warning light OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1994 Owner's Manual

I City Driving
One of the biggest problems with city
streets is the amount
of tr&c on them.
You’ll want to watch out for what the
other drivers are doing and pay
attention to traffic signals.
Here are ways to increase your safety in
city driving:
Know the best way to get to where
you are going. Get a city map and
plan your trip into an
unknown part
of the city just as you would for a
cross-country trip.
Try to use the freeways that rim and
crisscross most large cities. You’ll
save time and energy. (See the next
section,
Freeway Driving.)
Treat a green light as a warning
signal. A traffic light is there because
the corner is busy enough to need it.
When a light turns green, and just
before you start to move, check both
ways for vehicles that have not
cleared the intersection or may be
running the red light.
I Freeway Driving
Mile for mile, freeways (also called
thruways, parkways, expressways,
turnpikes,
or superhighways) are the
safest of all roads. But they have their
own special rules.
The most important advice on freeway
driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep
to the right. Drive at the same speed
most of the other drivers are driving.
Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a
smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane
on a freeway as a passing lane.
At the entrance there is usually
a ramp
that leads to the freeway. If you have a
clear view
of the freeway as you drive
along the entrance ramp, you should
begin to check traffic. Try to determine
where you expect to blend with the
145
ProCarManuals.com

Your Driving and the Road
148
Ihow how to go uphill. You may
want to shift down to a lower gear.
The lower gears help cool your engine
and transaxle, and you can climb the
hill better.
Stay in your own lane when driving
on two-lane roads in hills or
mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut
across the center
of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your own
lane.
As you go over the top of a hill, be
alert. There could be something in
your lane, like a stalled car or an
accident.
You may see highway signs on
mountains that warn of special
problems. Examples are long grades,
passing or no-passing zones, a falling
rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert
to these and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
Have your Oldsmobile in good shape
for winter. Be sure your engine
coolant mix is correct.
You may want to put winter
emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or
broom, a supply
of windshield washer
fluid,
a rag, some winter outer clothing,
a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth,
and a couple of reflective warning
triangles. And, if you will be driving
under severe conditions, include a small
bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a
couple of burlap bags to help provide
traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where
your tires meet the road probably have
good traction.
However,
if there is snow or ice
between your tires and the road, you
can have a very slippery situation.
You’ll have a lot less traction
or “grip”
and will need to be very careful.
What’s the worst time for this? “Wet
ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick
and hard to drive
on. But wet ice can be
even more trouble because it may offer
the least traction of all. You can get
“wet ice” when it’s about freezing
(32°F; O’C) and freezing rain begins to
fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until
salt and sand crews can get there.
ProCarManuals.com

Problems on the Road
158
I Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you
warn others. They also let police know
you have a problem. Your front and rear
turn signal lights will flash on and off. Your
hazard warning flashers switch is
on the steering column below the
ignition switch. Press the button in to
make your front and rear turn signal
lights flash on and off.
Your hazard warning flashers work no
matter what position your key
is in, and
even
if the key isn’t in.
To turn off the flashers, pull out on the
collar.
When the hazard warning flashers are
on, your turn signals won’t work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can
set one up at the side of the road about
300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.
I Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may
want to use another vehicle and some
jumper cables
to start your Oldsrnobile.
But please follow the steps below to do
it safely.
ProCarManuals.com

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of transaxle fluid
to use. See
Recommended 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.
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
(OSL). Don’t overfill. We
recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRONo-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE,
because fluids with that label are made
especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRONo-I11 or DEXRONB-IIE is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid
level as described under
How to
Check.
obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
When the correct fluid level is
3100 V6: Adding Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
3800 V6: Adding Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant when it
is
low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see
Engine
Overheating
in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Oldsmobile
will:
Give freezing protection down to-34”F
Give boiling protection up to 262°F
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
Let the warning lights work as they
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification
1825-M:” which won’t damage
aluminum parts.
You can also use a
recycled coolant conforming to
GM
Specification 1825-M with a complete
coolant flush and refill.
If you use this
mixture,
you don’t need to add anything
else.
(-37°C).
( 12SoC).
temperature. should.
197
ProCarManuals.com

