2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette steering

5-34
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
And, the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle
can overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle
has traction control, you should turn your traction
control system off. (See ªTraction Control Systemº
in the Index.) Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transaxle is in gear. By slowly spinning your
wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you will
cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle.
If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may
need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-16 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-17 Passenger Compartment Air
Filter Replacement
6
-19 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-22 Engine Coolant
6
-25 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-26 Power Steering Fluid
6
-27 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-28 Brakes6
-31 Battery
6
-32 Bulb Replacement
6
-39 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-40 Tires
6
-48 Appearance Care
6
-49 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-52 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Underbody Maintenance
6
-55 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-56 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-57 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-58 Electrical System
6
-65 Replacement Bulbs
6
-65 Capacities and Specifications
6
-66 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-11
When you lift the hood, you'll see these items:
A. Underhood Fuse and
Relay Center
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
C. Windshield Washer
Fluid ReservoirD. Radiator Pressure Cap
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Master Cylinder
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
K. Engine Coolant Reservoir

6-26
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
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
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 ªHº mark. When it's cold, the level should be at
the ªCº mark. If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you
should add fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

6-60
Circuit Breakers Usage
HEADLAMP DRL Control Module,
Headlamp and Instrument
Panel Dimmer Switch
PWR WDO Front Power Windows
PWR HEATED
SEAT/PSD6
-Way Power Seat(s) and Rear
Side Door Actuator Motor
FRT HVAC/
HI BLWRBlower Motor Hi Speed
Relay ModuleFuses Usage
SWC
BACKLIGHTSteering Wheel Radio Control
Switches (Illumination)
PCM/PASS
KEY/CLUSTERInstrument Cluster to
PRNDL Indicators
PWR MIRROR Power Remote Control
Mirror Switch
CRUISE Cruise Control Module,
Switch and Release Switch
PCM/CRANK Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), Ignition Crank
PASS KEY PASS
-Key III System
PWR LOCK Body Control Module (BCM)
HTD MIRROR Heated Mirrors
RH T/LP Not Used
RR FOG LP Not Used
CIGAR/DLC Cigarette Lighter and Data
Link Connector (DLC)
T/SIG Turn Signal Switch
PWR QTR VENT Indicator Lamp and
Multifunction Switch
(Power Vent Switch)

Scheduled Maintenance
7-6Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication
Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the
GM Oil Life System
(or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). Reset the system. The system
will show you when to change the oil
-- usually between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles (12 500 km)
since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the
indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
Never drive your vehicle more than 7,500 miles
(12 500 km) or 12 months without an oil and
filter change.The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL message appears. Remember to reset the
Oil Life System when the oil and filter have been
changed. See ªOil Life Systemº in the Index for
information on resetting.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil and
filter change. Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage,
transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides and
the underbody contact points and linkage.

7-20
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
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 ªService and Owner
Publicationsº 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, chafing, 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 ªEngine Exhaustº
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.

7-22
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified
For Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL

or Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº
in the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Power
Steering SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.