
Service &Appearance Care
21 0
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature
performance. (This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States.)
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate
of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half (1 %)
times as well on the government course
as a tire graded
100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction-A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest are:
A, B, and C. They represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire
marked
C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest)
B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
These grades are molded
on the
sidewalls of passenger car tires.
While the tires available as standard or
optional equipment on General Motors
vehicles may vary with respect to these
grades, all such tires meet General
Motors performance standards and
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have been approved for use on General
~ Motors vehicles. All passenger type
(P Metric) tires must conform to
Federal safety requirements in addition
to these grades.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were
aligned and balanced carefully at the
factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will not need to have
your wheels aligned again. However,
if
you notice unusual tire wear or your
vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset. If you
notice your vehicle vibrating when
driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need
to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked
or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep
coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If
the wheel leala air, replace it (except
some aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your Oldsmobile dealer
if any of these
conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel
you need.
Each new wheel should have the same
load carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts,
replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you
will be sure to have the right wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for your
Oldsmobile model.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, headlight aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
21 1
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Service & Appearance Care
21 6
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of
your Oldsmobile may be necessary to
remove residue from the paint finish.
You can get GM approved cleaning
products from your dealer.
Your Oldsmobile has
a
“basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to
the colored basecoat. Always use waxes
and polishes that are non-abrasive and
made for
a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
UAluminum Week
Your aluminum wheels have a
protective coating similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. 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.
I 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.)
Foreigpt 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.
I Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the finish should be
repaired right away.
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.
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1.02 kg
1.36 kg
Refrigerant (R134A), Air Conditioning
Front A/C only .................................................................... 2.25 pounds
Front and Rear A/C
............................................................ 3.00 pounds
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning
system in your vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is
used. If you’re not sure, ask your Oldsmobile dealer. For additional
infomation, see your “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
” booklet.
Fuel Tank ........................................................................\
..... 20 gallons 76.00 L
Power Steering
3100
V6 Engine:
Pump Only ........................................................................\
..
Complete System ................................................................
1 pint
1.25 pints 0.50 L
0.60 L
3800 V6 Engine:
Pump Only ........................................................................\
.. 1 pint 0.50 L
Complete System ................................................................ 1.50 pints 0.70 L
Tire Pressures, Sizes .......................................................... See CertificatiorVTire label on driver’s door.
Wheel Nut Torque ............................................................. 100 pound-feet 140 Nom
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.
r
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Maintenance Schedule
238
Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Following 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
NO. SERVICE
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 10W-30), see
Engine Oil
in the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication - Lubricate
suspension and steering linkage.
Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage,
and parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and
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 E.
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.
Engine Accessory Drive Inspection
- Inspect the drive belt for cracks,
fraying, wear and proper tension.
Replace as needed.
I
Cooling System Servicee - Drain,
flush and refill the system with new
or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification
I
1825M. Keep coolant at the proper 1
mixture as specified. See Coolant in
the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion
I
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 tht
pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation, we
recommend
a pressure test of both the
cooling system and the pressure cap.
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Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service department or
other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any
Listed below are inspections and services which should be necessary repairs are completed at once.
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and
Restraint Systems
Steering, Suspension
and Front-Wheel-
Drive Axle Boot and
Seal Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
Brake 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
hookup, 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.
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts.
Replace parts as needed.
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect
drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.
You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced.
Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the
brake system. See the
Index under Brake System Warning Light. If your anti-lock brake system
warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.
See the
Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Wawing Light.
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lndex
Accessory Power Outlet ................... 84
Adding Brake Fluid
............................. 201. 227
Electrical Equipment
........ .60. 117 . 2 19
Engine Coolant
.......... 167.197.224. 227
Engine Oil
.............................. 190. 224
Power Steering Fluid
..... 199.225. 227
Sound Equipment
.......................... 11 7
Transaxle Fluid
.............. 195. 224. 227
Windshield Washer Fluid
...... 200. 227
Air Bag Readiness Light
..................... 27
Air Bags
............................................... 26
Air Cleaner
............................... 194. 226
Air Conditioner
................................ 11 1
Air Inflator System ............................. 85
Alcohol. Driving Under the
Influence
of ..................................... 132
Alcohol in Gasoline
.......................... 183
Aluminum Wheels .................... 21 1. 216
Antenna
............................................ 129
Anti-Lock
.......................................... 135
Anti-Lock Brake System
................... 135
Brake Master Cylinder ................... 201
Junction Block Fuse
...................... 222
Warning Light
................................ 104
Appearance Care
.............................. 212
Adjusting
Rear Seats
.......................... 17
Antifreeze
......................... 197. 224. 227
Ashtrays and Lighter
.................... 89. 90 Audio
Systems
.................................. 117
AM/FM Stereo Radio
.................... 1 19
AM/FM Stereo Radio with Compact
Disc Player
..................................... 124
Care
of Audio Systems .................. 128
Setting the Clock
........................... 117
Steering Wheel Touch Controls
.... 127
Adding Fluid
.................. 197. 225. 227
Checking Fluid
............................... 195
Shifting
............................................. 62
Battery
............................................ 203
Jump Starting
................................. 158
Battery Warning Gage ...................... 103
Blizzard
............................................. 149
Brake Cassette
Player
...................... 120. 122
Radio Reception. For the Best
...... 128
Automatic Transaxle
(( Blowout. .. Tire ................................ 172
Adjustment
.................................... 202
Anti-Lock Brakes
.......................... 135
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
............................................ 104
Fluid
....................................... 201. 227
Parking
............................................. 65
Pedal Travel
................................... 202
Rear
Drums .................................... 202
Junction
Block Fuse
...................... 222
Master Cylinder
............................. 201 Warning Light
................................ 103
Wear Indicators
............................. 202
Brake System Warning Light
........... 103
Braking
............................................. 134
Braking in Emergencies
................... 138
Braking Technique
........................... 134
“Break.1n.
