
. 
The 2003 Oldsmobile  Silhouette  Owner Manual 
Seats  and  Restraint  Systems ........................... 1-1 
Front  Seats 
............................................... 1-2 
Rear  Seats 
............................................... 1-7 
Safety  Belts 
............................................. 1-22 
Child  Restraints 
....................................... 1-45 
Air  Bag  Systems 
...................................... 1-69 
Restraint  System  Check 
............................ 1-77 
Features  and  Controls 
..................................... 2-1 
Keys 
........................................................ 2-3 
Doors  and  Locks 
....................................... 2-9 
Windows 
................................................. 2-24 
Theft-Deterrent  Systems 
............................ 2-27 
Starting  and  Operating  Your  Vehicle 
........... 2-32 
Mirrors 
.................................................... 2-45 
Onstar@  System 
...................................... 2-47 
HomeLink@  Transmitter 
......................... 2-49 
Storage  Areas 
......................................... 2-54 
Vehicle  Personalization 
............................. 2-62 
Instrument  Panel  Overview 
.......................... 3-4 
Climate  Controls 
...................................... 3-25 
Warning  Lights,  Gages  and Indicators 
......... 3-39 
Driver  Information  Center  (DIC) 
.................. 3-60 
Instrument  Panel 
............................................. 3-1 
Messaye Center 5-3L n r~ ....................................... 
Audio 
System(s) ....................................... 3-63 
Your  Driving,  the Road, and  Your Vehicle 
..... 4-2 
Towing 
................................................... 4-32 
Service 
..................................................... 5-3 
Fuel 
......................................................... 5-5 
Checking Things  Under the Hood 
............... 5-10 
All-Wheel  Drive 
........................................ 5-50 
Bulb  Replacement 
.................................... 5-52 
Windshield  Wiper Blade Replacement 
......... 5-58 
Tires 
...................................................... 5-60 
Appearance  Care 
..................................... 5-87 
Vehicle  Identification 
................................. 5-95 
Electrical System 
...................................... 5-96 
Capacities and  Specifications 
................... 5-1  03 
Normal Maintenance  Replacement Parts 
...... 5-1  05 
Maintenance Schedule 
................................ 6-2 
Customer Assistance  Information 
.................... 7-1 
Customer Assistance  Information 
.................. 7-2 
Reporting Safety  Defects 
............................ 7-9 
Driving  Your  Vehicle 
....................................... 4-1 
Service  and Appearance  Care 
.......................... 5-1 
Maintenance  Schedule 
..................................... 6-1 
Index 
................................................................ 1  

Section 3 Instrument  Panel 
Instrument  Panel  Overview ........................... 3.4 
Hazard  Warning  Flashers 
............................ 3.6 
Other  Warning  Devices 
............................... 3.6 
Horn 
............................................................. 3.7 
Tilt  Wheel 
..................................................... 3-7 
Turn  SignaVMultifunction  Lever 
......................... 3.7 
Exterior  Lamps 
............................................. 3.14 
Interior  Lamps 
.............................................. 3.17 
Switchbanks 
................................................. 3.21 
Instrument  Panel  Switchbank 
.......................... 3-21 
Overhead  Console  Switchbank 
....................... 3.21 
Ultrasonic  Rear  Parking  Assist  (URPA) 
............ 3.22 
Accessory  Power  Outlets 
............................... 3.24 
Climate  Controls 
............................................ 3.25 
Climate  Control  System 
................................. 3.25 
Dual  Climate  Control  System 
.......................... 3.28 
Rear  Climate  Control  System 
Rear  Climate  Control  System  (With  Entertainment  System) 
...................... -3-34 
Passenger  Compartment  Air  Filter 
................... 3.37 
Warning  Lights,  Gages  and  Indicators 
............. 3.39 
Instrument  Panel  Cluster 
................................ 3.40 
Outlet  Adjustment 
......................................... 3.31 
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Speedometer  and  Odometer ........................... 3.41  Safety 
Belt Reminder  Light 
............................. 3.42 
Air  Bag  Readiness  Light 
................................ 3-43 
Brake System  Warning  Light 
.......................... 3-44 
Anti-Lock  Brake  System  Warning Light 
............. 3-45 
Traction Control System  (TCS)  Warning Light 
...... 3-46 
Engine Coolant Temperature  Gage 
.................. 3-47 
Malfunction Indicator  Lamp 
............................. 3-47 
Fuel  Gage 
................................................... 3-51 
Message  Center 
............................................. 3-52 
Service Traction  System  Warning Message 
...... 3-52 
Traction  Active Message 
................................ 3-53 
Engine  Coolant Temperature  Warning 
Message 
.................................................. 3-53 
Charging System  Indicator  Message 
................ 3-54 
Low  Oil Pressure  Message 
............................ 3-54 
Low  Engine  Oil Level  Message 
....................... 3-55 
Change  Engine Oil Message 
.......................... 3-56 
Power  Sliding  Door  Warning  Message 
............. 3-56 
Rear  Hatch  Ajar Warning  Message 
.................. 3-58 
PASS-Key@ 
I II Security  Message ................... -3-58 
All-Wheel  Drive  Disable  Warning Message 
....... 3-59 
Low  Fuel Warning  Message 
........................... 3-59 
Driver  Information Center  (DIC) 
....................... 3-60 
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3- 1  

