2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owners Manual

Download PDF Manual
Pawl GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in Canada 89021186). DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid. DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid. Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in Canada 10953474). Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB. Hood and Door Hinges Weatherstrip Conditioning Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in Canada 10953474). Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada 992887). Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Replacement parts identiﬁed below by name, part number, or speciﬁcation can be obtained from your dealer. Part Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 2.2 L L4† Engine 3400 V6 Engine Oil Filter 2.2 L L4† Engine 3400 V6 Spark Plugs 2.2 L L4† Engine 3400 V6 Windshield Wiper Blades Passenger’s Side — 17.0 inches (43.0 cm) Driver’s Side — 22.0 inches (56.0 cm) †ECOTEC™ GM Part No. ACDelco® Part No. 25098845 25161977 24460713 25010792 A1172C A1279C PF2244G PF47 25337472 (Platinum Plug) 12568387 (Platinum Plug) 41–981 (Platinum Plug) 41–10 (Platinum Plug) Type — Shepherd’s Hook 22121329 22155307 — — 6-13 Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service and the type of services performed in the boxes provided. See Maintenance Requirements on page 6-2 in this section. Any additional information from Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8 can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance I or Maintenance II Services Performed Maintenance Record 6-14 Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance I or Maintenance II Services Performed Maintenance Record (cont’d) 6-15 Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance I or Maintenance II Services Performed Maintenance Record (cont’d) 6-16 Section 7 Customer Assistance Information Customer Assistance Information ......................7-2 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ......................7-2 Online Owner Center ......................................7-4 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users ...............................................7-4 Customer Assistance Offices ............................7-4 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities ..................................................7-6 Roadside Assistance Program ..........................7-6 Courtesy Transportation ...................................7-8 Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records ...................................................7-10 Reporting Safety Defects ................................7-11 Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government ..............................................7-11 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government ..............................................7-11 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors .....7-12 Service Publications Ordering Information .........7-12 7-1 Customer Assistance Information Customer Satisfaction Procedure Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Oldsmobile. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the following steps should be taken: STEP ONE: Discuss your concern with a member of dealership management. Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already been reviewed with the sales, service or parts manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the general manager. STEP TWO: If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-442-6537. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative: • Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (This is available from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at the top left of the instrument panel and visible through the windshield.) • Dealership name and location • Vehicle delivery date and present mileage When contacting Oldsmobile, please remember that your concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility. That is why we suggest you follow Step One ﬁrst if you have a concern. 7-2 STEP THREE: Both General Motors and your dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisﬁed with your new vehicle. However, if you continue to remain unsatisﬁed after following the procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you should ﬁle with the BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any additional rights you may have. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to ﬁling a court action, use of the program is free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other venue for relief available to you. You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program using the toll-free telephone number or write them at the following address: BBB Auto Line Program Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203-1804 Telephone: 1-800-955-5100 This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age, mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its participation in this program. 7-3 Online Owner Center The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership needs. You can ﬁnd your speciﬁc vehicle information all in one place. The Owner Center allows you to: • Get e-mail service reminders. • Access information about your speciﬁc vehicle, including tips and videos and an electronic version of this owner’s manual. (United States only) • Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and maintenance schedule. • Find GM dealers for service nationwide. • Receive special promotions and privileges only available to members. (United States only) Refer to the web for updated information. To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com. (United States) or My GM Canada within www.gmcanada.com (Canada). Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Oldsmobile has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with Oldsmobile by dialing: 1-800-833-OLDS (6537). (TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.) Customer Assistance Offices Oldsmobile encourages customers to call the toll-free number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to Oldsmobile, the letter should be addressed to Oldsmobile’s Customer Assistance Center. 7-4 United States – Customer Assistance Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33171 Detroit, MI 48232-5171 1-800-442-6537 1-800-833-6537 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-442-OLDS (6537) Fax Number: 313-381-0022 Overseas – Customer Assistance Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit. Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) – Customer Assistance General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. Customer Assistance Center Paseo de la Reforma # 2740 Col. Lomas de Bezares C.P. 11910, Mexico, D.F. 01-800-508-0000 Long Distance: 011-52-53 29 0 800 From Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) Fax Number: 313-381-0022 From U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 Fax Number: 313-381-0022 Canada – Customer Assistance General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 7-5 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities This program, available to qualiﬁed applicants, can reimburse you up to $1,000 toward eligible aftermarket driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may require for your vehicle (hand controls, wheelchair/ scooter lifts, etc.). This program can also provide you with free resource information, such as area driver assessment centers and mobility equipment installers. The offer is available for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle purchase/lease. For more details, or to determine your vehicle’s eligibility, see your GM dealer or call the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935. GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. All TTY users call 1-800-263-3830. 7-6 Roadside Assistance Program Security While You Travel 1-800-442-OLDS (6537) As the proud owner of a new Oldsmobile vehicle, you are automatically enrolled in the Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance program. This value-added service is intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive in the city or travel the open road. Oldsmobile’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is staffed by courteous and capable Roadside Assistance Representatives who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We will provide the following services during the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense to you: • Fuel delivery • Lock-out service (identiﬁcation required) • Tow to the nearest dealership for warranty service or in the event of a vehicle-disabling accident • Flat tire change • Jump starts • Minor repairs to disabled vehicles • Assistance when vehicle is mired in sand, mud or snow • Trip routing • Trip interruption expense beneﬁts • Dealership locator service Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance speciﬁcally excludes coverage for mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires, chains or other traction devices. In some cases, where service is impractical, the driver may be authorized to obtain other service for which reimbursement is provided. In many instances, mechanical failures are covered under Oldsmobile’s comprehensive warranty. However, when other services are utilized, our Roadside Assistance Representatives will explain any payment obligations you might incur. For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please provide the following to the Roadside Assistance Representative: • Location of vehicle • Telephone number of your location • Vehicle model, year and color • Mileage of vehicle • Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) • Vehicle license plate number Oldsmobile reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Oldsmobile’s judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence. While we hope you never have the occasion to use our service, it is added security while traveling for you and your family. Remember, we’re only a phone call away. Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance: 1-800-442-OLDS (6537), text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438. Canadian Roadside Assistance Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive roadside assistance program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book. 7-7 Courtesy Transportation Oldsmobile has always exempliﬁed quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation options are available when warranty repairs are required. This will reduce your inconvenience during warranty repairs. Plan Ahead When Possible When your vehicle requires warranty service, you should contact your dealer and request an appointment. By scheduling a service appointment and advising your service consultant of your transportation needs, your dealer can help minimize your inconvenience. If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service department immediately, keep driving it until it can be scheduled for service, unless, of course, the problem is safety-related. If it is, please call your dealership, let them know this, and ask for instructions. If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle off for service, you are urged to do so as early in the work day as possible to allow for same day repair. Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Oldsmobile helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options. Depending on the circumstances, your dealer can offer you one of the following: Shuttle Service Participating dealers can provide you with shuttle service to get you to your destination with minimal interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a one way or round trip shuttle ride to a destination up to 10 miles from the dealership. Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, reimbursement (ﬁve days maximum) may be available for the use of public transportation such as taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange transportation through a friend or relative, reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses (ﬁve day maximum) may be available. Claim amounts should reﬂect actual costs and be supported by original receipts. 7-8 Courtesy Rental Vehicle Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained if your vehicle is kept for a warranty repair. Reimbursement will be limited to a maximum of $30 a day and must be supported by receipts. This requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider requirements. Requirements vary and may include minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel usage charges and may also be responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage or rental usage beyond the completion of the repair. Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as a courtesy rental. Additional Program Information Courtesy Transportation is available during the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate booklet entitled Warranty and Owner Assistance Information furnished with each new vehicle provides detailed warranty coverage information. Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating dealers and all program options, such as shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer. Please contact your dealer for speciﬁc information about availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel. Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty, alternative transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify, change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at its sole discretion. 