check engine Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1994 s User Guide

Mainfenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service :nore
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 transaxle fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, belts, cooling
system, and brake adjustment. Each of
these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you find them quickly. If
you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to
review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts are tight.

Find the positive (+) and negative
(-) terminals on each battery. Your
Oldsmobile has a remote positive
(+)
jump starting terminal. The terminal
is on the same side
of the engine
compartment as your battery.
You should always use the remote
positive
(+) terminal instead of the
positive
(+) terminal on your battery.
To uncover the remote positive
(+)
terminal, lift the red plastic cap.
5. Check that the jumper cables don’t
have loose or missing insulation.
If
they do, you could get a shock. The
vehicles could be damaged, too. Before
you connect
the cables, here
are some basic things
you should
know. Positive
(+) will go to positive
(+) and negative (-) will go to
negative
(-) or a metal engine part.
Don’t connect
(+) to (-) or you’ll get
a short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts, too.

8. Start the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine
fans.
9. By this time the coolant level inside
the radiator filler neck may be lower.
If the level is lower, add more of the
proper mix through the filler neck
until the level reaches the base of the
filler neck.
10. Then replace the pressure cap. At
any time during this procedure if
coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure
cap. Be sure the arrows on the
pressure cap.line up like this.
11. Check the coolant in the recovery
tank. The level in the coolant
recovery tanlc should be at the
HOT
mark when the engine is hot or at
the
COLD mark when the engine is
cold.
Ifa Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out”
while you’re driving, especially
if you
maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if you should ever
have
a “blowout,” here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to
do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering
wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, then gently brake to a stop
well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve,
acts much like a slid and may require
the same correction you’d use
in a skid.
In any rear blowout, remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal. Get the
vehicle under control by steering the
way you want the vehicle to go. It may
be very bumpy and noisy, but you can
still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well
off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next section shows
how to use your jacking equipment to
change a flat tire safely.
165

Service & Appearance Care
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL light on the
instrument panel comes
on, it means
you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see
Low Oil Level Light in the Index. You
should check your engine oil level
regularly; this is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine .oil
:
every time you get fuel. In order to get
an accurate reading, the oil must be
warm and the vehicle must be on level
ground.
Turn
off the engine and give the 0il.a
few minutes to drain back into the
oil
pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might
not show the actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with-a
paper towel or cloth, then push it bzck
in all the way. Remove it again, keeping
the tip lower, and check the level.
3100 V6: Checking Engine Oil
Twin
Dual Cam 3.4L V6: Checking
Engine Oil
’
When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line,
then you’ll need to add some
oil. But
you must use the right kind. This
section explains what kind
of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see
Capacities
and Specifications
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your
engine has
so much oil that the oil
level gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could
be damaged.
Just fill it enough to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.

cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see
Engine
Coolant Heater
in the Index.
What to Do wifh Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil
contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even
cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your skin
and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
throw away clothing or rags containing
used engine oil.. (See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of
oil products.)
Used oil can be areal threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t
ever dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to
a place that collects used oil. If you
have a problem properly disposing of
your used oil, ask your dealer, a service
station or a local recycling center for
help.
Air Cleaner
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to replace the air filter
and the crankcase ventilation filter.
See
Scheduled Maintenance Services i3
the
Index.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire
can cause a damaging engine fire.
And, dirt can easily get into your
engine, which will damage
it.
Always have the air cleaner in place
when you’re driving.
To Check or Replace the Air Filter:
1. Remove the four screws and pull off
the cover.
187

Service & Appearance Care
2. Remove the air cleaner filter.
3. Be sure to install the air cleaner filter
and replace the cover tightly.
Automatic Transaxk Fluid
When fo Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic
transaxle fluid level is when the engine
oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See
Scheduled Maintenance
Services
in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose to have this
done at an Oldsmobile dealership
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 transaxle.
Too much
can mean that some of the fluid
could come out and fall
on hot
engine parts
or exhaust system,
starting a
fire. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least
30 minutes before
checking the transaxle fluid level
if you
have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic - especially in hot
90°F (32°C).
weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at
normal operating
temperature, which is 18O"F-to
2OOpF
(82°C to 93T).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 lun) 'when outside
temperatures are above
50°F (10°C). If

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.
Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at the
COLD mark or a
little higher. When your engine is warm,
the level should be up to the
HOT mark
or a little higher.
1 SECURITY I
P
w OIL LOW
EVEL COOLANT I
If this light comes on, it means you’re
low on engine coolant.
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the
proper mix
at the coolant recovery
tank.
If the coolant recovery tank is
completely empty, add coolant to the
radiator. (See
Engine Overheating in
the
Index.)
191

Service & Appearance Care
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi
(105kPa) pressure-type cap and
must be tightly. installed
io prevent
coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure
the arrows on the cap line up with
192
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank,
but be careful not to spill it.
L I
the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
I Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering
When you replace your radiator premre
cap, an
AC@ cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is
controlled by a thermostat in the engine
coolant system. The thermostat stops
the flow of coolant through the radiator
until the coolant reaches a preset
temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat is recommended.
Fluid
-
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.
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be at the
H mark.
When the engine compartment is
cool, the level 'should be at the
C
mark.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of fluid to use. See

Service & Appearance Care
Add-on Electrical
Equijment
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to
your Oldsmobile unless you check
with your dealer 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
Oldsrnobile in the Index.
h
.. ...- . . . ... .. ....... . . _. . , 1
1 Fuses & Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses, circuit breakers,
and fusible thermal links in the wiring
itself. This greatly reduces the chance of
damage caused by electrical problems.
Some fuses are located
in a fuse block
in the glove box as shown.above. To
locate the fuse block, lift out the storage
bin inside the glove box. See the
diagram later in this section. Another
set of fuses is located in the
component center, under the
instrument panel.
Additional fuses are located in the
underhood electrical centers
on the
right and left sides of the engine
compartment.

Maintenance Schedule
242 ~
Explanation of~scheduled
Mainfenance Services
Following are explanations of the
services listed in Schedule I and
Schedule
11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use
are listed in Section D. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle
uses
these. All parts should be-replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or
anyone else drives the vehicle.
ITEM SERVICE
NO.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The “SH” or “SG” designation may
be shown alone or in combination
with others, such as “SH/CD,” “SH,
SG, CD,”“SG/CD,” etc. To
determine the preferred viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE 5W-
30 or SAE 10W-30), see
Engine Oil
in the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication - Lubricate
suspension and steering linkage.
Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage,
and parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and
linkage.
3. Tire and Wheel Rotation and
Inspection
- For proper wear and
maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this
manual. See
Tires, Inspection 6
Rotation in the hdex. Check the
tires for uneven wear or damage.
If
you see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment. Check for
damaged wheels also.
Inspection *‘ - Inspect the belt for
cracks, fraying, wear and proper
tension. Replace as needed.
5. Camshaft Timing Belt Inspection
(3.4L Code X engine only) * -
Inspect for cracks, wear or oiliness.
Check tensioner for proper operation.
See the service manual.
(To purchase
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt
a service manual, see Service
Publications
in the Index.) Replace
parts as needed.
6. Cooling System Service* - Drain,
flush and refill the system with new
or approved recycled. coolant
conforming
to GM Specification
1825M. Keep coolant at the proper
mixture as specified. See
Coolant in
the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion
inhibitor level and maintains proper
engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace
if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated.
Clean the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser. Wash the
pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation, we
recommend a pressure test of both
the cooling system and the pressure
cap.
7. Transaxle Service - Change both
the fluid and filter .every
15,000 miles
(25
000 lm) if the vehicle is mainly