1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA Owners Manual

While refueling, hang the cap by the tether from the
hook
on the filler door.
To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring
in it; if you let
L go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
Y If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you
if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if‘ your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap
all the wav.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces
as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the
Outside
of Your Vehicle” in the Index. When
you put the
cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise)
until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you
filly install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine
if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed.
This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the
Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your retailer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
ProCarManuals.com

Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things
Under the Hood
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling
is complete.
Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
Don’t smoke while pumping gasoline. Things that burn can
get on hot engine parts and
start
a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that
will burn onto a hot engine.
6-8
ProCarManuals.com

To open the hood, first pull
the handle inside the vehicle
on the lower driver’s side of
the instrument panel.
Then
go to the front of the vehicle and release the
secondary hood release. Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and
put the hood prop into the slot in the hood.
You may
have a lamp that comes on when you lift the hood.
6-9
ProCarManuals.com

When you lift the hood, you’ll see these items:
A. Battery
B. Coolant Recovery Tdnk
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Engine Oil Fill
E. Transmission Dipstick
F. Power Steering Reservoir
G. Brake Master Cylinder
H. Air Cleaner
I. Engine Compartment
J. Windshield Washer Fluid
Fuse Block
6-10
ProCarManuals.com

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 pull the hood down firmly to close.
It will
latch when dropped from
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm)
without pressing on the hood.
Engine Oil
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
oil dipstick is a
yellow ring.
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.
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.
ProCarManuals.com

When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of 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.
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.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back
in when you’re through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst“ symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified
by the American
Petroleum Institute
(API). Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
A
FOR rn L the Starburst symbol on the
, front of the oil container.
v
b b
r
If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
You should
also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown
in the following chart:
6-12
ProCarManuals.com

HOT
WEATHER . .~ .- ~ "C I
I i
COLD
WEATHER
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMV AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~
FOR THIS &\E&
LOOK
SYMBOL
SAE CW-30 PREFERRED
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However. you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it's going
to be 0°F (- 1 8°C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such
as SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
"Starburst"
symbol. Failure to use the
recommended
oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F
(-29"C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an
SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your retailer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short triplcity
maintenance schedule:
0
0
0
e
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or
off-road frequently.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police. taxi
or other commercial application. Driving under these conditions
causes engine oil to
break down sooner.
If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your
oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long triplhighway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with
a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
Remote Oil Filter
The access door for the remote oil filter is in the steering
linkage shield assembly located under the radiator
support. Twist the screw to unlock or lock the door.
If
you open the door, make sure it is securely closed when
you are finished.
ProCarManuals.com