service OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 2003 Manual Online

Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model
GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551 -41 23
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:QQ PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-Mastercard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com Or you can write
to:
Helm,
Incorporated
P.
0. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers:
All listed prices are
quoted in
U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in
U.S. funds.
7-1 1

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

Capacities and Specifications .......................... 5-1 03
Captain Chairs. Rear
....................................... 1-13
Carbon Monoxide
................... 4-26, 4-36, 2-22, 2-43
Care of
Safety Belts
................................................ 5-90
Care of Your
Cassette Tape Player
................................. 3-103
CD and DVD Player
................................... 3-104
CDs and DVDs ......................................... 3-104
Cargo Lamp
................................................... 3-20
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)
.................................... 5-51
Cassette Tape Messages
................................. 3-77
Cassette Tape Player Service
........................... 6-10
CD Adapter Kits
............................................. 3-78
Chains, Tires
.................................................. 5-67
Change Engine Oil Message
............................ 3-56
Charging System Indicator Message
.................. 3-54
Check
Checking Coolant
............................................ 5-24
Checking or Replacing the Engine Air CleanedFilter
......................................... 5-1 9
Checking Things Under the Hood
...................... 5-10
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts ............. 1-37
Engine Light
............................................... 3-47
PhneLinm Enm;nn A:I VI l~ur\iIly Li lyll IG VI1 4- I y. 4A ........................................
Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-77
Chemical Paint Spotting
................................... 5-93 Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
............................... 1-51
Infants and Young Children
........................... 1-48
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
.......................... 1-58
Older Children
.......................................... 1-45
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System
................................ 1-60
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Seat Position
........................................... 1-64
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position
............................... 1-60
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position
................................... 1-66
Top Strap
................................................... 1-55
Where to Put the Restraint
........................... 1-54
Inside of Your Vehicle
.................................. 5-87
Outside of Your Vehicle
................................ 5-90
Underbody Maintenance
............................... 5-93
Video Screen
............................................ 3-105
VVedll IelsLI Ips 5-YU
Your DVD Player ....................................... 3-105
Cleaning Exterior LampsILenses
....................... 5-91
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment
................. 3-37
Dual
.......................................................... 3-28
-I--- iup S+m clap Anchor L~atio~~ 1-56 ............................
Cleaning
I A r- -11- - .._I .. I .. 1- ..............................................
Climate Control System ................................... 3-25
3

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

How to Use This Manual ................... .... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ............... 1-27
Hydroplaning
.................................................. 4-20
I
If No Steam Is Coming From
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-27
If the Light Is Flashing ..................................... 3-49
If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-49
If You Are Stuck in Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow
....... 4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-37
Your
Engine
................................................ 5-28
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard ........................... 4-28
Ignition Positions
............................................. 2-32
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.......................... 6-13
Infants and Young Children, Restraints
............... 1-48
Inflation
- Tire Pressure ................................... 5-61
Inspection Brake System
............................................. 6-15
Engine Cooling System
................................ 6-14
Exhaust System
.......................................... 6-14
Fuel System
............................................... 6-14
Part C - Periodic Maintenance ....................... 6-14
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal
..................................... 6-14 Inspection
(cont.)
Throttle System
........................................... 6-15
Transfer Care (Power Transfer Unit) and
Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module) All-Wheel Drive
........... 6-15
Instrument Panel Cluster
..........................................
Overview ......................................
Switchbank ....................................
Instrument Panel Brightness ................
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ...............
Interior Lamps ...................................
Interior Lamps Control ........................
Interior Lamps Override ......................
Interior Plastic Components .................
....
.......... 3-40
........... 3-4
.......... 3-21
.......... 3-17
.......... 5-97
.......... 3-17
.......... 3-17
.......... 3-17
.......... 5-89
Jump Starting
......................... . 5-44
Key Lock Cylinders Service
................. .... .......... 6-11
Keyless Entry System
....................................... 2-5
Keys
............................................................... 2-3

Maintenance Schedule (cont.) Exhaust System Inspection
........................... 6-1 4
Fuel System Inspection
................................ 6-14
How This Section is Organized ....................... 6-3
Introduction
.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
............................. 6-2
Part A
- Scheduled Maintenance Services ......... 6-4
Part B
- Owner Checks and Services ............. 6-10
Part
C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 6-1 4
Part D
- Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
............................................... 6-1 6
Part E . Maintenance Record ........................ 6-18
Scheduled Maintenance
................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
.......................... 6-14
Throttle System Inspection
............................ 6-1 5
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) and
Carrier Assembly-Differential (Rear Drive
Module) All-Wheel Drive Inspection
............. 6-1 5
Using Your ................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment
................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
..................... 4-43
Making Turns
................................................. 4-41
Malfunction Indicator Light
................................ 3-47
Manual Seats
................................................... 1-2 Matching
Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
................. 2-7
Message
Memory Seat
................................. ......... 2-72
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning
....... ..... 3-59
Center
...................................... ......... 3-52
Change Engine Oil
...................................... 3-56
Charging System Indicator
............................ 3-54
Door Ajar Warning
....................................... 3-57
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
............. 3-53
Low Engine Oil Level ................................... 3-55
Low Fuel Warning
................................... 3-59
Low Oil Pressure
.................... ............. 3-54
PASS-Key@
Ill Security ............................. 3-58
Power Sliding Door Warning
......................... 3-56
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning
.............................. 3-58
Service Traction System Warning
................... 3-52
Traction Active
............................................ 3-53
Manual Rearview Mirror
................................ 2-45
Outside Convex Mirror
................................. 2-46
Outside Heated Mirrors
................................ 2-46
Outside Power Mirrors
.................................. 2-45
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
US
. Virgin Islands) ........................................ 7-4
Mirrors
Mexico, Central
America and Caribbean
10

