1997 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE cooling

~ NOTICE:
Be
sure there are no overhead obstructions, such
as a garage door, before you open the liftgate.
You could slam the liftgate into something and
break the glass.
To close the liftgate, pull down on the handle, then
firmly shut
the liftgate. Don’t drive with the liftgate
open, even slightly. See“Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
A light on your instrument panel will warn you if the
liftgate is not completely closed (see “Door Ajar
Warning Light” in the Index).
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the liftgate open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the liftgate:
Make sure all windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on bi-level (outside air button
is pressed).
That
will force outside air into your vehicle.
See “Comfort Controls”
in the Index.
0 If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
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Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for
you. Your comfort control system uses
ozone-friendly
R- 134a refrigerant.
With these systems you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your Oldsmobile. Your vehicle
also
has a flow-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Fan Knob
The left knob is the fan knob and selects the force of air
you want. Turn the knob clockwise to increase fan speed
and counterclockwise to decrease fan speed.
The fan
must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor
to operate.
Temperature Knob
The center knob controls the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn it counterclockwise
(toward the blue area) for cooler air. Turn it clockwise
(toward the red area) for warmer air.
Mode Knob
This knob selects the direction of where the air will
enter the vehicle.
+e
/J UPPER: This setting directs outside air through
the instrument panel outlets.
+fl BI-LEV This setting directs outside air into your
vehicle
in two ways. Cooler air is directed toward your
upper body through the front instrument panel outlets,
while warmed air is directed through the heater ducts at
your feet.
+e
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0
+fl LOWER: This setting brings in most of the air
through the floor ducts. This setting is also used to send
air to
the rear of the vehicle. Keep the area under the
front seats free of objects that could obstruct airflow to
the rear of the vehicle.
+’ DEFOG: This setting directs air to the windshield
and through the floor ducts. This mode is particularly
useful during cold or inclement weather because of your
Oldsmobile Silhouette’s larger windshield area.
w.
DEFROST This setting directs most of the air to
the windshield and side window vents.
Mode Buttons
RECIRC: Press this button (the light will glow)
to limit the amount of fresh air entering your vehicle by
recirculating much of the air inside your vehicle. You
may
use this setting to limit odors entering your vehicle.
Press the OUTSIDE AIR button (the light on the
RECIRC button
will go off) to let outside air circulate
into
the vehicle.
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button (the light will
glow) to send outside air into your vehicle. Using this
setting while trying to defrost or defog the windows will
help clear the vents
of moisture. Press the RECIRC button
(the light
on the OUTSIDE AIR button
off) to limit outside air entering the vehicle.
Air Conditioning
will go
On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more
quickly and economically
if you open the windows long
enough to let hot, inside air escape.
For all settings, adjust
the temperature control knob and fan speed
as desired.
To get maximum cooling or a quick cool-down on very
hot days, press
the A/C and RECIRC buttons (the lights
will glow) and turn the temperature knob to the left
(toward the blue area). Adjust the mode knob
to direct
the air to the desired location. This setting should not be
used for long periods
of time because the air may
become too cold and dry. Push the A/C button again (the
light will go off) to turn off the air conditioning.
When the air conditioner compressor is on, you may
sometimes notice slight changes
in your vehicle’s engine
performance and power. This is normal. The system is
designed to help fuel economy while it maintains
the
desired cooling level.
The air conditioner removes moisture from the air,
so
you may sometimes notice water dripping from under
your vehicle when
it is idling or after it has been turned
off. This is normal.
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If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can
make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system
and transaxle. These parts can work hard
on
mountain roads.
0 Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this:
let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift
to a lower gear when you go
down
a steep or long hill.
If you don’t shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would
then have poor braking or even none going
down
a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let
your engine assist your brakes on
a steep
downhill slope.
I A CAUTION:
~
Coasting d!!!nhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down. They could
get
so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none going
down
a hill. You could crash. Always have your
engine running and your vehicle in gear when
you go downhill.
~
Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down
to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better.
Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut
across
the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay
in your own lane.
0 As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be
something in your lane, like
a stalled car or an accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of
special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or
no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding
roads.
Be alert to these and take appropriate action.
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Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then
it needs its own brakes -- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into
your vehicle’s brake system.
If you do, both brake
systems won’t work
well, or at all.
DI a TI iler
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO) could come into
your vehicle. You can’t see
or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness or
death. (See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.) To
maximize your safety when towing
a trailer:
0 Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
CAUTION: (Continued)
0 Keep the rear-most windows closed.
0 If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through
a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle.
Do not use
RECIRC because it only recirculates the
air inside your vehicle. (See
‘‘ Comfort
Controls” in the Index.)
Towing
a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting
out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive
as your vehicle is by itself.
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule
for more
on this. Things that are especially important
in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, belts, cooling system and brake adjustment.
Each
of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to
see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
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Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5-2
5-3
5-3
5-8
5- 10
5-1 1
5-12
5- 12
5- 13 How
to Use Warning Flashers
Other Types of Warning Devices
Step-by-step Procedure for Jump Starting
Information
You Should Know Before Towing
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If
Your Engine is Overheating
If Steam
is Coming From Your Engine
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5-16
5 -22
5-22
5-3
1
5-32
5-33
5-34
Cooling System
How to Add Coolant
What to
do if a Tire Goes Flat
How to Change a Flat Tire
Where to Store the Flat Tire and
Tools
Information on the Compact Spare Tire
If You’re Stuck in Sand, Mud, Snow or on Ice
How
to Rock Your Vehicle to Get Unstuck
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When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
A. Radiator Pressure Cap
B. Electric Engine Fan
C. Coolant Recovery Tank If
the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.
The coolant level should be at or above the
FULL HOT
mark.
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.
An electric fan under the hood can start up even
when the engine
is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
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