Oldsmobile Intrigue (2002 year). Manual - part 18

6-21

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:
D When outside temperatures are above 90_F (32_C).
D At high speed for quite a while.
D In heavy traffic 

--

 especially in hot weather.

D While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at 
normal operating temperature, which is 180

_F to 

200

_F (82_C to 93_C).

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50

_F

(10

_C). If it’s colder than 50_F (10_C), you may 

have to drive longer.

Checking the Fluid Level

Prepare your vehicle as follows:
D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the 

engine running.

D With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever

in PARK (P).

D With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift

lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).

D Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.

6-22

Then, without shutting off the engine, follow 
these steps:

The transaxle fluid dipstick
handle is the red loop near
the rear of the engine
compartment. See “Engine
Compartment Overview” 
in the Index for more
information on location.

1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or

paper towel.

2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and

then pull it back out again.

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.

6-23

How to Add Fluid

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” 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

R

-

III, because fluid with that label is

made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON

R

-

III is not covered by your new

vehicle warranty.

3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as

described under “How to Check.”

4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the

dipstick back in all the way.

6-24

Engine Coolant

The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX

-

COOL

R

 engine coolant. This coolant is designed

to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX

-

COOL

R

 extended life coolant.

The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX

-

COOL

R

 coolant will:

D Give freezing protection down to 

-

34

_F (

-

37

_C).

D Give boiling protection up to 265_F (129_C).
D Protect against rust and corrosion.
D Help keep the proper engine temperature.
D Let the warning lights and gages work as 

they should.

NOTICE:

When adding coolant, it is important that you 
use only DEX

-

COOL

R

 (silicate

-

free) coolant.

If coolant other than DEX

-

COOL is added to 

the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner 

--

 at

30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the 
use of coolant other than DEX

-

COOL

R

 is not

covered by your new vehicle warranty.

6-25

What to Use

Use a mixture of one

-

half clean, drinkable water and

one

-

half DEX

-

COOL

R

 coolant which won’t damage

aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don’t need to add anything else.

CAUTION:

Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. 
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX

-

COOL

R

 coolant.

NOTICE:

If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater 
core and other parts.

If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.

NOTICE:

If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

6-26

Checking Coolant

The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment toward the rear of the engine on the
passengers’ side of the vehicle. See “Engine
Compartment Overview” in the Index for more
information on location.

CAUTION:

Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap 

--

 even a

little 

--

 when the engine and radiator are hot.

The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark.

If the low coolant warning
light comes on and stays on,
it means you’re low on
engine coolant.

6-27

Adding Coolant

If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX

-

COOL

R

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.

CAUTION:

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it 
is hand

-

tight.

Cooling System Pressure Cap

The cooling system pressure cap is located on the surge
tank. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index
for more information on location.

NOTICE:

Your cooling system pressure cap is a 15 psi 
(105 kPa) pressure

-

type cap and must be tightly

installed to prevent coolant loss and possible
engine damage from overheating.

6-28

Power Steering Fluid

The power steering 
fluid reservoir is toward 
the middle of the engine
compartment, on the
passenger’s side of 
the vehicle.

When to Check Power Steering Fluid

It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the
Index for reservoir location.

How to Check Power Steering Fluid

Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

The level should be at the the cross

-

hatched area. If

necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.

6-29

What to Use

To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

Windshield Washer Fluid

What to Use

When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing. See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in the Index for reservoir location.

Adding Washer Fluid

United States

Canada

If the windshield washer fluid level in your vehicle is
low, the LOW WASHER FLUID warning light, or the
light with the washer fluid symbol, located on the
instrument panel, will come on. You will need to add
fluid soon.

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle, near the diagonal cross brace.

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer
fluid until the tank is full.

6-30

NOTICE:

D When using concentrated washer fluid,

follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.

D Don’t mix water with ready

-

to

-

use washer

fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.

D Fill your washer fluid tank only

three

-

quarters full when it’s very cold. This

allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

D Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in

your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.

Brakes

Brake Fluid

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT

-

3

brake fluid. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in 
the Index.

6-31

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.

So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.

CAUTION:

If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.

What to Add

When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT

-

3 

brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” 
in the Index.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.

CAUTION:

With the wrong kind of fluid in your 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.

6-32

NOTICE:

D 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.

D 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 four

-

wheel disc 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.

6-33

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 tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM torque specifications.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.

See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”

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
need 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

R

 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 Compartment Overview” in the
Index 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.

6-34

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 “Jump Starting” 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 “Theft

-

Deterrent

Feature” in the Index.

Bulb Replacement

For the proper type of replacement bulb, see
“Replacement Bulbs” in the Index.

For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.

Halogen Bulbs

CAUTION:

Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

6-35

Headlamps

1. Open the hood.

2. Pull straight up on the two headlamp retainers to

release the assembly locator tabs and take the
retainers off. At the same time, hold the headlamp
assembly in position by applying a little pressure
against the headlamp lens. This prevents the lamp
from falling out.

3. Slide the lamp assembly toward you.

6-36

4. Remove the rubber access cover from behind the

bulb you are replacing.

5. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove it

from the lamp.

6. Replace the bulb, making sure you don’t touch the

bulb with your bare hands.

7. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to reinstall the 

headlamp assembly.

8. Close the hood. Then check the lamps.