
2-38
For a single wiping cycle, move the lever down to
MIST. Hold it there until the wipers start, then release it.
The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more
cycles, hold the lever to MIST longer.
For steady wiping at low speed, move the lever up to the
LO position. For high
-speed wiping, move the lever up
further, to HI. To stop the wipers, move the lever to OFF.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wiper cycles. Move the lever up to the first
detent, INT (Intermittent). Turn the band labeled INT
ADJ (Intermittent Adjustment) down toward the shorter
lines for fewer wiper passes per minute. As you turn the
band toward the longer lines, the wiper cycles per
minute will increase.
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. See ªWindshield Wiper Blade Replacementº
in the Index.
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.
Rainsense II Wipers (If Equipped)
The moisture sensor is mounted on the interior side of
the windshield below the rearview mirror and is used to
automatically operate the windshield wipers. This
system operates by monitoring the amount of moisture
build
-up on the windshield. Wipes occur as needed to
clear the windshield depending on the driving conditions
and sensitivity setting. In light rain or snow, fewer wipes
will occur. In heavy rain or snow, wipes will occur more
frequently. The system will operate in the delay, low
speed and high speed modes. If the system is left on for
long periods of time, occasional wipes may occur
without any moisture on the windshield. This is normal
and indicates that the Rainsense system is activated.
The Rainsense system is activated by moving the wiper lever
up to the INT position and turning the INT ADJ band to
one of the five sensitivity levels within the delay area. The
bottom INT ADJ position is the lowest sensitivity setting,
level one. This allows more rain or snow to collect on
the windshield between wipes. You can increase the
sensitivity of the system and the frequency of wipes by
turning the INT ADJ band away from you to the higher
sensitivity levels. The top position is the highest sensitivity
setting, level five. A single wipe will occur each time you
turn the INT ADJ band to a higher sensitivity level to
indicate that the sensitivity level has been increased.
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4-18
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire
-to-road traction isn't as good as on dry roads.And, if your tires don't have much tread left, you'll get
even less traction. It's always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
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 windshield 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.
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4-23
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
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?
ProCarManuals.com

6-47
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index for more information.
To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Lift the wiper arm up from the windshield and set it
in the vertically locked position.
2. Push the tab on the wiper blade assembly and
pull the assembly down enough to release it from
the ªUº hooked end of the wiper arm. Slide the
assembly away from the arm.
3. Remove the blade.
4. To reinstall the wiper blade assembly, slide it over
the wiper arm to engage the ªUº hooked end on the
wiper blade assembly. Pull up on the assembly to
lock it into place.
For the proper windshield wiper blade assembly
replacement length and type, see ªNormal Maintenance
Replacement Partsº in the Index.
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6-62
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield 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 a full
-strength
glass cleaning liquid. 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.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don't use strong soaps or
chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM
-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See
ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index. Don't
use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that
contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be
flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface,
or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all
-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
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6-79
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
The following replacement parts are for
the (LX5) 3.5L V6.
Air Cleaner Element A
-1096C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter GM Part # 25654414. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter PF
-2129* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter GF
-627* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs PTR5C
-13* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(GM Part # 12556183)
Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Shepherd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*ACDelco
part number.The following replacement parts are for
the (L47) 4.0L V8.
Air Cleaner Element A
-1096C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter GM Part # 25654414. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter PF
-58* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter GF
-627* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs PT16EPR
-C13* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(GM Part # 12561466)
Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Shepherd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*ACDelco
part number.
ProCarManuals.com

7-17 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.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 body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, console door and any
folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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