air conditioning Oldsmobile Silhouette 1999 Owner's Manuals

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Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be
sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3
-2 Comfort Controls
3
-3 Air Conditioning
3
-4 Heating
3
-4 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-5 Rear Window Defogger
3
-5 Rear Climate Control (Option)
3
-8 Ventilation System
3
-9 Audio Systems
3
-9 Setting the Clock
3
-9AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
and Automatic Tone Control
3
-14 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)3
-18 Rear Seat Audio (If Equipped)
3
-20 Remote Compact Disc Player (If Equipped)
3
-21 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-24 Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
3
-25 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-25 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-26 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-27 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-27 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-27 Integrated Windshield Antenna

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Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for you. Your comfort control system uses
ozone
-friendly R-134a refrigerant.
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a
flow
-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Fan Knob
The left knob is the fan knob and selects the force of air
you want. Turn the knob clockwise to increase fan speed
and counterclockwise to decrease fan speed. The fan
must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor
to operate.Temperature Knob
The center knob controls the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn it counterclockwise
(toward the blue area) for cooler air. Turn it clockwise
(toward the red area) for warmer air.
Mode Knob
This knob selects the direction of where the air will
enter the vehicle.
UPPER: This setting directs outside air through
the instrument panel outlets.
BI-LEVEL: This setting directs outside air into
your vehicle in two ways. Cooler air is directed toward
your upper body through the front instrument panel
outlets, while warmed air is directed through the heater
ducts at your feet.
LOWER: This setting brings in most of the air
through the floor ducts. This setting is also used to send
air to the rear of the vehicle. Keep the area under the
front seats free of objects that could obstruct airflow to
the rear of the vehicle.

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DEFOG: This setting directs air to the windshield
and through the floor ducts. This mode is particularly
useful during cold or inclement weather because of your
vehicle's larger windshield area.
DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air to
the windshield and side window vents.
Mode Buttons
RECIRCULATION: Press this button (the light
will glow) to limit the amount of fresh air entering your
vehicle by recirculating much of the air inside your
vehicle. You may use this setting to limit odors entering
your vehicle. Press the OUTSIDE AIR button (the light
on the RECIRCULATION button will go off) to let
outside air circulate into the vehicle.
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button (the light will
glow) to send outside air into your vehicle. Using this
setting while trying to defrost or defog the windows will
help clear the vents of moisture. Press the
RECIRCULATION button (the light on the
OUTSIDE AIR button will go off) to limit outside air
entering the vehicle. When the DEFOG or DEFROST
setting is selected, the system will automatically go to
OUTSIDE AIR mode.
Air Conditioning
On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more
quickly and economically if you open the windows long
enough to let hot, inside air escape. For all settings,
adjust the temperature control knob and fan speed
as desired.
To get maximum cooling or a quick cool
-down on very
hot days, press the A/C and RECIRCULATION buttons
(the lights will glow) and turn the temperature knob
counterclockwise (toward the blue area). Adjust the
mode knob to direct the air to the desired location. This
setting should not be used for long periods of time
because the air may become too cold and dry. Push the
A/C button again (the light will go off) to turn off the
air conditioning.
When the air conditioner compressor is on, you may
sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle's engine
performance and power. This is normal. The system is
designed to help fuel economy while it maintains the
desired cooling level.
The air conditioner removes moisture from the air, so
you may sometimes notice water dripping from under
your vehicle's engine compartment when it is idling or
after it has been turned off. This is normal.

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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel 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 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-16 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-21 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-21 Thermostat
6
-21 Engine Coolant
6
-25 Power Steering Fluid
6
-26 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-27 Brakes
6
-30 Battery6
-31 Bulb Replacement
6
-38 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-39 Tires
6
-47 Appearance Care
6
-47 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-51 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-53 Underbody Maintenance
6
-53 Chemical Paint Spotting
6
-54 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-55 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-56 Electrical System
6
-63 Replacement Bulbs
6
-63 Capacities and Specifications
6
-64 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-65 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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Engine Crankcase - Oil
and Filter Change4.5 quarts (4.3 L) . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Capacity
Standard/Regular 19.8 gallons (75.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional/Extended 24.3 gallons (92.0 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant,
Air Conditioning*See the Refrigerant . . . . . . . .
Label under the hood.
Tire Pressures,
SizesSee Tire
-Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information label on driver's door.
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer Fluid1 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.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Type V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-2-3-4-5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 185. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature
Specification 195
F (91
C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 dealer.

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Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer'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 a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front 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 ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components 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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Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Inflator System 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Power Outlets 2-83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Adjusting
Bucket Seats 1
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Split Bench Seats 1-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-41, 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-40, 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System 1-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Inflator 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Integrated Windshield 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-91, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care 6
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic
Door Locks 2
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Add Fluid 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Check Fluid 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Check and Change Fluid 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Saver 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving on a Long Trip 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Window Defogger 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror, Inside Day/Night 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Compact Disc Player 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Lock Control 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Replacement 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Alarm 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote All Door Lock 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Driver's Door and All Door Unlock 2-8 . . . . . . . . .
Remote Lock Confirmation 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Unlock Confirmation 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronizing 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Operation of the Power Sliding Door 2-9 . . . . . . . . . .
Removing
Bucket Seats 1
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Split Bench Seat 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing
Bucket Seats 1
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belts 1-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat and Restraint System Parts After a Crash 1-89 . . . . . .
Split Bench Seat 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resetting the Power Sliding Door 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restraints
Checking 1
-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder Light 1-24, 2-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Row Safety Belt Stowage 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints, Child 1-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REVERSE (R) 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Front Passenger Position 1-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance, Canadian 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking Your Vehicle 5-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation, Tires 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Extender 1-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belts 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adults 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position (Bench Seat) 1-52 . . . . . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position (Bucket Seat) 1-54 . . . . . . .
Children 1-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extender 1-88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Wear Properly 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incorrect Usage 1-32, 1-86, 1-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap Belt 1-52, 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap-Shoulder 1-29, 1-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Larger Children 1-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pretensioners 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Questions and Answers 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Comfort Guides 1-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .