instrument panel Oldsmobile Achieva 1995 s User Guide

The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast
you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.

The main components of your instrument panel are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Side Vent
Instrument Panel Intensity Controlflnterior Lamps
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
Hazard Warning Flashers Switch
Instrument Cluster
Horn
Windshield WiperNasher Stalk
Center Vents
Climate Control System
Side Vent 11.
Glove
Box
12. Audio System
13. Lighter
14. Gear Shift Lever
15. Ashtray
16. Ignition Switch
17. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever
18. Fuse Panel (Under Instrument Panel)
19. Parking Brake Release Handle
20. Hood Release Lever
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Instrument Panel Clusters
Your Oldsmobile is equipped with one of these clusters,
which includes indicator warning lights and gages that
Standard Cluster
are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read
them.
FASTEN& BELTS
HOT &
OIL y9 A1 R BAG
INFORMATION CENTER INFORWTION
CENTER
1
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Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells
you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors and module, the
wiring and the diagnostic module. For more information
on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in the Index.
AIR
BAG
You will see this light
flash for a few
seconds when you
turn your ignition to
RUN or START.
Then the light should
go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you
start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you
are driving, your air bag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
Charging System Light
WASH
I FLUID
The CHARGE light
will come on when
you turn on the
ignition, but the
engine is not running,
as a check to show
you it is working.
Then it should go out. If it stays on, or
co !s on while
you are driving, you may have a problem with the
electrical charging system. It could indicate that you
have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this
light
is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive
a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such
as the radio
and air conditioner.
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MODE CONTROL: The right control knob changes
the functions
of your system.
VENT: Use when outside temperatures are mild, and
little heating or cooling is needed. Air flow is through
the instrument panel outlets.
Set the center control knob
to the temperature desired.
BI-LEV: Use on cool, but sunny days. This setting
brings in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. The
cool air is directed to the upper portion of your body
through the instrument panel outlets, but slightly
warmer air is directed through the heater ducts and
defroster vents. At times this temperature difference
may be more apparent than others.
HEAT This setting brings heated air through the heater
ducts, and some through the windshield defroster vents.
If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine
block heater) and
use it during cold weather, 0°F
(- 1 8’ C) or lower, your heating system will more quickly
provide heat because the engine coolant is already
warmed. See “Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater)” in the Index.
DEFOG: This setting divides air flow equally between
the heater ducts and the windshield defroster vents.
DEF: This setting directs air through the
windshield defroster vents located on top
of the
instrument panel.
Defogging Windows
To defog the windshield, turn all three control knobs to
the far right.
3-2

Air Conditioning System (Option)
The air conditioner and heater work best if you keep
your windows closed while using them. Your vehicle
also has the flow-through ventilation system described
later in this section.
Air Conditioning
Your system has three air conditioner settings in
addition to the standard climate control system. Before using
your air conditioner
on very hot days, open the
windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This
reduces the amount of work your air conditioner's
compressor will have
to do, which should help fuel
economy.
MAX: Use for maximum cooling. This setting
recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle
so it
maximizes your air conditioner's performance and your
vehicle's fuel economy.
NORM: Use for normal cooling on hot days. This
setting cools outside air and directs it through the
instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEV: Use on cool, but sunny days. This setting
brings
in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. The
cool air
is directed to the upper portion of your body
through the instrument panel outlets, but slightly
warmer air is directed through the heater ducts and
defroster vents. At times this temperature difference
may be more apparent than others.
The air conditioner compressor is enabled in all three air
conditioning positions.
3-3

you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That
means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake
normally but don‘t pump your brakes.
If you do, the
pedal may get harder
to push down. If your engine
stops, you
will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up,
it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will
be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your Oldsrnobile has an advanced electronic braking
system that
will help prevent a braking skid.
I LOCK @)
ANTI-
CHECK
OABES
This light on the
instrument panel
will
come on briefly when
you start your vehicle. When you
start yo~~r vehicle, or when
you begin to drive
away, you may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise. And you may even notice that your brake pedal
moves a little while this is going on.
This is the ABS
system testing itself.
If there’s a problem with the
anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system
warning light
will stay on or flash.
See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light”
in the
Index.
4-6

Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left.
To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand
to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making nrns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal.
Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a
different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green
arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked
up,
the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your
instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on
the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally
to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
4-36

2. Attach a separate chain
to each side of the axle
inboard of the spring.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
Oldsmobile's instrument panel. See "Coolant
Temperature Gage" in the Index.
You will also find a
low coolant level warning light on
your Oldsmobile's
instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

Underhood Light
Your parking lights or headlights must be on for the
underhood light
to function when you open the hood.
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see
”CHECK OIL
LIGHT” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is an added reminder.
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.
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.
Checking Engine Oil
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick
handle for the
2.3L L-4 is located behind the engine.
The dipstick for the 3.1L
V-6 is located in front of the
engine behind the fan.
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