7-9 Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor emission control components to optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for airbag deployment and, if so equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations. Some information may be stored during regular operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions; other information is stored only in a crash or near crash event by computer systems commonly called event data recorders (EDR). In a crash or near crash event, computer systems, such as the Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your vehicle may record information about the condition of the vehicle and how it was operated, such as engine speed, brake applications, throttle position, vehicle speed, seat belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag performance data, and the severity of a collision. This information has been used to improve vehicle crash performance and may be used to improve crash performance of future vehicles and driving safety. Unlike 7-10 the data recorders on many airplanes, these on-board systems do not record sounds, such as conversation of vehicle occupants. To read this information, special equipment is needed and access to the vehicle or the SDM is required. GM will not access information about a crash event or share it with others other than • with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee, • in response to an official request of police or similar government office, • as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the discovery process, or • as required by law. In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may • use the data for GM research needs, • make it available for research where appropriate conﬁdentiality is to be maintained and need is shown, or • share summary data which is not tied to a speciﬁc vehicle with non-GM organizations for research purposes. Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to the special equipment that can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or SDM. If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar, please check the OnStar subscription service agreement or manual for information on its operations and data collection. Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it ﬁnds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the hotline. Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: Transport Canada 330 Sparks Street Tower C Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5 7-11 Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments, and speciﬁcations for GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00 Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle. In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE (1-800-463-7483). Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-442-6537, or write: Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33171 Detroit, MI 48232-5171 In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00 7-12 Owner’s Information Owner publications are written speciﬁcally for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 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: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 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. O. 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. 7-13 ✍ NOTES 7-14 A Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-18 Adding Washer Fluid ....................................... 5-36 Additional Program Information ........................... 7-9 Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-5 Add-On Electrical Equipment ............................ 5-89 Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) ............................ 3-42, 3-47, 3-58 Air Bag Readiness Light .......................................... 3-26 Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ............................................. 1-54 Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ................................. 5-20 Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) .... 7-10 AM ............................................................... 3-67 Antenna, Backglass ......................................... 3-69 Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System .. 3-69 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ............................ 4-7 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light ............... 3-29 Appearance Care ............................................ 5-81 Care of Safety Belts .................................... 5-84 Chemical Paint Spotting ............................... 5-87 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle ................ 5-82 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle .............. 5-85 Finish Damage ............................................ 5-87 Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 5-87 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-87 Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ................ 5-88 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-84 Ashtrays ........................................................ 3-19 Audio System(s) ............................................. 3-39 Backglass Antenna ...................................... 3-69 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................ 3-67 Care of Your CD Player ............................... 3-68 Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-68 Chime Level Adjustment ............................... 3-69 Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-55 Radio with CD .................................... 3-40, 3-45 Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ........................................ 3-40 Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ................................ 3-39 Theft-Deterrent Feature ................................ 3-67 Understanding Radio Reception ..................... 3-67 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ............ 3-69 Automatic Headlamp System ............................ 3-15 Automatic Transaxle ........................................ 2-18 Fluid .......................................................... 5-21 Operation ................................................... 2-22 Backglass Antenna .......................................... 3-69 Backing Up .................................................... 4-43 Battery .......................................................... 5-41 Battery Replacement ......................................... 2-6 Battery Run-Down Protection ............................ 3-17 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ......................... 4-23 Brake Parking ...................................................... 2-27 System Warning Light .................................. 3-28 Brake Adjustment ............................................ 5-41 Brake Fluid .................................................... 5-38 Brake Pedal Travel ......................................... 5-41 Brake Wear ................................................... 5-40 Brakes .......................................................... 5-38 Braking ........................................................... 4-6 Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-8 Break-In, New Vehicle ..................................... 