Page 231 of 340

Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir
is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct
a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine how
often you should check the
fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir
and for the proper fluid. See
“Owner Checks and
Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
How to Check
If you can see fluid in the reservoir, the level is
acceptable.
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:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F ( 128 O C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
6-21
Page 234 of 340

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
p .w ii
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, 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.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. Add
enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
6-24
Page 245 of 340
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
( 10 000 to 13 000 km) for any signs of unusual wear. If
unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as
possible and check wheel alignment.
Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See “When it’s Time for New
Tires” and “Wheel Replacement’’ later in this section for
more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is
to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires
on the vehicle. The first
rotation
is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
-.
6-35
Page 258 of 340

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.
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 retailer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected
in your retailer’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 retailer 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: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect
in the paint job causes this,
Oldsmobile will repair, at no charge
to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km)
of purchase, whichever comes first.
6-48
Page 259 of 340
I 1
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
You can get these from your GM Parts Department.
Spray-A-Squeak Silicone Grease
I * Not recommended for pigskin suede leather. I
See your General Motors Parts Departments for these products.
See your Maintenance Schedule for other products.
Page 267 of 340

Engine Specifications
2.3L
Quad 4
VINEngineCode ................................. D
Type ............................................ L4
Displacement
.................................. 2.3 Liters
Compression Ratio
............................... 9.5: 1
Firingorder
.................................... 1-3-4-2
Thermostat Temperature
....................... 180°F (82°C)
3.1L
V6
M
V6
3.1 Liters 9.6:
1
1-2-3-4-5-6
195
OF (91 "C)
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
Engine
Oil Filter
All engines ...................................... AC Type A- 1233C
2.3L Quad 4
..................................... AC Type PF- 1225
3.1LV6
........................................ ACTypePF-47
3.1L V6
........................................ AC Type CV-892C
2.3L Quad 4
..................................... AC Type 41 -9 10 (Platinum Plug)
3.1L V6 ........................ ........... AC Type R44LTSM6
PCV Valve
Spark
Plugs
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
6-57
Page 269 of 340
1 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
I
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
I
This section covers the maintenance required for your
Oldsmobile. Your vehicle needs these services to retain
its
safety, dependability and emission control performance.
I Plan I
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the
removal
of important components can significantly
affect
the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or even the wrong tire inflation can increase the
level of emissions from your vehicle.
To help protect our
environment, and
to help keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
7-1
Page 270 of 340

How This Section is Organized
The remainder of this section is divided into five parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment,
you should
let your retailer’s service department or another
qualified service center do these jobs.
If you are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you
will probably want to get the service
information
GM publishes. See “Service Publications”
in the Index.
“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what
should be checked whenever you stop for fuel.
It also
explains what you can easily do to help keep your
vehicle in good condition.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains
important inspections that your Oldsmobile retailer’s
service department or another qualified service center
should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists
some products
GM recommends to help keep your
vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their
equivalents, should be used whether you do the work
yourself or have
it done.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for
you to record the maintenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be
sure to write
it down in this part. This will help you
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition,
it is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
7-2