New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-32
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
........... 5-1 05
Odometer ............................ ~ ~1 ...................... 3-41
Oil
Off -Road Recovery .......................................... 4-1 4
Engine
....................................................... 5-1 4
Pressure Message
....................................... 3-54
Older Children, Restraints
................................ 1-45
Onstar@ Personal Calling
................................. 2-48
OnStap Services
............................................ 2-47
Onstar@ System ............................................. 2-47
Onstar@ Virtual Advisor .................................... 2-48
Operation Tips
................................................ 3-31
Other Warning Devices
...................................... 3-6
Outside Operation
.............................................. 3-25, 3-28
Outlet Adjustment
............................................ 3-31
Convex iviirror
............................................. 2-46
Heated Mirrors ............................................ 2-46
Power Mirrors
............................................. 2-45
Overhead Console
.......................................... 2-55
Overhead Console Switchbank
.......................... 3-21 Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
.......................................... 5-26
Owners, Canadian
............................................... ii
Owner’s Information
........................................ 7-10
. 3-22
Park Aid ........................................
Park (P)
Shifting Into ................................ ..... 2-40
Shifting Out of
......................... ..... 2-42
Parking Assist
......................... .................... 3-22
Brake
........................................................ 2-39
Over Things That Burn
................................. 2-43
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
........................... 6-13
Parking on Hills
.............................................. 4-42
Part
A - Scheduled Maintenance Services ............ 6-4
Part B
- Owner Checks and Services ................ 6-10
Part C
- Periodic Maintenance Inspections .......... 6-14
Part
D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .... 6-16
Part
E - Maintenance Record ........................... 6-18
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
..................... 3-37
Passing
................................................. 4-14, 4-41
PASS-Key@
Ill ................................................ 2-29
PASS-Key@
Ill Operation .................................. 2-30
11

S
Safety Belt Pretensioners
........................................... 1-44
Reminder Light
...................... , .... ....... 3-42
Care
of ...................................................... 5-90
Center Passenger Position
............................ 1-37
Driver Position
............................................ 1-28
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
................ 1-27
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
..... 1-26
Safety Belts
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults
.........., ... 1-42
Right Front Passenger Position
...................... 1-37
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
................. 1-36
Rear Seat Passengers
......................... 1-39
Safety Belt Extender
.................................... 1-44
Safety Belts Are for Everyone
....................... 1-22
Safety Chains
................................................. 4-40
Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-5
Seats Captain Chairs
............................................ 1-1 3
Eight-Way Power Seats
.................................. 1-3
Flip and Fold Feature
.................................... 1-7
Head Restraints
............................................ 1-6
Heated Seats
............................................... 1-4
Manual
........................................................ 1-2 Seats (cont.)
Memory
............................................. 2-72
Rear Seat Operation
...................................... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks
...................................... 1-4
Six-Way Power Seats
................................ 1-3
Split Bench Seats
..................................... 1-8
Stowable Seat
............................................ 1-18
Center Seat Position
.................... , ........ 1-64
Designed for the LATCH System
... ........ 1-60
Rear Outside Seat Position
....................... 1-60
Right Front Seat Position
.......................... 1-66
Security Message, PASS-Key@
Ill ...................... 3-58
Security While You Travel
.................................. 7-5
Selecting the Fan Speed
......................... 3-33, 3-35
Service
........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
.............................................. 5-4
Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light
....................................... 3-47
Publications Ordering Information
................... 7-10
Traction System Warning Message
................. 3-52
Service Bulletins
............................................. 7-10
Service Engine Soon Light in the United States
or Check Engine Light in Canada
.................. 3-47
Service Manuals
............................................. 7-10
Setting Preset PTYs
........................................ 3-84
Setting Preset Stations
.................... 3-65, 3-72, 3-81
Securing
a Child Restraint
14

Throttle System Inspection ..... ................ 6-15
Tilt Wheel
................................ ................. 3-7
Tire Inflation Check
...................................... 6-10
Tires
..................................................... 5-60, 5-92
Buying New Tires
........................................ 5-64
Chains
....................................................... 5-67
Changing a Flat Tire
.................................... 5-70
If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-69
Inflation
- Tire Pressure ............................... 5-61
Inspection and Rotation
................................ 5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
................. 5-66
When It
Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-63
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
.................... 2-35
Top of the Instrument Panel
............................. 5-89
Top Strap Anchor Location
............................... 1-56
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires .................. 4-39
Towing
Recreational Vehicle
..................................... 4-32
Towing a Trailer
.......................................... 4-36
Your Vehicle
............................................... 4-32
Active Message
........................................... 3-53
Compact
Spare Tire
..................................... 5-86
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
......................... 5-65
Wheel Replacement
..................................... 5-66
Top Strap
...................................................... 1-55
Torque Lock
................................................... 2-42
Traction Control System (TCS)
.................................. 4-10 Traction
(cont.)
Control System Warning Light
....................... 3-46
Service Traction System Warning Message
..... 3-52
Trailer Brakes
................................................. 4-40
Trailer Wiring Harness
..................................... 4-43
Transaxle
Transaxle Operation, Automatic
......................... 2-36
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)
.................. 5-50
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual
...................................... 7-10
Fluid, Automatic
........................................... 5-20
Transportation Options
...................................... 7-7
Trip Computer
................................................ 3-62
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
.......................... 3-8
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
........................... 3-7
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
.................. 4-42
Underbody Flushing Service
............................. 6-13
Underhood Fuse Block
................................... 5-100
Understanding Radio Reception
....................... 3-1 03
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-65
United States
................................................... 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels
.............................. 5-67
Using Cleaner on Fabric
.................................. 5-88
Using HomeLink@
........................................... 2-52
16