1996 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE maintenance

DW to 2 dl uid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it
to the proper level. It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(0.5 L).
Don ’t overfill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that
label is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused
by fluid other than DEXRON-111 is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How
to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way. The
cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL
TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
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.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Oldsmobile will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be
at the
H mark. When it’s cold, the level should be at the
C mark. If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you should
add fluid.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid
to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
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Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km) for any signs of unusual wear.
If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as
possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See “When It’s Time for New
Tires” and “Wheel Replacement” later in this section for
more information. When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown
here.
Don’t include the compact spare tire
in your
tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the
,. ont and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the
CertificatiodTire label. Make certain that all wheel
nuts
are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in
the Index.
/
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieTe 1yicsre
uniform wear for
all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services”
in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after
a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change
a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use
a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper
or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
“Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.)
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Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are
not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on
the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor
pan and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your retailer or an underbody vehicle washing system
can do this for you.
Collision Repair
Your vehicle was built with composite SMC (Sheet
Molded Compound) fiberglass body panels and molded
RIM (Reaction Injection Molded) front fenders and
bumper covers. These panels require different collision
repair procedures than metal-paneled vehicles. See your
Oldsmobile retailer for information on collision repair.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take
two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this,
Oldsmobile will repair, at no charge to the owner,
the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km)
of purchase, whichever occurs first.
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Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... E
Type
.................................... V6
Firing Order ...................... 1-2-3-4-5-6
Thermostat Temperature Displacement
............................ 3.4L
Specification
.................. 195 "F (9 1 O C)
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Engine Oil Filter ................ AC Type PF-47
Air
Cleaner Element
........... AC Type A-974C
PCV Valve
.................. AC Type CV-892C
Spark Plugs
................... AC Type 4 1-940
Gap: 0.060 inch
(1 -52 mm)
Remote Lock Control Battery (1)
........ CR 2032
Dimensions
Wheelbase ............... 109.8 inches 2788 mm
Tread Width
Front
................... 59.2 inches 1503 mm
Rear .................... 61.4 inches 1559 mm
Width .................... 73.9 inches 1878 mm
Length
.................. 194.7 inches
4946 mm
Height. ................... 65.7 inches 1670 mrn
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Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
EVEL
AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
I
This section covers the maintenance required for your
Oldsmobile. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its
safety, dependability and emission control performance.
I protection
Huve yo~t purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
SLqplements yo~tr new vehicle warranties. See your
Warrfllzni and Owner Assistance booklet, oy your
Oldsnwbile retailer for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle
in good working condition, but also helps the
environment.
All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
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IW This Section is Organized
The remainder of this section is divided into five parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have
the necessary equipment, you should
let your retailer’s service department or another
qualified service center do these jobs.
r
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying
to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know-how
and the proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician do the work.
If you are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want
to get the service
information
GM publishes. See “Service and Owner
Publications”
in the Index.
“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what
should be checked whenever you stop for
fuel. It also
explains what you can easily do
to help keep your
vehicle
in good condition.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains
important inspections that your Oldsmobile retailer’s service department or another qualified service center
should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists
some products
GM recommends to help keep your
vehicle properly maintained, These products, or their
equivalents, should be used whether you
do the work
yourself or have
it done.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for
you to record the maintenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance
is performed, be
sure to write
it down in this part. This will help you
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
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Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle
in good working condition. But we don’t know
exactly how you’ll drive
it. You may drive very short
distances only a few times
a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time
in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or
you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many
other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
GM
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need
more frequent checks and replacements than you’ll find
in the schedules in this section. So please read this
section and note how you drive. If you have any
questions
on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your Oldsmobile retailer.
This part tells you
the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your retailer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine
GM parts. The
proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed
in
Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s
CertificatiodTire label. See “Loading Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index.
driving limits.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll
need to decide which of the two schedules is
right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which
schedule to follow:
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