1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manuals

Battery
Every new Oldsmobile has a Delco Freedom@ battery.
You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s
time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom
battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more,
take
off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running down.
I
A CAUTLN:
Contact your retailer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
This section describes bulb changing procedures for
some of your interior and exterior lamps. For bulb sizes,
see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. For any bulbs not
listed in this section, contact your Pontiac dealer service
department.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting”
in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs have pressuri,J gas inside and
can burst if
you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

,,,adlamp Bulb RepL,.nent
When replacing a halogen bulb, do not touch the glass
portion of the bulb. The oil from your fingers will
shorten the life
of your new halogen bulb. For the type
of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index.
1. On the driver’s side only, unscrew the butterfly
fasteners. Then lift the plate.
6-36
Both Sides:
2. Twist the lock ring clockwise one-sixth of a turn and
pull out the bulb assemblv.

3.
4.
r His d Stc L
1. Use a flat screwdriver to gently release
the
trim cover. the tabs on
Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
Reverse these steps to replace the bulb assembly and
headlamp housing.
2. Using a flat screwdriver, remove the screws holding
the bulb assembly.

5. Use a flat screwdriver to release the tabs holding the
socket in place.
4. Gently remove and replace the bulbs.
5. Reverse this procedure to reassemble the lamp.
Back-up Lamps
1. Open the trunk lid and locate the back-up lamps on
the inside
of the lid.
2. Gently remove the bulbs from the socket.
3. Replace the bulb in the socket.
4. Close the trunk lid.
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps
For the type of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index.
1. Pull back the trunk trim.
2. Carefully pull tab A of the plastic taillamp bracket
away from the center of the trunk, then forward.
When the bracket releases from its mount, pull the
taillamp assembly forward.
6-38

omeLa
3. Wiggle the bulb out of the socket.
4. Replace the bulb.
5. Reverse the steps to reassemble the taillamp,
stoplamp
or rear turn signal lamp. To
change your dome lamp bulb, grasp the center rront
and center rear portion
of the housing and squeeze
firmly but gently. The housing should pop
off.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a small
flat-head screwdriver under the side
of the housing to
help pry
it off.

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires
Your new Oldsmobile comes with high-quality tires maae
by a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Oldsmobile
Warranty booklet for details.
Replacement blades come
in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper am away from the windshield.
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver and pull the
blade assembly off the wiper arm.
3. Push the new wiper blade securely onto the wiper arm.
For proper size and type, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index.
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result
of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
I
6-40

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
cut, punctured or broken
by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or
if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Overinflated tires are more likely to be The
Tire-Loading Information label, which
is on the
rear edge of the driver’s door shows the correct inflation
pressures
for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold”
means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right.
It’s 1
don’t have enough air (under
get the following:
Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy. lot.
If your tires
,inflation), you can
NOTICE: (Continued)

NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
0 Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 Pa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping
out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
( 10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, 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.
The purpose
of regular rotation is to achieve more
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.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
6-42