1997 Oldsmobile Achieva brake

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.
7-43

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.
7-44

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.

1997 OLDSMOBILE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing \
of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it\
in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
~~
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 OLDSMOBILE
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model
GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Tme
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-Mastercard-Discover)

Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Outlet ......... ....... 2-54
AirBag
..................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-25
How it Works
...... ... ............ 1-23
Location
.................................... 1-23
Readiness Light
......................... 1-22, 2-6 1
Servicing
................................... 1-26
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-24
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-25
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-24
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-18
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-62
Alignment and Balance, Tire
... ................ 6-46
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
... .............. 6-53
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-24
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-63, 4-7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Anti-Theft, Radio
.............................. 3-19
Appearancecare
............................... 6-48
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-55
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-7
Armrest, Storage
............................... 2-51
Ashtrays
....... .. ................... 2-53 Audio Equipment. Adding
. . ...... 3-21
Audio Systems
........... ........... 3-6
Auto-Down Window
... ...... 2-34
Automatic DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Overdrive
................................... 2-23
Starting Your Engine
.......................... 2-16
Transaxle
................................... 2-16
Transaxle Check
.................. ........ 7-42
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 6-19
Transaxle Park Mechanism Check
................ 7-44
Automatic Transaxle Operation
.................... 2-21
Shifting
..................................... 2-21
Backing up with a Trailer
..................... 4-40
Battery
..................................... 6-35
Charging System Indicator Light
. . .......... 2-62
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Replacement. Remote Lock Control
............... 2-9
Saver
...................................... 2-48
Warnings
.................................... 5-3
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-7
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-7
Blizzard
...................................... 4-28
9-1

Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-34
Fluid
....................................... 6-30
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-30
Parking
..................................... 2-28
PedalTravel
................................. 6-34
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-34
System Warning Light
.................... 2-62. 6.31
Trailer
...................................... 4-39
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-43
Wear
....................................... 6-33
Brake System Warning Light
................. 2.62. 6.31
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Bralung
in Emergencies .......................... 4-1 1
Break.In. New Vehicle .......................... 2- I3
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-46
BTSICheck
................................... 7-43
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-35
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-6
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-62
Carbon Monoxide
.......... 2.10.2.32.2.33.4.29. 4.38
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-41
Cassette Tape Player
........................ 3.9. 3. 13
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-22
Cassette Tape Player Errors
.................. 3- 11. 3.15
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature
................. 3- 19
Center Console Cupholder
........................ 2-5 1
Center Console Storage Area ...................... 2-5 I
Center Rear Passenger Position .................... 1-32
Certification Label
.............................. 4-33 Chains. Safety
................................. 4-39
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-47
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-22
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-66
Check Gages Light
.............................. 2-71
CheckOilLight
................................ 2-70
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-47
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-54
Child Restraints
................................ 1-36
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-37
Securing
in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-39
Securing
in the Passenger Seat Position ........... 1-41
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-41
WheretoPut
................................ 1-36
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-53
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-57
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-18
Cleaning Alumlnum Wheels
............................ 6-53
Fabric
...................................... 6-49
Glass
....................................... 6-51
Inside of Your Oldsmobile
...................... 6-48
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-50
Leather
..................................... 6-50
Outside of Your Oldsmobile
.................... 6-52
Special Problems
............................. 6-49
Stains
...................................... 6-49
Tires
....................................... 6-53
Vinyl
....................................... 6-50
Wheels
..................................... 6-53
Windshield
and Wiper Blades ................... 6-51
Climate Control System
........................... 3-2
TopStrap
................................... 1-37
9-2

Guide en FranGais 11
GVWR ....................................... 4-33
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-35
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamps
.................................... 2-44
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-35
HighLow Beam Changer
...................... 2-37
OnReminder
................................ 2-44
Wiring
..................................... 6-57
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heating
........................................ 3-4
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-37
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-24
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-38
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8
Release
...................................... 6-9
Horn ......................................... 2-34
Hydraulic Clutch
............................... 6-23
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
........................... 6-23
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
................... 7-42
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-20
If a Tire Goes Flat .............................. 5-21
Ignition Positions
............................... 2- 14
Illuminated EntryExit System
..................... 2-46
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-41
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-49 Inspections
Brakesystem
................................ 7-46
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance
................... 7-46
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-45
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-45
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-45
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-45
Steering
.................................... 7-45
Suspension
.................................. 7-45
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-45
Instrumentpanel
............................... 2-56
Brightness Control
............................ 2-46
Cleaning
.................................... 6-50
Cluster
..................................... 2-58
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-58
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-46
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-24
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-42
Key Release Button
............................. 2-16
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-33
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-56
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-33
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-56
Lamps
........................................ 2-43
Interior
..................................... 2-46
OnReminder
................................ 2-44
Exterior
.................................... 2-43
Fog
........................................ 2-45
9-5
.