NOTICE:
When using concentrated washer
fluid, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-
use washer fluid. Water can cause
the solution to freeze and damage
your washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as
washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only %
full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion, which could
damage the tank
if it is
completely full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in
your windshield washer. It can
damage your washer system and
paint.
I
Brakes
Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here. It is
filled with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only
two reasons why the
brake fluid level in your master cylinder
might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable
level during normal brake lining wear.
When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up.
The other reason is that fluid is leaking
out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or later
your brakes won’t work well, or won’t
work at all.
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.
When your brake fluid falls to a low
level, your brake warning light will
come on. See
Brake System Warning
Light
in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake fluid
- such as Delco
Supreme
ll@ (GM Part No.1052535).
Use new brake fluid from a sealed
201
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
202
container only, and always clean the
brake fluid reservoir cap before
removing it.
NOTICE:
DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can
Don’t let someone put in the
damage
your vehicle. Don’t use it.
wrong kind of fluid. For example,
just a few drops of mineral-based
oil, such
as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll
have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so
be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. See
Appearance
Care
in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your Oldsmobile has front disc brakes
and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make
a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The
sound may come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving (except
when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
may cause
a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something
is wrong with your brakes. Your
rear drum brakes don’t have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear
brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake
linings inspected. Also, the rear brake
drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the front brakes replaced,
have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if there
is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This
could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes
moderately, with or without the vehicle
moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
ProCarManuals.com

Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service department or
other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any
Listed below are inspections and services which should be necessary repairs are completed at once.
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and
Restraint Systems
Steering, Suspension
and Front-Wheel-
Drive Axle Boot and
Seal Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
Brake System Inspection
~~ ~
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
~ ~~~
Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and
reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage.
If you see anything
that might keep
a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Inspect the front and rear suspension
and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken,
damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well
as open seams, holes, loose connections, or
other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes
into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts.
Replace parts as needed.
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect
drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.
You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced.
Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the
brake system. See the
Index under Brake System Warning Light. If your anti-lock brake system
warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.
See the
Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Wawing Light.
ProCarManuals.com

lndex
Accessory Power Outlet ................... 84
Adding Brake Fluid
............................. 201. 227
Electrical Equipment
........ .60. 117 . 2 19
Engine Coolant
.......... 167.197.224. 227
Engine Oil
.............................. 190. 224
Power Steering Fluid
..... 199.225. 227
Sound Equipment
.......................... 11 7
Transaxle Fluid
.............. 195. 224. 227
Windshield Washer Fluid
...... 200. 227
Air Bag Readiness Light
..................... 27
Air Bags
............................................... 26
Air Cleaner
............................... 194. 226
Air Conditioner
................................ 11 1
Air Inflator System ............................. 85
Alcohol. Driving Under the
Influence
of ..................................... 132
Alcohol in Gasoline
.......................... 183
Aluminum Wheels .................... 21 1. 216
Antenna
............................................ 129
Anti-Lock
.......................................... 135
Anti-Lock Brake System
................... 135
Brake Master Cylinder ................... 201
Junction Block Fuse
...................... 222
Warning Light
................................ 104
Appearance Care
.............................. 212
Adjusting
Rear Seats
.......................... 17
Antifreeze
......................... 197. 224. 227
Ashtrays and Lighter
.................... 89. 90 Audio
Systems
.................................. 117
AM/FM Stereo Radio
.................... 1 19
AM/FM Stereo Radio with Compact
Disc Player
..................................... 124
Care
of Audio Systems .................. 128
Setting the Clock
........................... 117
Steering Wheel Touch Controls
.... 127
Adding Fluid
.................. 197. 225. 227
Checking Fluid
............................... 195
Shifting
............................................. 62
Battery
............................................ 203
Jump Starting
................................. 158
Battery Warning Gage ...................... 103
Blizzard
............................................. 149
Brake Cassette
Player
...................... 120. 122
Radio Reception. For the Best
...... 128
Automatic Transaxle
(( Blowout. .. Tire ................................ 172
Adjustment
.................................... 202
Anti-Lock Brakes
.......................... 135
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
............................................ 104
Fluid
....................................... 201. 227
Parking
............................................. 65
Pedal Travel
................................... 202
Rear
Drums .................................... 202
Junction
Block Fuse
...................... 222
Master Cylinder
............................. 201 Warning Light
................................ 103
Wear Indicators
............................. 202
Brake System Warning Light
........... 103
Braking
............................................. 134
Braking in Emergencies
................... 138
Braking Technique
........................... 134
“Break.1n.
.. New Vehicle ............. 57. 152
Bucket Seats. Removable Rear
.......... 15
Buckling Up (see
Safety Belts)
Bulb Replacement
Headlight
....................................... 203
Taillight
.......................................... 204
Bulbs, Replacement
.......................... 228
Capacities
81 Specifications ............ 224
Carbon Monoxide in
Exhaust
...................... 57, 68. 150. 154
Cassette Tape Player
(see
Audio Systems )
Center Passenger Position
(see
Safety Belts)
Chains. Safety ................................... 154
Chains. Tire
.............................. 179, 212
Changing a Flat Tire
......................... 172
Checking
Brake Fluid
.................................... 201
Engine Coolant
.............................. 197
Engine Oil ...................................... 190
Power Steering Fluid
..................... 199
Safety Belt Systems
......................... 41
.
263
ProCarManuals.com

