suspension OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1996 Owners Manual

Electronic Level Control (Option)
On vehicles equipped with the optional electronic level
control, the rear of the vehicle is automatically kept
level as you load or unload your vehicle. However, you
should still
not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR.
You may hear the compressor operating when you load
or unload your vehicle, and periodically as the system
self-adjusts. This is normal.
The compressor should operate for brief periods of time.
If the sound continues for an extended period
of time,
your vehicle needs service. To keep your battery from
being drained, you may want to remove
the ELC fuse in
the fuse control panel until you can have your vehicle
serviced
(see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers’’ in the Index.)
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask
your retailer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
I 6% ,AUTIONr
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR.
If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the
way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control.
Also, overloading can shorten the life
of
your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else -- they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or
if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
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1 CAUTION: I
‘1‘0 help avoid injury to you or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
Never get under your vehicle after it has
Always use separate safety chains on each
Never use J-hooks. Use T-hooks instead.
being towed.
fully secured.
been lifted by the tow truck.
side when towing
a vehicle.
When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key
in the OFF position. The steering wheel should be
clamped
in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping
device designed for towing service.
Do not use the
vehicle’s steering column lock
for this. The transaxle
should be
in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking
brake released.
A vehicle can fall from a car-carrier if it isn’t
adequately secured. This can cause
a collision,
serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The
vehicle should be tightly secured with chains
or
steel cables before it is transported.
Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp
edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use
T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. Never use
J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and
suspension components.
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Front Towing
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or fascia
damage will occur. Use wheel-lift
or car-carrier
equipment. Additional ramping may be required
for car-carrier equipment. Use safety chains and
wheel straps.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle
to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift equipment.
To help avoid damage, install
a towing dolly
and raise the vehicle until adequate clearance
is obtained between the ground and/or
wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to
suspension components when using car-carrier
equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in
the T-hook slots.
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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.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found
in an Oldsmobile Service Manual. See “Service
and Owner Publications’’ in the Index.
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 hook-up, 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.
Radiator anc d Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspect!. :
Inspect the throttle linkage for interrerence or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
Brake System Inspection
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.
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Inspections Brakesystem
................................ 7-38
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-38
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-38
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-38
Steering
.................................... 7-38
Suspension
.................................. 7-38
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-38
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-68
Cleaning
.................................... 6-45
Cluster
..................................... 2-70
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-53
Light Intensity Control
......................... 2-49
Exhaust
Systems
............................. 7-38
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-49
Interior Lights Control
........................... 2-49
Interior Lights Override Switch
.................... 2-49
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-25
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-35
Key Reminder Warning
.......................... 2-21
Keys
.......................................... 2-1
Labels CertificatiodTire
............................. 4-27
Identification
................................ 6-5 I
Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-5 1
Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-27
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-51
Lamps ........................................ 2-48
Dome
...................................... 2-50
Interior
..................................... 2-49
On Reminder
................................ 2-48
Underhood
................................... 6-9
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-34
License Plate Lamp Bulb Replacement
.............. 6-31
Liftgate
....................................... 2-19
Liftgate Ajar Light
.............................. 2-82
LiftgateLock
.................................. 2-21
Lighter
....................................... 2-58
Lights Air Bag Readiness
....................... 1-26, 2-73
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-75, 4-6
Brake System Warning
.................... 2-74, 6-26
Interior
..................................... 2-49
Interior Lights Override Switch
.................. 2-49
Liftgate Ajar
................................. 2-82
Low Coolant Warning
......................... 2-77
Power Sliding Door Warning
.................... 2-81
Safety Belt Reminder
..................... 1 - 13, 2-73
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-77
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-27
LowFuel
................................... 2-84
LowOil
.................................... 2-81
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