
Features & Controls 
100 
Warning Lights,  Gages  and 
Indicators 
This section describes  the warning 
lights and  gages that may  be on  your 
vehicle. The pictures  will help  you 
locate  them. 
Warning lights  and gages  can signal  that 
something 
is wrong before  it becomes 
serious  enough  to  cause  an expensive 
repair  or  replacement.  Paying attention 
to  your warning lights  and gages  could 
also save  you or  others  from injury. 
Warning lights  go on  when  there may 
be  or is a problem  with  one  of your 
vehicle's  functions.  As  you  will  see in 
the  details on  the  next few pages, some 
warning  lights  come  on briefly  when 
you  turn  the  ignition key just  to  let you 
know  they're working.  If you  are 
familiar  with  this  section,  you should 
not  be  alarmed when  this  happens. 
Gages can indicate when  there may  be 
or 
is a problem with  one of your 
vehicle's  functions.  Often  gages and 
warning lights work  together to let  you 
know when  there's  a problem with your 
vehicle.  When 
one of the  warning lights comes 
on and  stays  on when  you are driving, 
or  when  one 
of the gages  shows  there 
may  be a problem, check  the section 
that  tells  you what  to  do  about  it.  Please 
follow  the manual's  advice. Waiting  to 
do  repairs  can be  costly 
- and  even 
dangerous. 
So please  get to know  your 
warning lights  and gages.  They're  a big 
help. 
- UNLtADtU  FUtL 
- 
I 
loo= , 
fuel Gage 
Your  fuel  gage  tells you about  how 
much  fuel you  have left, when  the 
ignition  is 
on. When  the gage  first 
indicates 
E (Empty), you still  have  a 
little  fuel left,  but you  should  get more 
soon. 
Here  are four things  that some  owners 
ssk about.  None of these  show a 
problem  with your fuel  gage: 
At the  service  station,  the gas  pump 
shuts  off before  the gage  reads 
F 
(Full) . 
It takes  a  little more  or less  fuel  to fill 
up  than  the  gage indicated. For 
example,  the gage  may  have  indicated 
the  tank  was half full,  but it actually 
took  a little more  or less  than  half the 
tank's  capacity  to 
fill the  tank. 
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The gage  moves  a  little  when  you turn 
The  gage  doesn’t  go  back  to E when 
For  your  fuel tank  capacity,  see 
Service 
Station  Information 
on  the  last page of 
this  manual. a  corner,  brake  or 
speed 
up. 
you turn  off the  ignition. 
_____ 0 
‘F 
I 
00- 
- 1/2 
Low Fuel  Warning Light 
When  there is between 3 gallons (1 1 
liters)  and 0.5 gallon (1.8 liters)  of fuel 
left  in the  tank,  the  warning light next 
to the fuel symbol  will  go on. 
This light  will also  come  on when  you 
turn  on  the  ignition,  but  the  engine is 
not  running,  to show  you it is  working. 
If  it doesn’t  come on  as you start  your 
vehicle, have  it fixed  right away. 
d 
Oil  Pressure  lndicator 
(31 00 V6 ENGINE) 
Your vehicle  is equipped  with an oil 
pressure  indicator  rather  than  an oil 
pressure  gage.  Your  oil  pressure indicator 
lets 
you know when  you  may have a 
problem  with your engine  oil pressure. 
When  the engine  is running,  readings 
within  the  white  graduation  band 
indicate  the  normal  operating  range. 
Readings  in  or below  the red  area 
indicate  that  the engine’s  oil  level  may 
be  dangerously low,  or  there may be 
another  problem causing  low  oil 
pressure. 
Driving your vehicle  with low oil 
pressure  can  cause  extensive engine 
damage. Have your vehicle serviced 
immediately. 
101 
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![OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1994  Owners Manual I Climate  Control  System 
Your vehicle’s heater  and air 
conditioner  work best if you  keep your 
windows closed. Your vehicle  also  has 
flow-through  ventilation, described late] 
in  this  s OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1994  Owners Manual I Climate  Control  System 
Your vehicle’s heater  and air 
conditioner  work best if you  keep your 
windows closed. Your vehicle  also  has 
flow-through  ventilation, described late] 
in  this  s](/manual-img/31/58207/w960_58207-112.png)
I Climate  Control  System 
Your vehicle’s heater  and air 
conditioner  work best if you  keep your 
windows closed. Your vehicle  also  has 
flow-through  ventilation, described late] 
in  this  section,  to  bring outside  air into 
your vehicle. 
