1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA engine

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
A CAUTION:
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
Thrning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant
at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
I A CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
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Radiator Pressure Cap NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches
a preset temperature.
Power Steering Fluid
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When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak
in the system or you hear
an unusual noise. A fluid loss
in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with
a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be between the ADD and
FULL marks.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to
the proper range.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
”Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use
the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use
a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
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Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY with the
washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full.
NOTICE:
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When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean
as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
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Brakes
Brake Fluid
of the brake system. If it is, you should have yo~~r brake
system tlxed, since
a leak nleans that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at
all.
So. it isn't a good idea to "top oft'' your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct
a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here.
It is filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons
why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during norlnal brake
lining weal-. When new linings are
put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid
will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work
is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See "Periodic Maintenance
Inspections"
in the Index.
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NOTICE:
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Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake
pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard
all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing
on the brake pedal firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
1
1 NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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Vehicle Storage Halogen Bulbs
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative
(-) cable from the
battery. This
will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index Halogen
bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst
if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Composite Headlamps
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt. 1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the black retainer clips by lifting up.
I I
3. Pull the headlamp assembly out.
Contact your retailer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ”Theft-Deterrent
Feature”
in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
Before you replace any bulbs, be sure that all the lamps
are off and the engine isn’t running. See ”Replacement
Bulbs”
in the index for the proper type of bulb to use.
4. Unplug the electrical connector.
5. Turn the bulb assembly to the left to remove it.
6. Put the new bulb assembly into the headlamp
assembly and turn
it to the right until it is tight.
1. P~LI~ in the electrical connector.
8. Put the headlamp lens assembly back into the
vehicle. Install the two retaining clips.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
ENGINE A98 f ASSEMBLY
CODE A MODEL YEAR
PLANT
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This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver's side. You can see
it if YOLI look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The
VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates
of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code
will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You'll find this label on the inside of the glove box. It's
very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this
label is:
YOLI~ VIN,
the model designation.
a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removecl from the vehicle.
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