
Engine  Coolant  Temperature  Warning 
Light  (Standard  Cluster) Engine  Coolant  Temperature  Gage 
(Gage  Cluster) 
This  light  tells  you  that 
your  engine  coolant 
has  overheated  or  your 
radiator  cooling  fan 
is I 
not  working. 
- 
i you  have  been  operating  your  vehicle  under  normal 
~ driving  conditions,  you  should  pull off the road,  stop 
your  vehicle  and 
turn off the  engine  as soon  as  possible. 
HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU  BADLY! 
In Problems  on  the  Road,  this  manual  shows  what  to  do. 
1 See“Engine  Overheating”  in the  Index. 
TEMP 
BRAKE WASH 
FLUID 
HN 
LOW 
COOLANT 
LEVEL AIR 
BAG 
280 
This gage  shows  the  engine  coolant  temperature. If the 
gage  pointer  moves  into  the red  area,  your  engine  is too 
hot!  It means  that  your  engine  coolant  has  overheated. 
If you  have  been  operating  your  vehicle  under  normal 
driving  conditions,  you  should  pull 
off the  road,  stop 
your  vehicle  and 
turn off the  engine as soon  as  possible. 
HOT COOLANT  CAN BURN YOU BADLY! 
In 
Problems  on  the  Road,  this  manual  shows  what  to  do. 
See“Engine  Overheating”  in  the  Index.  

MODE CONTROL: The right control knob changes 
the functions 
of your  system. 
VENT: Use when  outside temperatures are mild,  and 
little heating or cooling  is needed.  Air flow  is through 
the instrument panel outlets. 
Set the center control knob 
to the temperature desired. 
BI-LEV: Use  on cool, but sunny days. This setting 
brings in the outside  air, but directs it  in two ways.  The 
cool air is directed to the upper portion  of your  body 
through the instrument panel outlets,  but slightly 
warmer  air  is directed through  the heater ducts and 
defroster  vents.  At times this temperature difference 
may  be  more apparent than others. 
HEAT This setting brings heated  air through the heater 
ducts,  and some through the windshield defroster  vents. 
If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine 
block  heater)  and 
use it during cold  weather, 0°F 
(- 1 8’ C) or lower, your heating system  will  more quickly 
provide heat because the  engine coolant  is already 
warmed.  See “Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block 
Heater)”  in the Index. 
DEFOG: This setting divides  air flow equally between 
the heater ducts and the windshield defroster vents. 
DEF: This setting directs air through the 
windshield defroster vents located on top 
of the 
instrument panel. 
Defogging  Windows 
To defog the windshield, turn all three control knobs  to 
the far right. 
3-2  

2. Attach  a  separate  chain 
to each  side of the  axle 
inboard  of the  spring. 
Engine  Overheating 
You will  find a coolant  temperature  gage  on  your 
Oldsmobile's  instrument  panel.  See  "Coolant 
Temperature  Gage"  in  the  Index. 
You will also  find  a 
low  coolant  level  warning  light  on 
your Oldsmobile's 
instrument  panel. 
If Steam Is Coming  From Your Engine  

When  to  Change  Engine  Oil 
See if any  one of these  is true  for  you: 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Most  trips  are less  than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). 
This  is  particularly  important  when  outside 
temperatures  are  below  freezing. 
Most  trips  include  extensive  idling  (such as  frequent 
driving  in stop  and go traffic). 
Most  trips  are  through  dusty areas. 
You  frequently  tow a  trailer  or use  a  carrier  on top  of 
your  vehicle. 
If  any  one  of these  is true  for your  vehicle,  then 
you 
need  to change  your oil and  filter  every 3,000 miles 
(5 000 km)  or 3 months -- whichever  comes  first. 
If  none  of them  is  true,  change 
the oil and  filter  every 
7,500 miles  (12 500 km)  or  12  months -- whichever 
comes  first. 
Engine  Coolant  Heater 
An  engine  coolant  heater  can be a big help  if you  have 
to  park  outside 
in very cold weather, 0 OF (- 18 O C)  or 
colder.  If your vehicle  has  this  option,  see  “Engine 
Coolant  Heater” in  the  Index. 
What  to Do with Used Oil 
Did you know that used  engine oil contains  certain 
elements  that may be unhealthy  for your  skin and  could 
even  cause  cancer?  Don’t let used oil stay  on your  skin 
for  very  long.  Clean  your  skin  and nails with soap and 
water,  or 
a good hand cleaner.  Wash or properly throw 
away  clothing  or  rags  containing  used engine  oil.  (See 
the  manufacturer’s  warnings about the use  and  disposal 
of  oil  products.) 
Used oil can be  a real threat 
to the  environment. If you 
change  your own 
oil, be sure  to  drain all free-flowing  oil 
from  the filter  before  disposal.  Don’t ever  dispose  of oil 
by  putting  it in  the trash,  pouring  it  on the  ground,  into 
sewers,  or  into  streams  or bodies  of water. Instead, 
recycle  it  by taking 
it to  a  place  that collects  used oil. If 
you have  a problem properly  disposing of your  used oil, 
ask  your  retailer, a  service  station or 
a local recycling 
center  for  help. 
- 
6-15  

