1997 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE check oil

Pull forward on the hood prop to release it from its
storage clip. Then put the end of
the hood prop into the
slot in the underside of the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly.
Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot
in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then just let
the
hood down and close it firmly.
Underhood Lamp
Your underhood lamp will go on when you open the hood.
Engine Oil
LWEL
If the Low Oil Level light on
the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to
check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see “Low Oil
Level Light”
in the Index.
You should check your
engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder. It‘s
a good idea
to check your engine oil every time you
get
fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick
is located at the front of the engine
compartment, near the center. The dipstick handle has
a
bright, yellow loop design for easy identification.
Turn
off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This
part explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in
the Index.
I NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
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4.
5.
6.
Replace the filters by reversing Step 3. Make sure
the filters are inserted
so that the sealing foam is
angled
in the same direction on both filters. For the
type of filter to use,
see “Normal Replacement Parts”
in the Index.
Close the inner access door, while squeezing the tab,
to be sure
it is tightly closed.
Snap the outer access panel
into the back of the
glove box.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level
is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more
of these conditions:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the Index.
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How to Add Fluid Engine Coolant
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 one pint
(0.5 L). Don% 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.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to Check.”
4. 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 (silicate-free) engine coolant. This
coolant
is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years
or 150,000 miles
(240 000 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:
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.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones,
as shown
in Part
D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is importunt.for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuelfill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix
if necessary. See “Engine Coolant’’ in the
Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid
if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the
Index for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See
“Tires”
in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
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Driver’s Four-Way Manual Seat .................... 1-2
Driving City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-21
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-27
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
IntheRain
.................................. 4-17
Night
...................................... 4-16
OnCurves
.................................. 4-11
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-37
On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-23
On Snow and Ice
............................. 4-25
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-35
Dump and Stow Feature
........................... 1-7
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-3
Electrical Equipment. Adding
.................... 2-29
Electrical System
............................... 6-56
Electronic Level Control
......................... 4-29
Engine
........................................ 6-9
Coolant
..................................... 6-20
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-29
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-37 Coolant Tenlperature Gage
..................... 2-98
Cooling System
.............................. 6-62
Exhaust
..................................... 2-39
Identification
................................ 6-55
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-37
Overheated Protection Operating Mode
........... 5-12
Running While Parked
......................... 2-40
Specifications
................................ 6-63
Starting Your
................................ 2-28
Engine Oil
.............................. 2- 102. 6-10
Additives ................................... 6-14
Checking
................................... 6-11
Used ....................................... 6-14
What
Kind to Use ............................. 6-12
WhentoAdd
................................ 6-11
When
to Change .............................. 6-14
Engine Temperature Warning Light ................. 2-99
Equipment, Adding to the Outside
Of Your Vehicle ..... 6-3
Exhaust, Engine
................................ 2-39
Exit Lighting
.................................. 2-63
Overheating
................................. 5-12
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-47
Fan Knob. Climate Control System
.................. 3-2
Filling Your Tank
................................ 6-5
Filter. Air
..................................... 6-15
Filter. Pollen ................................... 6-16
Finishcare
.................................... 6-51
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Low Traction ............................ 2.98. 4.9
Oil Pressure
................................ 2- 102
Safety Belt Reminder ..................... 1.29, 2.93
Service Engine Soon
......................... 2- 100
Traction Control System Warning
........... 2.97. 4.10
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-29
Locks
Automatic Door
............................... 2-6
Cylinders
................................... 7-38
Door
........................................ 2-3
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-38
Last Door Closed Locking
....................... 2-6
Lockout Deterrent
............................. 2-7
Power Door
.................................. 2-5
Sliding Door
................................. 2- 14
Sliding Door Child Security
..................... 2-19
Sliding Door Delayed Locking
................... 2-6
Steering Column Park Check
.................... 7-40
Locks and Lighting Choices
...................... 2-41
Loss of Control
................................ 4- 15
Low Coolant Warning Light
................. 2.99. 6.23
Low Fuel Warning Light
........................ 2- 105
Low Oil Level Light ...................... 2.103, 6.10
Low Traction Light
......................... 2.98. 4.9
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-43
Lubrication Service. Body
........................ 7-38
Luggagecarrier
................................ 2-79
Lumbar Control
................................. 1-6 Maintenance.
Normal Replacement Parts
........... 6-63
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-45
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
How This Section is Organized ................... 7-3
Long Trip/Highway Definition
................... 7-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-37
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-43
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-5
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................ 7-2
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-53
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
..................... 2- 100
Mirrors
....................................... 2-66
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-67
Illuminated Visor Vanity
....................... 2-83
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-66
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-66
Visor Vanity
................................. 2-83
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-41
Matching Transmitters to Your Vehicle
.............. 2-10
Mode Buttons. Climate Control System .............. 3-3
Mode
Knob. Climate Control System ................ 3-2
MountainRoads
................................ 4-23
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-52
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Net. ~onvenimzrrce ............................. -2-76
New Vehicle "Break-In" ......................... 2-24
Night Vision ................................... 4-16
Nt~@af ....................................... 2-32
Odometer .................................... 2-9 1
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-91
Off-RoadRecovery
............................. 4-13
Oil. Engine
.............................. 2.102. 6.10
Oil Pressure Light
............................. 2-102
Overhead Console
.............................. 2-69
Driver Information Center
...................... 2-7 1
Garage Door Opener Compartment
............... 2-69
Sunglasses Compartment
....................... 2-7 1
Overhead Console Switchbank
.................... 2- 12
Overheated Engine Protection
..................... 5- 12
Overheating Engine
............................. 5- 12
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-37
Owner Publications. Ordering
..................... 8- 10
Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ 6-53
Park Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-3 1
Shifting Into
................................. 2-36
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-38
AtNight
.................................... 2-25
Brake
...................................... 2-35
Parking Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-40
Over Things That
Bum ........................ 2-39
With a Trailer
................................ 4-37
Passing
....................................... 4-13
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-41
Pollen Filter
................................... 6-16
Power Accessory Outlet
............................. 2-84
DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Option Fuses
................................ 6-56
Rear Quarter Windows
......................... 2-51
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-66
Seat
......................................... 1-3
Steering
.................................... 4-11
Sunroof
..................................... 2-85
Windows
................................... 2-50
Power Steering Fluid
............................ 6-24
Howtocheck
............................... 6-25
Whattouse
................................. 6-25
Whentocheck
............................... 6-25
Pregnancy. Use
of Safety Belts .................... 1-42
Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner
................... 8-10
Lots
....................................... 2-25
Passenger Position
.............................. 1-43
Radiator
..................................... 5-19
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... 6-24
Radio Reception
................................ 3-27
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