Engine  Coolant  Temperature Gage 
United  States 
\[-I/ 
u 
Canada 
This  gage  shows  the engine  coolant temperature. 
If the 
gage  pointer  moves  into  the  red area,  your  engine is 
too  hot! 
It  means  that  your  engine  coolant has overheated. 
If you  have been operating  your  vehicle  under  normal 
drivinq  conditions,  vou  should pull 
off the road,  stop  your 
vehicle  and  turn 
off the engine  as soon  as possible. 
See 
Engine Overheating on page 5-26. 
Malfunction  Indicator Lamp 
Service Engine  Soon Light in the 
United States  or Check Engine Light 
in  Canada 
SERVICE 
ENGINE 
SOON 
United  States  Canada 
Your  vehicle  is equipped  with  a computer which 
monitors operation 
of the fuel,  ignition and emission 
control  systems. 
This system is called 
OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics- 
Second Generation) and  is intended 
to assure that 
emissions are  at accepiabie ieveis  ior  ine  iiie 
of ihe 
vehicle, helping to produce  a cleaner environment. 
3-47  

The broken  tape detection feature  of your cassette 
tape  player  may identify  the cleaning cassette  as 
a  damaged  tape,  in error.  To prevent the  cleaning 
cassette  from being ejected,  use the following steps: 
1. Turn  the ignition on. 
2. Turn the radio off. 
3. Press  and  hold the TAPE  CD button  for five 
seconds.  READY will appear  on  the  display and 
a  cassette  symbol will flash for five  seconds. 
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette. 
5. Eject  the cleaning cassette after  the manufacturer’s 
recommended  cleaning time. 
After  the cleaning cassette  is ejected, the  broken tape 
detection feature will  be active again. 
You  may  also choose  a  non-scrubbing action, wet-type 
cleaner  which  uses  a  cassette with a fabric belt  to 
clean  the  tape head.  This type  of cleaning cassette will 
not eject  on its own.  A  non-scrubbing action cleaner 
may  not clean as thoroughly  as the scrubbing type 
cleaner.  The  use  of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type 
cleaning cassette  is not  recommended.  After  you 
clean the player,  press and hold the  EJT 
button for five  seconds to reset  the CLEAN  indicator. 
The  radio will display  CLEANED to show  the  indicator 
was  reset. 
Cassettes are subject to  wear  and  the  sound  quality 
may  degrade  over time.  Always  make  sure  the  cassette 
tape  is  in good  condition before  you  have  your  tape 
player  serviced. 
Care of Your  CDs  and  DVDs 
Handle  discs carefully.  Store  them in their  original  cases 
or  other protective  cases  and  away  from  direct  sunlight 
and  dust.  If the surface  of a  disc  is soiled,  dampen 
a  clean,  soft cloth  in a  mild,  neutral  detergent  solution 
and  clean  it, wiping  from  the  center to  the  edge. 
Be  sure  never  to touch the  side  without  writing  when 
handling discs. Pick  up discs  by  grasping  the  outer 
edges  or  the edge  of the  hole  and  the outer  edge. 
Care of Your  CD  and  DVD  Player 
The  use  of  CD  lens cleaner discs is not  advised,  due to 
the  risk  of contaminating  the lens  of  the  CD optics 
with  lubricants internal  to the  CD  mechanism. 
3-1 04  