2-16 Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-50 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ........ 5-51 Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps ............. 5-51 Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-50 Headlamp Aiming ........................................ 5-48 Headlamps ................................................. 5-50 Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 5-52 Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps ............ 5-52 Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-65 California Fuel .................................................. 5-5 Canada – Customer Assistance .......................... 7-5 Canadian Owners ................................................ ii Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................... 7-7 Capacities and Speciﬁcations ............................ 5-95 Carbon Monoxide ................... 4-26, 4-39, 2-12, 2-31 Care of Safety Belts ................................................ 5-84 Your Cassette Tape Player ............................ 3-67 Your CD Player ........................................... 3-68 Your CDs ................................................... 3-68 Cassette Tape Messages ................................. 3-64 Cassette Tape Player Service ............................. 6-9 CD Messages ................................ 3-44, 3-54, 3-66 Center Console Storage Area ........................... 2-35 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ........... 5-51 Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts ..... 1-27 Chains, Tires .................................................. 5-69 Charging System Light .................................... 3-27 Check Engine Light ............................................... 3-32 Checking Coolant ............................................ 5-25 Checking Engine Oil ........................................ 5-15 Checking Things Under the Hood ....................... 5-9 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-60 Chemical Paint Spotting ................................... 5-87 Child Restraints Child Restraint Systems ............................... 1-38 Infants and Young Children ........................... 1-34 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) .......................... 1-43 Older Children ............................................. 1-32 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ........................................ 1-46 Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position ........................................... 1-49 Child Restraints (cont.) Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........................................... 1-46 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ........................................... 1-51 Top Strap ................................................... 1-41 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................ 1-43 Where to Put the Restraint ........................... 1-41 Chime Level Adjustment .................................. 3-69 Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-19 Cleaning Inside of Your Vehicle .................................. 5-82 Outside of Your Vehicle ................................ 5-85 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-87 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-84 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels .............................. 5-86 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................... 5-85 Cleaning Fabric/Carpet .................................... 5-82 Cleaning Glass Surfaces .................................. 5-84 Cleaning Interior Plastic Components ................. 5-84 Cleaning Leather ............................................ 5-83 Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel ........... 5-84 Cleaning Tires ................................................ 5-87 Cleaning Vinyl ................................................ 5-83 Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades .............. 5-86 Climate Control System ................................... 3-19 Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 3-22 Clutch, Hydraulic ............................................. 5-22 Compact Spare Tire ........................................ 5-80 Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-5 Coolant Engine Temperature Gage ............................ 3-31 Heater, Engine ............................................ 2-20 Low Warning Light ....................................... 3-32 Cooling System .............................................. 5-29 Cruise Control ................................................ 3-10 Cruise Control Light ........................................ 3-37 Cupholder(s) .................................................. 2-34 Current and Past Model Order Forms ................ 7-13 Customer Assistance Information Courtesy Transportation .................................. 7-8 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users ....................................................... 7-4 Customer Assistance Offices ........................... 7-4 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... 7-2 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities ................................................ 7-6 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors .... 7-12 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government ............................................ 7-11 Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government ............................................ 7-11 Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-6 Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-12 Customizing the Automatic Door Locks for Automatic Transaxle Vehicles .......................... 2-9 Customizing the Automatic Door Locks for Manual Transaxle Vehicles ............................. 2-9 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ......................... 3-14 Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2 Defogging and Defrosting ................................. 3-21 Delayed Headlamps ........................................ 3-16 Delayed Locking ............................................... 2-8 Dinghy Towing ................................................ 4-32 Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-3 Dolly Towing .................................................. 4-33 Dome Lamp ................................................... 3-17 Door Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-8 Locks .......................................................... 2-7 Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............... 2-9 Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-10 Position, Safety Belt ..................................... 1-15 Six-Way Power Seat ...................................... 