maintenance Oldsmobile Silhouette 2000 s User Guide

6-17
Checking or Replacing the Air Cleaner/Filter
1. Unlatch the two hooks on top of the air cleaner housing.
2. Turn back the air inlet panel and rest it on top of the
housing. The air intake tube is designed to flex back;
you do not need to disconnect it.
3. After replacing the air cleaner filter, seat the tabs on
the bottom of the panel into the slots at the bottom.
4. Latch the hooks to secure the panel in place. If the
panel moves easily, check that the tabs are seated
correctly in the slots.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter Replacement
Passenger compartment air, both outside and
recirculated air, is routed through a passenger
compartment filter, which is part of a two
-piece filter
system. The filter removes certain contaminants from
the air, including pollen and dust particles, as well as
odors such as exhaust or fuel fumes. Reductions in
airflow, which may occur more quickly in dusty areas,
indicate that the filter needs to be replaced early. For
how often to change the passenger compartment air
filter, see ªScheduled Maintenanceº in the Index.

6-18
The access panel for the passenger compartment air
filter is located in the back of the glove box.
1. Pull the tab up and out on the outer access panel.
2. Then squeeze the tab on the left of the inner
access panel.
3. The first air filter will pull straight out. To remove
the second, reach in and slide it toward the opening.
Pull the second filter out.
4. Replace the filters by reversing Step 3. Make sure
the filters are inserted so that the sealing foam is
angled in the same direction on both filters. For the
type of filter to use, see ªNormal Maintenance
Replacement Partsº in the Index.

6-19
5. Close the inner access door, while squeezing the tab.
Be sure it is tightly closed.
6. Snap the outer access panel into the back of the
glove box.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.

6-21
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The fluid level must be in the
cross
-hatched area.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº 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't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON
-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON

-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.

6-30 Brake Wear
Your vehicle 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).
CAUTION:
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.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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 brakes.
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 immediately. 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 brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º

6-31 Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top
-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly.
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that
are wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your
front and rear brakes can change
-- for the worse.
The braking performance you've come to expect can
change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on
the original battery's label. We recommend an
ACDelco battery.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the battery.
This will help keep your battery from running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

6-39
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
Here's how to remove the Sheperd's Hook type:
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 removal/replacement while in
this position.3. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield or backglass.
4. While holding the
wiper arm away from
the glass, push the
release clip from
under the blade.

6-42
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be
at 60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See ªWhen It's Time for New Tiresº and
ªWheel Replacementº later in this section for more
information. Make sure the spare tire is stored securely.Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it
moves, use the folding wrench to tighten the cable. See
ªStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and Toolsº in the Index.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation
is the most important. See ªScheduled Maintenance
Servicesº in the Index for scheduled rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.

6-55
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch
-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on
the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor
pan and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create
a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This
damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched
into the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this,
Oldsmobile will repair, at no charge to the owner,
the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles
(20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs first.

6-66
Engine Crankcase -
Oil and Filter Change4.5 quarts (4.25 L) . . . . . . .
Fuel Capacity25.0 gallons (94.0 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant,
Air ConditioningSee the Refrigerant Label . . . . . .
under the hood.
Tire Pressures, SizesSee Certification/Tire . . . . . . . .
label on the rear edge
of the driver's door.
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer Fluid1.0 gallon (0.37 L) . . . . .
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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter AC Type A-1208C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Replacement CCA=600. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter PF47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Cleaner Filter (2) 52482929. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap RC27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs AC Type 41
-940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inches (1.5 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Length 24.0 inches (60.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type Sheperd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade (Backglass)
Length 16.0 inches (40.6 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type Sheperd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 201.4 inches (511.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 72.2 inches (183.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 68.1 inches (172.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 120.0 inches (304.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread Width 61.5 inches (156.2 cm). . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread Width 63.3 inches (160.8 cm). . . . . . . . . .