2003 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE suspension

If you put things inside your vehicle - like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else
- they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or
if there is a crash, they'll keep going.
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn,
or
in a crash.
Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle
so that some of them
are above the tops
of the seats.
Don't leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
0 When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure
it whenever you can.
i3on.i ieave a seai ioiciea ciown uniess
you need to.
Automatic Level Control
On vehicles equipped with the automatic level control,
the rear of the vehicle is automatically kept level as you
load or unload your vehicle. However, you should still
not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR.
If the engine is running or the ignition key is in
ACCESSORY or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
is active, you may hear the compressor operating when
you load or unload your vehicle, and periodically as the
system self-adjusts. This is normal. See "Retained
Accessory Power" under
Ignition Positions on page 2-32.
The compressor should operate for brief periods of time.
If the sound continues for an extended period of
time, your vehicle needs service.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right away.
4-35

Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule ...................................... 6.2
Introduction
................................................... 6.2
Your Vehicle and the Environment
.................... 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
.............................. 6.2
How This Section is Organized
......................... 6.3
Part
A: Scheduled Maintenance Services ........... 6.4
Scheduled Maintenance
................................... 6-5
Part
B: Owner Checks and Services ................ 6-10
At Each Fuel Fill .......................................... 6-10
At Least Once a Month ................................. 6-10
At Least Twice a Year ................................... 6-10
At Least Once a Year ................................... 6-11
Using Your Maintenance
Schedule
.................... 6.4
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
......... 6-14 Steering.
Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
............................ 6.14
Exhaust System Inspection
............................ 6.14
Fuel System Inspection
.................................. 6.14
Engine Cooling System Inspection
................... 6.14
Throttle System Inspection
............................. 6.15
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) and
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module) All-Wheel Drive
Inspection
................................................ 6.15
Brake System Inspection
................................ 6.15
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
................................................ 6.16
Part
E: Maintenance Record ........................... 6.18
6-
1

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at
3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page
5-74 for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil
and filter change.
Lubricate the suspension, steering linkage, transaxle
shift linkage and the underbody contact points and
linkage.
After the services are performed, record the date,
odometer reading and who performed the service on the
maintenance record pages in Part
E of this schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire lnspection and Rotation on
page 5-62
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote t.)
0 Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often.
Cl Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page
5-62 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote +.)
6-6

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

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

How to Use This Manual ................... .... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ............... 1-27
Hydroplaning
.................................................. 4-20
I
If No Steam Is Coming From
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-27
If the Light Is Flashing ..................................... 3-49
If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-49
If You Are Stuck in Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow
....... 4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-37
Your
Engine
................................................ 5-28
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard ........................... 4-28
Ignition Positions
............................................. 2-32
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.......................... 6-13
Infants and Young Children, Restraints
............... 1-48
Inflation
- Tire Pressure ................................... 5-61
Inspection Brake System
............................................. 6-15
Engine Cooling System
................................ 6-14
Exhaust System
.......................................... 6-14
Fuel System
............................................... 6-14
Part C - Periodic Maintenance ....................... 6-14
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal
..................................... 6-14 Inspection
(cont.)
Throttle System
........................................... 6-15
Transfer Care (Power Transfer Unit) and
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module) All-Wheel Drive
........... 6-15
Instrument Panel Cluster
..........................................
Overview ......................................
Switchbank ....................................
Instrument Panel Brightness ................
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ...............
Interior Lamps ...................................
Interior Lamps Control ........................
Interior Lamps Override ......................
Interior Plastic Components .................
....
.......... 3-40
........... 3-4
.......... 3-21
.......... 3-17
.......... 5-97
.......... 3-17
.......... 3-17
.......... 3-17
.......... 5-89
Jump Starting
......................... . 5-44
Key Lock Cylinders Service
................. .... .......... 6-11
Keyless Entry System
....................................... 2-5
Keys
............................................................... 2-3

