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.(I
Low Oil Level Light
Your engine is equipped’
wiih
an oil level monitoring
system. When the ignition
key is turned on, the
LOW
V
LOW.O(L
LEVEL
OIL LEVEL light will
briefly flash.
If the light
‘does not flash, have it fixed
I 8 - -1 so it will be ready to warn
I n
I ‘A ‘n-1 , .
you if there’s a problem.
- ..
Security Light
I
RESET
80
This light will come on
when you
turn the key to
start and stay on until the
vehicle starts.
It will also
come on and stay on if your
key is too dirty or wet for
the PASS-Key% system to
read the resistor pellet.
,
If the light stays on,, stop the vehicle on a level surface
and turn the engine
off. Check the oil level using the
engine oil dipstick. (See “Engine Oil” in the Index.) If
thti light does not flash, have
the low oil level sensor
system repaired
so it will be ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
The
oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between key on and engine
crank. It does not monitor engine oil level when the
engine is running. Additionally,
an oil level check.is
only performed if the engine has been turned
off for- a
considerable period
of time, allowing the oil normally in
circulation to drkn back into the oil pan.
If the resistor pellet is damaged or missing, the light will
flash.
If you’re driving and the security light comes on
and remains on, your PASS-Key’II system is not
working pro erly. Your vehicle is not protected by
PASS-Key
2 11, and you should see your retailer.
2-54
t
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With the 3.4L LQ1 (Code X) engine, when you open the hood, you’ll see:
1. Radiator Pressure Cap
2. Engine Coolant Reservoir
3. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
4. Electric Engine Fans
5. Engine Oil Dipstick
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap
7. Coolant Bleed Valves
8. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
9. Brake Fluid Reservoir
10. Air Cleaner
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6-9
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Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it
firmly.
Engine Oil .. , ‘I: ~. ’. .I
LOW OIL
LEVEL
If the LOW OIL LEVEL
light on the instrument
panel co-mes on, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see “Low Oil Level 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.
c
,3.1L.L82 (Code M) Engine
The engine
oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop near
the front of the engine.
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.
Page 215 of 340
3 .k
..
4L LQ1 (code X) Engine
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.
When to Add Oil ,
If the oil is at or below the upper mark, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This
part explains’ what
kind of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the
’
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
6-11
~
Page 216 of 340
..
,.
3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine 3.4L LQl (Code X) Engine ,
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”’symbo1 indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and
is preferred for use in your gas.oline 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 certified for. gasoline engines.
You should also use &@ proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, its sh~wn in the fdowing chart: ’ 3.
Page 220 of 340
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily ,get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’ in the
Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Oldsmobile retailer
Service Department.
If yon do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here,
or you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.