1995 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manuals

Checking Things Under the Hood
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important parts underhood.
Hood Release
To open the hood, first
pull the
HOOD release
handle inside the
vehicle. Then
go to the front of the vehicle
and push the
secondary hood release down to lift the hood.
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b b d
2.3L Quad 4 Engine (CODE D)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Engine Oil Dipstick
Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
(if equipped)
Brake Fluid Reservoir
Air Cleaner
Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid Reservoir (if equipped)
Battery
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Engine Coolant Surge Tank
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P P P
3.1L V6 Engine (CODE M)
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (if equipped)
Brake Fluid Reservoir
Air Cleaner
Battery
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil Dipstick
Engine Oil
Fill Cap
Engine Coolant Surge Tank
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Underhood Light
Your parking lights or headlights must be on for the
underhood light
to function when you open the hood.
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see
”CHECK OIL
LIGHT” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea
to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
Turn
off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
Checking Engine Oil
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick
handle for the
2.3L L-4 is located behind the engine.
The dipstick for the 3.1L
V-6 is located in front of the
engine behind the fan.
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2.3L Quad 4: Adding Engine Oil 3100 V6: Adding Engine Oil
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When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to
add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This put
explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase capacity,
see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be
identified
by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. The
“Starburst” symbol indicates that the
oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and
is preferred for use
in your gasoline engine.
If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has
the “Starburst” symbol
on the front of the oil container.
If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certificd
for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil
for your
vehicle,
as shown in the following chart:
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RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPE( 1 TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
,-
I I
+100-4+38
i
I +6O-A+16
+40--+4
+20--’-7
0---I8
I ~
,/
COLD
WEATHER
WOK
FOR MIS
SYMBOL
I
‘-30 REO
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
-
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going
to be 0°F (- 1 8 “C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container
show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as
SAE 20W-SO.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure
to use the proper oil
can result in engine damage not covered by your
warranty.
I I
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements
for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Oldsmobile retailer
is ready
to advise if you think something should be
added.
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