
How to Add Fluid 
Refer to  the  Maintenance  Schedule  to 
determine  what  kind of transaxle  fluid 
to  use.  See 
Recommended  Fluids and 
Lubricants 
in  the Index. 
If the  fluid  level  is  low, add only  enough 
of  the  proper  fluid to bring  the level  into 
the  cross-hatched  area 
on the dipstick. 
1. Pull  out  the  dipstick. 
2. Using a long-neck  funnel:  add 
enough  fluid at  the  dipstick hole  to 
bring  it to  the  proper level. 
It  doesn’t  take  much fluid, generally  less 
than  a  pint 
(OSL). Don’t  overfill. We 
recommend  you  use only  fluid  labeled 
DEXRONo-I11  or DEXRON@-IIE, 
because fluids with  that label  are made 
especially  for your automatic  transaxle. 
Damage  caused by fluid  other  than 
DEXRONo-I11  or DEXRONB-IIE  is  not 
covered  by your  new vehicle  warranty. 
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 
3100 V6: Adding  Automatic  Transaxle 
Fluid 
3800 V6: Adding  Automatic  Transaxle 
Fluid 
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-34”F 
Give boiling  protection  up  to  262°F 
Protect against rust  and  corrosion. 
Help keep  the proper engine 
Let  the  warning  lights work as they 
What to Use 
Use a mixture  of one-half clean  water 
(preferably distilled)  and one-half 
antifreeze  that meets 
“GM Specification 
1825-M:” which won’t damage 
aluminum  parts. 
You can also use  a 
recycled  coolant conforming  to 
GM 
Specification  1825-M with  a complete 
coolant flush  and refill. 
If you use this 
mixture, 
you don’t  need to add  anything 
else. 
(-37°C). 
( 12SoC). 
temperature.  should. 
197 
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Service &Appearance Cure 
NOTICE: 
198 
If you  use an improper  coolant mix, 
your engine  could overheat  and be 
badly  damaged.  The  repair 
cost 
wouldn’t be  covered by your 
warranty.  Too much  water  in the 
mix  can freeze  and crack  the 
engine,  radiator,  heater  core and 
other  parts. 
Adding Coolant 
To Check  Coolant 
When  your engine  is cold,  the coolant 
level  should  be at 
COLD, or  a  little 
higher.  When your engine  is warm,  the 
level  should  be up  to 
FULL HOT, or a 
little higher. 
3100 V6: Checking  Coolant 
3800 V6: Checking  Coolant 
ProCarManuals.com 

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. 
Radiator  Pressure  Cap 
NOTICE: 
Your radiator  cap  is a 15 psi (105 
kPa)  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  AC8 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. 
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 
H (Hot) 
mark. 
When  the engine  compartment  is 
cool,  the level  should  be  at  the 
C 
(Cold) mark. 
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Injector 3365 Fuse 
(3800 V6 ENGINE ONLY) 
This 20-amp fuse is located  underhood, 
on  a  bracket  just  behind the passenger 
side headlight.  It is mounted  on the  face 
of  the  bracket  in the  position closest  to 
the  passenger side  of the  vehicle.  The 
fuse services  the  injectors,  fuel pump, 
oil  pressure  sender  and  fuel pump 
switch. 
To access  the fuse,  pry back  the  latch 
with  a  screwdriver,  then pull down on 
the  base 
of the  unit.  If you  need  to 
replace  the  fuse,  be  sure  to use  a  20- 
amp  fuse. 
Push the  base  of the  unit  firmly up  into 
the  cover  until  the  latch  snaps  into  the 
locked  position. 
Headlight  Wiring 
The headlight wiring  is protected  by a 
circuit  breaker  in the  light switch.  An 
electrical overload  will cause  the  lights 
to  go  on  and  off: or 
in some cases  to 
remain  off. If this  happens,  have your 
headlight system checked right away. 
Windshield  Wipers 
The windshield wiper  motor is 
protected by a circuit  breaker  and  a 
fuse. 
If the  motor  overheats  due  to 
heavy  snow,  etc.,  the wiper  will stop 
until  the  motor  cools. 
If the overload is 
caused  by some electrical problem, have 
it fixed. 
Power  Windows  and  Other  Power 
Options 
Circuit  breakers  in the  circuit 
breakerhelay  panel protect the power 
windows  and  other  power accessories. 
When  the  current  load is too  heavy,  the 
circuit breaker  opens  and closes, 
protecting  the  circuit until the problem 
is  fixed. 
223 
ProCarManuals.com 

Drunken Driving .............................. 132 
Electric  Outside Mirror Control 
...... 87 
Electrical  Equipment. 
Adding 
............................. 60.  117. 219 
Electronic  Level Control 
............ 94. 206 
Emergencies.  Braking  in 
.................. 138 
Emergencies  on the  Road 
................ 157 
Emergencies.  Steering in 
.................. 139 
Emergency  Starting 
.......................... 158 
Emergency  Towing ........................... 162 
Engine  Coolant 
................ 197,  224,  227 
Engine  Coolant  Heater 
....................... 61 
Engine  Coolant Temperature 
Gage 
............................................... 103 
Engine  Exhaust 
............ 57. 68,  150,  154 
Engine  Identification 
........................ 218 
Engine  Oil 
......................................... 190 
Additives 
........................................ 193 
Checking 
& Adding ............... 190. 191 
Disposing  of Used  Oil 
................... 194 
Energy  Conserving 
......................... 193 
Pressure  Gage 
................................ 102 
Pressure Indicator 
......................... 101 
Warning 
.......................................... 193 
When  to Change 
............................ 193 
Engine  Overheating 
......................... 165 
Engine  Specifications 
....................... 226 
Engine.  Starting 
.................................. 58 
Ethanol  in Gasoline .......................... 183 
Exhaust 
Dangerous  Gas 
Parking with  the Engine 
in 
............................. 57. 
68. 150. 154 
Running 
................................... 67.  68 
Expectant Mothers.  Use 
of Safety 
Belts 
................................................. 30 
Expressway  Driving 
......................... 145 
Extender.  Safety  Belt 
......................... 41 
Exterior Appearance 
Fabric  Cleaning 
Fan  Warnings 
............ 159. 160. 167. 187 
Filling  the Fuel  Tank ................ 185. 272 
Filter  Air  Cleaner 
............................ 194. 226 
Oil 
.......................................... 193. 226 
Finish Care 
....................................... 216 
Flat  Tire 
............................................ 172 
Flooded  Engine 
................................... 59 
Fluid  (see 
Appearance 
Care ) 
(see Appearance Care ) 
Flashers. Hazard Warning ............... 158 
Flow-Through Ventilation 
............... 116 
Brake 
...................................... 200. 227 
Capacities 
....................................... 224 
Power  Steering 
.............. 199. 225. 227 
Transaxle 
....................... 195.  224.  227 
Windshield  Washer 
................ 200.  227 Fluids 
& Lubricants ......................... 227 
Fog  Lights 
............................................ 76 
Freeway  Driving 
............................... 145 
Fuel 
................................................... 183 
Alcohol  in  Fuel 
.............................. 183 
Capacity 
......................................... 185 
Exhaust Warnings ..... 57. 68. 150. 154 
Filling 
Your Tank .......................... 185 
Fuels  with Alcohol 
......................... 183 
Gage 
............................................... 100 
In  Foreign  Countries ..................... 184 
Low.  Warning 
................................ 101 
Methanol  in  Fuel 
........................... 183 
Requirements ................................. 183 
Fuse Panel  and Usage .............. 220.  221 
Fuses 
& Circuit Breakers ................. 219 
Anti-Lock  Brakes Fuse 
.................. 222 
Injector Fuse 
.................................. 223 
Gages  Coolant Temperature 
.................... 103 
Fuel 
................................................ 100 
Oil  Pressure ................................... 102 
Oil  Pressure Indicator 
................... 101 
Tachometer 
...................................... 99 
Voltmeter 
....................................... 103 
Garage Door  Opener Compartment 
.. 80 
Gasoline 
............................................ 183 
Gasoline  Tank, Filling  Your 
............ 185 
Gas Station  Information .................. 272 265 
ProCarManuals.com 

266 
Gate Ajar  Light ................................ 107 
Gear Positions 
Gearshift  Lever 
Glove  Boxes/Storage  (see 
Shifting the Transaxle ) 
(see Shifting  the  Transaxle) 
Compartment 88 
alogen  Bulbs ............................... 203 
................................... 
H 
Hazard 
Warning  Flashers ................ 158 
Replacing 
....................................... 203 
Headlights 
.......................................... 74 
Headlight 
& Taillight.  Removing 
and 
High-Low  Beam  Changer 
.................. 75 
Instrument  Panel  Intensity  Control 
.. 76 
On”  Reminder 
................................ 75 
Replacement  Bulb 
.......................... 228 
Wiring 
............................................ 223 
Head  Restraint 
................................... 14 
Heater  (see 
Comfort Controls) 
High  Beams ........................................ 75 
Hill  and Mountain  Roads 
................ 147 
Hood  Release 
................................... 186 
LL 
Operation ......................................... 75 
“Highway  Hypnosis” 
....................... 146 
Hills.  Parking  on 
.............................. 156 
Safety  Warning 
.............................. 187 
Warning.  Overheated 
Engine 
.......................... 187.  198. 199 
Horn .................................................... 69  Hot 
Engine.  Safety 
Warnings 
............. 166. 187. 198.  199 
Hydroplaning 
.................................... 144 
Identification  Number.  Vehicle 
...... 21 8 
Idling  Your  Engine ....................... 67. 68 
If  You’re  Stuck: In Sand.  Mud. 
Ice  or Snow 
.................................... 179 
Ignition  Key 
................................................... 44 
Positions 
.......................................... 58 
Illuminated  Entry  System 
.................. 50 
Indicator  Lights (see Warning  Lights) 
Infant Restraint (see Child Restraints) 
Inflation.  Tire ........................... 178. 208 
Inflator. 
