check engine light OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1994 Owners Manual

The oil light could also flash on in three
other situations:
. When the ignition is on (in the Run
position) but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a
test to show you it is working, but the
light will
go out when you turn the
ignition to
Start. If it doesn't come on
with the ignition on, you may have a
problem with the fuse. Have it fixed
right away.
Sometimes when the engine is idling
at a stop, the light may flash on and
off. This is normal.
If you make a hard stop, the light may
come on for a moment. This is normal.
0-
A \
Voltmeter (ELEcmoNIc CLUSTER)
Your charging system gage will show
the rate of charge when the engine is
running. When the engine
is not
running but the ignition is on (in the
Run position), the display measures the
voltage output
of your battery, and will
flash until you turn the ignition to
Start.
The reading will change as the rate of
charge changes (with engine speed,
etc.), but readings between the warning
zones indicate the normal operating
range. Readings in either warning zone
indicate a possible problem with your
charging system. Have your Oldsmobile
serviced immediately. You
also have a warning light.
A box
around the battery symbol will flash
when the charging system needs
service.
If it comes on while you are driving, you
may have a loose belt or other problem
with the electrical charging system.
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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Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
With anti-lock, this light will go on
when you start your engine and may
stay on for several seconds. That’s
normal. If the light doesn’t come on,
have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn
you if there is
a problem.
If the light stays
on, or comes on when
you’re
driving, your Oldsmobile needs
service.
If the regular brake system
warning light isn’t
on, you still have
brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock
brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is
also on, you don’t have
anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem
with your regular brakes. See
Brake
System Warning Light earlier in this part
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
A computer monitors operation of your
fuel, ignition and emission control
systems. This light should come on
when the ignition
is on, but the engine
is not running, as a check to show you
it is working. If it does not come on at
all, have it fixed right away. If it stays
on, or it comes on while you are driving,
the computer is indicating that you
have a problem. You should take your
vehicle in for service soon.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle
with this light on, after a while the
emission controls won’t work as
well, your fuel economy won’t be
as good and your engine may not
run as smoothly. This could lead
to costly repairs not covered by
your warranty.
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Features & Controls
90
CHECK
OAGES
Battery Light (STANDARD CLUSTER)
The battery light will come on briefly
when you turn on the ignition as a
check to show you it is working. It
should go out once the engine
is
running. If it stays on, or comes on
while you are driving, you may have a
loose belt or other problem with the
electrical charging system. 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.
I
CHECK
GAGES
Check Gages Ljght
(STANDARD CLUSTER)
This light will come on briefly when you
are starting the engine. If the light
comes on and stays on while you are
driving, check your various gages to see
if they are in the warning zones.
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Driving In Water
Light rain causes no special off-road
driving problems. But heavy rain can
mean flash flooding, and flood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find
out how deep the water is before
you drive through it. If it’s deep enough
to cover your wheel hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe, don’t
try it - you
probably won’t get through.
Also, water
that deep can damage your axle and
other vehicle parts.
If the water isn’t too deep, then drive
through it slowly. At fast speeds, water
splashes on your ignition system and
your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also
occur
if you get your tailpipe under
water.
And, as long as your tailpipe is
under water, you’ll never be able to
start your engine. When you go through
water, remember that when your brakes
get wet, it may take you longer to stop.
After OtY-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody, chassis or
under the hood. These accumulations
can be a fire hazard.
After operation
in mud or sand, have
the brake linings cleaned and checked.
These substances can cause glazing and
uneven braking. Check the body
structure, steering, suspension, wheels,
tires, and exhaust system for damage.
Also, check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
Your vehicle
will require more frequent
service due to off-road use. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule for additional
information.
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Your Driving und the Road
128
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes
quite sharply.
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.
I Before Leaving on a Long
Tip
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 dealerships 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?
shape?
you checked all levels?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have
Lights: 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?
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 a
second, and you could crash and be
injured.
What can you do about highway
hypnosis? First, be aware that it can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well
ventilated, with a comfortably cool
interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road
ahead and to the sides. Check your
mirrors and your instruments
frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into
a rest, service, or parking area and
take a nap, get some exercise, or both.
For safety, treat drowsiness on the
highway as an emergency.
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Your Driving and the Road
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
lights 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.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you
might have to use your brakes
so much
that they would get hot and no longer
work well. On
a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed
to around 45 mph
(70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of
engine and transmission overheating.
