Page 11 of 422
ix
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.
Page 12 of 422
Service Station Guide
Oil Viscosity
Engine Oil
See Section 6
Engine Oil Dipstick
See Section 6
Fuel
Use unleaded gas only,
87 Octane or higher.
See Section 6
Cooling System
See Section 5
Secondary
Hood Release
See Section 6
Windshield Washer
Fluid
See Section 6
Spare Tire Pressure
See Section 5
Battery
See Section 6
Hood Release
See Section 6
Tire Pressure
See Section 6
For
a More
Detailed Look at
What's Under the Hood
See Section 6
Page 202 of 422
2-98 Low Coolant Level Warning Message
If this message comes on,
your system is low on
coolant and the engine
may overheat.
See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index and have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Low Oil Pressure Message
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
LOW OIL PRESSURE
warning message.
Your oil pressure message lets you know when you may
have a problem with your engine oil pressure.When the engine is running and this message appears
on, the engine oil level may be too low. There may also
be another problem causing low oil pressure.
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
Page 267 of 422

4-22
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you're not fresh
-- such as after a day's
work
-- don't plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you'll find experienced and able service experts in
Oldsmobile dealerships all across North America.
They'll be ready and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long
-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up
-to-date maps?
Page 295 of 422
5-12
Cooling System
When you decide it's safe to lift the hood, here's what
you'll see:
A. Radiator Pressure Cap
B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood 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.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don't do anything else until it cools down.
Page 318 of 422

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
Page 328 of 422
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
Page 329 of 422

6-12
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly then follow these steps:
1. Lift the hood to relieve pressure off the hood prop.
2. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood.
3. Return the prop to its retainer.
4. Let the hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
If the LOW ENG OIL
LEVEL message appears
on the instrument panel,
it means you need to
check your engine oil
level right away.
For more information, see ªLow Engine Oil Level
Messageº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is
located at the front of the
engine compartment, near
the center. The dipstick
handle has a bright,
yellow loop design for
easy identification.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.