Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (GM P/N 88861135 or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity
Capacity:
Approximately 9.5 quarts (9.0 L) for a dry fill, 4.5-5.5 quarts (4.3-5.2 L) for a fluid change.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
203.0 inches (5156 mm)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches (2814 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,770 - 3,890 lbs (1710 - 1765 kg) depending on trim and options.
🛡️ Safety Features
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with front pretensioners.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and premium sound system with amplifier.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ACC) system with digital display and dual-zone temperature control.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Tire Pressure:
No standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in 1996.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule. Recommended to change filter at the same time.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (5 years), then every 50,000 miles (5 years) thereafter with Dex-Cool coolant.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 12378384 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or GM Power Steering Fluid (P/N 1050017 or equivalent)
Known Issues
Intake Manifold Gasket:
Common issue with the 3800 V6 engine, leading to coolant leaks (internal or external).
Transmission Solenoids:
Potential failure of shift solenoids in the 4T60-E transmission can cause harsh shifting or no-shift conditions.
Idler Arm And Bushings:
Wear in the steering system's idler arm and bushings can lead to looseness and play in steering.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent
Air Filter Example:
AC Delco A3020C or equivalent
Spark Plug Example:
AC Delco Rapidfire Platinum 41-980 or equivalent
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Oldsmobile was a pioneer in American automotive innovation, known for its comfortable and well-equipped vehicles.
Model Evolution
Model Lineage:
The LSS was the top-tier trim of the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, a long-standing model in the Oldsmobile lineup, representing the evolution towards larger, more luxurious sedans.
Production
Production Period:
The Eighty-Eight (including LSS) was produced from 1949 to 1991. The LSS trim specifically debuted in the early 1990s as a luxury variant.