2003 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE engine

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the
The key should come out only in LOCK.
shift lever
is in PARK (P).
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park
(P) Mechanism Che+
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move.
You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front
of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
I to move. I
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
e To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle
in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect,
6-1 3

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center
do these
jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs
are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See
Service Publications
Ordering Information on page
7- IO.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals
if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page
2-43.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-1 4

Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)
and Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module) All-Wheel Drive
Inspection
Every 12 months or at engine oil change intervals,
check rear differential and transfer case and add
lubricant when necessary.
A fluid loss could indicate
a problem; check and have it repaired,
if needed.
Check vent hoses at transfer case and differential for
kinks and proper installation.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment.
You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often
if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-1 5

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Engine oil with the American
Engine Oil Fluid/Lubricant
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol
of the proper viscosity.
To determine the preferred
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see
Engine Oil on
page
5- 14.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on
page
5-23.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake Delco Supreme
11 Brake Fluid
System or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Windshield GM Optikleen Washer Solvent
Washer Solvent or equivalent.
Power Steering GM Power Steering Fluid
System (GM Part
No. US. 1052884,
Automatic DEXRON-Ill Automatic
Transaxle Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
Cylinders Superlube (GM Part No.
U.S.
in Canada 993294, or equivalent).
12346241, in Canada 10953474,
or equivalent).
Chassis Chassis Lubricant
Lubrication (GM Part
No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901 242, or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGl#2, Category LB or
GC-LB.
6-1 6

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specifications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1 -800-463-7483).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
7-1
0

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
PhneLinm Enm;nn A:I VI l~ur\iIly Li lyll IG VI1 4- I y. 4A ........................................
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
-I--- iup S+m clap Anchor L~atio~~ 1-56 ............................
Cleaning
I A r- -11- - .._I .. I .. 1- ..............................................
Climate Control System ................................... 3-25
3

Climate Control System (cont.)
Outlet Adjustment
.................................... 3-31
Rear
.................................................. 3-32, 3-34
Comfort Controls
............................................. 3-25
Compact Disc Messages
................. 3-25, 3-79, 3-91
Compact Overhead Console
............................. 2-54
Compact Spare Tire
........................................ 5-86
Compass Variance
.......................................... 3-61
Content Theft-Deferrent
.................................... 2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent System
........................ 2-69
Content Theft-Deterrent System, Arming and
Disarming
................................................... 2-70
Control of a Vehicle
.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Center
........................................ 2-60
Convenience Net
............................................ 2-59
Coolant Engine Temperature Gage
............................ 3-47
Engine Temperature Warning Message
........... 3-53
Heater, Engine
............................................ 2-35
Cooling System
.............................................. 5-29
Cruise Control
................................................ 3-1 0
Cupholder(s) .................................................. 2-54
Current and Past Model Order Forms
................ 7-1 1
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation
.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
............................... 7-3
Customer Assistance Offices
........................... 7-4 Customer
Assistance Information (cont.)
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government
.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government
.............................................. 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program
......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-10
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System
....................................... 3-15
Defensive Driving
............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting
......................... 3-27, 3-30
Delayed Lighting
............................................. 3-18
Delayed
Illumination and Exit Lighting
................ 2-63
Dinghy Towing
................................................ 4-33
Directing the Airflow
................................ 3-33, 3-35
Disarming with the Remote Keyless
Disarming with Your Key
.................................. 2-28
Doing Your Own Service Work
........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing
.................................................. 4-33
Dome Lamp
................................................... 3-17
Entry Transmitter
..................................... 2-28
4

Door Ajar Warning Message
................................. 3-57
Last Door Closed Locking
............................. 2-1 1
Power Door Locks ....................................... 2-10
Power Sliding Door
...................................... 2-1 6
Power Sliding Warning Message
.................... 3-56
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
............. 2-1 2
Position, Safety Belt
..................................... 1-28
Dual Sliding
Doors
....................................... 2-13
Locks
.......................................................... 2-9
Driver
Driver Information Center (DIC)
......................... 3-60
Driving
At Night
.................................................. 4-17
City
........................................................ 4-21
Defensive ..................................................... 4-2
Drunken ....................................................... 4-3
Freeway
..................................................... 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
.............................. 4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads
........................... 4-1 8
Winter
........................................................ 4-26
Driving On Grades
.......................................... 4-42
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
............... 4-20
Driving with a Trailer
....................................... 4-40
Dual Trip Odometers
....................................... 3-41
ZrkiGCJ Gfi Sncjiiv Gi- kl3 4-a
Driving Through Flowing Water ......................... 4-20
Dual Climate Control System
............................ 3-28
n ,. ....................................
DVD
Care of Your
.......................................... 3-104
Care
of Your DVD Player ............................ 3-104
Cleaning the Video Screen
.......................... 3-105
Cleaning Your DVD Player .......................... 3-105
Distortion
.................................................. 3-1 03
Entertainment System
.................................. 3-91
DVD Player
.................................................... 3-94
E
Eight-Way Power Seats ..................................... 1-3
Electrical System
Add-on Equipment
...................................... 5-96
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-96
Headlamp Wiring
......................................... 5-96
Power Windows and Other Power Options
...... 5-96
Windshield Wiper Fuses
............................... 5-96
Maintenance Programs
............................. 3-50
Air CleanedFilter
...................... ........ 5-19
Battery ....................................................... 5-43
Change Oil Message
................................... 3-56
Coolant
...................................................... 5-23
Coolant Heater
............................................ 2-35
Emissions Inspection and
Engine
Check and Service Engine Soon Light
............ 3-47
Cnn!ant Temperature G2ge ........................... 3-47
5