
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. 
ProCarManuals.com 

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 
ProCarManuals.com 

I 
Features & Controls 
- 
NOTICE: 
Spinning your wheels  when the 
TCS warning  light is  on  can 
destroy  parts  of your  vehicle  as well 
as  the  tires. 
If you spin  your wheels 
too  fast  while shifting your 
transaxle  back and  forth,  you can 
destroy your  transaxle. When 
you're  stuck,  spin  the  wheels as 
little  as  possible. 
106 
LOW 
TRACTION 
AIR BAO 
SERVICE 
ENGINE  SOON 
c 
Malfunction  Indicator Lamp 
(Service  Engine  Soon  Light) 
A computer  monitors  operation of your 
fuel,  ignition  and  emission controls 
systems.  This light  should come  on 
when  the ignition  is  on  but  the engine  is 
not  running,  as  a check to show  you it 
is  working. 
If it does  not come  on  at all, 
have  it fixed  right away. 
If it stays  on,  or 
it  comes  on while  you  are driving,  the 
computer  is indicating  that you have a 
problem. 
You should  tale your  vehicle 
in  for  service  soon. 
ProCarManuals.com 

Service & Appearance  Care 
202 
container only, and always  clean the 
brake  fluid reservoir  cap before 
removing  it. 
NOTICE: 
DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can 
Don’t  let someone  put in the 
damage 
your vehicle.  Don’t use it. 
wrong kind  of fluid. For example, 
just  a  few drops  of mineral-based 
oil,  such 
as engine  oil, in your 
brake system  can damage brake 
system  parts 
so badly that they’ll 
have  to be replaced. 
Brake  fluid can damage  paint, so 
be careful  not  to spill brake  fluid 
on  your vehicle.  If you  do, wash  it 
off  immediately.  See 
Appearance 
Care 
in  the Index. 
Brake  Wear 
Your  Oldsmobile  has  front disc brakes 
and  rear drum brakes. 
Disc  brake  pads have built-in wear 
indicators  that make 
a high-pitched 
warning  sound when the brake pads  are worn 
and new  pads  are  needed.  The 
sound  may  come  and go or be  heard  all 
the  time your  vehicle  is  moving  (except 
when  you  are pushing on  the brake 
pedal  firmly). 
NOTICE: 
Continuing  to  drive with worn-out 
brake pads could result in  costly 
brake  repair. 
Some  driving  conditions  or  climates 
may  cause 
a brake squeal when  the 
brakes  are first applied  or lightly 
applied.  This does not  mean something 
is  wrong with your brakes.  Your 
rear drum brakes  don’t have wear 
indicators,  but  if you  ever hear  a rear 
brake rubbing noise, have  the  rear brake 
linings  inspected.  Also, the rear  brake 
drums  should  be  removed  and 
inspected each time  the  tires  are 
removed  for  rotation  or changing. When 
you  have  the  front  brakes replaced, 
have  the rear brakes  inspected,  too. 
Brake linings should  always be replaced 
as  complete axle  sets. 
Brake  Pedal  Travel 
See your dealer  if the  brake pedal does 
not  return  to  normal height,  or if there 
is  a rapid increase in  pedal travel. This 
could be  a sign  of brake  trouble. 
Brake  Adjustment 
Every  time you apply the brakes 
moderately, with or  without  the vehicle 
moving,  your brakes  adjust for wear. 
ProCarManuals.com 

