1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette ignition

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4-24
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you're
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system
and transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.

Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
CAUTION:
If you don't shift down, your brakes could get so
hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a
hill. You could crash. Shift down to let your
engine assist your brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to
do all the work of slowing down. They could get so
hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have your engine running
and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill.

Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down
to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better.

Stay in your own lane when driving on two
-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don't swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay in your own lane.

As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be
something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident.

You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of
special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or
no
-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding
roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.

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CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in
a crash.

Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.

Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.

Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.

When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

Don't leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Electronic Level Control (Option)
On vehicles equipped with the optional electronic level
control, the rear of the vehicle is automatically kept
level as you load or unload your vehicle. However, you
should still not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR.
If the engine is running or the ignition key is in
ACCESSORY, you may hear the compressor operating
when you load or unload your vehicle, and periodically
as the system self
-adjusts. This is normal.
The compressor should operate for brief periods of time.
If the sound continues for an extended period of time,
your vehicle needs service.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask
your dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.

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3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlet. Turn off all lamps
that aren't needed as well as radios. This will avoid
sparks and help save both batteries. In addition, it
could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (
-) terminals on
each battery.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
5. Your vehicle has a
remote positive (+) jump
starting terminal. The
terminal is under a
tethered cap at the front
of the underhood fuse
and relay center.
Squeeze the tabs and
pull up on the cap to
access the remote
positive (+) terminal.
You should always use the remote positive (+) terminal
instead of the positive (+) terminal on your battery.

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Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
Here's how to remove the Sheperd's Hook type:
1. Turn the wipers on to the lowest intermittent setting.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the outer
positions of the wipe pattern. The blades are more
accessible for removal/replacement while in
this position.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield or backglass.
4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass,
push the release clip from under the blade
connecting point and pull the blade assembly down
toward the glass to remove it from the wiper arm.
5. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release clip ªclickº into place.

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Maxi Fuse Usage
1
-COOL FAN 2 Coolant Fans
3
-HEADLAMPS Circuit Breakers: FRT HVAC HI
BLWR, and HEADLAMP Fuses
(Instrument Panel): HAZARD
and STOPLAMP
4
-BATT MAIN 2 Circuit Breaker: PWR
SEAT/PSD. Fuses (Instrument
Panel): ELC and RR DEFOGMaxi Fuse Usage
5
-IGN MAIN 1 Ignition Switch to Fuses
(Instrument Panel): ABS/TCS
IGN, CRUISE, DRL, ELEC
PRNDL, IGN 1, PSD, SIR, T/SIG
and PCM [IGN MAIN Relay
(Underhood Electrical Center
Fuses: A/C CLU, ELEK IGN,
IGN 1
-U/H, INJ, TCC)]
6
-COOL FAN 1 Coolant Fans
7
-BATT MAIN 1 Fuses (Instrument Panel): ABS
MOD BATT, CIGAR/DLC,
CTSY LAMP, FRT PWR SCKT,
PWR LOCK, PWR MIRROR and
RR PWR SCKT
8
-IGN MAIN 2 Ignition Switch to Fuses (I/P):
BCM PRGRM, FRT HVAC
LOW/MED BLWR, FRT
WPR/WSHR, HVAC/DRL,
MALL/RADIO/DIC, PWR QRT
VENT, RR HVAC, RR
WPR/WSHR, SWC ACCY and
PWR WDO Circuit Breaker

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Mini Relays Usage
9
-COOL FAN RH FAN 1, LH FAN 2
10
-COOL FAN 2 LH FAN 2
11
-IGN MAIN FUSES: A/C CLU, IGN 1-U/H,
INS, ELEK IGN, TCC
12
-COOL FAN 1 RH FAN 1, LH FAN 2
Micro Relays Usage
13
-A/C CLU A/C Clutch
14
-FUEL PUMP Fuel Pump
15
-F/PMP SPD
CONTNot Used
16
-HORN Horn
17
-FOG LAMP LH Fog Lamp, RH Fog Lamp,
Fog Lamp Indicator
Mini Fuse Usage
18
-INJ Fuel Injectors 1-6
19
-SPARE Not Used
20 Not UsedMini Fuse Usage
21
-IGN1-UH Evaporative Emissions (EVAP)
Canister Purge Valve, Heated
Oxygen Sensors 1 and 2, Mass
Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
22
-SPARE Not Used
23
-SPARE Not Used
24
-SPARE Not Used
25
-ELEK IGN Ignition Control Module (ICM)
26
-SPARE Not Used
27
-B/U LAMP Transaxle Range Switch to
Back
-up Lamps
28
-A/C CLU A/C CLU Relay to A/C
Compressor Clutch Oil
29
-RADIO Driver Information Display,
Heater A/C Control, Radio, Rear
Side Door Actuator Control
Motor, Remote Control Door
Lock Receiver (RCDLR),
Security Indicator Lamp and
Theft
-Deterrent Shock Sensor

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Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).

The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.

To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.

To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.

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FIRST (1) Gear 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flip and Fold Feature 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding Seatbacks 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Seat Storage
Bin 2
-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal/Parking Lamps Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener Compartment 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Outside Mirrors 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prop 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflator, Air 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .