1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manuals

Starter Switch Check
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking around the
vehicle.
Brake”
in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE:
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL
(N), push the clutch down halfway and
try to start the engine. The starter should work only
when the clutch
is pushed down all the way to the
floor.
If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transaxle)
I
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked
on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start
the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle’s
BTSI
needs service.
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Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to LOCK
only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with
a key release button, try to turn the key
to
LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to
LOCK only when you press the key button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only
in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin
to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there
is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. Park
on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot
on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
0
0
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK
(P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your GM retailer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a
GM service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear
or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build-up in the
floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust’’ in
the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort
or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
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Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. The
parking brake is self-adjusting
and no manual
adjustment is required. You
may need to have your
brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
CalipedKnuckle Maintenance Inspection
If you operate your vehicle in a highly corrosive
environment, as indicated
by the shaded areas on the
map following this text, your vehicle may require
additional brake service. Refer to the appropriate
GM
Service Bulletin for the proper caliper inspection
procedure.
As necessary, caliper pins and knuckle brake pad
abutments should be lubricated at every other tire
rotation. Also, see your
GM retailer’s service
department or qualified service center for
additional information.
7-46

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM retailer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
~~
Coolant
Supplement
Sealer
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL@
coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
GM Part
No. 3634621 or
equivalent with a complete flush
and refill.
USAGE
Hydraulic Brake
System
Hydraulic Clutch System
Power Steering
System
Manual Transaxle
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
Manual
Transaxle Shift
Linkage
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Delco Supreme 11 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT-3 brake fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part
No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
105001
7 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345349
or equivalent).
DEXRON@-111 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Purpose lubricant, Superlube@ (GM Part
No. 1234624 1
or equivalent).
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI
# 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.

USAGE
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
Windshield
Washer Solvent
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release Pawl
I FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine oil.
GM Optikleen’ Washer Solvent
(GM Part
No. lOSlSlS)
or equivalent.
Lubriplate lubricant aerosol
(GM Part
No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI ## 2,
Categorv
LB or GC-LB.
FLUID/LUBRICANT I
Hood and Door
or equivalent). (GM
Part No. 12346241
Hinges Multi-purpose lubricant, Superlube@
Weatherstrip Part
No. 12345579 or equivalent).
Conditioning Dielectric
Silicone Grease (GM
See “Replacement Parts’’ in the Index for recommended
replacement filters and spark plugs.
7-48

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any
additional information from “Owner Checks and
Services” or “Periodic Maintenance’’ can be added on
the following record pages. Also, you should retain all
maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio
is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
DATE MAINTENANCE
PERFORMED SERVICED BY READING

Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
DATE READING SERVICED
BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
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