brakes OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1995 Owner's Manual

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
The brake fluid reservoir is located to the left of the
windshield washer fluid reservoir, at the back of the
engine compartment.
When you
do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removin,g it.
-
NOTICE:
0 Don’t let someone put in the 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.
0 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.
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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 retailer 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.
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Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have to
be of top quality and work well
together
if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality
GM brake
parts
in them, as your Oldsmobile does when it is new.
When you replace parts of your braking system
-’- for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
have to have new ones put
in -- be sure you get new
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you don‘t, your
brakes may no longer work properly. For example.
if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes
can change
-- for the worse. The braking performance
you’ve
come to expect can change in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Every new Oldsmobile has a Delco Freedom@ battery.
You never have to add water to one of these. When
it’s time
for a new battery, we recommend a Delco
Freedom@ battery. Get one that has
the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. The
battery is located in the front, driver’s side corner
of the
engine compartment, just below
the windshield washer
fluid reservoir.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, take off the black, negative (-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from running
down.
Contact your retailer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Jump Starting
For jump starting instructions, see “Jump Starting” in
the Index.
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3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position,
but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK
(P),
your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.
Steering Column Lock
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to
LOCK in each shift lever position.
0 The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
0 The key should come out only in LOCK,
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot
on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until
the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
Shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
Underbody Flushing
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your
GM retailer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Restraint Systems
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.
Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
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.
Exhaust System Inspection
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.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hookup, 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.
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Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Outlet ......................... 2-57
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
..................... 6-2 1
BrakeFluid ................................. 6-28
Electrical Equipment
............... 2.25.3.21. 6.51
Engine Coolant
.............................. 6-23
Engineoil
.................................. 6-12
Power Steering Fluid
......................... 6-26
SoundEquipment
............................ 3-21
Windshield Washer Fluid
................. 2.43. 6-26
AirBag
....................................... 1-26
How Does
it Restrain ......................... 1-29
How
it Works ............................... 1-28
Location
................................... 1-28
Readiness Light
........................ 1.27. 2.76
What Makes it Inflate
......................... 1-29
What Will You See After it Inflates
.............. 1-30
When Should
it Inflate ........................ 1-29
AirClealler
.................................... 6-17
Airconditioner
................................. 3-2
AirInflator
.................................... 2-63
Alignment and Balance. Tires
..................... 6-40
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-48
Servicing
................................... 1-31 Antenna.
Integrated Roof
......................... 3-23
Anti-Lock
..................................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Junction Block Fuse ......... 6-56
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
......... 2.78. 4.7
Anti-Lock Brakes
............................... 4-6
Anti-Theft Feature. CD Player
.................... 3-17
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-22
Adding
.................................... 6-23
Checking
................................... 6-23
Appearance Care
............................... 6-42
Appearance Care and Materials
.................... 6-50
Ashtrays
................................... 2.65. 66
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-8
Auto Down Window Feature
...................... 2-39
Automatic Door Locks
............................ 2-5
Automatic Overdrive Position
..................... 2-30
Automatic Transaxle
............................ 2-28
Automatic Overdrive Position
.................. 2-30
First Gear (1) Position
........................ 2-32
Neutral
(N) Position .......................... 2-30
Park (P) Position
............................. 2-29
Reverse (R) Position
.......................... 2-29
Second Gear
(2) Position ...................... 2-31
Audio
System. Steering Wheel Touch Controls
....... 3-20
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Battery ...................................... 6-30
Battery Replacement. Remote Lock Control .......... 2-10
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-3
Adjustment ................................. 6-29
Fluid, Adding ............................... 6-28
Master Cylinder ............................. 6-27
Pedal Travel ................................ 6-29
System Parts. Replacing ....................... 6-30
System Warning Light ........................ 2-77
BatteryWarnings ..............................5-2. 4
Blizzard ...................................... 4-27
Brake Trailer
..................................... 4-35
Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) ........ 2-29.36. 7-37
Wear ...................................... 6-29
Brake. Parking ................................. 2-32
Brakes. Trailer .................................. 4-35
Brakes. Anti-Lock ............................... 4-6
Braking ........................................ 4-5
Braking In Emergencies .......................... 4-10
Break-In. New Vehicle .......................... 2-22
BTSI (Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock) ...... 2-29.36. 7-37
Bucketseats .................................... 1-5
Adjusting Rear Seats .......................... 1- 10
Capacities and Specifications ..................... 6-58
CarbonMonoxide ................... 2.20.4.27.34. 37
Cassette Tape Player ............................ 3-11
Cassette Tape Player Care ........................ 3-22
CD Player Anti-Theft Feature ..................... 3-17
Center Dome Lamp ............................. 2-55
Center Passenger Position ........................ 1-36
Certificatioflire Label .......................... 4-29
Chains, Safety ................................. 4-35
Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-24
CDPlayer ..................................... 3-16
Chains, Tire ................................... 6-41
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Traction .................................... 6-39
Treadwear
.................................. 6-39
Uniform Quality Grading
...................... 6-38
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-37
Wheel Replacement
.......................... 6-40
When It’s Time for New
....................... 6-37
Top Strap
..................................... 1-49
TorqueLock
................................... 2-35
Torque. Wheel
Nut ......................... 5.32. 6.59
Towing a Trailer
................................ 4-3 1
Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-8
Front ...................................... 5-11
Rear
....................................... 5- 13
Traction Control Disable Switch
................... 4-10
Traction Control System
.......................... 4-9
Traction Control System Warning Light
......... 2-79, 4-9
Trailer Tongue Weight
........................... 4-33
Trailer Towing Brakes
..................................... 4-35
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-37
Driving with a Trailer
......................... 4-35
Hitches
.................................... 4-34
Maintenance
................................ 4-38
Parking on Hills
............................. 4-38
Safety Chains
............................... 4-35
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
............. 4-34
Towing
a Trailer ............................. 4-31
Turnsignals
................................ 4-37
Transaxle Fluid, Automatic
....................... 6- 19
Transmitters, Matching to Your Vehicle
............. 2- 10
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-75
Weight
of a
Trailer ........................... 4-33 Trip. Before Leaving on a Long
.................... 4-21
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
............. 2-41
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
................... 2-40
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-37
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 6-48
Underhood Lamp
............................... 6-11
Vehicle Damage Warnings
......................... iv
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
............... 6-51
Vehicle Loading ................................ 4-29
Vehicle Storage
........................ : ....... 6-30
Vehicle Symbols
................................... v
Vehicle. Control of a ............................. 4-5
Vehicle. Leaving Your
............................ 2-7
Ventilation Tips
................................. 3-7
Vision. Night
.................................. 4-16
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-65
Visors. Sun
.................................... 2-65
Voltmeter ..................................... 2-77
Ventilation System. Flow-Through
.................. 3-7
warning Devices
............................... 5-2
Warning Flashers. Hazard
......................... 5-1
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
............... 2-75
Washing Your Vehicle
........................... 6-47
Water. Driving Through Deep Standing
............. 2-27
Weatherstrips .................................. 6-46
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