warning light OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1997 Owner's Manual

Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
a Have your Oldsmobile in good shape for winter.
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
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.
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How to Add Fluid Engine Coolant
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 one pint
(0.5 L). Don% 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.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to Check.”
4. 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 (silicate-free) engine coolant. This
coolant
is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years
or 150,000 miles
(240 000 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:
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.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir 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.
I A CAUTION: I
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid 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.
BRAKE
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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).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
I NOTICE: 1
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
1
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 br.
c~ k es.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and
evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
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.
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Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Outlet ......................... 2-84
Adding Equipment to the Outside
Of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
AirBag
....................................... 1-43
How Does
it Restrain .......................... 1-47
Howitworks
................................ 1-45
Location
.................................... 1-45
Readiness Light
......................... 1.44, 2.94
Servicing
................................... 1-48
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-46
What Will You See After it Inflates
............... 1-47
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-46
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-15
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
..................... 6-62
AirInflator
.................................... 2-86
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-44
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-52
Antenna. Integrated Windshield
.................... 3-30
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-20
Anti-Lock
........................................
Brake System Warning Light ................ 2.96. 4.7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Adjusting the Split Bench Seat
.................... 1 . 19
Appearance Care
............................... 6-46
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-54
Ashtray
....................................... 2-82
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-9
Automatic Door Locks
............................ 2-6
Automatic Overdrive
............................ 2-33
Automatic Transaxle Check
....................... 7-38
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
........................ 6-17
HowtoAdd
................................. 6-20
How to Check
............................... 6-18
When
to Check and Change ..................... 6-17
Automatic Transaxle Operation
.................... 2-31
Shifting
..................................... 2-31
Automatic Transaxle Park Mechanism Check
......... 7-40
Battery Saver
................................. 2-61
Battery
....................................... 6-30
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Warnings
................................ 5.3. 5.5
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-7
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
.................... 4-22
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-7
9-1
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Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-30
Fluid
....................................... 6-26
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-26
Parking
..................................... 2-35
PedalTravel
................................. 6-30
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-30
System Warning Light
.................... 2.95. 6.27
Trailer
...................................... 4-35
Transaxle Shift Interlock
....................... 2-38
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-39
Wear
....................................... 6-29
Brakes’Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4-10
Break.In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2-26
BTSICheck
................................... 7-39
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-31
Braking
........................................ 4-6
BTSI
......................................... 2-38
Canada. Ordering Service and Owner Publications
.... 8-9
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-62
Captain’s Chairs
................................ 1-26
Reclining the Seatback
......................... 1-26
Removing
................................... 1-26
Replacing
................................... 1-27
Carbon Monoxide
.................... 2.39.4.28. 4.35
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Driver’s Four-Way Manual Seat .................... 1-2
Driving City
........................................ 4-20
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-21
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-27
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
IntheRain
.................................. 4-17
Night
...................................... 4-16
OnCurves
.................................. 4-11
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-37
On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-23
On Snow and Ice
............................. 4-25
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-25
With a Trailer
................................ 4-35
Dump and Stow Feature
........................... 1-7
Throughwater
............................... 4-19
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-3
Electrical Equipment. Adding
.................... 2-29
Electrical System
............................... 6-56
Electronic Level Control
......................... 4-29
Engine
........................................ 6-9
Coolant
..................................... 6-20
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-29
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-37 Coolant Tenlperature Gage
..................... 2-98
Cooling System
.............................. 6-62
Exhaust
..................................... 2-39
Identification
................................ 6-55
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-37
Overheated Protection Operating Mode
........... 5-12
Running While Parked
......................... 2-40
Specifications
................................ 6-63
Starting Your
................................ 2-28
Engine Oil
.............................. 2- 102. 6-10
Additives ................................... 6-14
Checking
................................... 6-11
Used ....................................... 6-14
What
Kind to Use ............................. 6-12
WhentoAdd
................................ 6-11
When
to Change .............................. 6-14
Engine Temperature Warning Light ................. 2-99
Equipment, Adding to the Outside
Of Your Vehicle ..... 6-3
Exhaust, Engine
................................ 2-39
Exit Lighting
.................................. 2-63
Overheating
................................. 5-12
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-47
Fan Knob. Climate Control System
.................. 3-2
Filling Your Tank
................................ 6-5
Filter. Air
..................................... 6-15
Filter. Pollen ................................... 6-16
Finishcare
.................................... 6-51
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Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors ................... 2-83
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-40
Inflator. Air
................................... 2-86
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-66
Inspections
Brakesystem
................................ 7-42
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-4 1
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot .................. 7-4 1
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal ................... 7-4 1
Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-41
Suspension
.................................. 7-41
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-42
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-88
Cleaning
.................................... 6-49
Cluster
..................................... 2-90
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-57
Light Intensity Control
......................... 2-61
Instrument Panel Switchbank
...................... 2- I3
Interior Lamps ................................. 2-6 1
Interior Lamps Control ........................... 2-6 1
Interior Lamps Override Switch ................... 2-62
Steering
.................................... 7-41
Jack. Tire
.................................... 5-25
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service ............
Keys ................................
