1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette warning lights

yellowblue
v
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

2-
yellowblue
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-7 Remote Lock Control (Option)
2
-13 Multifunction Alarm Locks and
Lighting Choices
2
-23 Sliding Door
2
-25 Power Sliding Door (Option)
2
-31 Liftgate
2
-32 Theft
2
-33 Content Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-35 PASS-Key
III
2
-37 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-38 Ignition Positions
2
-40 Starting Your Engine
2
-41 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-43 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-47 Parking Brake
2
-48 Shifting Into PARK (P)2
-50 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-51 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-52 Engine Exhaust
2
-52 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-53 Windows
2
-55 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-61 Exterior Lamps
2
-63 Interior Lamps
2
-67 Mirrors
2
-68 Storage Compartments
2
-80 Sun Visors
2
-80 OnStar System
(Option)
2
-81 Accessory Inflator System (Option)
2
-83 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-84 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-88 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-101 Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option)

yellowblue
2-39
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,
ACCESSORY and RUN are positions that allow you to
operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.

yellowblue
2-62
Turning the dial to this setting turns on the
headlamps, together with:

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Turning the dial to this setting turns off all the lamps
and lights.
Lamps On Reminder
If the driver's door is opened and you turn the ignition
to OFF or LOCK while leaving the lamps on, you will
hear a warning chime.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.A light sensor on top of the instrument panel makes the
DRL work, so be sure it isn't covered. The DRL system
will make your front parking and turn signal lamps
come on in daylight when:

The ignition is on,

the headlamp switch is off and

the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your front parking and turn
signal lamps will be on. Your instrument panel won't be
lit up.
When it's dark enough outside, the exterior lamps will
come on automatically. When it's bright enough outside,
the exterior lamps will go out and the DRL will turn on.
Of course, you may still turn on the headlamps any time
you need to.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake while the ignition is in OFF or LOCK. Then start
the vehicle. The DRL will stay off until you release the
parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.

yellowblue
2-86 Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster 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.
The indicator warning lights and gages are explained on the following pages.
United States shown, Canadian similar

yellowblue
2-88 Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
NOTICE:
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in
the red area, or engine damage may occur.
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that may
be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.

yellowblue
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.

yellowblue
9-6
Inspections
Brake System 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light Intensity Control 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switchbank 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Override Switch 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Cargo 2
-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Illumination 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exit Lighting 2
-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention 2-16 . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-49 . . . . . . .
Liftgate 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-40, 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-91, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-90, 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning 2-94 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-95, 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel Warning 2-101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Level 2-100, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Traction 2-93, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key
III Security 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Sliding Door Warning Light 2-99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-24, 2-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Warning 2-92, 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Deterrent 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .