1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette overheating

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2-94 Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light will come on
when your engine gets
too hot.
If this light comes on, it means that your engine coolant
has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle
under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the
road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon
as possible.
In ªProblems on the Road,º this manual shows what to
do. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States Canada
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is
too hot!
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
In ªProblems on the Road,º this manual shows what to
do. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.

5-
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-3 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-9 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-12 Cooling System
5
-20 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-20 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-31 Compact Spare Tire
5
-32 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

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5-9
Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:

Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.

Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.

Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.

Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.

Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.

Use only the correct hooks.
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
or car
-carrier equipment. Don't have your vehicle towed
on the drive wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle must
be towed on the drive wheels, do not tow the vehicle
more than 500 cumulative miles (800 km) or exceed
50 mph (80 km/h). If these limitations must be
exceeded, then the drive wheels have to be supported on
a dolly.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index. You also have a low
coolant level light on your instrument panel. See ªLow
Coolant Lightº in the Index.

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5-14
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at or above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX
-COOL

engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. (See
ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for more information.)
CAUTION:
Adding 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, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant.

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6-21
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.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.
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.
When you replace your thermostat, a GM thermostat
is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL
extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

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6-39
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Oldsmobile Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.

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9-4
Delayed Illumination 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Sliding 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Information Center (DIC) 2-101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Four-Way Manual Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-41, 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Level Control 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine 6
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Warning Light 2-94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-52, 4-28, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Protection Operating Mode 5-10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 2-98, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Kind to Use 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Add 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment, Adding to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-52, 4-28, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Passenger Compartment Replacement 6-16 . . . . . . . . .
Finish
Care 6
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-8
Odometer 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 2-98, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar System
2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Console 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead Console Switchbank 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheated Engine Protection 5-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PARK (P)
Shifting Into 2
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement 6-16 . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
III 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
III Security Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portable Fuel Container, Filling a 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlets 2
-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Option Fuses 6
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirrors 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Sliding Door Warning Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Steering Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Check 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Use 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Check 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pretensioners, Safety Belts 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Air Vents 3
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Lamp 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fan Control 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Audio 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .