tow OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1994 Owner's Guide

Service & Appearance Care
168
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.
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 lower.
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line,
then you’ll need to add some oil. But
you must use the right kind. This
section explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see
Capacities
G. Specifications in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your
engine has
so much oil that the oil
level gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper operating
range, your engine could be damaged.
~~
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.
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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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To Check the Fluid Hot or Cold:
Park your vehicle on a level place.
With the parking brake applied, place
With your foot on the brake pedal,
the
shift lever in
P (Park).
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three
seconds in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in
P (Park).
minutes or more.
Let the engine run at idle for three Then, Without Shutting off the
Engine, Follow These Steps:
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out
the dipstick and wipe it with a clean
rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three
seconds and then pull it back
out
again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and
read the lower level. The fluid level
must be in the
COLD area for a cold
check or in the
HOT area or cross-
hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable
range, push the dipstick back in all
the way; then flip the handle down to
lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add FIuid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind
of transmission
fluid to use. See
Recommended Fluids
G Lubricants in the index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper fluid to bring the level up
to the COLD area for a cold check or
the HOT area for a hot check. It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a
pint
(OSL) . Don’t overfill. We
recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRONB-I11 or DEXRONB-IIE,
because fluids with that label are made
especially for your automatic
transmission. Damage caused by fluid
other than DEXRONB-I11 or
DEXRONB-IIE is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.
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Sewice & Appearance Care
Payload
The Payload Capacity is shown on the
Certificationflire label. This is the
maximum load capacity that your
vehicle can carry. Be sure to include the
weight of the people inside as part of
your load. If you added any accessories
or equipment after your vehicle left the
factory, remember to subtract the weight
of these things from the payload.
Your dealer can help you with this.
Trailering Package
If your vehicle comes with the trailering
package, there is also a load rating
which includes the weight of the vehicle
and the trailer it tows. This rating is
called the Gross Combination Weight
Rating (GCWR)
.
When you weigh your trailer, be sure to
include the weight of everything you put
in it. And, remember to figure the weight
of the people inside as part
of your load.
Your dealer can help you determine
your GCWR.
Add-on Equipment
When you carry removable items, you
may need to put a limit on how many
people you carry inside your vehicle. Be
sure to weigh your vehicle before you
buy and install the new equipment.
NOTICE:
Your warranty doesn’t cover parts
or components that fail because of
overloading.
I Single Belt Accessory Drive
Your new vehicle uses a serpentine belt
that is lighter, more durable and fuel
efficient than systems with several belts.
The belt runs over or around the pulleys
on the engine.
A tensioner is used to
keep the belt tight at all times. The
tensioner also makes replacing the belt
easier.
If you need to replace the belt, be
sure to get the correct replacement belt.
Your dealership or parts supplier can
help you with this. The Accessory Drive
Belt Routing label on your vehicle will
show you how to route the belt your
vehicle uses.
I Air Conditioning
Every now and then have your
dealership check your air conditioning
system to be sure it has not lost any
cooling ability. If you think the system
is not working properly, have your
dealership check it out as soon as
possible.
The air conditioning will not work when
the temperature is below
40°F (4°C).
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Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the
cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -
before they set.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and
change to a clean area often. A soft
brush may be used
if stains are
stubborn.
ventilated area only.
If you use them,
don’t saturate the stained area.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning,
clean the entire area immediately or it
will set.
Use solvent-type cleaners in a well-
Using Foam-Type Cleaner on
Fabric
Vacuum and brush the area to remove
Always clean a whole trim panel or
any
loose dirt.
section. Mask surrounding trim along
stitch or welt lines.
Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
following the directions on the
container label.
Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
Don’t
saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section,
use a sponge to remove the suds.
Rinse the section with a clean, wet
sponge.
Wipe off what’s left with a slightly
damp paper towel or cloth.
Then dry it immediately with a blow
dryer or a heat lamp.
NOTICE:
Be careful with a hair dryer or heat
lamp.
You could scorch the fabric.
Wipe with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on
Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type
cleaner at all. Some spots and stains
will clean off better with just water and
mild soap.
If you need to use a solvent:
Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with
a clean, dull knife or
scraper. Use very little cleaner, light
pressure and clean cloths (preferably
cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at
the outside of the stain, “feathering”
toward the center. Keep changing to a
clean section of the cloth.
