check engine Oldsmobile Achieva 1995 s Owner's Guide

How to Add Fluid
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 1evel.It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(0.5L).
Don’t 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@-I11
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle
doesn’t require changing.
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.
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Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle
is parked on a level place and the transaxle is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the transaxle
case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
clean
it with a rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way and remove it.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be between the ADD and
FULL marks. (Note: Fluid may appear at the bottom
of the dipstick even when the fluid level is several
pints low.)
4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the
dipstick back in all the way and flip the handle
down.
If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as
described
in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule
to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants’’
in the Index.
1. Remove the dipstick by flipping the handle up and
then pulling the dipstick out.
2. Add fluid at the dipstick hole.
Add only enough fluid
to bring the fluid level up to
the FULL mark
on the dipstick.
3. Push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the
handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.

Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir
is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct
a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine how
often you should check the
fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir
and for the proper fluid. See
“Owner Checks and
Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
How to Check
If you can see fluid in the reservoir, the level is
acceptable.
Engine Coolant
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.
The proper coolant for your Oldsmobile will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F ( 128 O C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
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To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the FULL COLD mark,
LOW
COOLANT
LOW
WASH
FLUID
LEVEL
10
If this light comes on,
it means you’re low on
engine coolant.
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
surge tank, but only when the engine is cool.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your pressure cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
%%en you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.
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Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches
a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
p .w ii
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with
a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. Add
enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
I NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
b!l SAMPLE4UXSM072675
ENGINE / 1&5 IfSElBLY
CODE MODEL YEAR
This is the legal identifier for your Oldsmobile. It
appears on a plate in the front corner
of the instrument
panel, on the driver’s side.
You can see it if you look
through
the windshield from outside your vehicle. The
VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and
Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and
registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on the bottom of your spare tire
cover. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
On this label is:
your VIN,
0 the model designation,
paint information, and
0 a list of all production options and special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
1 NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Oldsmobile
unless you check with your retailer
fmt. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working
as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical
to your Oldsmobile, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Oldsmobile” in the Index.
6-50
-

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance
of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
Engine Oil Level
Check the engine oil level and add t,he proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix if necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for
further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check the windshield washer tluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper tluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid”
in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation
Check tire inflation. Make sure tires are inflated to the
pressures specified
on the Tire-Loading Information
label located
on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See
“Tires”
in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
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At Least Twice a Year Starter Switch
Hydraulic Clutch System Inspection
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid”
in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified
in Part D.
Body Lubrication
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, trunk lid,
glove box door and console door. Part
D tells you what
to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
I move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be I
1.
2.
3.
Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
Firmly apply both the parlung brake (see “Parking
Brake”
in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE:
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately
if it starts.
On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine
in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put
the shift lever in
NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and
try to start the engine. The starter should work only
when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the
floor.
If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
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Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock -- BTSI
(Automatic Transaxle) When
you are doing this check, the vehicle could
‘move suddenly. If it does,
you or others could. be
1.
2.
3.
Before you start, be sure you have enough room around
the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.
Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
With the engine
off, turn the key to the RUN position,
but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake,
try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK
(P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.
Steering Column Lock
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
0 With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK
only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only with the key button depressed.
On all vehicles, the key should come
out only in LOCK.
7-3s

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until
the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
Shift to PARK
(P). Then release all brakes.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
Underbody Flushing
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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