2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette wiper blades

2-59
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from high to low beam,
or low to high, simply pull the turn signal lever all
the way toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams
are on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
will also be on.
Your fog lamps will turn off when you switch
to high beams. Using your high beams in fog is
not recommended.
Flash-to-Pass
When the headlamps are off, pull the lever toward you
to momentarily switch on the high beams (to signal that
you are going to pass). When you release the lever, they
will turn off.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
marked WIPER.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold
it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the
band on mist longer.
For delayed wiping cycles, you can set the wiper speed
for a long or short delay between wipes. This can be
very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to
choose the delay time. The closer to LOW, the shorter
the delay time.
For steady wiping cycles, at low speed, turn the band
away from you to the LOW position. For high
-speed
wiping, turn the band further to HIGH. To stop the
wipers, turn the band to OFF.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they're frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your
blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.

4-18
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It's wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and
keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid.
Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show
signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield,
or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.
CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won't work
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or
a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until
your brakes work normally.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you're
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.

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?

6-40
A. Taillamp Bulb
B. Back
-Up
Lamp BulbC. Turn Signal
Lamp Bulb
D. Stop/Taillamp Bulb
5. Replace the bulb(s) by pulling the old bulb(s) out
and gently pushing the new bulb(s) into the bulb
holder socket.6. Snap the bulb holder back into place, making sure all
retaining tabs are properly over the bulb holder tabs.
7. Reinstall the taillamp assembly by inserting the
outboard locating/retaining pins until the lamp is
seated. Secure with the inboard screws.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index 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.

6-41
To remove the wiper blade(s) do the following:
1. Turn the wipers on to the lowest intermittent setting.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF 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.
5. Push the release clip at the connecting point of the
blade and the arm up and pull the blade assembly
down toward the glass to remove it from the
wiper arm.
6. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm
until you hear the release clip ªclickº into place.
7. Push the release clip, from Step 4, down to secure
the wiper blade into place.

6-54
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not
be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety
belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or
a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
See ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later.
If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across
the defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield,
Backglass and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax,
sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield
Cleaner, Bon Ami

Powder (non-scratching glass
cleaning powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full
-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. See ªRecommended Fluids
and Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-70
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter AC Delco
Type A-1208C . . . . . . .
Battery Replacement CCA=600. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter PF47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter (2) GM Part No. 52482929. . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve CV892C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap RC27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Delco

Type 41-940 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inches (1.5 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Length 24.0 inches (60.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type Sheperd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade (Backglass)
Length 16.0 inches (40.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type Sheperd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 201.4 inches (511.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 72.2 inches (183.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 68.1 inches (172.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 120.0 inches (304.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread Width 61.5 inches (156.2 cm). . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread Width 63.3 inches (160.8 cm). . . . . . . . . .

7-16 At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly inflation check
of the spare tire determines that the spare is inflated to
the correct tire inflation pressure, make sure that the
spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to
rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the folding wrench
to tighten the cable. See ªStoring the Spare Tire and
Toolsº in the Index.Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer,
seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease
with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather more
frequent application may be required. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.
See ªAutomatic Transaxle Fluidº in the Index.
A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system
and repair if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assemblies,
secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor and release
pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding seats, fuel
door hinge, liftgate hinges, power sliding door cable
and sliding door track(s). Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.