Maintenance Schedule (cont.) Exhaust System Inspection
........................... 6-1 4
Fuel System Inspection
................................ 6-14
How This Section is Organized ....................... 6-3
Introduction
.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
............................. 6-2
Part A
- Scheduled Maintenance Services ......... 6-4
Part B
- Owner Checks and Services ............. 6-10
Part
C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 6-1 4
Part D
- Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
............................................... 6-1 6
Part E . Maintenance Record ........................ 6-18
Scheduled Maintenance
................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
.......................... 6-14
Throttle System Inspection
............................ 6-1 5
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) and
Carrier Assembly-Differential (Rear Drive
Module) All-Wheel Drive Inspection
............. 6-1 5
Using Your ................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
..................... 4-43
Making Turns
................................................. 4-41
Malfunction Indicator Light
................................ 3-47
Manual Seats
................................................... 1-2 Matching
Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
................. 2-7
Message
Memory Seat
................................. ......... 2-72
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning
....... ..... 3-59
Center
...................................... ......... 3-52
Change Engine Oil
...................................... 3-56
Charging System Indicator
............................ 3-54
Door Ajar Warning
....................................... 3-57
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
............. 3-53
Low Engine Oil Level ................................... 3-55
Low Fuel Warning
................................... 3-59
Low Oil Pressure
.................... ............. 3-54
PASS-Key@
Ill Security ............................. 3-58
Power Sliding Door Warning
......................... 3-56
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning
.............................. 3-58
Service Traction System Warning
................... 3-52
Traction Active
............................................ 3-53
Manual Rearview Mirror
................................ 2-45
Outside Convex Mirror
................................. 2-46
Outside Heated Mirrors
................................ 2-46
Outside Power Mirrors
.................................. 2-45
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
US
. Virgin Islands) ........................................ 7-4
Mirrors
Mexico, Central
America and Caribbean
10

Setting the Temperature ........................... 3.33. 3-36
Sheet Metal Damage
....................................... 5-92
Setting the Time
............................................. 3-63
Setting the Tone (BassTTreble)
.......... 3.66. 3.73. 3-82
Shifting Into Park (P)
....................................... 2-40
Shifting Out of Park ‘(P)
.......
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
Skidding
............................
Sliding Door
Power
............................
Sliding Door Delayed Locking .
Sliding Door Lock .................
..........
.........
.......
............
..........
..........
............... 2-42
............ 1-30
... 4-16
............... 2-16
............... 2-12
............... 2-14
Sliding Door Security Lock
............................... 2-15
Sliding Doors. Dual
......................................... 2-13
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
....................... 4-20
Spare Tire Check
.............................. ...... 6-11
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ... , .......... 5-88
Specifications, Capacities
............................... 5-103
Speedometer
.................................................. 3-41
Split Bench Seats
............................................. 1-8
Starter Switch Check
....................................... 6-12
Starting Your Engine
....................................... 2-34
Steering
in Emergencies .................................. 4-13
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
.............................. 6-14
Steering Tips
.................................................. 4-12
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio
....................... 3-102
Steering ........................................................ 4 12
Stereo RCA JX~S 3-3~ n nn ..........................................
Storage Areas ......................... ............ 2-54
Compact Overhead Console
... ........ 2-54
Convenience Center
..................................... 2-60
Convenience Net
......................................... 2-59
Cupholder(s)
............................................... 2-54
Glove Box
.................................................. 2-54
Luggage Carrier
.......................................... 2-56
Overhead Console
....................................... 2-55
Rear Storage Area
....................................... 2-58
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools ............... 5-81
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
....................... 5-82
Stowable Seat
................................................ 1-18
Stuck in Sand, Mud. Ice or Snow
...................... 4-30
Sun Visors
..................................................... 2-26
Switchbanks
................................................... 3-21
Overhead Console ....................................... 3-21
Switchbanks, Instrument Panel
.......................... 3-21
Front
Seat Storage Net
................................ 2-55
T
Taillamps
Turn Signal. Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
...... 5-56
TCS Warning Light
.......................................... 3-46
Theft.Deterrent. Radio
.................................... 3-1 01
Theft-Deterrent Systems
................................... 2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent
................................ 2-27
PASS-Key@
II I ....................................... 2-29
PASS-Key@
Ill Operation .... .... .... 2-30
15