1995 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE Owners Manual

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant
level isn’t at or above the
FULL HOT mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and
a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See
“Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information
about the proper coolant
mix.)
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or
above the
FULL HOT mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system
is
cool before you do it.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops.
(Don't press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that
to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
3800 V6: Removing the Pressure Cap
3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, up to the base
of the filler neck.
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
HOT mark.
3.1L V6: Removing the Pressure Cap
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3.lL V6: Upper Radiator Hose
5. plTt the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave .the radi@or pres- cap off.
3800 V6: Upper: *' Radiator Hose
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can $eel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out
for the
engine fan(
s) .
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1. BY tnls time tne coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower.
If the level is lower, add
more
of the proper mix through the filler neck until
the level reaches
the base of the filler neck.
3800 V6: Replacing the Pressure Cap
3.1L V6: Replacing the Pressure Cap 8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure
if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall
the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up
as shown.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if
you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out
of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if
you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create
a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to
a
stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want
the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well
off the road if possible.
If
a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment
to change a flat tire safely.
Air Inflator (Option)
Your vehicle may have an air inflator for use in bringing
tires up to the proper pressure.
To learn about it, see
“Air Inflator System’’ in the Index.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to
a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
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change a tire.
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The equipment you’ll need is in the storage
compartment at the rear
of the vehicle, on the
passenger’s
side.
2. Remove the jack and jacking tools by loosening the
wing nut and retainer bar.
1. Open the jack storage compartment by sliding the
latch down and removing the compartment cover.
3. Separate the plastic pouch from the jack and remove
the jacking tools (folding wrench and shaft) from the
pouch.
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