pressure cap.
6. Transmission Service - Change
both the fluid and filter every 15,000
miles
(25 000 lun) if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police
If you do not use your vehicle under
any of these conditions, change both
the fluid and filter every
100,000
miles (166 000 lun) .
Replace spark plugs with the proper
type. See
Replacement Parts in the
Index.
8. Spark Plug Wire Inspection‘%t -
Inspect for burns, cracks or other
damage. Check the boot
fit at the
coils and at the spark plugs. Replace
wires as needed.
car
or delivery service.
7. Spark Plug Replacement” -
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Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
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.
Restraint Systems Steering, Suspension
and Rear-Wheel-
Drive Axle Boot and
Seal Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and
reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage. If you see anything
that might keep
a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired.
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 hook-
up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect 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
Engine Exhaust in the Index.
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Index
ABS Warning Light ......................... 88
Accelerator Control System ............. 185
Accessory Belt Drive ........................ 184
Accessory Power Outlets
................... 71
Fluid
............................ 176. 199. 201
Adding
Automatic Transmission
Brake Fluid
............................. 178. 201
Electrical Equipment
......... 46. 95. 196
Engine Coolant
...... 174. 177. 199. 201
Engine Oil
...................... 168. 199. 201
Power Steering Fluid
............. 176. 201
Windshield Washer Fluid
...... 177. 201
Add-on Equipment
.......................... 184
Air Cleaner
................................ 171. 200
Air Conditioner
.......................... 92. 184
Alcohol. Driving Under the
Influence of
.................................... 106
Alcohol in Gasoline
.......................... 163
All-Wheel Drive
................................ 108
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
........... 194
Antenna
............................................ 103
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Antifreeze
......................... 174.
199. 201
Using ABS
...................................... 110
Warning Light
.................................. 88
Appearance Care .............................. 190
Ashtrays and Lighter
.......................... 73 Audio
Systems
.................................... 95
AM/FM Stereo Radio with
Cassette Player
& Equalizer ......... 96
AM/FM Stereo Radio with
Compact Disc Player
..................... 98
Care of Compact Discs .................. 102
Care of Cassette Player
.................. 102
Radio Reception. For the Best
....... 101
Setting the Clock
.............................. 95
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid
.................................. 173
Checking Fluid
............................... 172
Shifting
............................................. 48
Battery
........................................... 180
Jump Starting
................................. 140
Light
........................................... 87. 90
Belt. Accessory Drive
....................... 184
Blizzard
............................................. 13 1
Block Heater. Engine ................. 47. 170
Blowout. Tire
.................................... 15 1
Brake
Adjustment
..................................... 179
Fluid
....................................... 178. 201
Master Cylinder
............................. 178
Parking
............................................. 51
Rear Drum ...................................... 179
Replacing Brake System Parts
....... 179
Warning Light
.................................. 88
Wear Indicators .............................. 179 Brake
System Warning Light
............. 88
Braking .............................................. 109
Braking in Emergencies
.................... 111
Break.1n. New Vehicle ............... 44. 132
Buckling Up (see
Safety Belts)
Bulb Replacement Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................ 110
Braking Technique
........................... 109
Fog Light
........................................ 182
Headlight ........................................ 181
Taillight .......................................... 182
Bulbs. Replacement
.......................... 202
Capacities
& Specscations .......... 199
Carbon Monoxide in
Exhaust
...................... 53. 54. 131. 135
Cargo Bed Liner .................................. 75
Cassette Tape Player
(see
Audio Systems )
CD Player (see Audio Systems)
Center Passenger Position
Certificatioflire Label
.................... 186
Chains. Tire ...................................... 190
Changing a Flat Tire
......................... 151
Checking
Brake Fluid
..................................... 178
Engine
Oil ...................................... 168
(see Safety Belts )
Engine Coolant .............................. 174
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234
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 176
Safety Belt Systems
.......................... 34
Transmission Fluid
........................ 172
Child Restraints
.................................. 26
Children and Safety Belts
................... 25
Cigarette Lighter
................................. 73
Circuit Breakers
& Fuses ................. 196
Checking Things Under
the Hood
.... 165
City Driving
...................................... 126
Cleaner. Air
............................... 171. 200
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
......................... 194
Antenna
.......................................... 103
Cassette Player
............................... 102
Fabric .............................................. 191
Glass
............................................... 192
Inside
of Your Vehicle ................... 190
Outside
of Your Vehicle ................ 193
Safety Belts
.................................... 192
Special Problems
............................ 191
Vinyl or Leather
............................. 192
Warnings
................ 192. 193. 194. 196
Weatherstrips
................................. 194
Underbody
Maintenance
............... 194
Windshield
..................................... 193
Climate Controls
................................. 92
Clock. Setting the
............................... 95
Clusters. Instrument Panel
................. 78
Coin Holder
........................................ 72
Comfort Controls
................................ 92 Air Conditioner
........................ 92.
184
Heater
............................................... 92
Ventilation 94 .. ........................................
Compass .............................................. 64
Control
of a Vehicle .......................... 108
Convex Outside Mirror
...................... 70
Coolant
..................................... 176. 203
Console
Storage
............................ 64. 71
Checking
& Adding ............... 149. 177
Proper Mixture to
Use ........... 149. 177
Safety Warnings About ..... 149.177. 178
Temperature Gage ..................... 85. 88
Cruise Control .................................... 59
Curves. Driving on
........................... 111
Customer Assistance Information ...... 221
Cup
Holder
......................................... 71
Dead Battery: What to Do
............ 140
Defensive Driving
............................. 106
Defogger. Rear Window
..................... 94
Defrosting
........................................... 93
Dome Lights
....................................... 68
Door Locks
......................................... 39
Driver Position
...................... ............ 18
Driving At Night
.......................................... 124
City
................................................. 126
Controlling a Slid
.......................... 114
Defensively
..................................... 106
Drunken
......................................... 106 Freeway
.......................................... 127
Guidelines
...................................... 115
Hill and Mountain ................. 118. 129
In a Foreign Country
..................... 164
In Mud. Sand. Snow. or Ice
.......... 122
In the Rain
...................................... 125
In Water
......................................... 123
Loss of Control
.............................. 114
Off-Road
................................. 115. 123
On Curves
...................................... 111
On Inclines ..................................... 121
Through Deep Standing Water
....... 46
Winter Driving
............................... 130
With a Trailer
................................. 132
Drunken Driving
.............................. 106
Long
Distance
................................ 128
Passing.,
.......................................... 113
Electric Outside Mirror Control ..... 70
Electrical Equipment.
Adding
................................ 46. 95. 196
Electronic Cluster
............................... 79
Emergencies on the Road
................. 139
Emergencies. Braking
in
................... 111
Emergencies. Steering in .................. 112
Emergency Starting
.......................... 140
Emergency Towing
........................... 144
Engine Coolant
......................... 174. 201
E/M Switch ......................................... 83
Engine Block Heater
.................. 47. 170
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