OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1995 Owners Manual

Underhood Lamp
Your underhood lamp will go on when you open the
hood.
Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is located at the front of the
engine compartment, near the center.
The dipstick
handle has
a bright, yellow loop design for easier
identification.
Turn off
the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the
oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show
the actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
I/
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3.1L V6: Checking Engine Oil
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.‘I
When Eo Add Oil
E the ail is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This
part explains what kind of oil to use, For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Speciflcatians” in the
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. I€ your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cfoss-hakhed
area that shows the proper
operating range., your engine could be damaged.
3.1L V6: Adding Engine Oil
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3800 V6: Adding Engine Oil
The engine oil fill cap is located just behind the engine
oil dipstick.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back
in when you’re through.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be
identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol.
The
“Starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and
is preferred for use in your gasoline engine.
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If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has
the “Starburst” symbol
on the front of the oil container.
If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine
is American Petroleum Institute
certified
for gasoline engines.
You should
also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown
in the following charts:
3.1L V6 Engine
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can
use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going
to be
0 OF (- 18 O C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such
as SAE 20W-50.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COUl STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
/OF ‘C‘ -
+ioo- t38 -
+80- +27 -
+60- t 16 -
+ao--+4
+20---7 ~
O---l8
I
i @)
/
COLD
WEATHER
SAE 1OW-30
-30 RED
IF NEITHER SAL 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40. SAE 2OW-50 OR
3.1L V6: Oil Viscosity Chart
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FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARIING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER - OF "C
100- - t38
+80- - +27
+60- - +16
+40- - +4
+20- --7
a - --la
COLD
WEATHER
rl
.- e
IF NEITHER SAE SW-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C)
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
3800 V6: Oil Viscosity Chart
3800 V6 Engine
As shown in the chart, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 5W-30 if it's going
to be colder than
60 OF ( 16 O C) before your next oil
change. When it's very cold, you should use SAE
5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils,
such
as SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
"Starburst" symbol. Failure to use the proper oil
can result in engine damage not covered by your
warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
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Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Oldsmobile retailer
is ready
to advise if you think something should be
added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 krn).
This
is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier 011 top of
your vehicle.
If any one
of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your oil and filter every
3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
If none
of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or I2 months -- whichever
comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside
in very cold weather, 0°F (- 18OC) or
colder.
If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater”
in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may
be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or
a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be
a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure
to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it
in the trash or by pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your retailer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
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Air Cleaner
The air cleaner for the 3.1L V6 engine is circular in
shape and is located toward the back of the engine
compartment, near the center.
The air cleaner for the 3800 V6 engine is located at the
front
of the engine compartment (on the driver’s side of
the vehicle), to the left of the windshield washer fluid
reservoir.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to
replace the air filter and the crankcase ventilation filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which
will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
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3.1L V6: Checking the Air Cleaner Filter
To Check or Replace (3.1L V6)
1. Remove the large wing nut and lift the cover.
2. Remove the air cleaner filter.
3. Be sure to install the air cleaner filter, replace the
cover and tighten the wing
nut securely.
3800 V6: Replacing the Air Cleaner Filter
To Check or Replace (3800 V6)
1. Loosen the four wing nuts.
2. Pull the top of the air cleaner toward the front of the
vehicle and remove the air cleaner filter.
3. Be sure to install the air cleaner filter, replace the
cover and tighten the wing nuts securely.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
The automatic transaxle fluid dipstick for the 3.1 L V6
engine is located near the center of the engine
compartment, to the left
of the windshield washer fluid
reservoir. The dipstick for
the 3800 V6 engine is located
toward the back
of the engine Compartment, near the
center. The dipstick handle (for both engines) has
a
bright, red loop design for easier identification.
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the
Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Oldsmobile retailer
Service Department.
If
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or
you could get a false reading on the
dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get
an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F
to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have
to drive longer.
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To Check the Fluid Level
1.
2.
3.
4.
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK
(P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow these
steps:
3.1L V6: Checking Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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