1-3 Engine At Night ..................................................... 4-16 City ........................................................... 4-21 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2 Driver Driving Driving (cont.) Drunken ....................................................... 4-2 Freeway ..................................................... 4-22 Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 4-24 In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-18 Winter ........................................................ 4-26 Driving On Grades .......................................... 4-44 Driving on Snow or Ice .................................... 4-27 Driving Through Deep Standing Water ............... 4-19 Driving Through Flowing Water ......................... 4-20 Driving with a Trailer ....................................... 4-43 Easy Entry Seat ............................................... 1-6 Electrical System Add-On Equipment ...................................... 5-89 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-90 Power Windows and Other Power Options ...... 5-90 Windshield Wiper Fuses ............................... 5-90 Emergency Trunk Release Handle ..................... 2-13 Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs ................................................... 3-35 Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... 5-20 Battery ....................................................... 5-41 Change Engine Oil Light ............................... 3-36 Check and Service Engine Soon Light ............ 3-32 Coolant ...................................................... 5-23 Engine (cont.) Coolant Heater ............................................ 2-20 Coolant Temperature Gage ........................... 3-31 Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-12 Exhaust ..................................................... 2-31 Oil ............................................................. 5-15 Overheating ................................................ 5-26 Starting ...................................................... 2-18 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ...................... 5-93 Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing .................. 4-45 Engine Oil Additives ........................................ 5-18 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) ........................ 4-9 Active Light ................................................ 3-31 ............................................. 3-30 Warning Light Entry/Exit Lighting ........................................... 3-17 Event Data Records (EDR) .............................. 7-10 Express Down Window .................................... 2-15 Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-31 Exterior Lamps ............................................... 3-14 Filter Engine Air Cleaner ...................................... 5-20 Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station (RDS and XM™) ................................. 3-48, 3-58 Finding a Station ............................ 3-41, 3-46, 3-56 Finish Care .................................................... 5-85 Finish Damage ............................................... 5-87 Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-70 Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-70 Fluid Automatic Transaxle ..................................... 5-21 Manual Transaxle ........................................ 5-22 Power Steering ........................................... 5-35 Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-36 FM Stereo ..................................................... 3-67 Fog Lamps .................................................... 3-16 Folding the Seatback ........................................ 1-8 Following Distance .......................................... 4-43 ............................................................... 5-4 Fuel Additives ...................................................... 5-5 California Fuel .............................................. 5-5 Filling a Portable Fuel Container ..................... 5-9 Filling Your Tank ........................................... 5-6 Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-6 Gage ......................................................... 3-38 Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-4 Gasoline Speciﬁcations .................................. 5-4 Fuses Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-90 Windshield Wiper ......................................... 5-90 G Gage Gasoline Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... 3-31 Fuel .......................................................... 3-38 Speedometer .............................................. 3-25 Tachometer ................................................. 3-25 Octane ........................................................ 5-4 Speciﬁcations ............................................... 5-4 Glove Box ..................................................... 2-34 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities .................................................... 7-6 Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... 3-4 Head Restraints ............................................... 1-5 Headlamp Aiming ....................................................... 5-48 Headlamps ...................................... 3-7, 3-14, 5-50 Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-50 Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps ............. 5-51 Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-50 Headlamps Off in PARK (P) .............................. 3-15 Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-24 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-24 Hitches .......................................................... 4-42 Hood Checking Things Under .................................. 5-9 Release ..................................................... 5-10 Horn ............................................................... 3-5 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank .. 5-31 How to Check ................................................ 5-62 How to Check and Add Fluid ............................ 5-23 How to Check Power Steering Fluid .................. 5-36 How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ....... 5-20 How to Use This Manual ...................................... ii How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-14 Hydraulic Clutch ............................................. 5-22 Hydroplaning .................................................. 4-19 If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-28 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-27 If the Light Is Flashing ..................................... 3-33 If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-34 If You Are Caught in a Blizzard ......................... 