If you are towing a trailer that weighs
more than
3,000 pounds (1 350 kg), it’s
best to drive in
D instead of Overdrive
(or, as you need to, a lower gear). This
will minimize heat build-up and extend
the life of your transmission.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill.
If
something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured,
and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on
a hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t
shift into
P (Park) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under
the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place,
release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then
apply your parking brake and then
shift to
P (Park).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold
the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
4. Stop and have someone pick up and
of
the chocks.
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more
often when you’re pulling a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule for more on
this. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are
automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt,
cooling system, and brake adjustment.
Each of these is covered in this manual,
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Let the warning lights and gages work
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification
6038-M,” which won’t damage
aluminum parts. If you use this mixture,
you don’t need
to add anything else.
as
they should.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix,
your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost
wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the
mix can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
Some conditions, such as air trapped in
the cooling system, can affect the
coolant level in the radiator. Check the
coolant level when the engine is cold
and follow the steps under
Adding
Coolant for the proper way to add
coolant.
If you have to add coolant more than
four times a year, have your dealer
check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you
don’t have to add extra inhibitors
or additives which claim to improve
the system. These can be harmful.
~~
Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at
ADD, or a little
higher. When your engine is warm, the
level should be up to
FULL HOT, or a
little higher.
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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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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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Index
ABS Warning Light ......................... 88
Accelerator Control System ............. 185
Accessory Belt Drive ........................ 184
Accessory Power Outlets
................... 71
Fluid
............................ 176. 199. 201
Adding
Automatic Transmission
Brake Fluid
............................. 178. 201
Electrical Equipment
......... 46. 95. 196
Engine Coolant
...... 174. 177. 199. 201
Engine Oil
...................... 168. 199. 201
Power Steering Fluid
............. 176. 201
Windshield Washer Fluid
...... 177. 201
Add-on Equipment
.......................... 184
Air Cleaner
................................ 171. 200
Air Conditioner
.......................... 92. 184
Alcohol. Driving Under the
Influence of
.................................... 106
Alcohol in Gasoline
.......................... 163
All-Wheel Drive
................................ 108
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
........... 194
Antenna
............................................ 103
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Antifreeze
......................... 174.
199. 201
Using ABS
...................................... 110
Warning Light
.................................. 88
Appearance Care .............................. 190
Ashtrays and Lighter
.......................... 73 Audio
Systems
.................................... 95
AM/FM Stereo Radio with
Cassette Player
& Equalizer ......... 96
AM/FM Stereo Radio with
Compact Disc Player
..................... 98
Care of Compact Discs .................. 102
Care of Cassette Player
.................. 102
Radio Reception. For the Best
....... 101
Setting the Clock
.............................. 95
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid
.................................. 173
Checking Fluid
............................... 172
Shifting
............................................. 48
Battery
........................................... 180
Jump Starting
................................. 140
Light
........................................... 87. 90
Belt. Accessory Drive
....................... 184
Blizzard
............................................. 13 1
Block Heater. Engine ................. 47. 170
Blowout. Tire
.................................... 15 1
Brake
Adjustment
..................................... 179
Fluid
....................................... 178. 201
Master Cylinder
............................. 178
Parking
............................................. 51
Rear Drum ...................................... 179
Replacing Brake System Parts
....... 179
Warning Light
.................................. 88
Wear Indicators .............................. 179 Brake
System Warning Light
............. 88
Braking .............................................. 109
Braking in Emergencies
.................... 111
Break.1n. New Vehicle ............... 44. 132
Buckling Up (see
Safety Belts)
Bulb Replacement Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................ 110
Braking Technique
........................... 109
Fog Light
........................................ 182
Headlight ........................................ 181
Taillight .......................................... 182
Bulbs. Replacement
.......................... 202
Capacities
& Specscations .......... 199
Carbon Monoxide in
Exhaust
...................... 53. 54. 131. 135
Cargo Bed Liner .................................. 75
Cassette Tape Player
(see
Audio Systems )
CD Player (see Audio Systems)
Center Passenger Position
Certificatioflire Label
.................... 186
Chains. Tire ...................................... 190
Changing a Flat Tire
......................... 151
Checking
Brake Fluid
..................................... 178
Engine
Oil ...................................... 168
(see Safety Belts )
Engine Coolant .............................. 174
233
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