Oldsmobile Achieva 1997 Owner's Manuals

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system.
If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at
all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct
a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings
are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings.
You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done
on the brake hydraulic system.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work
is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
BRAKE
U.S. Canada
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
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When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container
only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This
will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
A CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your 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:
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0
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.
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.
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Your Oldsmobile 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 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.
See “CaliperKnuckle Maintenance Inspection” in
Section
7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.”
when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
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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.
I NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to prevent
brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake
pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but
if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should
be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed
for rotation or changing. When you have the front brake
pads replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7 of this
manual under Part
C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections”.

Brake Pedal "ravel
See your retailer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If
you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is
to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put
in -- be sure
you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts
in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come
to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
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Battery
Every new Oldsmobile has a Delco Freedom@ battery.
You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s
time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom
battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more,
take
off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running down.
I
A CAUTLN:
Contact your retailer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
This section describes bulb changing procedures for
some of your interior and exterior lamps. For bulb sizes,
see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. For any bulbs not
listed in this section, contact your Pontiac dealer service
department.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting”
in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs have pressuri,J gas inside and
can burst if
you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

,,,adlamp Bulb RepL,.nent
When replacing a halogen bulb, do not touch the glass
portion of the bulb. The oil from your fingers will
shorten the life
of your new halogen bulb. For the type
of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index.
1. On the driver’s side only, unscrew the butterfly
fasteners. Then lift the plate.
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Both Sides:
2. Twist the lock ring clockwise one-sixth of a turn and
pull out the bulb assemblv.

3.
4.
r His d Stc L
1. Use a flat screwdriver to gently release
the
trim cover. the tabs on
Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
Reverse these steps to replace the bulb assembly and
headlamp housing.
2. Using a flat screwdriver, remove the screws holding
the bulb assembly.

5. Use a flat screwdriver to release the tabs holding the
socket in place.
4. Gently remove and replace the bulbs.
5. Reverse this procedure to reassemble the lamp.
Back-up Lamps
1. Open the trunk lid and locate the back-up lamps on
the inside
of the lid.
2. Gently remove the bulbs from the socket.
3. Replace the bulb in the socket.
4. Close the trunk lid.
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps
For the type of bulb to use, see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index.
1. Pull back the trunk trim.
2. Carefully pull tab A of the plastic taillamp bracket
away from the center of the trunk, then forward.
When the bracket releases from its mount, pull the
taillamp assembly forward.
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omeLa
3. Wiggle the bulb out of the socket.
4. Replace the bulb.
5. Reverse the steps to reassemble the taillamp,
stoplamp
or rear turn signal lamp. To
change your dome lamp bulb, grasp the center rront
and center rear portion
of the housing and squeeze
firmly but gently. The housing should pop
off.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a small
flat-head screwdriver under the side
of the housing to
help pry
it off.

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires
Your new Oldsmobile comes with high-quality tires maae
by a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Oldsmobile
Warranty booklet for details.
Replacement blades come
in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper am away from the windshield.
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver and pull the
blade assembly off the wiper arm.
3. Push the new wiper blade securely onto the wiper arm.
For proper size and type, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index.
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result
of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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