check engine OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1997 Owner's Manual

How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you ]nay
choose to have this done at your Oldsmobile retailer
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 parts, starting
a fire. Be
sure t.o 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:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
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).
Checking Transmission Fluid Hot
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 knl) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it's colder than 50°F
(lO"C), drive the
vehicle
in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for
IO minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
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Checking 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 (IO'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.
Checking the Fluid Hot or Cold
0
0
0
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in
PARK (P).
Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more. 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.
6-16
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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.
6-21
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Checking 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.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper coolant
mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
A CAUTION:
-
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant
at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
' ,A CAUTION:
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.
I
6-22
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When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then 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.
The level should be between the
ADD and FULL marks.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the proper range.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY with the
washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the tank is
full.
6-24
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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.
a
-
I CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle
could be damaged. Add brake fluid 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.
Checking 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.
6-26
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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for lealung.
(See footnote
**.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
Cl Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check readfkont axle fluid level and add fluid
as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. (See footnote
**.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-8
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Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule
9,000 Miles (15 000 kt)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
Cl Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
(See footnote
‘V)
DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED BY I
12,000 Miles (20 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
At1 Etnissiotl Corltml Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check redfront axle fluid level and add fluid
as needed. Check constant velocity joints and
axle seals for leaking. (See footnote
**.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
7-9
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..
Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote”f.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
(See footnote
**.)
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check readfkont axle fluid level and add fluid
as needed. Check constant velocity joints and
axle seals for leaking. (See footnote
* * .)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY
7-10
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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Alz E177ission Control Service,
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals
for leaking.
(See footnote
**.)
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
24,000 Miles (40 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Corztr-ol Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check redfront axle fluid level and add fluid
as needed. Check constant velocity joints and
axle seals for leaking. (See footnote
**.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation”
in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information.
(See footnote
+.)
I DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICE~ BY: I
7-11
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