1995 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE engine

Air Cleaner
The air cleaner for the 3.1L V6 engine is circular in
shape and is located toward the back of the engine
compartment, near the center.
The air cleaner for the 3800 V6 engine is located at the
front
of the engine compartment (on the driver’s side of
the vehicle), to the left of the windshield washer fluid
reservoir.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to
replace the air filter and the crankcase ventilation filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’
in the Index.
I 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.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
The automatic transaxle fluid dipstick for the 3.1 L V6
engine is located near the center of the engine
compartment, to the left
of the windshield washer fluid
reservoir. The dipstick for
the 3800 V6 engine is located
toward the back
of the engine Compartment, near the
center. The dipstick handle (for both engines) has
a
bright, red loop design for easier identification.
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
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or
you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get
an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F
to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have
to drive longer.
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To Check the Fluid Level
1.
2.
3.
4.
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK
(P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow these
steps:
3.1L V6: Checking Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6-20
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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).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF ( 128 ” C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled)
and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM
Specification
1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant flush and refill.
If you use
this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged.
The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
6-22
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Adding Coolant
The engine coolant reservoir is located on the
passenger’s side
of the vehicle, towards the middle of
the engine compartment.
3.1L V6: Checking Coolant
3800 V6: Checking Coolant
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to
FULL HOT, or a little higher.
6-23
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To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
cnolclnt recoverv tank.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill it.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
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.
6-24
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Power Steering Fluid
3.1L V6: Checking the Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir for the 3.1L V6
engine is located toward the back of the engine
compartment, to the
left of the circular air cleaner.
~~~ ~~~
3800 V6: Checking the Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir for the 3800 V6
engine is located to the right of the engine coolant
reservoir, at the very back
of the engine compartment.
~ 6-25
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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.
Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add
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.
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located on the
driver’s side of the vehicle, toward the front
of the
engine compartment.
Open the cap labeled
WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid
until the tank is full.
6-26
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