If you  have  the optional  engine coolant 
heater  and  use it during  cold weather, 
0°F (-18°C) or lower, your  heating 
system  will more quicldy provide  heat 
because  the engine  coolant  is already 
warmed.  See the 
Index under Engine 
Coolant  Heater. 
OFF: Press  to  turn  the  system off. Press 
any  climate  control  setting  to  turn  the 
system  on. 
8: Slide the lever  to  the  right to  increase 
fan speed, 
decrease  fan speed.  to  the  left 
to 
Temperature  Control Lever: Slide 
the 
lever  to  the  right for warmer,  heated  air; 
slide  it to  the  left  for  cooled  air. 
Air Conditioner 
When the temperature  outside  is above 
freezing,  the air  conditioner  compressor 
will  automatically  condition the air 
when 
you press RECIRC (the A/C 
indicator  light will glow), DEFOG or 
DEF (the A/C indicator  light  will not 
Press 
A/C (the A/C indicator  light will 
glow)  to condition  the air when  you 
press 
UPPER,  BI-LEV or LOWER. To 
turn  off the  air conditioner  compressor 
in  these  settings,  press 
A/C again (the 
indicator  light will  go  off). 
glow). 
Each  time you turn  on  the  ignition, the 
air  conditioner  will default  to  the setting 
you  had  selected before last  turning off 
the  ignition. 
When  the air conditioner  compressor  is 
on,  you  may  sometimes  notice slight 
changes  in your vehicle’s engine 
performance  and power.  This is normal,  because 
the system  is designed  to help 
fuel  economy while  it  maintains  the 
desired cooling  level. 
The  air conditioner  removes moisture 
from  the  air, 
so you  may  sometimes 
notice  water dripping from  under your 
vehicle when  it 
is idling or after  it has 
been  turned  off. This  is normal. 
On  very  hot days,  your vehicle  will  cool 
down  more quickly  and economically  if 
you  open  the windows long enough  to 
let  hot  inside  air escape. For  all settings, 
adjust  the temperature  control lever and 
fan speed  as desired. 
Directional  Controls 
RECIRC  (Recirculate): Press  to get 
maximum  cooling or quick cool-down 
on  very  hot days.  This  setting 
recirculates  much of the  air inside your 
vehicle. It  should not be used for long 
periods  of time because  the air may 
become  too cold  and dry. 
Slide  the  temperature  control  lever 
down  to  the  coolest  setting  and  adjust 
the  fan  speed  as desired. 
UPPER: For  normal cooling  on  hot 
days, press 
A/C along  with UPPER. 
1 
111 
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Towinga  Trailer 
L 
NOTICE: 
Pulling a trailer improperly  can 
damage your  vehicle and  result  in 
costly  repairs  not  covered  by your 
warranty.  To  pull a trailer  correctly, 
follow  the advice  in  this  section, 
and  see  your Oldsmobile dealer for 
important  information  about 
towing a  trailer  with  your vehicle. 
Your  vehicle  can  tow  a trailer.  To 
identify  what the vehicle  trailering 
capacity  is for your vehicle,  you should 
read  the information  in 
Weight of the 
Trailer that  appears  later  in  this  section. 
But  trailering  is  different than just 
driving  your vehicle  by itself. Trailering 
means  changes  in  handling,  durability, 
and  fuel economy. Successful,  safe 
trailering  takes  correct  equipment,  and 
it  has  to be  used  properly. 
That’s  the reason  for  this  section.  In  it 
are  many  time-tested,  important 
trailering  tips  and  safety rules. Many  of 
these  are  important  for your safety and 
that  of your  passengers. 
So please  read 
this  section  carefully before you pull a  trailer. 
