Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Brand Strategy:
Oldsmobile's flagship model, aiming to compete with import luxury sedans and other domestic luxury offerings.
Key Competitors:
Buick Park Avenue, Lincoln Continental, Cadillac DeVille, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series.
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, modern styling with a focus on a spacious and comfortable interior, reflecting American luxury trends of the mid-1990s.
Premium Appointments:
Included features like leather seating, advanced climate control, and a refined sound system as standard or common options.
General Coverage:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for a 1990s full-size sedan owner's manual)
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine operation, fluid requirements, fuel system, ignition system overview, cooling system, exhaust system overview.
Chassis Systems:
Brake system description, steering system overview, suspension system components.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, lighting controls, instrument cluster functions, entertainment system operation, climate control system operation, power locks, security system features.
Interior Systems:
Seating adjustments, seat belt operation, airbag system overview, interior controls, climate control functionality.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking engine oil, checking coolant, checking tire pressure, windshield wiper blade replacement guidance, basic cleaning procedures.
Operation And Controls:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, operating lights, climate control adjustments, infotainment system usage, driver controls explanation.
Safety Features:
Proper use of seat belts, explanation of airbag system, child restraint system installation guidelines.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Information on warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common vehicle issues (e.g., battery, flat tire).
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typical of a service manual.
Engine Type:
3.8L (3800 Series II) V6 Supercharged
Displacement:
3.8 Liters / 231 Cubic Inches
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
275 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
0-60 Mph:
Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 seconds (depending on driver and conditions)
Induction:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with Eaton M62 Supercharger
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, premium optional)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not rated or rated 'Good' (NHTSA ratings varied in this era)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not rated or rated 'Good'
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point automatic locking retractors for all seating positions, front seat pretensioners.
Audio System:
Premium AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and CD Player (optional), often with Bose or premium speaker system.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges with digital odometer and trip computer, integrated climate control displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Auto Dimming Mirror:
Optional auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Primarily analog systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era, check manual for specifics)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Change Interval:
First change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles (using Dex-Cool compatible coolant)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (check manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and certification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
8.0 US quarts (7.6 Liters) for refill (check manual)
Coolant Type:
GM specification 18014300 (equivalent to Dex-Cool or equivalent OAT coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
13.0 US quarts (12.3 Liters)
Common Wear Items:
Water pump, alternator, fuel pump, O2 sensors, EGR valve, intake manifold gaskets (especially on earlier Series I 3800, less common on Series II).
Engine Specific Notes:
The 3800 Series II Supercharged engine is generally robust, but proper maintenance of the supercharger belt and regular fluid changes are crucial.
Oil Filter Example:
AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent (verify with parts catalog)
Air Filter Example:
AC Delco A1749C or equivalent (verify with parts catalog)
Brand Positioning:
Oldsmobile was a mid-tier GM division, transitioning towards more modern and upscale offerings in the 1990s.
Design Inspiration:
Based on the concepts of the Oldsmobile Aurora IMS (International Motor Sports) show car.
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kansas
Production Years:
1995-1999 (First Generation)
