warning Oldsmobile Bravada 2004 s Owner's Guide

If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
5-31

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc 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 rmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not 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 rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer 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 brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
5-39

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a 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 need new ones put in — be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you do
not, 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 have come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco®battery. When it is time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
®
battery. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
5-40

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-68

Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underination, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are
not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.
5-69

Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning ashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured. Find a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Put the wheel blocks at the front and rear
of the tire farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be the tire on
the other side of the vehicle, at the
opposite end.The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
5-74

Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into ames if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed
space. When you use anything from a container to clean
your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s
warnings and instructions. And always open your doors
or windows when you are cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
Gasoline
Benzene
Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous — some more than
others — and they can all damage your vehicle, too.Do not use any of these unless this manual says you
can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and
loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted
surfaces with a clean, damp cloth.
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet
Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric
and carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains
very well.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance Materials on
page 5-96.
5-88

A
Accessory Inator...........................................5-71
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment.........4-49
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-36
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-98
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-62, 3-72
After Off-Road Driving.....................................4-28
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-32
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-46
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-52
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-55
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-52
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inates?......1-53
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-51
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-48
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-47
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................2-24
All-Wheel-Drive Service Light............................3-42
AM ...............................................................3-96
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-98
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-7Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-35
Appearance Care............................................5-88
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-91
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-95
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-88
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-91
Finish Damage............................................5-94
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-96
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Approaching a Hill..........................................4-21
Ashtrays........................................................3-20
Audio Output..................................................3-90
Audio System(s).............................................3-58
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-95
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-96
Care of Your CD and DVD Player..................3-97
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-97
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-98
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-98
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-81
Audio Systems
Radio Personalization...................................3-94
Audio System(s)
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-59
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-69
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Audio System(s) (cont.)
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-93
Setting the Time..........................................3-58
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-94
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-96
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Backglass Wiper Blade Replacement.................5-55
Backing Up....................................................4-57
Battery..........................................................5-40
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-55
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-19
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-35
Before You Drive............................................3-82
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-16
Brake
Parking......................................................2-24
System Warning Light..................................3-34
Brake Adjustment............................................5-39
Brake Fluid....................................................5-37
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-39Brake Wear...................................................5-39
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-51
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-50
Buying New Tires...........................................5-67
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specications..........................5-105
Carbon Monoxide...................4-38, 4-50, 2-13, 2-27
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-96
Your CD and DVD Player.............................3-97
Your CDs and DVDs....................................3-97
Cargo Cover..................................................2-41
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-42
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-66
Chains, Tires..................................................5-71
2

Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-36
Gages Warning Light...................................3-43
CHECK WASHER FLUID.................................3-56
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-38
Checking Coolant............................................5-24
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-55
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-95
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-38
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat
Position..................................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-43
Top Strap...................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-35Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-98
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-88
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-91
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Video Screen..............................................3-98
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-94
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-92
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-88
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-90
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-90
Cleaning Leather............................................5-90
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-90
Cleaning the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper
Blades.......................................................5-93
Cleaning Tires................................................5-94
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-90
Climate Control System
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-27
Dual Automatic............................................3-21
Rear..........................................................3-26
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-69, 3-81
Compass Calibration.......................................2-29
Compass Operation.........................................2-29
Compass Variance..........................................2-30
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-16
3