check engine Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1996 s Owner's Guide

Turn off the engine and give the oil 20 minutes to drain
back into the oil pan. If
you don’t, the oil dipstick might
not show the actual level.
3.1 L L82 Engine 3.4L LQ 1 Engine
Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Oil
If the oil ist at or below the lower mark, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This
part explains what kind of oil, to use.
For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in
the Index.
1
I 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.
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Operating the.engine wi4.h the air cleaner oi’fcan
cause you or .others to be burned. The
air cleaner
not only cleans the
air, it stops flame if the engine
backfires. Hit isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could
be burned. Don’t drive with
it off, and be careful working on the engine with
the
air cleaner off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfii 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.
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Automatk Transaxle’ Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automaticdransaxle fiui,d
level is when the engine
oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and. filter ,every
30,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the, vehicle is mainly ‘driven under one or
more of these conditions:
’
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90 OF (32 O C) or higher;.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in :taxi, polide or delivery service. ,.,
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter
.. do not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
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How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Oldsmobile retail
facility 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 parts, 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:
0 When outside temperatures, are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature,' which is
..I 80°F to 200°F 1
(82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
. (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10OC). If it's colder than 50°F (lO"C), you may
have to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
0
0
'0
0
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the pqking 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 to five minutes.
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Then, without shutting off the
m
en-@ne, follow these steps: , .
I
c
.. ., x., ' ,
3.1L L82 Engine 3.4L LQ1 Engine - '.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The. fluid level
myst be in the.
. cross-hatched area.
' 4. If the fluid level is in the ameptable range, push
..
the dipstick back in all the way.
:. '
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;:
4

How ,to Add Fluid Engine Coolant
I
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
~ kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended ,
1. Pull out the dipstick.
.2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(0.5 L). Don’t ove@ZZ. We recommend you use only
fluid labeled DEXRON@-111, ‘because fluid with that
label is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON-I11 is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
0 When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL
TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to remain
in your
vehicle for
5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 km),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
A
50/50 mixture of water and the proper.coolant for
your Oldsmobile will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 OF ( 129 O C).
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:
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.
.. , ,', . . , .,
L
I,
. -1 I ' .. .. . *. .. .,
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,.
Chec'-'ng 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.
/I .

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Sewice.
0 Lubricate steering ball joints (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
I I
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-7

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate steering ball joints (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
DATE
SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
7-9

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate steering ball joints (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
[7 Replace air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage
or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any
damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
DATE SERVICED BY: ACTUAL MILEAGE
.7-11

Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule
39,000 Miles (65 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
I DATE I ACTUALMILEAGE
1
SERVICED BY:
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
I7 Lubricate steering ball joints.(or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
I7 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and
Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation
pattern and additional information. During
tire rotation, check brake calipers for
freedom of movement. Refer to the
appropriate
GM service manual for proper
caliper service procedures.
An Emission Control Service.
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