i TREAD WEAR INDICATORS 
When It’s Time for New Tires 
One way to tell  when  it’s time  for new 
tires  is to  check  the  treadwear 
indicators,  which  will appear  when  you. 
tires  have  only 
2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or 
less 
of tread  remaining. 
You need  a  new tire if: 
You can  see  the indicators  at three  or 
You can  see  cord or fabric showing 
The  tread  or  sidewall is cracked,  cut 
more places 
around  the  tire. 
through  the  tire’s rubber. 
or  snagged  deep  enough  to show  cord 
or  fabric. 
The  tire  has  a  bump,  bulge or split. 
The  tire  has  a  puncture,  cut, or other 
damage  that can’t  be  repaired  well 
because 
of the  size  or  location of the 
damage. 
Buying New Tires 
To find  out  what  kind and size of tires 
you  need,  look at  the  Certification/Tire 
label. 
The  tires  installed on your  vehicle  when 
it  was  new  had  a  Tire Performance 
Criteria Specification  (TPC Spec) 
number  on  each tire’s sidewall. When 
you  get new  tires,  get ones  with  that 
same  TPC Spec  number.  That  way, your 
vehicle  will  continue  to  have tires  that 
are  designed  to give  proper  endurance, 
handling,  speed rating,  traction, ride 
and  other  things  during  normal service 
on  your  vehicle. 
If your  tires have an all- 
season  tread  design, the TPC  number 
will  be  followed  by 
a “MS” (for mud 
and  snow). 
If  you  ever replace your  tires  with  those 
not  having  a TPC  Spec  number,  make 
sure  they  are  the  same  size, load range, 
speed  rating  and  construction  type 
(bias,  bias-belted  or radial)  as your 
original  tires. Iz 
209 
ProCarManuals.com 
![OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1994  Owners Manual Service &Appeurunce Cure 
220 
+I 
r=J 
HORN 
prpl 
m 
STOP-HA2 F-PUMP 
m3 AUX 
r?] 
.pg 
TURN  BIU 
GAGE 
prpl LPS 
(31 ABS 
RDO 2 
pTo4 
ca 
rn 
ca 
R-WIPER  F-WIPER 
rfpl IGN 
HTR-A/C  R-BLWR 
Posi OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1994  Owners Manual Service &Appeurunce Cure 
220 
+I 
r=J 
HORN 
prpl 
m 
STOP-HA2 F-PUMP 
m3 AUX 
r?] 
.pg 
TURN  BIU 
GAGE 
prpl LPS 
(31 ABS 
RDO 2 
pTo4 
ca 
rn 
ca 
R-WIPER  F-WIPER 
rfpl IGN 
HTR-A/C  R-BLWR 
Posi](/manual-img/31/58207/w960_58207-221.png)
Service &Appeurunce Cure 
220 
+I 
r=J 
HORN 
prpl 
m 
STOP-HA2 F-PUMP 
m3 AUX 
r?] 
.pg 
TURN  BIU 
GAGE 
prpl LPS 
(31 ABS 
RDO 2 
pTo4 
ca 
rn 
ca 
R-WIPER  F-WIPER 
rfpl IGN 
HTR-A/C  R-BLWR 
Position  Rating  (AMP.) 
CTSY 
ELC 
HORN  STOP  HAZ 
F PUMP 
AUX 
TAIL 
ECM 
TURN  B/U 
GAGE 
LPS 
ABS  RD02 
WIPER 
FflIPER 
IGN 
HTR A/C 
R BLWR  15 
20 
15 
15 
10 
20 
15 
10 
15 
7.5 
7.5 
3 
15 
20 
25  15 
25 
25 
Circuitry 
Dome  Lamps,  Courtesy Lamps,  Power  Door  Lock Switches,  Glove 
Box  Lamp,  Power Mirrors,  Power Sliding Delay  Lock Module 
Auto Level  Control,  Underhood  Lamp 
Horns,  Horn  Relay, Safety  Belt Buzzer 
Front/Rear  Turn Lamps,  Front Side Marker  Lamps, Rear  Stop Lamps, 
Instrument  Cluster Turn  Indicator  Lamps,  Cruise Brake Switch 
Fuel  Pump,  Oil Pressure  Sender/Fuel  Pump  Switch 
Radio,  Front Cigar Lighter, Accessory Power  Outlet 
Front  Park  Lamps, Rear  Tail  Lamps, Front Side Marker  Lamps, 
License Plate Lamp, Radio,  Heat/Vent/AC Control Head, Power 
Sliding  Door 
Throttle  Body Fuel Injection, Fuel  Pump Relay,  Elec. Vac. Reg. Valve, 
Elec.  Control Module,  Elec. Spark  Control Module 
Front/Rear  Turn  Lamps, Front Side Marker  Lamps, Cluster  Turn 
Telltale,  Back-up  Lamps, Fog Lamps 
Cluster,  Anti-Lock Brake  System  Lamp Module,  Elec.  Level  Control Sensor 
Cluster, Radio,  Wiper Switch,  Headlamp  Switch?  Rear Blower  Switch, 
Heat/Vent/AC  Control  Head, Door Switch  Illumination,  Front/Rear 
Ashtray Illumination  Bulbs 
Anti-Lock Brake System  Radio 
Rear  WiperNasher  Motors; Overhead  Console Compass 
Front  Wiperflasher  Motor 
A/C  Compressor,  A/C  Solenoid Box, Compressor  Relay, Temp. 
Door 
Motor,  Low Blower  Relay;  Heat/Vent/AC  Control  Head;  Cruise 
Module; Cooling  Fan Relay;  Rear Defogger  Relay;  Key Chime; Vehicle 
Speed  Sensor  Buffer and  Generator  Charge Discrete,  Transaxle 
Converter  Clutch Switch 
Front/Rear  Blower Motors,  High Blower  Relay 
Rear  Blower, Rear  Heat/Vent/AC 
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 
267 
ProCarManuals.com 

