steering OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1994 Owner's Manual

When you call, tell the towing service:
That your vehicle cannot be towed
from the front with sling-type
equipment.
drive.
vehicle.
lever. damaged.
That your vehicle has front-wheel
The make, model, and year of your
Whether you can still move the shift
If there W~S an accident, what was
When the towing service arrives, let the
tow operator know that this manual
contains detailed towing instructions
and illustrations. The operator may
want to see them.
I should be clamped in a straight-ahead
When your vehicle
is being towed, have
the ignition key
off. The steering wheel designed for towing service.
Do not
use
the vehicle’s steering column lock for
this. The transaxle should be in Neutral
and the parking brake released.
Don’t have your vehicle towed on the
front wheels, unless
you must. If the
vehicle must be towed on the front
wheels, don’t go more than
35 mph (56
l or your transaxle will be damaged.
If these
limits must be exceeded, then the front
wheels have to be supported on a dolly.
1 63
ProCarManuals.com

Problems on the Road
1 72
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 skid 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.
Air Inflator
Your vehicle may have an air inflator
for use in bringing tires up to the proper
pressure.
To learn about it, see the
Index under Air Inflator System.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a
level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
ProCarManuals.com

I NOTICE:
Don’t take your compact spare
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare
can get caught on the rails. That
can damage the tire and wheel, and
maybe other parts of your vehicle.
~
Don’t use your compact spare on some
other vehicle.
And don‘t mix your compact spare or
wheel with other wheels or tires. They
won’t fit. Keep your spare and its whec
together.
NOTICE:
Tire chains won’t fit your compact
spare. Using them will damage your
vehicle and destroy the chains too.
Don’t use tire chains on your
compact spare.
IfYou%e Stuck: In Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow
What you don’t want to do when your
vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels.
The method known as “rocking” can
help
you get out when you’re stuck, but
you must use caution.
I NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy
parts
of your vehicle as well as the
tires. If you spin the wheels too fast
while shifting your transaxle back
and forth, you can destroy your
transaxle.
Rocking Yowr Vehicle to Get it Out:
First, turn your steering wheel left and
right. That will clear the area around
your front wheels.
If you have the
optional traction control system, you
should turn it off. (See
Traction CorztroZ
System in the Index.) Then shift back
and forth between
R (Reverse) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as
little as possible. Release the accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly
on the accelerator pedal when the
transaxle is in gear. If that doesn’t get
you out after a few tries, you may need
to be towed out. If you do need to be
towed out, see
Towing Your Vehicle in
the
Index.
1 79
ProCarManuals.com

Here you will find information about
the care of
your Oldsmobile . This
part begins with service and fuel
information. and then it shows how
to check important fluid and
lubricant levels
. There is also
technical information about
your
vehicle. and a section devoted to its
appearance care
.
Part 6
Service & Appearance Care
Service ........................................................................\
............................................. 182
Fuel
........................................................................\
.................................................. 183
Hood Release ........................................................................\
................................... 186
Engine Oil ........................................................................\
........................................ 190
Air Cleaner
........................................................................\
...................................... 194
Transaxle Fluid
........................................................................\
................................ 195
Engine Coolant
........................................................................\
................................ 197
Power Steering Fluid
........................................................................\
....................... 199
Windshield Washer Fluid
........................................................................\
................ 200
Brakes
........................................................................\
.............................................. 201
Battery
........................................................................\
............................................. 203
Bulb Replacement
........................................................................\
........................... 203
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
................................................................... 205
Loading Your Vehicle
........................................................................\
..................... 206
Tires
........................................................................\
................................................. 207
Appearance Care ........................................................................\
............................. 212
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.................................................................... 218
Add-on Electrical Equipment
........................................................................\
........ 219
Fuses & Circuit Breakers ........................................................................\
................ 219
Capacities and Specifications
........................................................................\
......... 224
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
............................................................... 226
Fluids
& Lubricants ........................................................................\
........................ 227
Replacement
Bulbs ........................................................................\
.......................... 228
181
ProCarManuals.com

