1995 Oldsmobile Achieva power steering

Ignition Switch
A E
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the
switch to five positions:
ACCESSORY (A): This is an “on” position in which
you can operate some
of your electrical power
accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you
turn the
top
of it toward you.
LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition
and transaxle (on automatic models).
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition, and transaxle (on automatic models), but does
not send electrical power to any accessories. Use this
position
if your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but
never try to push-start your vehicle.
A warning chime
will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the
ignition is
off and the key is in the ignition.
RUN (D): This is an “on” position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays
in the RUN position when the
engine is running. But even when the engine
is not
running, you can use
RUN to operate your electrical
power accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): Use this for starting the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will
return to
RUN for normal driving.
Note that even
if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are “on” positions that allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
2-13

To Use Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
and
let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the system
working, or you may notice some noise, but this is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to.
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or
the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each
of us is subject to
the same laws
of physics when driving on curves. The
traction
of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when YOLI turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction.
If you’ve ever
tried to steer
a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get
in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can
control.
Suppose you’re steering through
a sharp curve. Then
you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems
--
steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where
the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration
can demand too much of those places. You can lose
control.
What should you do
if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want
it
to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn
that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
based on
good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to
go slower.
4-8

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
6-9

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
6-10

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

Capacities & Specifications
FuelTank ...................................................
Power Steering
PumpOnly .................................................
Complete System ............................................
Tire Pressures, Sizes ..........................................
WheelNutTorque ............................................
15.2 gallons 57.5 L
1.00 pint 0.50 L
2.25 pints 1.25 L
See Tire-Loading Information
label on driver’s door.
100 pound-feet 140 N.m
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in
this manual.
6-55

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice
a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should
let your GM retailer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch
plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are
working properly. Look for any
loose parts or damage.
If you see anything that might keep a restraint system
from doing its job, have it repaired.
Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines
and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-of-position parts
as well as open seams, holes, loose
connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in the floor pan or could
let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Accelerator and cruise control cables should not be
lubricated.
Manual Transaxle
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Manual Transaxle”
in the Index. A fluid loss may
indicate
a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. The parking brake is self-adjusting and
no manual adjustment is required. You
may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your
driving habits or conditions result
in frequent braking.
7-40

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM retailer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolanl
FLUIDLLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of water (preferably
distilled) and good quality
ethylene glycol base antifreeze
(GM Part
No. 1052753 or
equivalent) conforming to
GM
Specification 1825M or approved
recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification
1825M.
USAGE
Coolant
Supplement
Hydraulic Brake System
Hydraulic Clutch
System
Power Steering
System
Manual
Transaxle
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders

FLUIDLUBRICANT
GM Part No. 3634621 or
equivalent.
Delco Supreme
11 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052535 or
equivalent
DOT-3 brake fluid).
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
(GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent).
GM Hydraulic Power Steering
Fluid (GM Part
No. 1052884 or
equivalent).
Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. 12345349 or
equivalent).
DEXRON@-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Lubricate with Multi-Purpose
Lubricant
(GM Part
No. 12345 120) or synthetic
SAE 5W-30 engine oil.
7-41