engine coolant OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1997 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: OLDSMOBILE, Model Year: 1997, Model line: BRAVADA, Model: OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1997Pages: 358, PDF Size: 18.02 MB
Page 7 of 358

Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For exumple,
thesc bymbols
aIe used on an
original battery:
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
ACID COULD
BATTERY
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS
OR
FLAMES
SPARK
OR ,111,
COULD FLAME
EXPLODE BATTERY DOOR
LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
&
BELTS SEAT
WINDOW
f j
POWER '* __ I
SIGNALS 6 @
TURN
RUNNING
* 0 DAYTIME . .
LAMPS *'*
FOG LAMPS # 0
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
**
These sylnbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
COOLANT -
TEMP -
CHARGING I-1
BATTERY SYSTEM
BRAKE
(a)
COOLANT a
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
Wb
ANTI-LOCK (@)
BRAKES
Here are some
other synbols
you may see:
FUSE
P
LIGHTER
HORN
)tr
SPEAKER
b
FUEL I&
V
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Page 55 of 358

a Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Oldsnwbile, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you
if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2 -4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-
IO
2-1 1
2- 12
2-13
2-
14
2-15
2-18
2-22
2-34 Important Information
About Keys
Door Locks
Operation of Child Security Locks
Remote Keyless Entry
Battery Replacement for RKE
Preventing
Theft of Your Vehicle
New Vehicle "Break-In"
Ignition Positions
Tips
on Starting Your Engine
Using the Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transmission Operation
Parking Brake Guidelines
Important Information
on Engine Exhaust
Operation of Your Windows 2-2s
2-25
2-26
2-27
2-28
2-3
1
2-32
2-33
2-34
2-35
2-48 2-52
Adjusting the Tilt Steering Wheel
Functions
of the Multifunction Lever
How
to Use the HighLow Beam
Headlamp Changer
Windshield Wipers and Fluid
Using Cruise Control
Exterior Lamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Rearview Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Instrument Panel Overview
All About Your Warning Lights and Gages
Interior
Lamps
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Page 68 of 358

3.
If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down for five more
seconds, or until it starts.
If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), wait
15 seconds and start over.
When the engine starts, let
go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle.
If you add electrical
parts
or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your retailer.
If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part
of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
The engine coolant heater
cord is secured on the
driver’s side
of the vehicle,
by the brake controller.
In very cold weather,
0°F (- 18 “C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
.. .
2-14
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Page 69 of 358

To Use the Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt AC outlet.
[ON:
-
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong
kind
of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away fi-om moving
engine
parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged. How
long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind
of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your Oldsrnobile retailer in the area where you’ll be
parking your vehicle. The retailer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
P
R
N
03
3
2
1
There are several different
positions for your
shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.
2-15
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Page 110 of 358

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light
will come
on when you start your
ANTI - LOCK engine and may stay on for I
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 section.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn
the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t corne on then, have
it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
I
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the
gage pointer moves into the
red area, your engine
is
too hot!
TEMP
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
In “Problems on the Road,” this manual shows you what
to do. See ”Engine Overheating’‘
in the Index.
2-56
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Page 114 of 358

A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a
dangerously low oil level or other problems causing low
oil pressure.
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your
oil as soon as possible and have yo1
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light
:::(-J 0.0
Check Gages Light
CHECK
GAGES
You may have t.his light on
the instrument panel.
It goes on whenever the
DRL are on, the ignition is
on, the headlamp switch is
off and the parking brake
is released.
The
CHECK GAGES 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 coolant
temperature and engine oil
pressure gages to see
if they
are
in the warning zones.
2-60
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Page 119 of 358

e
+# HEATER: This setting directs warmed air through
the heater floor outlets and windshield defroster outlets.
we
+# BLEND: Airtlow is divided equally between the
heater floor outlet and the windshield defroster outlets.
%? DEFROST This setting directs most air through
the windshield defroster outlets and some through the
heater outlets.
Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time
it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
For quick cool-down on very hot days, use
MAX A/C
with the temperature knob turned counterclockwise.
This setting should be used to keep odors and/or dust
from entering the vehicle. For normal cooling on hot
days, use A/C with the temperature knob turned
counterclockwise.
On cool but sunny days, use BI-LEVEL A/C to deliver
warm air to the floor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets.
When the air conditioner is on,
you may sometimes
notice slight changes
in your vehicle‘s engine speed and
power. This is normal because the system is designed to
cycle the compressor on and off to keep the
desired temperature.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using
it. On cold days, use HEATER with the
temperature knob turned clockwise.
BLEND is useful in
cool weather when you have fog or ice on the
windshield or side windows.
If you use the optional engine coolant heater before
starting your engine, your heating system will produce
warmer
air faster to heat the passenger compartment in
cold weather. See “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Tndex.
3-3
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Page 187 of 358

Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5-2
5-3
5-3
5-7
5- 10
5-11
5-12
5- 12
5- 14 How
to Use
Warning Flashers
Other Types of Warning Devices
Step-by-step Procedure for Jump Starting
Information You Should Know Before Towing
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
If Your Engine
is Overheating
If Steam is Coming From Your Engine
Cooling System 5-16
5-21
5-21
5-29
5-30
5-3 1
5-32
5-32 How to Add
Coolant
What to do if a Tire Goes Flat
How to Change a Flat Tire
Where to Store the Flat Tire and Tools
Information on the Compact Spare Tire
If You’re Stuck in Sand, Mud, Snow or on Ice
How to Rock Your Vehicle to Get Unstuck
Using Recovery Hooks
5-1
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Page 198 of 358

Engine Overheating
’ You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. See “Gages” in the Index.
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 you
open 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.
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.
5-12
I
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Page 200 of 358

When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Engine Fan
/II CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and
tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t
do anything else until it cools down.
5-14
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