1998 Oldsmobile Achieva wiper blades

For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to
the
(1) position. For high-speed wiping, move the
stalk up further, to
(2). To stop the wipers, move the
stalk to
OFF.
Windshield Washer
’
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow.
Nlove the stalk to
DELAY, then rotate the inner band
and choose the delay you want. Rotate the inner band
up for shorter delay times between wiper cycles.
Rotate the band down for a longer delay time
between wiper cycles.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely.
To
avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from
the wiper blades before using them.
If they’re frozen
to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them.
If
your blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
To wash your windshield, pull the stalk toward you until
the washers begin.
2-32

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
‘I
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And,
if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious
if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder
it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when
strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.

The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to
go. If it needs
service, have
it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Oldsmobile retail facilities all across North America.
They’ll be ready and willing to help
if you need it. Here
are some things you can check before a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil,
Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time
to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:
Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-22

Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
h,, .- , ..
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 arm 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.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made 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.
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
0 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)
6-36

Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM
Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films
on
interior glass.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer, or
if the wiper blade chatters
when running, wax, sap
or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon
Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part
No. 105001 1. The
windshield is clean
if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper
blades and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
6-47

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.4L ....................... AC Type A-1233C
3100
....................... ACTypeA-1233C
Engine Oil Filter
2.4L .......................... AC Type PF-44
3100
.......................... ACTypePF-47
Spark Plugs
2.4L .......... AC Type 41 -942 (Platinum Plug)
Gap:
0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
3100
.......... AC Type 41-940 (Platinum Plug)
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades ...... 19 inches (48 cm)
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Coupe
................ 187.9 inches (477.1 cm)
Sedan
................. 187.9 inches (477.2 cm)
Width Coupe
................. 74.1 inches (188.2 cm)
Sedan
.................. 74.1 inches (1 88.2 cm)
Height Coupe
................. 53.5 inches (135.9 cm)
Sedan
.................. 53.5 inches (135.9 cm)
Wheelbase Coupe
................ 103.4 inches (262.7 cm)
Sedan
................. 103.4 inches (262.7 cm)
Front Tread
Coupe
................. 55.8 inches (141.7 cm)
Sedan
.................. 55.8 inches (141.7 cm)
Rear Tread Coupe
................. 55.3 inches (140.4 cm)
Sedan
.................. 55.3 inches (140.4 cm)
6-59

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If
you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have
it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part
D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, trunk lid,
glove box door and console door. Part
D tells you what
to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
7-31

Tires ....................................... 6-49
Vinyl
....................................... 6-46
Wheels
..................................... 6-49
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-47
Climate Control System
........................... 3-2
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-6
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-20
Compact Disc Player
............................ 3- 1 1
Compact Disc Player Care ........................ 3-20
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-36
Control of a Vehicle
.............................. 4-6
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-42
Coolant Heater. Engine
............................... 2-17
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
....................... 6-25
Cooling System
................................ 5-17
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-6
Cruise Control
................................. 2-33
Cruise Light
................................... 2-59
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8- 1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2
SurgeTank
.................................. 5-17
Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone Users ......... 8-4
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-50
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-50
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-38
DeadBattery
................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety ..................... 8.8. 8.9 Defensive Driving
............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-5
Defogging
..................................... 3-4
Defrosting ..................................... 3-4
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-59
Dolby
B Noise Reduction ........................ 3-14
DoorLocks
..................................... 2-4
Driver Position
................................. 1 . 12
Driving
City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-21
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-27
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
IntheRain .................................. 4-17
Night
...................................... 4-15
OnCurves
.................................. 4-10
On Grades While Towing
a Trailer ............... 4-38
On Hill and Mountain Roads
.................... 4-23
OnSnowandIce
............................. 4-26
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
WetRoads .................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-37
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-3
Electrical Equipment. Adding
..... 2- 15. 2- 16. 3-19. 6-52
Electrical System
............................... 6-52
9-3