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.
ProCarManuals.com
What Kind of Oil to Use
Beginning midyear 1993, oils of the
proper quality for your vehicle will be
identified with this new “starburst”
symbol. The “starburst” symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified
by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and is preferred for use in your
gasoline engine.
You should look for this on the front of
the oil container, and use only oils that
display this new symbol.
You should also use the proper viscositJ
oil for your vehicle, as shown in the
following chart:
I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING,
SELECT THE LOWEST SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL
FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
Y
HOT
WE
-
“F
k100
+so
+SO
+40
+20
0
ATHER __
COLD
-
“C
t38
t 21
t16
t4
-7
-18
LOOK FOR
ONE OF THESE
LABELS
SAE 5W-30 PREFERRED
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES WEATHER ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES c).
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED.
Is shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is
lest for your vehicle. However, you can
Ise
SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going to be 0°F
:-lS.C)
or above. These numbers on an
)il container show its viscosity, or thickness.
Do not
use other viscosity oils,
such as SAE
IOW-40 or SAE 20W-50.
If you cannot find oils with the new
“starburst” symbol on the front of the
container, you should look for and use
oils containing the following three things:
SH or SG
“SH”
or “SG” must be on the oil
container, either by itself or combined
with other quality designations, such as “SH/CD,” “SH,SG,CD,” “SG/CD,” etc.
These letters show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of quality.
SAE 5W-30
Energy Conserving I1
Oils with these words on the
container will help you save fuel.
These three things are usually included
in a doughnut shaped logo (symbol) on
most containers.
If you cannot find oils
with the “starburst” symbol, you should
look for oils with the doughnut shaped
symbol, containing the three things
noted above.
169
ProCarManuals.com
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
ProCarManuals.com
Sewice & Appearance Care
194
Aluminum Wheels
Your aluminum wheels have a
protective coating similar to the painted
surface of your truck. Don’t use strong
soaps, chemicals, chrome polish,
abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning
brushes on them because you could
damage this coating. After rinsing
thoroughly, a wax may be applied.
NOTICE:
Don’t use an automatic vehicle
wash that has hard silicon carbide
cleaning brushes. These brushes
can take off the protective coating.
1 Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak. Apply silicone
grease with
a clean cloth at least every
six months. During very cold, damp
weather more frequent application may
be required. (See
Recommended Fluids
G Lubricants in the Index.)
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop applies
anti-corrosion material to the parts
repaired or replaced to restore
corrosion protection.
Foreign Material
Calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap,
bird droppings, chemicals
from
industrial chimneys, and other foreign
matter can damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain on painted surfaces. Use
cleaners that are marked safe for painted
surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the finish should be
repaired right away. Bare metal will
corrode quickly and may develop into a
major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be
repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer or
other
service outlets. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect on
the underbody.
If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust)
can occur on the underbody parts such
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and
exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody with plain
water. Clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect. Dirt packed in
closed areas of the frame should be
loosened before being flushed. Your
dealer or an underbody vehicle washing
system can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical fallout.
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle.
This damage can take two forms:
ProCarManuals.com
9. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement': -
Replace every 30,000 miles (50 000
km) or more often under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the
proper replacement intervals for your
driving conditions.
10. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection*t
- Inspect fuel tank,
cap and lines (including fuel rails
and injection assembly) for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for
an even filler neck imprint or any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
1 1. Positive Crankcase Ventilation
(PCV) System 1nspection':t
-
Inspect the system for proper
function. Replace any worn, plugged
or collapsed hoses and seals.
Replace valve only if necessary.
12. Fuel Filter Replacement'$t -
Replace the fuel filter every 30,000
miles (50 000 ltrn), or sooner if
clogged.
13. Engine Timing and Distributor Check':'t
- Adjust the timing to
the underhood label specifications.
Inspect the inside and outside of the
distributor cap and rotor for craclts, carbon tracking and corrosion.
Clean or replace
as needed.
14. Differential (Axle) Service-Check
rear/front differential fluid level and
add as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for
leaking.
Locking Rear Differential -Drain
fluid at first engine oil change and
refill. Check fluid level and add as
needed at subsequent oil changes. In
dusty areas, or trailer towing
applications, drain fluid at every
15,000 miles (25 000 ltm) and refill.
More frequent lubrication may be
required during heavy-duty or off-
road use. A fluid loss in this system
may indicate
a problem. Have it
inspected and repaired at once.
15. Brake Systems Inspection-When
the engine oil is changed, inspect
the lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, craclts,
chafing, etc. Check the parking
brake adjustment and the fluid level
in the master cylinder. A low brake
fluid level can indicate worn disc
brake pads which may need to be
serviced.
A fluid loss in this system may indicate a problem. See
the
Index under Brake System Warning
Light. When the wheels are
removed for rotation, inspect disc
brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Also inspect
drum brake linings for wear and
craclts. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, etc. at the
same time.
You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often
if your driving
habits or conditions result in
frequent braking.
16. Transfer Case Fluid Change -In
heavy or frequent trailer towing
applications, drain fluid and refill
every
30,000 miles (50 000 ltm).
'$ = An Emission Control Service.
f = The US. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to pelform this
maintenance item will not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior
to the completion of vehicle useful life.
General Motors, however, urges that
all
recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded
in "Section E:
Maintenance Record. ''
211
ProCarManuals.com
Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
Parking Brake Guides
Power Steering System
Automatic Transmission
Locking Differential
Key Lock Cylinders
Automatic Transmission Shift
Linkage
FLUID/LUBRICANT
API service SH or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of the 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, see
Engine Oil in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water (preferably distilled) and good quality ethylene glycol base antifreeze
(GM Part No. 1052103 or equivalent) conforming to GM Specification 6038-M.
Delco Supreme
1 I@ Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535 or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of
NLGI Grade
2, Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 1052884 or equivalent).
DEXRONo-I11 or DEXRONB-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid.
SAE 8OW-90 Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 1052271).
Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part
No. 123451120), synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil ~ ~~
Engine oil.
21 7
ProCarManuals.com
Maintenance Schedule
USAGE
Transfer Case Chassis Lubrication
Windshield Washer Solvent
Hood Latch Assembly
a. Pivots and Spring
b. Release Pawl Anchor
Hood, Door and
Tailgate Hinges, Rear Folding Seat, Fuel
Door Hinge, Rear
Compartment Lid
Hinges
Weatherstrips
Tailgate Mounted Spare Tire Carrier
(if equipped)
FLUID/LUBRICANT
DEXRONB-I11 or DEXRONo-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 12345881).
Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements
of
NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Optildeen@ Washer Solvent (GM Part No.
1051515) or equivalent.
a. Engine oil.
b. Chassis lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB (GM Part No.
1052497 or equivalent) or GC-LB.
Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
Multi-purpose lubricant meeting requirements of GM Part
No. 12345120.
See
RepZacernsnt Parts in the Index for recommended- replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.
218
ProCarManuals.com