Starting Your  Vehicle if the Battery  is 
Steering  “Dead” (see 
Jump Starting) 
In  Emergencies .............................. 139 
Off-Road  Recovery ........................ 140 
Power 
............................................. 138 
Tips ................................................ 138 
Steering  Wheel.  Tilt ............................ 69 
Steering  Wheel Touch Controls 
...... 127 
Stereo Sound  Systems 
(see 
Audio  Systems ) 
Storing  Your  Vehicle ........................ 203 
Compact  Overhead  Console 
........... 95 
Compartment 
................................... 83 
Cup  Holder ...................................... 89 
Locking  Bin ..................................... 90 
Luggage  Carrier 
............................... 92 
Overhead  Console 
........................... 79 
Rear  Compartment 
.......................... 91 
Sunglasses 
........................................ 83 
Stuck.  If  You Are ........................... 179 
Sunroof 
............................................... 95 
Sun  Visors 
.......................................... 87 
Supplemental Restraint 
System 
(SRS) ................................... 26 
Storage 
Convenience  Net 
............................. 91 
Garage Door Opener 
....................... 80 
Glove  Boxes 
..................................... 88 
T achometer ....................................... 99 
Taillights 
........................................... 204 
Tape  Player  (see 
Audio Systems) 
Technical  Facts & Specifications 
Bulbs 
...................................... 228. 229 
Capacities 
& Specifications .......... 224 
Circuit  Brealters/Relays 
................. 222 
Add-on 
......................... 60.  117. 219 
Engine 
............................................ 226 
Fluids 
& Lubricants ...................... 227 
Fuses 
.............................. 219.  220.  221 
Replacement  Parts 
......................... 226 
Service  Parts Identification 
Label 
............................................ 218 
Vehicle  Identification Number 
(VIN) 
........................................... 218 
Temperature  Display 
.......................... 81 
Temperature Warning ...................... 103 
Theft 
.................................................... 50 
Thermostat ....................................... 199 
Tilt  Steering  Wheel 
............................. 69 
Time.  Setting  the 
.............................. 117 
Tire  Loading 
..................................... 206 
Tires 
.................................................. 207 
“Blow  Out” 
.................................... 172 
Buying  New 
................................... 209 
Chains 
.................................... 178. 212 
Electrical 
Equipment. 
Flat.  Changing 
............................... 172  Inflation 
................... 85. 172. 178. 
208 
Loading 
.......................................... 206 
Pressure 
......................................... 208 
Quality Grading 
............................. 210 
Spare.  Compact 
............................. 178 
Wear  Indicators 
............................. 209 
Wheel  Alignment 
& Tire 
Balance 
........................................ 211 
Wheel  Replacement 
....................... 211 
Torque  Lock 
....................................... 67 
Towing  a  Trailer 
............................... 151 
Inspection & Rotation ................... 208 
Wheel  Nut Torque 
................. 177, 225 
Top  Strap 
............................................ 36 
Towing  Your  Vehicle 
....................... 162 
Traction Control  System 
................... 137 
Traction Control  System 
Warning  Light 
................................ 105 
Trailer  Towing 
.................................. 151 
Brakes ............................................ 154 
Maintenance .................................. 156 
Parking  on 
Hills .............................. 156 
Safety  Chains 
................................. 154 
(see 
Automatic  Transaxle) 
(see Automatic  Transaxle) 
Transaxle, Automatic 
Transmission, Automatic 
Trip  Odometer 
.................................... 99 
Turn  Signal  Indicator ......................... 71 
Turn  Signal/Multifunction  Lever 
...... 70 269 
ProCarManuals.com