wiper blades OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1998 Owners Manual

Windshield Wipers Windshield Washer
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
marked
WIPER.
For a single wiping 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 wiping 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 wiping cycles, 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
fiom the wiper blades before
using them.
If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefidly
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. 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
earl+.
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.
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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or
turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good
as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious
if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
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.
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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:
0
0
0
0
0
0
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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?
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?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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5. Replace the bulb(s) by pulling the old one(s) out
and gently pushing the
new one(s) into the bulb
holder socket.
7. Reinstall the taillamp assembly by inserting the
outboard locatingketaining pins until the lamp is
seated. Secure with the inboard screws.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your retailer service department.
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
For the proper windshield wiper blade length and type,
see “Replacement Parts” in the Index.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are
removed
in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Turn the wipers on to the lowest intermittent setting.
2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the
outer positions of the wipe pattern. The blades are
more accessible for removalheplacement while in
A. Tail Bulb C. Turn Signal Bulb
B. Back-up Bulb D. Stop/Tail Bulb this position.
6. Snap the bulb holder back into place making sure all
retaining tabs
are properly over the bulb holder tabs.
3. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield
or backglass.
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Cleaning Glass Surfaces
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 on
interior glass.
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
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder),
GM Part No. 105001 1. 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 blades that look worn.
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 Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
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Vehicle Dimensions - Regular
Wheel Base
Length ................. 187.4 inches (475.9 cm)
Width
...................... 72 inches (183 cm)
Height
................... 67.4 inches (1 7 1.2 cm)
Wheelbase
................ 11 2 inches (284.5 cm)
Front Tread Width
......... 6 1.5 inches (1 56.2 cm)
Rear Tread Width
.......... 63.3 inches (1 60.8 cm)
Vehicle Dimensions - Extended
Wheel Base
Length ................. 20 1.4 inches (5 1 1.5 cm)
Width
................... 72.2 inches (183.4 cm)
Height
................... 68.1 inches (172.9 cm)
Wheelbase
................ 120 inches (304.7 cm)
Front Tread Width
......... 6 1.5 inches (156.2 cm)
Rear Tread Width
.......... 63.3 inches ( 160.8 cm)
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter ............. AC Type A- 1208C
Passenger Compartment Air Cleaner Filter
(2) ............... 52470574
Engine Oil Filter
........................ PF47
Spark Plugs
................... AC Type 4 1-940
Gap: 0.060 inches (1.5 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Length
..................... 24 inches (60 cm)
Type
......................... Shepard’s Hook
Length
.................... 16 inches (40.6 cm)
Type
......................... Shepard’s Hook
Backglass Wiper Blade
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If
you’re not sure, ask your retailer.
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At Least Twice a Year Automatic Transaxle Check
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. If your vehicle has a built-in child
restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps,
latch plates, buckle, clip, child head restraint and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt and built-in child restraint
system parts. If you see anything that might keep a
safety belt or built-in child restraint system from doing
its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts or harness straps replaced.
Also look for any opened
or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired
or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas
of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning”
in the Index. Check the transaxle fluid level; add
if needed. See
“Automatic Transaxle”
in the Index. A fluid loss may
indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part
D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges, including the liftgate.
Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for
the hood, power sliding
door cable, rear compartment,
glove box door, console door, and any folding seat
hardware. Part
D tells you what to use. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment.
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Outside of Your Vehicle ........................ 6-50
Special Problems
............................. 6-48
Stains
...................................... 6-48
Tires
....................................... 6-52
Vinyl
....................................... 6-48
Wheels
..................................... 6-52
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-50
WiperBlades
................................ 6-50
Climate Control System
........................... 3-2
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-9
Coinholder
.................................... 2-69
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-1
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-27
Compact Disc Player
............................ 3-14
Care
....................................... 3-27
Errors
................................. 3-17. 3-20
Remote
..................................... 3-20
Compact Overhead Console
...................... 2-66
Content Theft-Deterrent
......................... 2-23
Control
of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6
Convenience Net
............................... 2-72
Side
....................................... 2-73
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-65
Coolant
....................................... 6-21
Adding
..................................... 6-23
Checking
................................... 6-23
Heater. Engine
............................... 2-29
RecoveryTank
............................... 5-18
Whattouse
................................. 6-22
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-6
Cruise Control ................................. 2-55
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-34
Cupholders
.................................... 2-69 Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone Users
......... 8-4
Customer Assistance Information ................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-53
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-52
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-59
Dead Battery
................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
......................... 8-8
Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-5
Defogging
..................................... 3-4
Defrosting
..................................... 3-4
Delayed Illumination
............................ 2-62
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-65
Door AjarLight
................................... 2-97
Power Sliding
................................ 2-15
Sliding
..................................... 2-14
Driver Information Center
........................ 2-99
DriverPosition
................................. 1-29
Driver’s Four-Way Manual Seat
.................... 1-2
Driving City
........................................ 4-21
Defensive
.................................... 4-2
Drunken
..................................... 4-3
Freeway
.................................... 4-22
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-28
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-5
IntheRain
.................................. 4-18
Night
...................................... 4-16
Locks
....................................... 2-4
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