Air ......................................... 85 
Inside  Rearview  Mirror 
...................... 86 
Instrument  Panel 
................................ 97 
Instrument  Panel  Cluster 
................... 98 
Instrument  Panel Intensity Control 
.. 76 
Instrument  Panel  Warning  Lights 
... 100 
Interior  Lights 
........................ 76, 79. 80 
Override  Switch 
83 ............................... 
J- ack, Tire ......................................... 172 
Jump  Starting 
................................... 158 
Keyless  Entry,  Remote 
..................... 48 
Keys 
.................................................... 44 
L ane  Change  Indicator .................... 71 
Front 
................................................ 23 
Rear 
.................................................. 32 
Use by  Children ......................... 34, 39 
Level  Control,  Electronic 
............ 94,  206 
Liftgate 
....................................... 56,  107 
Lighter 
................................................ 89 
Lights  Dome 
................................................. 84 
Fog 
................................................... 76 
Headlights 
........................................ 74 
Interior  Lights  Control 
.................... 76 
Interior  Lights  Override  Switch 
...... 83 
On”  Reminder 
................................ 75 
Reading 
...................................... 80, 83 
Removing & 
Lap-Shoulder  Belt .............................. 23 
(6 
Rear Interior  Lights ......................... 84 
Replacement  Bulbs 
........................ 228 
Replacing  Bulbs 
................... 204, 228 
Taillights 
........................................ 204 
Turn  Signal 
...................................... 71 
Underhood 
..................................... 190 
Warning  Lights 
.............................. 100 
Lights  On Reminder 
........................... 75 
Loading  Your  Vehicle 
................ 92,  206 
Locks  Manual 
....................................... 45, 52 
Power ............................................... 46 
ProCarManuals.com 

Remote Control ................................ 48 .. Sliding Door ..................................... 52 
Long  Distance  Driving 
..................... 146 
Low  Battery 
...................................... 158 
Low  Fuel  Warning ............................ 101 
Low  Oil  Pressure  Warning 
............... 102 
Low  Traction  Light 
........................... 105 
Lubricants and  Fluids ...................... 227 
Luggage  Carrier 
.................................. 92 
Maintenance  Record 
..................... 246 
Maintenance Schedule 
..................... 234 
Malfunction  Indicator Lamp 
........... 106 
Manual  Front  Seat 
............................. 12 
Manual Lap-Shoulder  Safety  Belt 
..... 23 
Methanol in Gasoline 
....................... 183 
Mileage  Indicator 
Mirrors  (see 
Odometer G. Speedometer) 
Inside 
Manual  Day/Night ............... 86 
Outside  Convex 
............................... 87 
Power  Remote  Control 
.................... 87 
Mountain  Driving 
............................ 147 
New  Vehicle  “Break-In” 
Night  Driving 
................................... 142 
Night  Vision 
..................................... 142 
Visor  Vanity 
..................................... 88 
Requirements ........................... 57. 
152  Octane 
Requirements 
(see 
Fuel  Requirements) 
Odometer & Speedometer ................. 99 
Oil.  Engine 
........................................ 190 
Pressure  Gage 
................................ 102 
Pressure Indicator 
......................... 101 
Quality 
........................................... 19 1 
Thickness ....................................... 192 
Used  Oil 
......................................... 194 
When  to Change 
............................ 193 
Oil  Warning 
...................................... 101 
Outside  Rearview  Mirrors ................. 87 
Overhead  Console 
........................ 79. 95 
Overheated  Engine 
........................... 165 
Warnings ................ 166. 187. 198. 199 
Owner  Checks 
& Services ............... 240 
Rrk.  Shifting  Into 
............................. 66 
Parking  Over  Things  That Burn 
................... 67 
Parking  Brake 
..................................... 65 
Passenger  Belts  (see 
Safety  Belts) 
Passing .............................................. 140 
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 
.. 243 
Polishing  and Waxing 
With 
the Engine  Running 
........... 67. 68 
Payload 
............................................. 206 
(see 
Appearance  Care ) 
Power (Anti-Lock)  Brakes ............... 135 Power 
Door Locks 
............................. 46 
Power  Mirrors 
.................................... 87 
Power  Outlet.  Accessory 
.................... 84 
Power  Seat Controls 
.......................... 13 
Power  Sliding  Door .................... 52. 107 
Power  Steering 
................................. 138 
Power Steering  Fluid ....... 199.225.  227 
Power  Windows 
......................... 70.  223 
During 
.............................................. 30 
Problems  on the  Road 
...................... 157 
Publications 
...................................... 254 
Pregnancy. 
Use 
of Safety  Belts 
Radiator  Overheating 
(see 
Overheated Engine ) 
Radiator  Pressure Cap ..................... 199 
Radio  (see 
Audio  Systems) 
Reading  Lights .................................... 80 
Rear  Climate  Control 
....................... 113 
Rear Interior  Lights ............................ 84 
Rear  Seats 
........................................... 15 
Removing ......................................... 16 
Replacing 
......................................... 18 
Third  Row Entry .............................. 15 
Rear  Window  Defogger .................... 115 
Rear  Window  Wiper  and Washer 
...... 79 
Rearview  Mirror 
................................. 86 
Reclining  Seatbaclts 
........................... 13 
.. Ad~ustmg .......................................... 17 
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