When you clean a stain from fabric,
immediately dry the area with an air
hose, hair dryer, or heat lamp to help
prevent a cleaning ring. (See the
previous NOTICE.)
Special Cleaning Problems
Greasy or Oily Stains
Such as grease, oil, butter, margarine,
shoe polish, coffee with cream, chewing
gum, cosmetic creams, vegetable oils,
wax crayon, tar and asphalt.
Carefully scrape off excess stain.
Follow the solvent-type instructions
Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and
described
earlier.
asphalt will stain
if left on a vehicle
seat fabric. They should be removed
as soon as possible. Be careful,
because the cleaner will dissolve them
and may cause them to spread.
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used on the inside of the rear window,
an electric defogger element may be
damaged. Any temporary license should
not be attached across the defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside ofthe
Windshield, Backgluss-and
Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using
the windshield washer, or
if the wiper
blade chatters when running, wax or
other material may be on the blade or
windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield
with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami
Powders (GM Part
No. 1050011). The
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water.
Clean the blade by wiping vigorously
with
a cloth soaked in full strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse
the blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked on a
regular basis and replaced when worn,
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Oldsmobile
The paint finish on your vehicle
provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss
retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s
finish
is to keep it clean by washing it
often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct
rays
of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand,
dish or car washing (mild detergent)
soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that
contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and
not allowed to dry on the surface, or
they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure truck washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of
your Oldsmobile may be necessary to
remove residue from the paint finish.
You can get GM approved cleaning
products from your dealer.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned
regularly to keep their luster. Washing
with water is all that is usually needed.
However, you may use
GM Chrome
Polish on chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim.
To avoid damaging protective trim,
never use auto or chrome polish, steam
or caustic soap to clean aluminum.
A
coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright metal parts.
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“Section C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” explains important
inspections that your Oldsmobile
dealer’s service department or another
qualified service center should perform.
“Section
D: Recommended Fluids &
Lubricants” lists some products GM
recommends to help keep your vehicle
properly maintained. These products, or
their equivalents, should be used
whether you do the work yourself or
have it done.
“Section
E: Maintenance Record”
provides a place for you to record the
maintenance performed on your vehicle.
Whenever any maintenance is
performed, be sure to write it down in
this section.
This will help you
determine when your next maintenance
should be done. In addition, it is a good
idea to keep your maintenance receipts.
They may be needed to qualify your
vehicle for warranty repairs.
Section A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Using Your Maintenance
Schedules
This section tells you the maintenance
services you should have done and
when you should schedule them. Your
Oldsmobile dealer knows your vehicle
best and wants you to be happy with it.
If you go to your dealer for your service
needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and
supported service people will perform
the work using genuine GM parts.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits.
You will find
these limits
on your vehicle’s
Certificatioflire label. See the
Index
under Loading Your Vehicle.
are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving limits.
use the recommended unleaded fuel.
See the
Index under Fuel.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the
two schedules is right for your vehicle.
Here’s how to decide which schedule to
follow:
Schedule I
Is any one of these true for your
vehicle?
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6
km) .
Most trips are less than 10 miles (16
km) when outside temperatures are
below freezing.
The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as in door-to-door delivery, or
in
stop-and-go traffic).
areas or off-road frequently.
You operate your vehicle in dusty
You tow a trailer.
If any one (or more) of these is true for
your driving, follow Schedule
I.
Schedule I1
Follow Schedule I1 only if none 01 me
above conditions is true.
L
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Maintenance Schedule
206
Schedule I
Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is
MAINLY driven under one or more of
the following conditions:
When most trips are less than 4 miles
When most trips are less than 10
(6 lun) .
miles (16 lm) and outside
temperatures remain below freezing.
When most trips include extended
idling and/or frequent low-speed
operation, as in stop-and-go traffic.
When towing a trailer.
When operating in dusty areas or off-
Schedule I should also be followed if
the vehicle is used for delivery service,
police, taxi or other commercial
applications.
road frequently.
ITEM TO BE SERVICED
Nom See Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
following Schedules I and 11.
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or Months
(whichever occurs first).