.. New Vehicle ............. 57. 152
Bucket Seats. Removable Rear
.......... 15
Buckling Up (see
Safety Belts)
Bulb Replacement
Headlight
....................................... 203
Taillight
.......................................... 204
Bulbs, Replacement
.......................... 228
Capacities
81 Specifications ............ 224
Carbon Monoxide in
Exhaust
...................... 57, 68. 150. 154
Cassette Tape Player
(see
Audio Systems )
Center Passenger Position
(see
Safety Belts)
Chains. Safety ................................... 154
Chains. Tire
.............................. 179, 212
Changing a Flat Tire
......................... 172
Checking
Brake Fluid
.................................... 201
Engine Coolant
.............................. 197
Engine Oil ...................................... 190
Power Steering Fluid
..................... 199
Safety Belt Systems
......................... 41
.
263
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264
Things Under the Hood ................ 186
Transaxle Fluid
.............................. 195
Chemical Paint Spotting
.................. 217
Child Restraints
.................................. 35
How to Install
.................................. 35
Where to Put
.................................... 36
Children and Safety Belts
............ 34. 39
Child Security Lock
............................ 55
Circuit BrealtedRelay Panel ............ 222
Circuit Breakers
& Fuses ................. 219
City Driving
...................................... 145
Cleaner, Air
.............................. 194, 226
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
......................... 216
Compact Discs
............................... 129
Fabric
..................................... 213, 214
Finish Care
..................................... 216
Foreign Material
............................ 2 16
Glass
.............................................. 215
Inside of Your Oldsmobile
............ 212
Leather and Vinyl
.......................... 214
Outside
of the Windshield and Wiper
Blades
............................................. 215
Outside
of Your Oldsmobile ......... 215
Safety Belts
.................................... 214
Special Problems
........................... 213
Stains. Removing
........................... 213
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 89
Cassette Tape Player
...................... 128
Top of the Instrument Panel
......... 214 Underbody
Maintenance
............... 217
Vinyl or Leather
............................. 214
Warnings
........................................ 2 12
Weatherstrips
................................. 216
Windshield
..................................... 215
Climate Control System
............ 11 1. 113
Clock. Setting the
............................. 117
Cluster. Instrument Panel .................. 98
Comfort Controls
............................. 11 1
Air Conditioner .............................. 11 1
Heater ............................................ 111
Rear ................................................ 113
Ventilation ..................................... 1 16
(see
Audio Systems )
Compact Disc Player
Compact Overhead Console
.............. 95
Compact Spare Tire
......................... 178
Compass Display
................................ 81
Console, Overhead ............................. 79
Control
of a Vehicle ......................... 134
Convenience Net
................................ 91
Convex Outside Mirror
...................... 87
Coolant ............................................. 197
Checking
& Adding ....................... 198
Proper Mixture to Use
............ 168, 197
Safety Warnings About
.................. 167, 168, 169, 198
Temperature Gage
......................... 103
Cruise Control
.................................... 72
Cup Holder/Ashtray, Front
............... 89 Curves. Driving
on
........................... 138
Customer Assistance Information
... 249
Dead Battery: What to
Do ............. 158
Defensive Driving
............................ 132
Defogger. Rear Window
................... 115
Defogging and Defrosting
................ 115
Delco LOC II@
................................. 126
Dome Lights
....................................... 84
Door Locks
............................. 45. 46. 52
Door. Power Sliding ................... 52. 107
Door. Sliding
...................................... 51
Driver Position
................................... 22
Driving At Night
......................................... 142
City
................................................. 145
Controlling a Skid
......................... 141
Defensively
.................................... 132
Drunlten
......................................... 132
Freeway
.......................................... 145
Hill and Mountain
......................... 147
In a Foreign Country ..................... 184
In Rain
........................................... 143
Long Distance
................................ 146
Loss
of Control .............................. 141
On Curves
...................................... 138
Passing ........................................... 140
Through Deep Standing Water
....... 60
Winter Driving
............................... 148
With a Trailer
................................. 151
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