Load-pulling  components  such  as  the 
engine,  transaxle,  wheel assemblies,  and 
tires  are  forced to work  harder  against 
the  drag  of the  added  weight.  The 
engine  is required  to operate  at 
relatively  higher speeds  and  under 
greater  loads,  generating  extra  heat. 
What’s  more, the trailer  adds 
considerably  to wind  resistance, 
increasing  the pulling  requirements. 
If You Do Decide  To Pull A Trailer 
If you  do, here  are  some important 
points. 
There  are  many different  laws having 
to  do  with  trailering.  Make sure your 
rig  will  be legal,  not only  where  you 
live  but 
also where  you’ll be driving. A 
good  source  for  this  information  can 
be  state  or provincial  police. 
Consider using a  sway control  if your 
trailer  will  weigh 
2,000 pounds (900 
kg) or less.  You  should  always use a 
sway  control  if your  trailer  will  weigh 
more  than 
2,000 pounds (900 kg). 
You  can  ask  a hitch  dealer  about sway 
controls. 
151 
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Here you will  find  information  about 
the  care  of 
your Oldsmobile . This 
part  begins  with  service  and fuel 
information.  and  then  it  shows how 
to check  important  fluid  and 
lubricant  levels 
. There is  also 
technical  information  about 
your 
vehicle.  and  a section devoted to its 
appearance  care 
. 
Part 6 
Service & Appearance  Care 
Service ........................................................................\
............................................. 182 
Fuel 
........................................................................\
.................................................. 183 
Hood  Release ........................................................................\
................................... 186 
Engine Oil ........................................................................\
........................................ 190 
Air  Cleaner 
........................................................................\
...................................... 194 
Transaxle  Fluid 
........................................................................\
................................ 195 
Engine Coolant 
........................................................................\
................................ 197 
Power  Steering  Fluid 
........................................................................\
....................... 199 
Windshield Washer  Fluid 
........................................................................\
................ 200 
Brakes 
........................................................................\
.............................................. 201 
Battery 
........................................................................\
............................................. 203 
Bulb Replacement 
........................................................................\
........................... 203 
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement 
................................................................... 205 
Loading  Your Vehicle 
........................................................................\
..................... 206 
Tires 
........................................................................\
................................................. 207 
Appearance  Care ........................................................................\
............................. 212 
Vehicle Identification Number  (VIN) 
.................................................................... 218 
Add-on  Electrical Equipment 
........................................................................\
........ 219 
Fuses & Circuit Breakers ........................................................................\
................ 219 
Capacities  and Specifications 
........................................................................\
......... 224 
Normal  Maintenance  Replacement Parts 
............................................................... 226 
Fluids 
& Lubricants ........................................................................\
........................ 227 
Replacement 
Bulbs ........................................................................\
.......................... 228 
181 
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Filling Your Tank 
Fuel Capacity: 20 U.S. Gallons (76 L). 
Use unleaded  fuel only. 
The  cap  is behind  a  hinged door  on  the 
left  side  of your vehicle.  While 
refueling, hang  the cap  inside  the 
fuel  door. 
To  take off the  cap,  turn  it slowly  to  the 
left  (countercloclnvise) 
. 
Be careful  not  to spill gasoline.  Clean 
gasoline  from painted  surfaces  as  soon 
as  possible.  See 
Cleaning  the Outside 
of Your Oldsmobile in the Index. 
When  you put  the  cap  back  on,  turn  it 
to  the  right until you hear  a  clicking 
noise. 
NOTICE: 
If  you  need  a new  cap, be sure  to 
get  the  right type.  Your dealer  can 
get  one  for  you. If you  get  the 
wrong  type,  it  may not fit or have 
proper  venting,  and  your fuel tank 
and  emissions  system  might  be 
damaged. 
185 
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Service &Appearance  Care 
206 
GVWR CAWR FRT  CAWR RR 
THIS  VEHICLE CONFORMS TO  ALL APPLICABLE  US. FEDERAL 
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE  DATE 
OF  MANUFALTURESHOWN  ABOVE. 
.MODEL. 
M.P.V. 