7-38
. 2-2 Labels
CertificationlTire
............................. 4-29
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-55
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-29
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-55
Lamps ........................................ 2-59
Delayed Illumination
.......................... 2-63
Dome
...................................... 2-64
Exit Lighting
................................ 2-63
Illuminated Entry
............................. 2-62
Interior
..................................... 2-61
On Reminder
................................ 2-59
Rearcargo
.................................. 2-64
Underhood
.................................. 6-10
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-37
Liftgate
....................................... 2-21
Lighter
....................................... 2-82
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-44: 2-94
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-96. 4-7
Brake System Warning
.................... 2.95. 6.27
Charging System Indicator
...................... 2-94
DoorAjar
.................................. 2-104
Engine Temperature Warning
................... 2-99
Interior
..................................... 2-61
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2.99, 6-23
Low Fuel Warning
........................... 2- 105
Low Oil Level ......................... 2.103. 6.10
Fog
........................................ 2-60
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Low Traction ............................ 2.98. 4.9
Oil Pressure
................................ 2- 102
Safety Belt Reminder ..................... 1.29, 2.93
Service Engine Soon
......................... 2- 100
Traction Control System Warning
........... 2.97. 4.10
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-29
Locks
Automatic Door
............................... 2-6
Cylinders
................................... 7-38
Door
........................................ 2-3
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-38
Last Door Closed Locking
....................... 2-6
Lockout Deterrent
............................. 2-7
Power Door
.................................. 2-5
Sliding Door
................................. 2- 14
Sliding Door Child Security
..................... 2-19
Sliding Door Delayed Locking
................... 2-6
Steering Column Park Check
.................... 7-40
Locks and Lighting Choices
...................... 2-41
Loss of Control
................................ 4- 15
Low Coolant Warning Light
................. 2.99. 6.23
Low Fuel Warning Light
........................ 2- 105
Low Oil Level Light ...................... 2.103, 6.10
Low Traction Light
......................... 2.98. 4.9
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-43
Lubrication Service. Body
........................ 7-38
Luggagecarrier
................................ 2-79
Lumbar Control
................................. 1-6 Maintenance.
Normal Replacement Parts
........... 6-63
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-45
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
How This Section is Organized ................... 7-3
Long Trip/Highway Definition
................... 7-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-37
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-43
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-5
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................ 7-2
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-53
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-38
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
..................... 2- 100
Mirrors
....................................... 2-66
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-67
Illuminated Visor Vanity
....................... 2-83
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-66
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-66
Visor Vanity
................................. 2-83
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-41
Matching Transmitters to Your Vehicle
.............. 2-10
Mode Buttons. Climate Control System .............. 3-3
Mode
Knob. Climate Control System ................ 3-2
MountainRoads
................................ 4-23
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-52
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Safety Belt Extender ............................ 1-80
Safety Belts
................................... 1-28
Adults
...................................... 1-34
Care ....................................... 6-49
Center Rear Passenger Position
.................. 1-55
Children
.................................... 1-56
Driver Position ............................... 1-34
Extender
.................................... 1-80
How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-34
Incorrect Usage
.................... 1-37. 1-78. 1-79
LapBelt
.................................... 1-55
Lap-Shoulder ........................... 1.34. 1-50
Passenger Position ............................ 1-43
Larger Children
.............................. 1-77
Questions and Answers
........................ 1-33
Rear Comfort Guides .......................... 1-52
Rear Seat Passengers
.......................... 1-49
Reminder Light
......................... 1.29. 2.93
Replacing After a Crash
........................ 1-80
Right Front Passenger Position
.................. 1-43
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
................... 1-36
Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-56
WhyThey Work
.............................. 1-30
Safety Chains
.................................. 4-34
Safety Defects, Reporting
......................... 8-8
Safety Warnings and Symbols
....................... 111
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4
Seat Controls
................................... 1-6
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............ 1-49
Use During Pregnancy
... : ..................... 1-42
...
Seatback
Folding Driver’s
............................... 1-3
Reclining Front and Captain’s
.................... 1-4
Controls
................................. 1-2. 1-6
Driver’s Four-Way Manual
...................... 1-2
Lumbar Control
............................... 1-6
Manual Front Passenger ......................... 1-4
Power
....................................... 1-3
Rear
........................................ 1-6
Restraint Systems
.............................. 1 . 1
Second Row Safety Belt Stowage ................. 1-7
Securing a Child Restraint
...................... 1-70
SecondGear
................................... 2-33
Second Row Solid Bench Seat
...................... 1-8
Folding the Seatback ........................... 1-8
Seats
Dumpandstow
............................... 1-7
Removing
.................................... 1-8
Replacing ................................... 1 . 10
Service ........................................ 6-2
Bulletins. Ordering
............................ 8-10
Engine
Soon Light ........................... 2- 100
Manuals. Ordering ............................ 8- IO
Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-55
Publications. Ordering ......................... 8-10
Work. Doing Your Own
......................... 6-2
Service and Appearance Care
...................... 6-1
Service and Owner Publications
................... 8-10
Service Publications
............................. 8-10
Service
and Owner Publications. Ordering
in Canada .... 8-9
9-10
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