cooling OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1996 User Guide

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
I. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
it first
stops. (Don't press down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear
a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
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DW to 2 dl uid
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
(0.5 L).
Don ’t overfill. 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-111 is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How
to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way. 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, 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°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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NOTICE:
when adding coolant it is important that you use
DEX-COOL (orange-colored, silicate-free)
coolant meeting
GM Specification 6277M.
If’silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs
first.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half
clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets GM Specification
6277M, which won’t damage aluminum parts. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 3634621) with any complete coolant change. If you
use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else. Adding
only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze.
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I 1
I NOTICE: I
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.
Checking Coolant
The engine coolant reservoir is located on the
passenger’s side of the vehicle towards the middle of
the engine compartment.
When your engine is cold,
the coolant level should be at
FULL
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to FULL
HOT, or a
little higher.
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If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel
nuts for your
Oldsmobile model.
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have
a collision in which
you or others could be injured.
Always use
the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer
or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
A CAUTION,
~~
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or
how many miles it’s been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause an accident.
If you have to
replace
a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
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Capacities and Specifications
Engine Crankcase ...................................... 4.5 to 5 quarts
Oil change with filter change. Use your dipstick to measure.
Automatic Transaxle
When draining or replacing torque convertel; more fluid may be needed.
Pan Removal and Replacement ............................ 6 quarts
After Complete Overhaul
................................ 8 quarts
With Air Conditioning
.................................. 11.75 quarts
With Rear Climate Control
............................... 13.5 quarts
Cooling System
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level,
as recommended in this manual.
Refrigerant (R-l34a), Air Conditioning
FrontA/Conly ........................................ 2.25 lbs. 1.02 kg
Front and Rear A/C ..................................... 3 lbs. 1.36 kg
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. rfthe air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant,
be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
lfyou ’re not sure, ask your Oldsmobile retailez For additional information,
see
your “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information ” booklet.
FuelTank ............................................. 20gallons 76 L
WheelNutTorque ...................................... 100 lb-ft 140 N-m
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level,
as recommended
in this manual. 3.75
L
5.70 L
7.60 L
11.25 L
12.75 L
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Maintenance Schedule
I Short Trip/City Definition I
Follow the Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
0 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
0 If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner:
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first).
At 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) -- Then Every
12,000 Miles (20 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection,
if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
These intervals only sunzmnrize maintenmxe services.
Be sure
to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on the following pages.
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Maintenance Schedule
I Long Tripmighway Definition
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Driving n vehicle with n fidly wnrnzed engine under
lziglzwny conditions causes engine oil to brecrk
down slowe~
Im Long Tripmighway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every
I2 months, whichever
occurs first).
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) -- Then Every
15,000 Miles
(25 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection (or every
60 months, whichever
occurs first).
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Spark Plug Wire Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Tlwse intervals only surntnnrize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenarzce sch,edule on
the jollowing pages.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Cooling System
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I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
99,000 Miles (165 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
d
ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BV:
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant’’ in
the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
A11 Emission Control Service.
(Continued)
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qng Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule
, ; ., ‘:, ;: .
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components; see footnote #
(or every 12 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 and lubricate
if required.
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(or every
60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See “Engine
Coolant’’
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Ernission Corztrol Service.
0 Inspect spark plug wires.
An Ernission Control Service.
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