California Fuel 
If  your vehicle  is certified  to meet  California  Emission 
Standards  (see the underhood  emission control label), 
it is designed  to operate  on fuels  that meet  California 
specifications.  If this fuel  is not available  in states 
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle 
will operate satisfactorily  on fuels meeting federal 
specifications, but emission control  system  performance 
may  be affected. The  malfunction indicator  lamp  may 
turn  on  (see 
Malfunction  Indicator  Lamp on page 3-47 ) 
and your vehicle  may fail a  smog-check  test. If this 
occurs,  return to your authorized  GM dealer  for 
diagnosis.  If it is  determined  that the condition is  caused 
by  the  type of fuel  used,  repairs  may not be covered 
by your warranty. 
Additives 
To provide cleaner air,  all gasolines in the United States 
are now required  to contain additives that will help 
prevent engine  and fuel system  deposits from forming, 
allowing  your emission control  system to work  properly. 
You  should  not  have  to add anything  to your  fuel.  Gasolines containing 
oxygenates,  such as ethers  and 
ethanol,  and reformulated  gasolines  may  be available  in 
your area to contribute  to clean air.  General  Motors 
recommends  that you  use  these  gasolines,  particularly 
if they  comply  with the specifications  described  earlier. 
Notice: Your  vehicle  was  not  designed  for  fuel 
that  contains  methanol.  Don’t  use  fuel  containing 
methanol. 
It can  corrode  metal  parts in  your  fuel 
system  and  also damage  the  plastic  and  rubber 
parts.  That  damage wouldn’t  be covered  under 
your  warranty. 
Some  gasolines that  are not reformulated  for  low 
emissions  may contain  an  octane-enhancing  additive 
called methylcyclopentadienyl  manganese  tricarbonyl 
(MMT);  ask  the attendant  where  you  buy  gasoline 
whether  the fuel contains  MMT.  General  Motors  does 
not  recommend  the use  of  such  gasolines.  Fuels 
containing  MMT can reduce  the  life of  spark  plugs  and 
the  performance  of the  emission control  system  may 
be  affected.  The  malfunction indicator  lamp  may  turn on. 
If this occurs, return  to  your authorized GM dealer 
for  service. 
5-6  

When  you put the  fuel  cap  back  on,  turn it to the  right 
(clockwise)  until you  hear  a  clicking sound.  Make 
sure  you  fully install  the cap.  The diagnostic  system  can 
determine 
if the fuel  cap  has  been  left off or improperly 
installed.  This would  allow  fuel to evaporate into  the 
atmosphere.  See 
Malfunction Indicator  Lamp on 
page 3-47. 
The  malfunction indicator lamp  (SERVICE  ENGINE 
SOON  or  CHECK  ENGINE  light) will come  on 
if the 
fuel  cap  is not  properly installed. 
Notice:  If you  need  a  new  fuel  cap, be  sure  to get 
the  right  type.  Your  dealer  can  get  one  for  you. 
If you  get  the  wrong  type, it may  not  fit  properly. 
This  may cause  your  malfunction  indicator  lamp  to 
light  and  may  damage  your  fuel  tank  and  emissions 
system.  See “Malfunction  Indicator  Lamp” 
in the 
Index. 
Filling a Po -able Fuel C ‘ainer 
I- 
I fil  portablc  uel  container  while it is in 
your  vehicle.  Static  electricity  discharge  from 
the  container  can  ignite  the  gasoline  vapor. 
You  can  be  badly  burned  and  your  vehicle 
damaged  if  this  occurs. 
To help  avoid  injury 
to  you  and  others: 
Dispense  gasoline  only  into  approved 
containers. 
Do not  fill  a  container  while it is inside a 
vehicle,  in  a  vehicle’s  trunk,  pickup  bed  or  on  any  surface  other  than  the  ground. 
Bring  the  fill  nozzle  in  contact  with  the 
inside  of  the  fill  opening  before  operating 
the  nozzle.  Contact  should  be  maintained 
until the  filling is complete. 
0 Don’t  smoke  while  pumping  gasoline. 
5-9  

