cooling OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1997 User Guide

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at the
ADD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean
water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL TM
(silicate-free) antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank.
(See “Engine Coolant’’ in the Index for more
information.)
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
I NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mix.
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--
A CAUTION:
- I
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on
a hot engine.
When the coolant
in the coolant recovery tank is at
ADD, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you
can try. You can add the proper coolant mix
directly to the radiator but be sure the cooling system is
cool before you do it.
IA
I 73-55
CAUTION: 1
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn
~OLI badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap
-- even a little -- they can come out
CAUTION: (Continued)
JTTON: (Cnntinllr I
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap,
is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to
cool if you ever have to
turn the pressure cap.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the pressure cap and upper radiator
hose, is
no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise
until it first stops. (Don’t press
down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there
is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as
you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
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1
; What to Use
I Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
’ kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
i Lubricants” in the Index.
1 , I Engine Coolant
; The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
1 DEX-COOL” engine coolant. This coolant is designed
I to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
I (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
~ DEX-COOL” extended life coolant.
I i The following explains your cooling system and how to
i
~
i
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
I
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
1 your Oldsmobile will:
’ 0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
~ 0 Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (129°C). I
~ 0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only
DEX-COOL TM (silicate-free) coolant.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half DEX-COOL
TM coolant which
won’t damage aluminum parts. Use GM Engine Coolant
Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 3634621) with any
complete coolant change.
If you use this mixture, you
don’t need to add anything else.
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1 NOTICE:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix
will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50150 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL TM coolant.
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.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your retailer 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.
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Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory
to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However,
if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be met.
If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
Oldsmobile retailer
if any of these conditions exist.
Your retailer
will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one
it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts or
wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your Oldsmobile.
I
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have
a collision in which
you
or others could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance and tire
clearance to the body and chassis.
See "Changing a Flat Tire"
in the Index for
more information.
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Capacities (Approximate)
Cooling System:’: ............. 1 1.7 quarts (1 1.1 L)
Crankcase with Filter’$ .......... 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
(Drain and ........... 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Differential Fluid (Rear) ......... 4.0 pints (1.9 Lj
Differential Fluid (Front) ......... 2.6 pints (1.2 L)
Fuel Tank ..................... 19 gallons (72 L)
Automatic Transmission
A/C Refrigerant . . 30 02. or 2 Ibs. (0.9 kg) of R- 13421
:I:After refill, the level must be checked.
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your Oldsmobile retailer.
Vehicle Dimensions*
Wheelbase .............. 107.0 inches (271.8 cm)
Length ................. 180.9 inches (459.5 cm)
Height
................... 63.2 inches (160.5 em)
Width
................... 67.6 inches (171.7 cm)
Front Tread
............... 57.3 inches ( 145.4 cm)
Rear Tread
............... 55.1 inches (1 39.9 cm)
’!‘Figures reflect base equipment only.
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Maintenance Schedule
I Short TriplCity Definition I
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions
is true for your vehicle:
0
0
0
0
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such
as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or
off-road frequently.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One
of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down soonez
Short TripKity Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Drive
Axle Service (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only sunzmarize maintenance services.
Be sure
to follow the complete maintenance schedule on
the following pages.
RP / -3
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Maintenance Schedule
Long Tripmighway Definition - -
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven
in a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City schedule for
these conditions.
Driving
CI vehicle with c~~fidly cuarlned engine under
Iliglzwny conditions
causes engine oil to br-ecrk
down slovver:
vong Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
12 months, whichever
occurs first). Drive Axle Service. Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Fuel Filter
Replacement. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel Tank,
Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These interwls odv s~.mmar-ize nminteneu?ce services.
Be ,wre to~follorv the c.ompletr rmintenclnce .schd~tle OR
the*fi)llmving pages.
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid andfilter do not require changing.
DATE
ACTUAL MILEAGE -1
Il
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
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