warning OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 2003 Service Manual

h the wrong kind of fluid in ur brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil,
in your
brake system can damage brake system
parts
so badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
Don’t let someone
put in the wrong kind of fluid.
0 If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your
vehicle. If you do, wash
it off immediately.
See “Appearance Care” in the Index.
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).
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.
5-41

Battery Vehicle Storage
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. See
Engine Comparfment Overview on
page
5-72 for battery location.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
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.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” next 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
Theft-Deterrent
Feature
on page 3- IO 1.
5-43

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to
12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
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Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1
5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction - AA, A, 9, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
wrrlerir~ly, ilydlupih1Gl^ly, wr pea“ tIdwuI I cII la1 c~wz;I 1aL1t-a. ._ - - 1. A..- -A: - .- -L. -+--:-+:--
5-65

Temperature - A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead
to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are
not needed. However,
if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset.
If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace
it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer
if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.
5-66

Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated
when your vehicle was new,
it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle,
you should stop as soon as possible and make sure
your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare
is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km),
so you can finish your trip and have your full-size
tire repaired or replaced where you want. Of course,
it’s best to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon
as you can. Your spare will last longer and be in good
shape in case you need it again.
Notice: When the compact spare is installed, don’t
take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught
on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel,
and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles. And
don’t mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They won’t
fit. Keep your spare tire
and its wheel together.
Notice: Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on
your compact spare.
All-Wheel Drive
After installing a compact spare tire on a vehicle with
all-wheel drive you will need to drive with light to
moderate acceleration, for
10 seconds, in a straight line.
This action will allow the vehicle to detect the compact
spare tire and disable the all-wheel drive system.
The AWD DISABLE message will come on indicating
that the all-wheel drive system is
off. You may detect
a slight pull during this time, but this is normal.
Notice: You may damage your vehicle’s all-wheel
drive system if your vehicle
is driven for an extended
period with a compact spare tire installed and
the all-wheel drive system in operation. See “All-Wheel Drive System’’ and “AWD Disable
Warning Message’’
in the Index for more information.
5-86

Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are toxic. Others can burst into flames
if you
strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle.
Some are dangerous
if you breathe their fumes in a
closed space. When you use anything from
a container to
clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s
warnings and instructions. And always open your
doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
Gasoline
Benzene
Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover Don’t use
any of these unless this manual says you
can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
0 Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and
loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted
surfaces with a clean, damp cloth.
FabridCarpet
Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric
and carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains
very well.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. See
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
on page 5-93.
They can all be hazardous - some more than
others
- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
5-87

Accessory Inflator ........................................... 5-68
Accessory Power Outlets
................................. 3-24
Adding Washer Fluid
....................................... 5-38
Additional Program Information
........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel
..................... ,... . ......... 5-6
Add-on Electrical Equipment
................. ... 5-96
Adjusting the Captain's Chairs
(Second Row)
............................................. 1-13
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
............................ 3-66, 3-73, 3-82
Air Bag Readiness Light
.......................................... 3-43
Air Bag Systems
............................................. 1-69
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
......... 1-76
What Will You See After an
How Does
ari Air Bag Restrain? .................... 1-74
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
.................... 1-74
Air Bag Inflates?
...................................... 1-74
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
................... 1-73
Where Are the Air Bags?
.............................. 1-71
~II 'clttmIw/t-lller, Eflyirle ................................. 5- IS
All Overseas Locations ....... ........................ 7-4
A: . nr- ~ . . I~.ER
All-Wheel Drive ............................................... 5-86
All-Wheel Drive
............................................... 5-50
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning Message .......... 3-59
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System
......................... 4-1 1
Aluminum Wheels ........................................... 5-92 AM
............................................................. 3-103
Antenna, Fixed Mast
...................................... 3-105
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light
.............. 3-45
Appearance Care
............................................ 5-87
Care
of Safety Belts .................................... 5-90
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
................ 5-87
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
.............. 5-90
Finish Damage
............................................ 5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting
............................... 5-93
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
.......... 5-93
Sheet Metal Damage
................................... 5-92
Underbody Maintenance
............................... 5-93
Weatherstrips
.............................................. 5-90
Theft-Deterrent System
............. ......... 2-70
Arming and Disarming the Content
Arming Confirmation
.................... ............ 2-28
Arming with the Power Lock Switch
... ......... 2-27
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter
................................................. 2-28
Arming with Your Key
...................................... 2-28
Audio Speakers
.............................................. 3-93
hdl0 System(s) ............................................. 3-63
Audio Systems
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
.................... 3-102
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
............... 3-103
Care of Your CD and DVD Player
................ 3-104
Care
of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-104
Fixed Mast Antenna
................. ... 3-105