2 1 Chassis Lubrication 1 Everv 3.000 Miles (5 000 kml or 12 Months. I
4 I Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (erv 60.000 Miles (100 000 kml. I
6 I Transmission Service See Explanation
of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
following Schedules I and 11. I
8 I Spark Plug Wire 1nspection"t I Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 lm). I
10 I Fuel Tank, Cap & Lines Inspection*t I000 Miles (100 000 lun). I
12 I Fuel Filter Replacement*t I Everv 30.000 Miles (50 000 lun). I
16 I Transfer Case Fluid Change I See Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
followinrr Schedules I and 11. I
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210
Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services
listed in Schedule I and Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use
are listed in Section
D. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or
anyone else drives the vehicle.
ITEM SERVICE
NO.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH” or “SG” designation may be
shown alone or in combination with
others, such as “SH/CD,”
“SH, SG,
CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30 or SAE 1OW-
30), see the Index under Engine Oil.
2. Chassis Lubrication - Lubricate the
transmission shift linkage, parking
brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. Lubricate the front
suspension and steering linkage.
3. Tire and Wheel Rotation and
Inspection
- For proper wear and
maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions
in this
manual. See
Tires, Inspection G.
Rotation in the Index. Check the
tires for uneven wear or damage. If
you see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment. Check for
damaged wheels also.
Inspection - Inspect the drive belt
for cracks, fraying, wear and proper
tension. Replace as needed.
5. Cooling System Service‘: - Drain,
flush and refill the system with new
or approved recycled coolant
conforming to
GM Specification
6038-M. Keep coolant at the proper
mixture as specified. See
CooZant in
the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion
inhibitor level and maintains proper
engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated.
Tighten screw-type hose clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser. Wash the
pressure cap and neck.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt
To help ensure proper operation, we
recommend
a pressure test of both the
cooling system and the pressure cap.
6. Transmission Service - Change
both the fluid and filter every 15,000
miles
(25 000 lun) if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police
If you do not use your vehicle under
any of these conditions, change both
the fluid and filter every
100,000
miles (166 000 lun) .
Replace spark plugs with the proper
type. See
Replacement Parts in the
Index.
8. Spark Plug Wire Inspection‘%t -
Inspect for burns, cracks or other
damage. Check the boot
fit at the
coils and at the spark plugs. Replace
wires as needed.
car
or delivery service.
7. Spark Plug Replacement” -
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9. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement': -
Replace every 30,000 miles (50 000
km) or more often under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the
proper replacement intervals for your
driving conditions.
10. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection*t
- Inspect fuel tank,
cap and lines (including fuel rails
and injection assembly) for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for
an even filler neck imprint or any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
1 1. Positive Crankcase Ventilation
(PCV) System 1nspection':t
-
Inspect the system for proper
function. Replace any worn, plugged
or collapsed hoses and seals.
Replace valve only if necessary.
12. Fuel Filter Replacement'$t -
Replace the fuel filter every 30,000
miles (50 000 ltrn), or sooner if
clogged.
13. Engine Timing and Distributor Check':'t
- Adjust the timing to
the underhood label specifications.
Inspect the inside and outside of the
distributor cap and rotor for craclts, carbon tracking and corrosion.
Clean or replace
as needed.
14. Differential (Axle) Service-Check
rear/front differential fluid level and
add as needed. Check constant
velocity joints and axle seals for
leaking.
Locking Rear Differential -Drain
fluid at first engine oil change and
refill. Check fluid level and add as
needed at subsequent oil changes. In
dusty areas, or trailer towing
applications, drain fluid at every
15,000 miles (25 000 ltm) and refill.
More frequent lubrication may be
required during heavy-duty or off-
road use. A fluid loss in this system
may indicate
a problem. Have it
inspected and repaired at once.
15. Brake Systems Inspection-When
the engine oil is changed, inspect
the lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, craclts,
chafing, etc. Check the parking
brake adjustment and the fluid level
in the master cylinder. A low brake
fluid level can indicate worn disc
brake pads which may need to be
serviced.
A fluid loss in this system may indicate a problem. See
the
Index under Brake System Warning
Light. When the wheels are
removed for rotation, inspect disc
brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Also inspect
drum brake linings for wear and
craclts. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, etc. at the
same time.
You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often
if your driving
habits or conditions result in
frequent braking.
16. Transfer Case Fluid Change -In
heavy or frequent trailer towing
applications, drain fluid and refill
every
30,000 miles (50 000 ltm).
'$ = An Emission Control Service.
f = The US. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to pelform this
maintenance item will not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior
to the completion of vehicle useful life.
General Motors, however, urges that
all
recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded
in "Section E:
Maintenance Record. ''
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