2003 Oldsmobile Bravada wiper blades

Windshield Wipers
(Mist): 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 wipe. If you want
more wipes, hold the band on mist longer.
0 (Off): To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
(Windshield Wipers): Turn the band to control i
windshield wipers. :he
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 the top of the lever, the shorter the delay.
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from
you
to the first solid band past the delay settings. For
high-speed wiping, turn the band further,
to the second
solid band past the delay settings. To stop the wipers,
move the band
to off.
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
worn or damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
RainsenseTM Wipers
Your vehicle may be equipped with
RainsenseTM windshield wipers. When active, these
wipers are able
to detect moisture on the windshield and
automatically turn on the wipers.
The moisture sensor is located next to the inside
rearview mirror and is mounted on the windshield.
To turn on the RainsenseTM feature, the wipers must be set
to one of the five delay settings on the multifunction
lever. Each of the five settings adjusts the sensitivity
of the rainsensor. For more wipes, select the higher
settings; for fewer wipes, select the lower settings
located closer
to off on the multifunction lever.
The rainsensor will automatically control the frequency
of the wipes from
off to high speed according to the
weather conditions. The wipers can be left in a
rainsense mode even when it
is not raining.
Notice: Turn the windshield wiper band on the
multifunction lever
to off to avoid wiper damage
when going through an automatic car wash.
3-9

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
hi tem.
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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.
4-29

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to
move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance.
If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
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 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:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservior 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?
4-33

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking.
See
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 5-94 for the proper type of replacement blade.
Notice: Use care when removing or installing
a blade assembly. Accidental bumping can cause
the arm
to fall back and strike the windshield.
1. To remove the old wiper blades, lift the wiper arm
until it locks into a vertical position.
A. Blade Assembly
B. Arm Assembly
C. Locking Tab
D. Blade Pivot
E. Hook Slot
F. Arm Hook
5-49

Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials
on page 5-83.
If your vehicle has a “basecoatklearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoat paint
finish.
Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as
possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that
are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove
foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, you may use chrome polish on
chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging
protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish,
steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all
bright metal parts.
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 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.
5-81

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
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-80.
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 wheel
wrenchhatchet
to tighten the cable. See Changing a Flat
Tire on page
5-62.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Restriction
Indicator Check
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine air
cleaner filter restriction indicator located on the air
cleaner in the engine compartment. The indicator lets
you know when the air cleaner filter is dirty and needs
to
be changed. Check the indicator at least twice a year
or when your engine oil is changed, whichever
occurs first. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Fi/fer on page 5-18
for more information. Inspect your air cleaner filter
restriction indicator more often
if the vehicle is used in
dusty areas or under
off road conditions.
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
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page
6-17.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-20. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
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Why Safety Belts Work .................................
Window Lockout ...........................................
Windows .....................................................
Power ......................................................
Windshield. Backglass and Wiper Blades .........
Windshield Washer .......................................
Fluid ........................................................
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ..............
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
....................................
.... 1-9
.. 2-15
.. 2-14
.. 2-15
.. 5-81
.. 3-10
.. 5-33
.. 6-10 Windshield
Wiper (cont.)
Fuses
........................................................ 5-86
Windshield Wipers
............................................ 3-9
Winter Driving
................................................ 4-36
Wiper Blade Check ......................................... 6-11
.. 5-49 Your
Vehicle and the Environment .............. ..... 6-2
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