1994 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA overheating

How to Use this Manual
MANY PEOPLE READ THEIR OWNER’S
manual from beginning to end when
they first receive their new vehicle.
This
vvlll help you learn about the
features and controls for your vehicle.
In
this manual, you’ll find that
pictures and words work together
to explain things quickly.
There are nine parts with thumb-
tabbed pages
in this manual.
Each part begins with
a brief list of
contents,
so you can usually tell at a
glance if that part contains the
information you want.
You can bend the manual slightly to
reveal the tabs that help you find
a
part.
6
Part 1: Seats & Restraint Systems
This part tells you how to use your
seats and safety belts properly.
Part 2: Features & Controls
This part explains how to start and
operate your Oldsmobile.
Part 3: Comfort Controls & Audio Systems
This part tells you how to adjust the
ventilation and comfort controls and
how to operate your audio system.
Part 4: Your Driving and the Road
Here you’ll find helpful information
and tips about the road and how to
drive under different conditions.
Part 5: Problems on the Road
This part tells you what to do if you
have
a problem while driving, such as
a flat tire or engine overheating.
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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).
51
85
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Features & Controk
88
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
pcmoNIc CLUSTER)
This gage has bars that show the engine
coolant temperature.
A box around the temperature symbol
will flash when 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 ProbZems on the Road, this manual
shows what to do. See the
Index under
Engine Overheating.
~
Brake System Warning Light
Your Oldsmobile’s hydraulic brake
system is divided into two parts.
If one
part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good
braking, though, you need both parts
working well.
If the warning light comes on, there
could be a brake problem. Have your
brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on as you start
the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then,
have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn
you
if there’s a problem.
If the light comes on while you are
driving, pull off the road and stop
carefully.
You may notice that the pedal
is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer
to the floor. It may take longer to
stop.
If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See
Towing
Your Truck in the Index.)
The brake system warning light will also
come on when you set your parking
brake, and it will stay on
if your parking
brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays
on
after your parking brake is fully released,
it means you have a brake problem.
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Your Driving and the Road
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher
and extra wiring. The green arrows on
your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the trailer
lights will also flash, telling other
drivers you’re about to turn, change
lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your instrument panel will flash for
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your
signal when they are not, It’s important
to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you
might have to use your brakes
so much
that they would get hot and no longer
work well. On
a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed
to around 45 mph
(70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of
engine and transmission overheating.
If you are towing a trailer that weighs
more than
3,000 pounds (1 350 kg), it’s
best to drive in
D instead of Overdrive
(or, as you need to, a lower gear). This
will minimize heat build-up and extend
the life of your transmission.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill.
If
something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured,
and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on
a hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t
shift into
P (Park) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under
the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place,
release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then
apply your parking brake and then
shift to
P (Park).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold
the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
4. Stop and have someone pick up and
of
the chocks.
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more
often when you’re pulling a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule for more on
this. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are
automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt,
cooling system, and brake adjustment.
Each of these is covered in this manual,
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Here you’ll find what to do about some
problems that can occur on the road
.
Part 5
Problems on the Road
Hazard Warning Flashers ........................................................................\
............... 140
Jump Starting ........................................................................\
.................................. 140
Towing Your Bravada ........................................................................\
..................... 144
Engine Overheating ........................................................................\
......................... 145
If a Tire Goes Flat ........................................................................\
........................... 151
Changing a Flat Tire ........................................................................\
........................ 151
If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ......................................................... 158
0
139
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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
!45
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Service & Appearance Care
I
1 74
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid
level as described under
How to
Check.
obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
When the correct fluid level is
I Rear Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See
Scheduled Maintenance Services in
the
Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to
raise the level to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See
Recommended Fluids E. Lubricants
in the Index.
I All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant. See
Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to
raise the level to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See
Recommended Fluids G Lubricants
in the Index.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See
Scheduled Maintenance Services in the
Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise
the level to the bottom of the filler plug
hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See
Recommended Fluids G Lubricants
in the Index.
I Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant when it
is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see
Engine
Overheating
in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Oldsmobile
will:
Give freezing protection down to
Give boiling protection up to 258°F
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
-34°F (-37°C).
(125°C).
temperature.
I
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Service & Appearance Care
1 76
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
mix
at the coolant recovery tank.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank,
but be careful not
to spill it.
I Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi
(105 1tPa) pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed
to prevent
coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure
the arrows on the cap line up with
the overflow tube
on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator
pressure cap, an AC@ cap
is
recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is
controlled by a thermostat in the engine
coolant system. The thermostat stops
the flow
of coolant through the radiator
until the coolant reaches a preset
temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat is recommended.
I Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering
Fluid
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick
with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the
cap again and look at the fluid level on
the dipstick.
. When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be
at the HOT mark.
When the engine compartment is
cool, the level should be at the
FULL
COLD mark.
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