wiper fluid OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1997 Owners Manual

Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Oldsmobile, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that
tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2 2-4
2-7
2-
10
2- 12
2-13 2-15
2-19
2-23
2-26 2-26
2-28 2-29
2-3 1
2-35
2-37
2-4
1
2-50 Important Information About Keys
Door Locks
Remote Lock
Control
Battery Replacement for RKE
Switchbanks
Sliding Door
Power Sliding Door
Operation of Sliding Door Security Locks
Preventing Theft
of Your Vehicle
New Vehicle "Break-In"
Ignition Positions
Tips on Starting
Your Engine
Using the Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Parking Brake Guidelines
Important Information on Engine Exhaust
Locks and Lighting Choices
Windows 2-52
2-52
2-53
2-54
2-55
2-59
2-59
2-6
I
2-66
2- 67
2-7
I
2- 84
2-85
2- 86
2-88
2-92 Adjusting the
Tilt Steering
Wheel
Functions of the Multifunction Lever
How to Use
the High/Low Beam
Headlamp Changer
Windshield Wipers and Fluid
Using Cruise Control
Exterior Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Interior Lamps
Rearview Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Driver Information Center
Accessory Power Outlets
S u nroo f
Air Inflator System
Instrument Panel Overview
All About Your Warning Lights and Gages
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Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
marked
WIPER.
For a single wiper cycle: Turn the band to MIST. Hold
it there until the wipers start, then let
go. The wipers will
stop after one cycle.
If you want more cycles, hold the
band
on mist longer.
For delayed wiper cycles: You can set the wiper speed
for a long or short delay between wipes. This can be
very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to
choose the delay time. The closer to
LOW, the shorter
the delay time.
For steady wiper cycles: For steady wiping at low
speed, turn the band away from you to the
LOW
position. For high-speed wiping, turn the band further to
HIGH. To stop the wipers, move the band to OFF.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before
using them. If they’re frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades
do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts. Heavy
snow
or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, press and hold the windshield
washer paddle. The washers and wipers will operate.
When you release
the paddle, the washers will stop, and
the wipers will continue to operate for two cycles, unless
your wipers had already been
on. In that case, the wipers
will resume the wiper speed you had selected earlier.
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Driving without washer fluid can be dangerous. A
bad mud splash can block your vision. You could hit
another vehicle or
go off the road. Check your washer
fluid level often.
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Rear Window Wiper and Washer
\-
I The rear window wiper
switch
is located in
the Instrument Panel
switchbank.
Push the wiper symbol on the bottom
of the button to
turn on the intermittent wiper. To turn off the wiper,
gently push the top
of the button.
To wash and wipe the rear window, push in the washer
symbol on the top
of the button. Washer fluid will spray
as long as the button is held
in. When the top of the
button is released, the wiper will continue to cycle three
more times.
To wash the rear window when the rear wiper is already on,
push on the top
of the button with the wash symbol on it.
Push in the bottom of the button to continue the intermittent
wiper cycle after the washing cycle is completed.
Cruise Control (Option)
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help
on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 kmh).
When you apply your brakes,
the cruise control
shuts
off.
0 Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can’t drive safely at
a steady speed. So,
don’t use your cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes
in tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control. Don’t
use cruise control on slippery roads.
0 Cruise control can be dangerous on
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The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape,
a heavy rain
can make
it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge
of the road and even
people walking.
It's wise
to keep your wiping equipment in good shape
and keep your windshield washer tank filled with
washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts
when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on
the windshield, or when strips
of rubber start to separate
from the inserts. Driving
too fast through large water puddles or
even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But
if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won't work
as well in
a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through
a large puddle of water or
a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until
your brakes work pormally.
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The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend
to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Oldsmobile retail facilities all across North America.
They’ll be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
0 Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated
to
the recommended‘pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should
you delay your trip a short
time to avoid
a major storm system?
0 Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack
of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch
of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on
the road, the drone
of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Don’t let
it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road
in less than CI second, and you could
crash and be injured.
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Oldsmobile. This section begins with service information, and
then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted
to its appearance care.
6-2
6- 3
6-4
6-5
6-7
6-10 6-15
6-16 6-17
6-20 6- 24
6-25
6-26
6-30 6-30
6-3
1
6-38 Doing
Your Own Service Work
What Kind
of Fuel to Use
Using Fuel in Foreign Countries
Where to Put the Fuel and Filling the Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Checking Your Engine
Oil
Air Cleaner
Pollen Filter
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Engine Coolant
Power Steering Fluid
Where to Fill
the Windshielc 9 Washer Fluic
Important Brake Information
Information on Your Vehicle’s Battery
Tips on Vehicle Storage
Bulb Replacement Procedures
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement 6-40
6-42
6-44
6-47 6-49
6-50
6-52
6-53 6-54
6-55 6-56
6-57
6-62
6-62
6-62 6-63
6-63 How and
When to Check Tire Inflation
When
it is Time to Buy New Tires
Wheel Alignment
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care of the Safety Belts
Cleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle
How to Clean Aluminum Wheels
Underbody Maintenance
Recommended Appearance Care Materials
Your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
The Electrical System
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Replacement Bulb Types for Your Vehicle
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Specifications
Vehicle Dimensions
Normal Replacement Parts
6-1
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Glass
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM
Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since
they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should
not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield,
Backglass and
Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield
with GM Glass
Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427 or equivalent). The
windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse
it
with water. Grime from
the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade
by wiping
vigorously with
a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean
them as necessary;
replace worn blades.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak. Apply silicone
grease with
a clean cloth at least every six months.
During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Oldsmobile
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color,
gloss retention and durability.
6-50
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Turn SignalMultifunction Lever ................... 2-52
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-37
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-40
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-53
Underhood Fuse and Relay Center
................. 6-60
Vehicle Control
...................................... 4-6
Dimensions
................................. 6-63
Identification Number
......................... 6-55
Loading
.................................... 4-29
Storage
..................................... 6-30
Ventilation System
............................... 3-4
Ventilation Tips
............................... 3-5
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-83
Visors. Sun
.................................... 2-83
Damage
Warnings
.............................. iv
warning Devices
............................... 5-3
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
............... 2-92 Washer Fluid. Windshield
........................ 6-26
Washing Your Vehicle
........................... 6-51
Weatherstrips
.................................. 6-50
Wheel
Alignment
.................................. 6-44
Nut Torque
............................. 5.30. 6.62
Replacement
................................. 6-44
Used Replacement
............................ 6-45
Wrench
..................................... 5-25
Windows
..................................... 2-50
Power
...................................... 2-50
Power Rear Quarter
........................... 2-51
SideLatches
................................. 2-51
Windshield Washer
............................. 2-54
Fluid
.................................. 2.54. 6.26
Fluid Level Check
............................ 7-37
Rear
....................................... 2-55
Rear
....................................... 2-55
Blade Replacement ........................... 6-38
Fuses
...................................... 6-56
Winter Driving
................................. 4-25
Windshield Wiper
.............................. 2-54
Wiring. Headlamp
.............................. 6-56
Wrench. Wheel
................................. 5-25
9-13
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