instrument panel OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1996 Owner's Manual

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.
You should use THIRD (3) when towing a trailer.
Operating your vehicle
in THIRD (3) when towing a
trailer will minimize heat buildup and extend
the life of
your transmission.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached, on
a hill. Tf 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
PARK
(P) yet. Then turn your wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
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 shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
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Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone
away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before
opening the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
I NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
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If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated
on the underhood tune-up label), it
is designed to operate
on fuels that meet California
specifications. If such fuels are not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
on
your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle
may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return
to your
authorized Oldsmobile retailer for diagnosis to
determine the cause of failure. In the event
it is
determined that the cause
of the condition is the type of-
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called
MMT. If you use such fuels, your
emission control system performance may deteriorate
and the malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this happens, return
to your
authorized Oldsmobile retailer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines are now required to
contain additives that will help prevent deposits from
forming
in your engine and fuel system, allowing your
emission control system to function properly. Therefore,
you should
not have to add anything to the fuel. In
addition, gasolines containing oxygenates, such as
ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may
be available in your area to help clean the air. General
Motors recommends that you use these gasolines
if
they comply with the specifications described earlier.
I NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your
fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
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When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until
you hear at least three clicks. Make sure you fully install
the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would
allow fuel
to evaporate into the atmosphere. See
“Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your retailer can get one for you. If
you get
the wrong type, it may not
fit or have proper
venting, and
your fuel tank and emissions system
might be damaged.
Checking Things Under the Hood
To open the hood, first pull
the handle inside the vehicle
on
the lower driver’s side of
the instrument panel.
Then
go to the front of the vehicle and release the
secondary hood release.
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Non-Greasy Stains Cleaning Vinyl
Stains caused by catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
juice, milk, soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood can
be removed as follows:
0 Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have to do
it more than once.
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area with cool water.
2. If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions
described earlier.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine,
treat the area with
a watedbaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
4. If needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner.
Combination Stains
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed
as follows:
0 Carefully scrape off excess stain, then clean with
cool water and allow to dry.
0 If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner.
Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if
you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and
a
GM Vinyl/Leather Cleaner or equivalent product.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap.
0 For stubborn stains, use a GM VinyVLeather Cleaner
Never. use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive
or equivalent product.
cleaners, furniture polish or
shoe polish on leather.
0 Soiled leather should be cleaned immediately. If dirt is
allowed to work into the finish,
it can harm the leather.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections
in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
I SAMPLE4UXTM072675
ENGINEA96 f ASSEMBLY
CODE MODEL YEAR
PLANT
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 driver’s door lock pillar. It’s
very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
your VIN,
0 the model designation,
0 paint information, and
0 a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-on Electrical Equipment
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Oldsmobile
unless you check with your retailer first. 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.
I
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Headlamps
The headlamp wiring is protected by an internal circuit
breaker. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go
on and
off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens,
have your headlamp wiring checked right away.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and
a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until
the motor cools. If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem, be
sure
to get it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers protect the power windows and other
power accessories. When the current load
is too heavy,
the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the
circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by
a combination of fuses, circuit breakers,
and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the
chance of fires caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band
is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you replace
a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating.
lr you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle that
you can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace
it as soon as you can.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The fuse block is at the
driver’s end of the
instrument panel.
Remove the cover by turning
the fastener
counterclockwise. Extra fuses and the fuse extractor are
provided in the cover.
To reinstall the fuse panel cover,
push
in and turn the fastener clockwise.
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For prompt assistance, please have the following
information available
to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
Your name, address, home and business
telephone numbers
0 Vehicle Identification Number (This is available
from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at
the top left
of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.)
Retail facility name and location
0 Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
0 Nature of concern
We encourage you to call us
so we can give your inquiry
prompt attention. However, if you wish to write
Oldsmobile, write
to:
Customer Assistance Representative
Oldsmobile Central Office
920 Townsend Street
P.O. Box 30095
Lansing,
MI 48909 Refer
to your Warranty and Owner Assistance
Information booklet for addresses of Canadian and
GM Overseas offices.
When contacting Oldsmobile, please remember that
your concern will likely be resolved in the retail facility,
using the retailer’s facilities, equipment and personnel.
That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you
have a concern.
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or
speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs),
Oldsmobile has TTY equipment available at its
Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user
can communicate with Oldsmobile by dialing:
1-800-833-OLDS. (TTY users
in Canada can dial
1-800-263-3830.)
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Brakes Adjustment
.................................. 6-29
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-25
PedalTravel
................................. 6-29
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-29
Trailer
...................................... 4-47
Wear
....................................... 6-28
Brake System Warning Light
...................... 2-53
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock Check
........... 7-4 1
Braking ........................................ 4-5
In Emergencies ................................ 4-8
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-32
BTSICheck
................................... 7-41
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-30
Lapacities and Specifications
............... 6.57. 6.58
Carbon Monoxide
................ 2-7.2.21.4.40. 4.48
Cargocover
................................... 2-39
Cargo Tie Downs
............................... 2-39
Cassette Tape Player
............................. 3-6
Care
.................................. 3-14, 7-39
Center Seat Positions
............................ 1-36
Certification/Tire Label
.......................... 4-4 I
Chains
Safety
...................................... 4-47
Tire
........................................ 6-43
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-20
Charging System Light
.......................... 2-S 1
Check Gages Light .............................. 2-59
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-42
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-50
Child Restraints
................................ 1-32
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-34
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position ........... 1-36
TopStrap
................................... 1-33
Where to
Put ................................ 1-32
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-41
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-53
Cleaner.
Air ................................... 6-13
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-49
Fabric
...................................... 6-45
Glass ....................................... 6-47
Inside of Your Vehicle
......................... 6-44
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-46
Leather
..................................... 6-46
Outside of Your Vehicle
........................ 6-48
Stains
...................................... 6-45
Tires
....................................... 6-49
Vinyl ....................................... 6-46
Weatherstrips
................................ 6-47
Wheels
..................................... 6-49
Windshield. Backglass and Wiper Blades
.......... 6-47
Climate Control System
........................... 3-1
Clock
. Setting ................................... 3-6
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-1
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Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-30
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-1
Head Restraints
................................. 1-3
Headlamps
.................................... 2-31
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-3 1
High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-25
OnReminder
................................ 2-31
Wiring
..................................... 6-53
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-3
Heating
........................................ 3-3
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-35
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-35
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-46
Hood
.......................................... 6-6
Horn
......................................... 2-23
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-3 1
Ignition Positions .............................. 2- IO
Inflation. Tire ............................. 6.38. 7.39
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-33
Inspections Brakesystem
................................ 7-44
Drive Axle
.................................. 7-44
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-43
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-43
Steering
.................................... 7-43
Suspension
.................................. 7-43
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-43
Transfer Case
................................ 7-44 Instrument
Panel
............................... 2-46
Cleaning
.................................... 6-46
Cluster
..................................... 2-48
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-53
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-32
Jacking Equipment
............................. 5-21
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
Keyless Entry System
........................... 2-5
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Labels
Certificationflire
.............................. 4-41
Fuse
....................................... 6-54
Safety Belt
.................................. 1-43
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-52
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-52
Lamps
........................................ 2-30
Dome
...................................... 2-33
Front Reading
........................... 2-32. 2-35
Interior
..................................... 2-32
OnReminder
................................ 2-31
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-4
Leaving Your Vehicle
with the Engine Running ....... 2-19
Lighter
....................................... 2-41
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