MPHY FRT  TlRESlZE 
RTG RIM WliKP, (COLD1 
RR SPA  MFD 
fly GENERAL MOTORS CORP XWXX 
LWKG 
SERIAI. NUMBER SPEED 
SEE 
OWNERS MANUAL  FOR ADDI'TIONAL INFORMATlOh 
Loading Your Vehicle 
The Certification/Tire  label  is found on 
the  rear edge  of the  driver's  door. 
The  label  shows  the size 
of your original 
tires  and  the  inflation pressures needed 
to  obtain  the  gross weight capacity 
of 
your vehicle. This  is  called the GVWR 
(Gross  Vehicle  Weight  Rating). The 
GVWR  includes  the weight  of the 
vehicle,  all occupants,  fuel and cargo. 
The Certification/Tire label also tells 
you  the maximum  weights for the  front 
and  rear axles,  called Gross Axle 
Weight  Rating (GAWR). 
To find out  the 
actual  loads 
on your  front  and  rear 
axles,  you need  to go  to a weigh  station 
and  weigh  your vehicle, Your dealer  can help 
you with 
this. Be sure  to  spread 
out  your  load equally  on both  sides 
of 
the centerline. 
Never  exceed  the 
GVWR for your 
vehicle,  or  the Gross Axle  Weight 
Rating  (GAWR)  for  either the front  or 
rear axle. 
And, 
if you  do have  a heavy  load, you 
should spread  it out. 
Electronic Level Control 
On vehicles  equipped with  optional 
electronic  level control,  the  rear 
of the 
vehicle  is automatically  kept level  as 
you load or unload your vehicle. For 
more  about  this  option  see the 
Index 
under Electronic  Level Control. 
Using  heavier  suspension  components 
to  get  added  durability  might not 
change your  weight ratings.  Ask your 
dealer  to help  you load your vehicle  the 
right way. 
NOTICE: 
Your warranty does  not cover  parts 
or  components  that fail because 
of 
overloading. 
If you  put things inside your  vehicle- 
like  suitcases,  tools, packages,  or 
anything  else-they  will  go 
as fast as 
the  vehicle goes. 
If you  have  to  stop  or 
turn  quickly!  or if there  is a  crash, 
they'll keep going. 
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Sewice & Appearunce  Care 
208 
Inflation-Tire  Pressure 
The  CertificatiodTire label which  is on 
the  rear edge  of the  driver’s  door shows 
the  correct inflation  pressures for your 
tires,  when they’re cold. “Cold” means 
your  vehicle  has  been  sitting  for at least 
three  hours  or  driven  no more  than a mile. 
NOTICE: 
Don’t  let anyone  tell  you  that 
underinflation 
or overinflation  is  all 
right. It’s  not. If your tires  don’t 
have  enough  air  (underinflation) 
you  can get: 
Too  much  flexing 
Too much  heat 
Tire overloading 
Bad wear 
Bad  handling 
Bad  fuel  economy. 
If your tires  have too much air 
(overinflation)  you can get: 
Unusual wear 
Bad  handling 
Rough  ride 
Needless damage from road 
hazards. 
When to Check 
Check your tires  once  a month or more. 
Don’t forget your compact  spare tire. It 
should be  at 
60 psi (420 1tPa). 
How to Check 
Use a good  quality pocket-type  gage to 
check tire  pressure. Simply  loolting  at 
the  tires  will not tell  you  the  pressure, 
especially 
if you  have radial tires - 
which  may  look  properly inflated  even if 
they’re underinflated. 
If  your tires have  valve caps, be sure  to 
put  them  back on. They  help prevent 
leaks  by keeping  out  dirt  and  moisture. 
- 
 f 
x 
Tire  Inspection  and  Rotation 
To make  your tires last longer,  have 
them  inspected  and  rotated at  the 
mileages  recommended  in the 
Maintenance  Schedule. See 
Scheduled 
Maintenance  Services 
in the Index. 
Use  this  rotation  pattern. 
After  the tires have been  rotated,  adjust 
the  front  and  rear inflation pressure  as 
shown  on  the CertificationlTire label. 
Make  certain  that  all wheel  nuts  are 
properly tightened.  See 
Wheel Nut 
Toque in the Index. 
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