recommended oil OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1997 Owners Manual

The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend
to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Oldsmobile retail facilities all across North America.
They’ll be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
0 Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated
to
the recommended‘pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should
you delay your trip a short
time to avoid
a major storm system?
0 Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack
of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch
of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on
the road, the drone
of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Don’t let
it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road
in less than CI second, and you could
crash and be injured.
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Oldsmobile. This section begins with service information, and
then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted
to its appearance care.
6-2
6- 3
6-4
6-5
6-7
6-10 6-15
6-16 6-17
6-20 6- 24
6-25
6-26
6-30 6-30
6-3
1
6-38 Doing
Your Own Service Work
What Kind
of Fuel to Use
Using Fuel in Foreign Countries
Where to Put the Fuel and Filling the Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Checking Your Engine
Oil
Air Cleaner
Pollen Filter
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Engine Coolant
Power Steering Fluid
Where to Fill
the Windshielc 9 Washer Fluic
Important Brake Information
Information on Your Vehicle’s Battery
Tips on Vehicle Storage
Bulb Replacement Procedures
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement 6-40
6-42
6-44
6-47 6-49
6-50
6-52
6-53 6-54
6-55 6-56
6-57
6-62
6-62
6-62 6-63
6-63 How and
When to Check Tire Inflation
When
it is Time to Buy New Tires
Wheel Alignment
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care of the Safety Belts
Cleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle
How to Clean Aluminum Wheels
Underbody Maintenance
Recommended Appearance Care Materials
Your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
The Electrical System
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Replacement Bulb Types for Your Vehicle
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Specifications
Vehicle Dimensions
Normal Replacement Parts
6-1
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To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
help clean the air. General Motors recommends that you
use these gasolines if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to
find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just tell
us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales
(NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
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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 recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that
the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
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 chart:
6-12
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RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY 6RADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL
VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER -
“F
1100-
+EO-
+60 -
+40-
+ 20 -
0-
-
“C
+ 38
+ 27
+ 16
+4
-7
- 18
WOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
L
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
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°F (- 18 ” 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.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure
to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered
by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29”C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
6-13
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How to Add Fluid Engine Coolant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in
the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring
the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole
to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Don% overfill. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label
is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-111
is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to Check.”
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way. The cooling
system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL
TM (silicate-free) engine coolant. This
coolant
is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years
or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Oldsmobile will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER
I IO50 17:
I 10501 73
I 1050 174
~--
SIZE DESCRIPTION I USAGE
23 in. x 25 in. Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated Exterior Polish
2.75
sq. ft. Chamois Shines vehicle without scratching
16 oz. (0.473 L) Tar and Road Oil Remover Also removes old waxes and polishes
16
oz. (0.473 L)
Exterior cleaner and polish
Magic
Mirror Cleaner Polish 1 gal. (3.785 L) Removes
soil and black marks White Sidewall Tire
Cleaner
16 oz. (0.473 L)
Removes rust and corrosion
Chrome Cleaner and Polish
32
oz. (0.946 L) I Vinyl Cleaner
Spot and stain removal
1050427
Exterior wash Wash and
Wax Concentrate
16 oz. (0.473 L) 1052870 Cleans grease,
grime and smoke film
Glass Cleaner 23 02. (0.680 L)
1052918""
Cleans
vinyl, cloth, tires and mats
Multi-Purpose
Powdered Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1052925 Protects
vinyl, leather and rubber Armor All TM Protector
8 oz. (0.237 L)
I 1052929 I 16 OZ. (0.473 L) I Wheel Cleaner I Spray on wheel cleaner I
1052930
Cleans
vinyl, leather and rubber Armor All TM Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L) 12345002"" Attracts and
absorbs soils Capture
Dry Spot Remover
8
oz. (0.237 L)
I 12345725 I 12 02. (0.354
L) I Silicone Tire Shine I
~~
Shines tires I I I I
t 12377964 I 16 oz. (0.473 L) I Cleaning Wax I Protects finish and removes fine scratches I
I 12377966 I 16 oz. (0.473 L) I Finish Enhancer I SDot cleans paint and gives high luster I ~
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. 'i':kNo\
t recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
See "Fluids and Lubricants" in the Index.
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Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Headlamps ......................... 9004-HBI
Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamps
........... 3 157NA or 3 IS7 NAK
Stopmail (Top) .......................... 3057
Signal (2nd from top)
..................... 3 156
Back-up Lamps (3rd from top) ............. 3 1 S6
Tail (Bottom) ........................... 3057
Front Sidemarker
Lamps
................... 194
Capacities and Specifications
(Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and Metric conversions.
Please refer
to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement ..... 8 quarts (7.6 L)
Cooling System
With A/C ................. 1 1.75 quarts (1 1.25 L)
With Rear Climate Control or
Rear Heater
.............. 13.5 quarts ( 12.75 L)
Engine Crankcase - Oil and
Filter Change
.................... 4.5 (3.75 L)
Fuel Capacity
Standard (SWB) ................ 20 gallons (76 L)
Optional (LWB) ................ 25 gallons (95 L)
Refrigerant,
Air Conditioning*
........ See Refrigerant Label
under the hood.
Tire Pressures, Sizes ........... See Tire-Loading
Information
label on driver’s door.
Wheel Nut Torque .......... 100 lb-ft (140 Nem)
Windshield Washer Fluid ....... 1 gallon (0.37 L)
*See Air Conditioning Refrigerants later in this section.
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill
to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
rcfr-igerant,
be sure the proper refrigerunt is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your Oldsmobile retailel:
6-62
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I IMPORTANT: I
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
protection Plan I
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plm? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warrmties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your
Oldmobile retailer
for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle
in good working condition, but also helps the
environment.
All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can
even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the
level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle
in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
7-2
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
Footnotes
1- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not
nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at
the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
DATE SERVICED BY ACTUAL MILEAGE
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