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  

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  

Power Steering Fluid ......................... 6-24 
Restraint Systems 
............................ 1-47 
Starter Switch 
............................... 7-37 
Steering  Column  Lock 
........................ 7-38 
Things  Under  the  Hood 
........................ 6-7 
Chemical Paint Spotting 
.......................... 6-48 
Child  Restraints 
Securing  in a Rear Outside Seat  Position 
.......... 1-35 
Securing  in  the Center  Rear Seat Position 
......... 1-37 
Securing  in the  Right  Front Seat  Position 
.......... 1-39 
TopStrap 
................................... 1-35 
Cigarette Lighter 
............................... 2-52 
Circuit  Breaker.  Power  Windows 
and  Other  Power  Options 
....................... 6-53 
WheretoPut 
................................ 1-34 
Cleaner.  Air 
................................... 6-16 
Fabric 
..................................... 6-42 
Glass 
...................................... 6-45 
Leather 
.................................... 6-44 
Cleaning 
Aluminum  Wheels 
........................... 6-47 
Outside 
of the  Windshield  and  Wiper  Blades ....... 6-45 
Special Problems 
............................ 6-43 
Stains 
...................................... 6-43 
The Inside  of  Your Oldsmobile 
.................. 6-42 
The Outside 
of Your  Oldsmobile ................ 6-46 
Tires 
...................................... 6-47 
Top 
of the Instrument  Panel .................... 6-44 
Climate Control 
................................. 3-1 
Clock, Setting the 
................................ 3-5 
Clutch Adjustment .............................. 6-21 
Vinyl 
...................................... 6-44  Clutch. 
Hydraulic 
............................... 6-21 
Comfort  Controls 
................................ 3-1 
Compact  Disc Player 
............................ 3-10 
Compact  Disc Player Care 
........................ 3-16 
Compact  Spare Tire 
............................. 5-27 
Console Cup/  Coin  Holder 
........................ 2-50 
Control  of a Vehicle 
.............................. 4-5 
Control. Loss of ................................ 4-12 
Convenience  Net 
............................... 2-10 
Convex  Outside Mirror 
.......................... 2-47 
Coolant  Heater.  Engine 
..................... 2- 17,  6- 15 
Coolant  Level  Warning  Light ...................... 2-65 
Coolant  Surge Tank 
........................ 5- 15, 6-21 
Coolant  Temperature  Gage 
....................... 2-64 
Coolant  Temperature  Warning  Light 
................ 2-64 
Coolant.  How  to Add  to the  Coolant  Surge Tank 
...... 5-15 
Cooling  System ................................ 5-14 
Cruise  Control 
Erasing  Speed Memory 
........................ 2-43 
Getting  Out 
of ............................... 2-43 
Passing  Another  Vehicle  While  Using 
............ 2-42 
To  Increase  Speed 
............................ 2-42 
To  Resume  a Set Speed 
........................ 2-41 
Coolant 
....................................... 6-21 
ToReduceSpeed 
............................ 2-42 
ToSet 
..................................... 2-40 
UseonHills 
................................ 2-42 
Cupholder.  RearSeat 
............................ 2-50 
Cupholder, Glove 
Box 
........................... 2-49 
Customer Assistance for the  Hearing or Speech  Impaired 
8-2 
Customer Assistance Information ................... 8-1 
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 
.................... 8-1 
9-3  

Damage. Finish ............................... 6-48 
Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-48 
Daytime Running Lamps 
......................... 2-44 
Dead  Battery 
................................... 5-2 
Defects. Reporting ............................... 8-4 
Defensive  Driving 
................................ 4- I 
Defogger.  Rear W~ndow .......................... 3-4 
Defogging 
..................................... 3-2 
Defrosting 
..................................... 3-2 
Locks 
...................................... 2-3 
Locks.  Power 
................................ 2-4 
Driver  Position 
................................. 1 - I2 
Driving On Grades . With a Trailer .................. 4-37 
Driving 
Door 
AtNight ................................... 4-13 
City 
....................................... 4-17 
Defensive 
................................... 4- I 
Drunken .................................... 4- 2. 
Freeway .................................... 4-18 
In a Blizzard ................................ 4-25 
In Foreign  Countries ........................... 6-4 
In the  Rain .................................. 4- 14 
OnCurves ................................... 4-8 
On  Hill  and  Mountain  Roads 
................... 4-2 I 
On  Snow  and  Ice ............................. 4-23 
Through  Deep Standing  Water 
.................. 2- I7 
Winter ..................................... 4-22 
With 
a Tsailer ............................... 4-35 
Drunken  Driving 
................................ 4-2 
Easy-Entry  Seat ................................ 
Elect;-ical Eyuipment.  Adding ........... 2- 16. 3- IS. 6-50 
Adding 
............................... 5- 1 2. 6-23 
Checkmg 
................................... 6-23 
Heater 
................................ 2- 17. 6- 15 
Low  Coolant  Level  Warning  Light ............... 2-65 
Temperature 
Gage ............................ 2-64 
Temperature  Warning  Light 
.................... 2-64 
Cooling  System 
.............................. 6-54 
Exhallst 
.................................... 2-30 
Identification 
................................ 6-50 
Lubrication System  Chart 
...................... 6-54 
Overheating 
................................. 5-12 
Specifications 
............................... 6-57 
Starting 
................................. 2-15. 16 
2.3 L ............................ 2- IS. 6-9.54. 57 
3.1 L ........................... 2-16.6-10,54,57 
Engineoil .................................... 6-11 
Adding .................................... 6-12 
Additives ................................... 6-14 
Checking 
................................... 6-11 
Warning  Light ............................ 2-67.  68 
What  Kind  to 
Use ............................ 6-13 
What  to  do 
with Used  Oil ...................... 6-15 
When 
to Change ............................. 6-15 
Ethanol (In Fuel) ................................ 6-3 
Exhaust . Engine ................................ 2-30 
Engine Coolant 
c 
Engine 
Running 
it While  You’re  Parked ................. 2-31 
9-4