service OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1994 Owner's Guide

Service & Appearance Care
1 70
NOTICE:
If you use oils that do not have
either the “starburst” symbol or an
API SH or SG designation, you can
cause engine damage not covered
by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM
Engine Oil) meets all the requirements
for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your
Oldsmobile dealer 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 4 miles (6
It’s below freezing outside and most
trips are less than
10 miles (16 km) .
The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in
stop-and-go traffic).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
The vehicle is frequently operated off-
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
ltm) or 3 months - whichever comes
first.
lm) .
road.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big
help if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see Engine
Coolant Heater
in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you laow 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, 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 dealer, a service station or a
local recycling center for help.
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I Air Cleaner
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.
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.
To Check or Replace the Air Cleaner
Filter:
1. Loosen the two wing screws.
2. Lift the air cleaner filter housing.
3. Unsnap the two clips on the housing
cover and remove the cover.
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Service &Appearance Care
4. Remove the air cleaner filter from the
5. Install a new air cleaner filter and
housing.
reverse steps
1-3.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
4 good time to check your automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
:ngine 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 an Oldsmobile dealership
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 transmission.
Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot
engine parts or exhaust system,
starting a fire. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Wait at least
30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level if
you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are abovc
At high speed for quite a while.
90°F (32°C).
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).
To Check Transmission Fluid Hot:
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 ( 10°C), drive the
vehicle in
D (3rd Gear) until the engine
temperature gage moves and then
remains steady for ten minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
To Check Transmission Fluid Cold:
A cold check is made after the vehicle
has been sitting for eight hours or more
with the engine off and is used only as a
reference. Let the engine run at idle for
five minutes if outside temperatures are
50°F (10°C) or more. If it's colder than
50°F (lO"C), you may have to idle the
engine longer. Should the fluid level be
low during a cold check, you
must
perform a hot check before adding fluid.
This will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
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Service & Appearance Care
I
1 74
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid
level as described under
How to
Check.
obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
When the correct fluid level is
I Rear Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See
Scheduled Maintenance Services in
the
Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to
raise the level to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See
Recommended Fluids E. Lubricants
in the Index.
I All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant. See
Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to
raise the level to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See
Recommended Fluids G Lubricants
in the Index.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change
Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See
Scheduled Maintenance Services in the
Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise
the level to the bottom of the filler plug
hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See
Recommended Fluids G Lubricants
in the Index.
I 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:
Give freezing protection down to
Give boiling protection up to 258°F
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
-34°F (-37°C).
(125°C).
temperature.
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Service & Appearance Care
1 76
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
mix
at the coolant recovery tank.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank,
but be careful not
to spill it.
I Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi
(105 1tPa) pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed
to prevent
coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure
the arrows on the cap line up with
the overflow tube
on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator
pressure cap, an AC@ cap
is
recommended.
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.
I Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering
Fluid
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.
. When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be
at the HOT mark.
When the engine compartment is
cool, the level should be at the
FULL
COLD mark.
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Service & Appearance Care
1 78
~-
Brakes
Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here. It is
filled with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in your master cylinder
might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable
level during normal brake lining wear.
When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back
up. The other reason is
that fluid is leaking
out of the brake
system.
If it is, you should have your
brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won’t
work well, or won’t work at all.
So, it
isn’t a good idea to “top
off’ your brake
fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you add fluid when your linings
are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings.
You should add (or remove) brake
fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to check your brake
fluid. See
Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
in the Index.
To Check Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without
taking
off the cap. Just look at the
windows on the brake fluid reservoir.
The fluid levels should be above
MIN. If
they aren’t, have your brake system
checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the levels
are above
MIN and below the top of
each window.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake fluid
- such as Delco
Supreme
11s (GM Part No.1052535).
Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the
brake fluid reservoir cap before
removing it.
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182
Service & Appearance Care
Taillight Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulb, see the Index
under Replacement Bulbs.
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the T15 Torxs-head screws
3. Pull the assembly away from the
from
the light assembly.
fender.
4. Turn the socket countercloclwise to
remove it. If the socket has a tab,
push the tab in while you turn the
socket.
5. Turn the bulb countercloclwise to
remove it.
6. Put the new bulb into the socket and
turn the bulb cloclwise.
7. Put the socket into the light assembly
and turn the socket cloclwise until it
loclts in place.
8. Install the light assembly and screws.
9. Close the tailgate.
Fog Light Bulb Replacement
Don’t change your fog light bulbs unless
you have the proper aiming equipment.
See your Oldsmobile dealer if you have
any further questions.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Replacement blades come in different
types and are removed in different
ways. Here’s how to remove the type
without a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away
2. With a screwdriver, pry the blade
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on
from the windshield.
assembly off the wiper arm.
the wiper arm.
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Service & Appearance Care
186
Inflation-Tire Pressure
The Certification/Tire label which is
on the rear edge
of the driver’s door
shows the correct inflation pressures
for your tires, when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been
sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than
a mile. Also see
Capacities G Specifications in the
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that
underinflation
or overinflation is all
right. It’s not. If your tires don’t
have enough air (underinflation)
you can get:
Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air
(overinflation)
) you can get:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road
hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Also, check the tire pressure
of the
spare tire.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to
check tire pressure. Simply looking at
the tires will not tell you the pressure,
especially if you have radial tires
-
which may look properly inflated even if
they’re underinflated.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure to
put them back on. They help prevent
leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
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rire Inspection and Rotation
To make your tires last longer, have
:hem inspected and rotated at the
nileages recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule.
See Scheduled
Maintenance Services
in the Index.
Use this rotation pattern.
[f your vehicle has front tires with
iifferent load ratings or tread designs
(such as all season vs.
on/off road) than
the rear tires, don’t rotate your tires
kont to rear.
Mer the tires have been rotated, adjust
;he front and rear inflation pressure as
shown on the Certificatioflire label.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are
?roperly tightened. See
Wheel Nut
l’orque in the Index.
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
When It’s Time for New Tires
3ne way to tell when it’s time for new
:ires is to check the treadwear
.ndicators, which will appear when your
tires have only
2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or
less
of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if
You can see the indicators at three or
more places around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing
through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut
or snagged deep enough to show cord
or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
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Service & Appearance Care
188
The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that can’t be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires
you need, look at the Certificationnire
label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when
it was new had a Tire Performance
Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When
you get new tires, get ones with that
same TPC Spec number. That way, your
vehicle will continue to have tires that
are designed to give proper endurance,
handling, speed rating, traction, ride
and other things during normal service
on your vehicle.
If your tires have an all-
season tread design, the TPC number
will be followed by a
“MS” (for mud
and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those
not having a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load range,
speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as your
original tires.
Uniform Tire Qualify Grading
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.)
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2)
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 significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest are: A,
B, and C. They represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions
on specified 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 braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
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 specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
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