264
Things Under the Hood ................ 186
Transaxle Fluid
.............................. 195
Chemical Paint Spotting
.................. 217
Child Restraints
.................................. 35
How to Install
.................................. 35
Where to Put
.................................... 36
Children and Safety Belts
............ 34. 39
Child Security Lock
............................ 55
Circuit BrealtedRelay Panel ............ 222
Circuit Breakers
& Fuses ................. 219
City Driving
...................................... 145
Cleaner, Air
.............................. 194, 226
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
......................... 216
Compact Discs
............................... 129
Fabric
..................................... 213, 214
Finish Care
..................................... 216
Foreign Material
............................ 2 16
Glass
.............................................. 215
Inside of Your Oldsmobile
............ 212
Leather and Vinyl
.......................... 214
Outside
of the Windshield and Wiper
Blades
............................................. 215
Outside
of Your Oldsmobile ......... 215
Safety Belts
.................................... 214
Special Problems
........................... 213
Stains. Removing
........................... 213
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 89
Cassette Tape Player
...................... 128
Top of the Instrument Panel
......... 214 Underbody
Maintenance
............... 217
Vinyl or Leather
............................. 214
Warnings
........................................ 2 12
Weatherstrips
................................. 216
Windshield
..................................... 215
Climate Control System
............ 11 1. 113
Clock. Setting the
............................. 117
Cluster. Instrument Panel .................. 98
Comfort Controls
............................. 11 1
Air Conditioner .............................. 11 1
Heater ............................................ 111
Rear ................................................ 113
Ventilation ..................................... 1 16
(see
Audio Systems )
Compact Disc Player
Compact Overhead Console
.............. 95
Compact Spare Tire
......................... 178
Compass Display
................................ 81
Console, Overhead ............................. 79
Control
of a Vehicle ......................... 134
Convenience Net
................................ 91
Convex Outside Mirror
...................... 87
Coolant ............................................. 197
Checking
& Adding ....................... 198
Proper Mixture to Use
............ 168, 197
Safety Warnings About
.................. 167, 168, 169, 198
Temperature Gage
......................... 103
Cruise Control
.................................... 72
Cup Holder/Ashtray, Front
............... 89 Curves. Driving
on
........................... 138
Customer Assistance Information
... 249
Dead Battery: What to
Do ............. 158
Defensive Driving
............................ 132
Defogger. Rear Window
................... 115
Defogging and Defrosting
................ 115
Delco LOC II@
................................. 126
Dome Lights
....................................... 84
Door Locks
............................. 45. 46. 52
Door. Power Sliding ................... 52. 107
Door. Sliding
...................................... 51
Driver Position
................................... 22
Driving At Night
......................................... 142
City
................................................. 145
Controlling a Skid
......................... 141
Defensively
.................................... 132
Drunlten
......................................... 132
Freeway
.......................................... 145
Hill and Mountain
......................... 147
In a Foreign Country ..................... 184
In Rain
........................................... 143
Long Distance
................................ 146
Loss
of Control .............................. 141
On Curves
...................................... 138
Passing ........................................... 140
Through Deep Standing Water
....... 60
Winter Driving
............................... 148
With a Trailer
................................. 151
ProCarManuals.com