 h the  wrong  kind  of  fluid in ur  brake 
system,  your  brakes  may  not  work well, or  they 
may  not even  work  at  all.  This  could  cause  a 
crash.  Always  use  the  proper  brake  fluid. 
Notice: 
Using the wrong  fluid  can  badly  damage  brake 
system  parts.  For  example,  just  a  few  drops  of 
mineral-based  oil,  such  as  engine  oil, 
in your 
brake  system  can  damage  brake  system 
parts 
so badly  that  they’ll  have  to  be replaced. 
Don’t  let  someone 
put in  the  wrong  kind  of  fluid. 
0 If  you  spill  brake  fluid  on  your  vehicle’s  painted 
surfaces,  the  paint  finish  can  be damaged. 
Be  careful  not  to  spill  brake  fluid  on  your 
vehicle.  If  you  do, wash 
it off immediately. 
See  “Appearance  Care”  in  the  Index. 
Brake Wear 
Your vehicle has front  disc  brakes  and rear drum brakes. 
Disc  brake  pads have built-in  wear indicators  that make 
a  high-pitched  warning sound  when  the brake  pads  are 
worn and  new pads are  needed.  The  sound may come 
and 
go or  be  heard all the time  your vehicle  is  moving 
(except  when  you  are pushing  on the  brake  pedal  firmly). 
The  brake  wear warning  sound  means  that  soon 
your  brakes  won’t  work  well. That  could  lead 
to 
an  accident.  When  you  hear the  brake  wear 
warning  sound,  have  your  vehicle  serviced. 
Notice: Continuing  to  drive  with  worn-out  brake 
pads  could  result 
in costly  brake  repair. 
Some  driving  conditions  or  climates  may cause a  brake 
squeal  when the  brakes are first applied  or lightly 
applied. This does  not  mean something  is  wrong with 
your  brakes. 
5-41  

Capacities  and Specifications .......................... 5-1  03 
Captain  Chairs.  Rear 
....................................... 1-13 
Carbon  Monoxide 
................... 4-26,  4-36,  2-22,  2-43 
Care  of 
Safety  Belts 
................................................ 5-90 
Care  of  Your 
Cassette  Tape Player 
................................. 3-103 
CD  and  DVD  Player 
................................... 3-104 
CDs and  DVDs ......................................... 3-104 
Cargo  Lamp 
................................................... 3-20 
Carrier  Assembly-Differential 
(Rear  Drive  Module) 
.................................... 5-51 
Cassette  Tape  Messages 
................................. 3-77 
Cassette  Tape  Player  Service 
........................... 6-10 
CD  Adapter  Kits 
............................................. 3-78 
Chains,  Tires 
.................................................. 5-67 
Change  Engine  Oil Message 
............................ 3-56 
Charging  System  Indicator  Message 
.................. 3-54 
Check 
Checking  Coolant 
............................................ 5-24 
Checking  or  Replacing  the  Engine  Air  CleanedFilter 
......................................... 5-1 9 
Checking  Things  Under  the  Hood 
...................... 5-10 
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts ............. 1-37 
Engine  Light 
............................................... 3-47 
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Checking  Your Restraint  Systems ...................... 1-77 
Chemical  Paint  Spotting 
................................... 5-93  Child  Restraints 
Child  Restraint  Systems 
............................... 1-51 
Infants  and Young  Children 
........................... 1-48 
Lower  Anchorages  and  Top  Tethers for 
Children  (LATCH  System) 
.......................... 1-58 
Older  Children 
.......................................... 1-45 
Securing a  Child  Restraint Designed  for 
the  LATCH  System 
................................ 1-60 
Securing  a  Child  Restraint  in a  Center 
Seat  Position 
........................................... 1-64 
Securing  a  Child  Restraint  in a Rear 
Outside  Seat  Position 
............................... 1-60 
Securing a  Child  Restraint  in the  Right 
Front  Seat  Position 
................................... 1-66 
Top  Strap 
................................................... 1-55 
Where  to Put  the  Restraint 
........................... 1-54 
Inside  of  Your  Vehicle 
.................................. 5-87 
Outside  of  Your Vehicle 
................................ 5-90 
Underbody  Maintenance 
............................... 5-93 
Video  Screen 
............................................ 3-105 
VVedll IelsLI Ips 5-YU 
Your  DVD  Player ....................................... 3-105 
Cleaning  Exterior  LampsILenses 
....................... 5-91 
Air  Filter,  Passenger  Compartment 
................. 3-37 
Dual 
.......................................................... 3-28 
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Cleaning 
I A r- -11- - .._I .. I .. 1- .............................................. 
Climate  Control  System ................................... 3-25 
3