1998 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE power steering

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions.
C
ACCESSORY (A): This is an on position in which you
can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in
the ignition switch as you turn the top
of it toward you.
LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition
and transaxle.
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. Use this position if your
vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push-start your vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and
the key is in the ignition.
RUN (D): This is an on position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and release the
switch.
The switch stays in RUN when the engine is
running. But
even when the engine is not running, you
can use RUN to operate your electrical power
accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
Note that even
if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are positions that allow you to
operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
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Side Window Latches
The rear of each side window swings open.
To open, push the latch
forward to release it, then
swing the window outward.
Press the center of the latch
to secure the window in the
open position.
To close, pull the center of the latch forward and then
close the latch. Press the center of the latch to secure the
window in the closed position.
Power Rear Quarter Windows
This button, located in the
overhead console
switchbank, is used for
opening and closing the
rear quarter windows.
Press the top ribbed side of the button to open the
windows; both windows will open. The windows can be
opened fully
or only a portion depending on how long
the button is pushed.
Press the bottom symbol side of the button to close
both windows.
Horn
You can sound the horn by pressing the horn symbols on
your steering wheel.
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Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast
you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely
and economically.
Refer to the accompanying diagram of your instrument panel to locate the components listed below.
A. Side Vents
B. Front Vent
C. Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
D. Hazard Warning Flashers Switch
E. Instrument Cluster
F. Center Vents
G. Audio System
H. Side Vents
I. Lamps Switch
J. Hood Release
K. Steering Wheel Touch Controls (Option)
L. Horn
M. Ignition Switch
N. Steering Wheel Touch Controls (Option)
0. Climate Controls
P. Rear Fan Controls (Option)
Q. Accessory Power Outlet
R. Storage Bin
S. Remote CD Player (Option)
T. Instrument Panel Switchbank
U. LightedAshtray
V. Glove Box
W. Front Vents
X, Fuse Panel
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Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us
is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition
of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve
is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through
a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate. Both control systems
-- steering and
acceleration
-- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control.
What should you
do if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle
the way you want it
to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed.
Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to
go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
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When you lift the hood, you'll see these items:
T
A.
B.
C. Underhood Fuse and
D.
Relay Center E.
Remote Positive (+) Terminal E
Windshield
Washer G.
Fluid Reservoir Radiator
Pressure Cap
H. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
I. Brake Master Cylinder
Engine
Oil Fill Location J. Air Cleaner
Engine Oil Dipstick
IS. Engine Coolant Reservoir
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Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located to the right
of the windshield washer fluid reservoir, at the back of
the engine compartment.
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.
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should
be at the
“H” mark. When it’s cold, the level should be
at the
“C” mark. If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you
should add fluid.
What to Use
To determine what lund 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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r
FUSE USAGE CHART
CIRCUIT LH T/LP RH T/LP
SWC
BACKLIGHT
3REAKERS
I HEADLAMP ELEC PRNDL
ABS SOL ELC RR DEFOG RR FOG LP
PWR MIRROR CTSY
LAMP FRT PWR
SCKT
CIGARDLC
Fl FRT HVAC/HI
1 CRUISE I TiSlG I SIR
I PWROTRVENT I RRHVAC I FR&~~$~~~w' I SUNROOF I HVAC/DRL I
FRT WPRMSHR BCM
PRGRM
RR WPA WSHR
MALURADIO/DIC
SWC ACCY
LH HEADLP RH
HEADLP
HAZARD LOW LOW
I PWR LOCK I RR PWR SCKT 1 ABS MOD BATr I LH:ktDLP I RH%DLp
I I DRL I CANVENTSOL I ABSFCS IGN I PCM /
For More information, See Owner's Manual Printed in /
Circuit Breakers
HEADLAMP
PWR WDOIRR
VENT
PWR SEATIPSD
FRT HVAC/HI
BLWR DRL
Control Module,
Headlamp and
I/P
Dimmer Switch
Front Power Windows
6-Way Power Seat(s) and Rear
Side Door Actuator Motor
Blower Motor Hi Speed Relay
in Module
Fuses
swc
BACKLIGHT
ELEC PRNDL
PWR MIRROR Steering Wheel
Radio Control
Switches (Illumination)
Instrument Cluster to
PRNDL Indicators
Power Remote Control
Mirror Switch
CRUISE Cruise Control Module, Switch
and Release Switch
PWR QTR VENT Interior Lamps and
Multifunction Switch
(Power Vent Switch)
FRT WPWSHR Windshield Wipermasher
Motor and Switch
BCM
PWR LOCK
RH TLP
RR FOG LP
CIGARIDLC
TISIG Not
Used
Not Used Cigarette Lighter and Data Link
Connector (DLC)
Turn Signal Switch
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall).
You should let your retailerk service department
or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual.
See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafiig, etc.
Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose
connections or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up
in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and
air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap
is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace
any components that have high effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You may need
to have
your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits
or conditions result in frequent braking.
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