Drunken Driving .............................. 132
Electric Outside Mirror Control
...... 87
Electrical Equipment.
Adding
............................. 60. 117. 219
Electronic Level Control
............ 94. 206
Emergencies. Braking in
.................. 138
Emergencies on the Road
................ 157
Emergencies. Steering in
.................. 139
Emergency Starting
.......................... 158
Emergency Towing ........................... 162
Engine Coolant
................ 197, 224, 227
Engine Coolant Heater
....................... 61
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gage
............................................... 103
Engine Exhaust
............ 57. 68, 150, 154
Engine Identification
........................ 218
Engine Oil
......................................... 190
Additives
........................................ 193
Checking
& Adding ............... 190. 191
Disposing of Used Oil
................... 194
Energy Conserving
......................... 193
Pressure Gage
................................ 102
Pressure Indicator
......................... 101
Warning
.......................................... 193
When to Change
............................ 193
Engine Overheating
......................... 165
Engine Specifications
....................... 226
Engine. Starting
.................................. 58
Ethanol in Gasoline .......................... 183
Exhaust
Dangerous Gas
Parking with the Engine
in
............................. 57.
68. 150. 154
Running
................................... 67. 68
Expectant Mothers. Use
of Safety
Belts
................................................. 30
Expressway Driving
......................... 145
Extender. Safety Belt
......................... 41
Exterior Appearance
Fabric Cleaning
Fan Warnings
............ 159. 160. 167. 187
Filling the Fuel Tank ................ 185. 272
Filter Air Cleaner
............................ 194. 226
Oil
.......................................... 193. 226
Finish Care
....................................... 216
Flat Tire
............................................ 172
Flooded Engine
................................... 59
Fluid (see
Appearance
Care )
(see Appearance Care )
Flashers. Hazard Warning ............... 158
Flow-Through Ventilation
............... 116
Brake
...................................... 200. 227
Capacities
....................................... 224
Power Steering
.............. 199. 225. 227
Transaxle
....................... 195. 224. 227
Windshield Washer
................ 200. 227 Fluids
& Lubricants ......................... 227
Fog Lights
............................................ 76
Freeway Driving
............................... 145
Fuel
................................................... 183
Alcohol in Fuel
.............................. 183
Capacity
......................................... 185
Exhaust Warnings ..... 57. 68. 150. 154
Filling
Your Tank .......................... 185
Fuels with Alcohol
......................... 183
Gage
............................................... 100
In Foreign Countries ..................... 184
Low. Warning
................................ 101
Methanol in Fuel
........................... 183
Requirements ................................. 183
Fuse Panel and Usage .............. 220. 221
Fuses
& Circuit Breakers ................. 219
Anti-Lock Brakes Fuse
.................. 222
Injector Fuse
.................................. 223
Gages Coolant Temperature
.................... 103
Fuel
................................................ 100
Oil Pressure ................................... 102
Oil Pressure Indicator
................... 101
Tachometer
...................................... 99
Voltmeter
....................................... 103
Garage Door Opener Compartment
.. 80
Gasoline
............................................ 183
Gasoline Tank, Filling Your
............ 185
Gas Station Information .................. 272 265
ProCarManuals.com