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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 Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, 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.
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Air Cleaner
To check or replace the air filter:
1.
2.
Loosen the wing nut on
the air duct.
Lift up
on the two clips
located
on top of the
filter cover.
3. Disconnect duct and reposition while removing
the side cover. Pull out the filter. Be sure to install
the air filter and install the cover tightly when you
are finished.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. Operating the engine with the air cleaner
off can
cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
~ not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine
backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it
off, and be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
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12. Reconnect the windshield washer pump hose to the
the fender rail and air inlet grille.
13. Close the hood.
14. Return the windshield wipers to the park position.
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:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 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.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Oldsmobile retail
facility Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
I
I NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out
and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if
you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
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To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is
180 OF to 200" F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles
(24
km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may have
to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK
(P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow
these steps:
The transaxle fluid dipstick is the red loop near the back of the engine.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
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What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL@ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum
parts. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
Addlrlg only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system
is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your retailer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
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Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank is located in the engine
compartment behind the headlamp on
the driver’s side.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the COLD mark or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to
HOT mark. To check
the coolant level, remove the cap on the coolant
recovery tank and verify that the coolant level is up to
the COLD fill level on the hose attached to
the cap, or a
little higher.
&I If this low coolant
warning light comes on,
it means you’re low on
engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture
at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to
the radiator. (See “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.)
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Power Steering Fluid
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 at the
FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
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.
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Capacities and Specifications
Please refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle
3800 (Code K)
Pan Removal and Replacement ... 8 quarts (7.5 L)
After Complete Overhaul ....... 10 quarts (9.5 L)
When drainingheplacing the converter; more fluid
may be needed.
Cooling System Including Reservoir
3800 (Code K) ............. 10.2 quarts (9.63 L)
Refrigerant (R-l34a),
Air Conditioning*
............ 1.9 lbs. (0.85 kg)
Engine Crankcase
Oil and Filter Change (3800) ... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
Fuel Tank ................ 17.75 gallons (67.2 L)
*See “Air Conditioning Refrigerants ”later in
this section.
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding,
be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended
in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
3800 (Code K) Engine Specifications
Type .................................... V6
Displacement
........................ 231 CID
Compression Ratio
....................... 9.4: 1
Firing Order ...................... 1-6-5-4-3-2
Thermostat Temperature
........... 195°F (91°C)
Horsepower
............................. 195
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase ................. 109 inches (270 cm)
Front Tread Width
.......... .6 1.5 inches (1 56 cm)
Rear Tread Width
........... .6 1.5 inches (156 cm)
Overall Length
............. 195.9 inches (498 cm)
Overall Width
.............. .73.8 inches (1 87 cm)
Overall Height
.............. 56.4 inches (143 cm)
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