Audio Systems (cont.) Radio with Cassette and CD
......................... 3-71
Radio with CD
............................................ 3-64
Radio with Six-Disc CD
................................ 3-80
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
...................... 3-98, 3-1 00
Setting the Time .......................................... 3-63
Theft-Deterrent Feature
............................... 3-1 01
Understanding Radio Reception
................... 3-1 03
Automatic Door Locks
..................................... 2-64
Automatic Level Control
................................... 4-35
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
....................................................... 5-20
Automatic Transaxle Check
.............................. 6-1 1
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
................................... ... 6-12
Operation
................................................... 2-36
B
Backing
Up .................................................... 4-41
Battery
.......................................................... 5-43
Battery Replacement
......................................... 2-8
Battery Run-Down Protection
............................ 3-20
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
......................... 4-23
Before You Drive
............................................ 3-91
(Bench Seat)
.................................................. 1-37
Bench Seat, Split
............................................. 1-8
Body Lubrication Service
.................................. 6-1 1 Brake
Parking
.................................. .... 2-39
System Inspection
....................... ........ 6-15
System Warning Light
...................... .... 3-44
Brake Fluid
.................................................... 5-39
Brake Wear
................................................... 5-41
Brakes
.......................................................... 5-39
Braking
........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle
..................................... 2-32
Bulb Replacement
........................................... 5-52
Halogen Bulbs
............................................ 5-52
Headlamps
................................................. 5-52
Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps
......................................... 5-54
Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps
........................................ 5-56
Buying New Tires
........................................... 5-64
C
California Fuel .......................................... 5-6
Canada
..................................... .......... 7-4
Canadian Owners
....................... ................. II
Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................... 7-6
Canceling the Sliding Door
Security Lock
.............................................. 2-16

Climate Control System (cont.)
Outlet Adjustment
.................................... 3-31
Rear
.................................................. 3-32, 3-34
Comfort Controls
............................................. 3-25
Compact Disc Messages
................. 3-25, 3-79, 3-91
Compact Overhead Console
............................. 2-54
Compact Spare Tire
........................................ 5-86
Compass Variance
.......................................... 3-61
Content Theft-Deferrent
.................................... 2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent System
........................ 2-69
Content Theft-Deterrent System, Arming and
Disarming
................................................... 2-70
Control of a Vehicle
.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Center
........................................ 2-60
Convenience Net
............................................ 2-59
Coolant Engine Temperature Gage
............................ 3-47
Engine Temperature Warning Message
........... 3-53
Heater, Engine
............................................ 2-35
Cooling System
.............................................. 5-29
Cruise Control
................................................ 3-1 0
Cupholder(s) .................................................. 2-54
Current and Past Model Order Forms
................ 7-1 1
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation
.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
............................... 7-3
Customer Assistance Offices
........................... 7-4 Customer
Assistance Information (cont.)
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
...... 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government
.............................................. 7-9
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government
.............................................. 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program
......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-10
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic
Headlamp System
....................................... 3-15
Defensive Driving
............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting
......................... 3-27, 3-30
Delayed Lighting
............................................. 3-18
Delayed
Illumination and Exit Lighting
................ 2-63
Dinghy Towing
................................................ 4-33
Directing the Airflow
................................ 3-33, 3-35
Disarming with the Remote Keyless
Disarming with Your Key
.................................. 2-28
Doing Your Own Service Work
........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing
.................................................. 4-33
Dome Lamp
................................................... 3-17
Entry Transmitter
..................................... 2-28
4

Door Ajar Warning Message
................................. 3-57
Last Door Closed Locking
............................. 2-1 1
Power Door Locks ....................................... 2-10
Power Sliding Door
...................................... 2-1 6
Power Sliding Warning Message
.................... 3-56
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
............. 2-1 2
Position, Safety Belt
..................................... 1-28
Dual Sliding
Doors
....................................... 2-13
Locks
.......................................................... 2-9
Driver
Driver Information Center (DIC)
......................... 3-60
Driving
At Night
.................................................. 4-17
City
........................................................ 4-21
Defensive ..................................................... 4-2
Drunken ....................................................... 4-3
Freeway
..................................................... 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
.............................. 4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads
........................... 4-1 8
Winter
........................................................ 4-26
Driving On Grades
.......................................... 4-42
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
............... 4-20
Driving with a Trailer
....................................... 4-40
Dual Trip Odometers
....................................... 3-41
ZrkiGCJ Gfi Sncjiiv Gi- kl3 4-a
Driving Through Flowing Water ......................... 4-20
Dual Climate Control System
............................ 3-28
n ,. ....................................
DVD
Care of Your
.......................................... 3-104
Care
of Your DVD Player ............................ 3-104
Cleaning the Video Screen
.......................... 3-105
Cleaning Your DVD Player .......................... 3-105
Distortion
.................................................. 3-1 03
Entertainment System
.................................. 3-91
DVD Player
.................................................... 3-94
E
Eight-Way Power Seats ..................................... 1-3
Electrical System
Add-on Equipment
...................................... 5-96
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-96
Headlamp Wiring
......................................... 5-96
Power Windows and Other Power Options
...... 5-96
Windshield Wiper Fuses
............................... 5-96
Maintenance Programs
............................. 3-50
Air CleanedFilter
...................... ........ 5-19
Battery ....................................................... 5-43
Change Oil Message
................................... 3-56
Coolant
...................................................... 5-23
Coolant Heater
............................................ 2-35
Emissions Inspection and
Engine
Check and Service Engine Soon Light
............ 3-47
Cnn!ant Temperature G2ge ........................... 3-47
5