Service &Appearance Care
3100 V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3. Air Cleaner
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoi
6. Battery r
7. Automatic
Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
8. Engine Oil Dipstick
9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
10. Radiator Cap
ProCarManuals.com

P
3800 V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Reservoir
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
6. Battery
7. Air Cleaner
8. Engine Oil Dipstick
9. Engine Oil Fill Cap
10. Radiator Cap
189
ProCarManuals.com

To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper
mix
at the coolant recovery tank.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank,
but be careful not to spill it.
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105
kPa) pressure-type cap and must be
tightly installed to prevent coolant
loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the
arrows on the cap line up with the
overflow tube on the radiator filler
neck.
When you replace your radiator
pressure cap, an AC8 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.
Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering
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 (Hot)
mark.
When the engine compartment is
cool, the level should be at the
C
(Cold) mark.
199
ProCarManuals.com

Service &Appearance Care
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of fluid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
in the Index.
200
3100 V6: Checking Power Steering
Fluid
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid
or malting a complete fluid change,
always use the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add
Open the cap labeled WASHER
FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until
the bottle
is full.
3800 V6: Checking Power Steering
Fluid
ProCarManuals.com

1.02 kg
1.36 kg
Refrigerant (R134A), Air Conditioning
Front A/C only .................................................................... 2.25 pounds
Front and Rear A/C
............................................................ 3.00 pounds
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 dealer. For additional
infomation, see your “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
” booklet.
Fuel Tank ........................................................................\
..... 20 gallons 76.00 L
Power Steering
3100
V6 Engine:
Pump Only ........................................................................\
..
Complete System ................................................................
1 pint
1.25 pints 0.50 L
0.60 L
3800 V6 Engine:
Pump Only ........................................................................\
.. 1 pint 0.50 L
Complete System ................................................................ 1.50 pints 0.70 L
Tire Pressures, Sizes .......................................................... See CertificatiorVTire label on driver’s door.
Wheel Nut Torque ............................................................. 100 pound-feet 140 Nom
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.
r
ProCarManuals.com

Fluids & Lubricants
ITEM
Antifreeze Coolant ...............................
(Ethylene Glycol Base) ......................
Chassis Lubricant ................................
(Grease Gun Insert)
Delco Supreme
ll@ Brake Fluid .........
Automatic Transmission Fluid ............
DEXRONO-I11 ...................................
DEXRONO-IIE ...................................
Engine Oil .............................................
GM Engine Oil Supplement ................
Lubriplate (White Grease) ...................
Engine Oil .............................................
Windshield Washer Solvent .................
Power Steering Fluid ...........................
(E.O.S.)
(Normal)
(Cold Climate)
Power
Steering Fluid
...........................
APPLICATION GM PART NUMBER
Year-round antifreeze for ......................... 1052753
General chassis lube, etc.
........................ 12346003 or
coolant mixtures
1052497
Brake System
........................................... 1052535
Automatic Transaxle
................................................................... 12346143 32 oz. (1.0 L)
................................................................... 12345881 32 oz. (1 .O L)
Engine lubrication ................................... See Engine Oil in this section.
See your dealer for advice
....................... 1052367 16 oz. (0.5 L)
Sliding door tracks
.................................. 1052349 (aerosol) 12 oz. (340.2 g)
Hood, liftgate and door hinges
................
Windshield washer fluid ..........................
Power Steering System ........................... 1050017
1052884
Power Steering System
........................... 12345867
SIZE
1 gal. (3.8 L)
14 oz. (397 g)
16
02. (0.5 L)
32 oz. (1.0
L)
16 oz. (0.5 L)
32 oz. (1 .O L)
(System must 'be drained and refilled.) ................................................................. 12345866
Silicone Grease Weatherstrips 12345579
Lubricant 1052277
.................................... ...........................................
......... Spray-A-Squeak Silicone .................... General purpose silicone lubricant 1052276 (aerosol) 16
oz. (0.5 L)
1 oz. (28 g)
4.5
oz. (127 g)
12
oz. (0.35 L)
22 7
ProCarManuals.com