load capacity OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1997 Owners Manual

If you are not adjusting either mirror, leave the control
in the center off position. This prevents moving the
mirrors accidentally once
you have them adjusted.
Both outside mirrors can be folded forward or rearward.
In the rearward position, they will fold almost flush with
the vehicle. This feature
is particularly useful in
automatic car washes and when maneuvering your
vehicle
in narrow spaces.
Your mirrors have
a blue tint to reduce glare while
driving at night.
Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved
so you can see more from the
driver’s seat.
1
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles)
look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Storage Compartments
Your Silhouette’s large carrying capacity can store many
items.
If you have the long wheelbase version, you can
carry things
as large as a 4‘ x 8‘ piece of plywood. You
can also use the floor pins that are used to attach the
seats, to secure larger loads. This section also describes
storage
areas for specific items like sunglasses and cups.
2-67
ProCarManuals.com

The convenience net has a maximum capacity of
100 lbs. (45 kg). It is not designed to holder larger,
heavier loads. Store such loads
on the floor of your
vehicle, as far forward as
you can.
When
not in use, we recommend that you take down the
convenience net to extend its life and retain
its elasticity,
and to keep
the rear exit clear. Store the net in the pouch
behind either front seat.
Side Convenience Nets
The side convenience nets are designed to hold smaller
items (about
8 lbs.) than the large convenience net.
Attach
the loops to the posts on the rear side panels,
near the jack storage area.
When not
in use, we recommend that you take down
the convenience nets to extend their life and retain
their elasticity.
2-78
ProCarManuals.com

Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading your vehicle. For more information
on vehicle
capacity and loading, see “Loading Your Vehicle”
in
the Index.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving,
check
now and then to make sure the luggage carrier and
cargo are
still securely fastened.
Your luggage carrier
has
release knobs set in the ends
of each crossrail.
NOTICE:
Loading cargo that weighs more than 150 lbs.
(68 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage
your vehicle.
When you carry cargo on the luggage carrier of a
proper size and weight, put it
on the slats, as far
forward
as you can. Then slide the crossrail up
against the rear
of the load, to help keep it from
moving. You can then tie it down.
Turn the release knobs counterclockwise to unlock
the crossrails. Slide the crossrails forward or back, as
needed, to accommodate loads of varying size.
After repositioning the crossrails, be sure to tighten the
release knobs by turning them clockwise. This
will lock
the crossrails
in place.
ProCarManuals.com

Loading Your Vehicle
XXXXXXXX PRINTEO IN U.S.A. I
‘0 GVWR MFD BVGENERALMOTORSCORP
I mi-
GAWR FRT GAWR RR
I 0 m
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE U.S. FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE
OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
I m mn
I
The Certificationnire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual
loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a
weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your retailer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally
on both sides of the centerline.
. . . - - - - .
-]TIRE SIZE SPEED RTG
1- RIM COLD TIRE PRESSURE]
The CertificationRire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver’s door.
The label shows the size of your original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the
GVWR for your vehicle or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
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.)
4-29
ProCarManuals.com

Towing a Trailer
/ CA, TKL 4:
If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the
brakes may not work well
-- or even at all. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the
steps in this section. Ask your Oldsmobile retailer
for advice and information about towing
a trailer
with your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
your warranty.
To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your Oldsmobile
retailer for important information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the
vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information
in “Weight of the Trailer”
that appears later in this section. But trailering
is
different than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes
in handling, durability and
fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has
to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this section. In
it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many
of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers.
So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,
wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder
against the drag of the added weight. The engine is
required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under
greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the
trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing
the pulling requirements.
ProCarManuals.com

You can ask your retailer for our trailering information
or advice, or you can write us at
:
Oldsmobile Customer Assistance
P.O. Box 30095
Lansing,
MI 48909
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario LlH
8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross
weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you
must add the tongue load to the GVW because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in
the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
A B
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight
(B). If you’re using a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight
(B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see
if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t,
you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
ProCarManuals.com

Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the
same way as the one it replaces.
11 yo^- -1eed 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
Putting
a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or
how
far 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.
ProCarManuals.com

Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Headlamps ......................... 9004-HBI
Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamps
........... 3 157NA or 3 IS7 NAK
Stopmail (Top) .......................... 3057
Signal (2nd from top)
..................... 3 156
Back-up Lamps (3rd from top) ............. 3 1 S6
Tail (Bottom) ........................... 3057
Front Sidemarker
Lamps
................... 194
Capacities and Specifications
(Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and Metric conversions.
Please refer
to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index for more information.
Automatic Transaxle
Pan Removal and Replacement ..... 8 quarts (7.6 L)
Cooling System
With A/C ................. 1 1.75 quarts (1 1.25 L)
With Rear Climate Control or
Rear Heater
.............. 13.5 quarts ( 12.75 L)
Engine Crankcase - Oil and
Filter Change
.................... 4.5 (3.75 L)
Fuel Capacity
Standard (SWB) ................ 20 gallons (76 L)
Optional (LWB) ................ 25 gallons (95 L)
Refrigerant,
Air Conditioning*
........ See Refrigerant Label
under the hood.
Tire Pressures, Sizes ........... See Tire-Loading
Information
label on driver’s door.
Wheel Nut Torque .......... 100 lb-ft (140 Nem)
Windshield Washer Fluid ....... 1 gallon (0.37 L)
*See Air Conditioning Refrigerants later in this section.
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill
to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
rcfr-igerant,
be sure the proper refrigerunt is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your Oldsmobile retailel:
6-62
ProCarManuals.com