4-28 If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ....... 4-30 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-40 Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-17 Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-34 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ................................... 5-61 Instrument Panel Cluster ....................................................... 3-24 Overview ..................................................... 3-2 Instrument Panel Brightness ............................. 3-16 Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Passenger’s Side) .... 5-92 Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver’s Side) ............................................. 5-91 Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks ........................... 5-90 Interior Lamps ................................................ 3-16 Jump Starting ................................................. 5-42 Key Removal ................................................. 2-30 Keyless Entry System ....................................... 2-3 Keys ............................................................... 2-2 Lamps Exterior ...................................................... 3-14 Interior ....................................................... 3-16 Lap Belt ........................................................ 1-27 Lap-Shoulder Belt ................................... 1-15, 1-24 LATCH System Child Restraints ........................................... 1-43 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ........................................ 1-46 Latches, Seatback ............................................ 1-5 Leaving Your Vehicle ....................................... 2-12 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running ... 2-29 Lift Seat, Power ............................................... 1-7 Light Air Bag Readiness ....................................... 3-26 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ................... 3-29 Brake System Warning ................................. 3-28 Change Engine Oil ...................................... 3-36 Charging System ......................................... 3-27 Cruise Control ............................................. 3-37 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active Light .... 3-31 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning Light ...................................................... 3-30 Low Coolant Warning ................................... 3-32 Low Washer Fluid Warning ........................... 3-37 Malfunction Indicator .................................... 3-32 Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-35 Safety Belt Reminder ................................... 3-26 Security ..................................................... 3-37 Service Vehicle Soon ................................... 3-38 Up-Shift ..................................................... 3-28 Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-34 Lockout Protection .......................................... 2-11 Locks Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-8 Door ........................................................... 2-7 Leaving Your Vehicle .................................... 2-12 Lockout Protection ....................................... 2-11 Power Door .................................................. 2-8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............... 2-9 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-15 Low Coolant Warning Light .............................. 3-32 Low Washer Fluid Warning Light ....................... 3-37 Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6 At Each Fuel Fill ........................................... 6-8 At Least Once a Month .................................. 6-9 At Least Once a Year .................................... 6-9 Introduction .................................................. 6-2 Maintenance Footnotes .................................. 6-7 Maintenance Record .................................... 6-14 Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ......... 6-13 Owner Checks and Services ........................... 6-8 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 6-12 Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-4 Maintenance Schedule (cont.) Using Your ................................................... 6-3 Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2 Maintenance When Trailer Towing ..................... 4-45 Making Turns ................................................. 4-43 Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ 3-32 Manual Seats ................................................... 1-2 Manual Transaxle ............................................ 2-18 Fluid .......................................................... 5-22 Operation ................................................... 2-25 Manual Windows ............................................ 2-14 Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle ............... 2-5 Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) – Customer Assistance ....................... 7-5 Mirrors Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-33 Outside Convex Mirror ................................. 2-34 Outside Power Mirrors .................................. 2-33 Outside Remote Control Mirror ...................... 2-33 MyGMLink.com ................................................ 7-4 New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-16 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ............ 6-13 O Odometer ...................................................... 3-25 Off-Road Recovery .......................................... 4-13 Oil Change Engine Oil Light ............................... 3-36 Engine ....................................................... 5-15 Pressure Light ............................................. 3-35 Older Children, Restraints ................................ 1-32 Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-4 Operation ...................................................... 3-19 Other Warning Devices ...................................... 3-5 Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-22 Outside Convex Mirror ............................................. 2-34 Power Mirrors ............................................. 2-33 Remote Control Mirror .................................. 2-33 Overseas – Customer Assistance ........................ 7-5 Owner Checks and Services .............................. 6-8 Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii Owner’s Information ........................................ 7-13 Park (P) Parking Shifting Into ................................................ 2-28 Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-30 Brake ........................................................ 2-27 Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-31 Parking (cont.) Your Vehicle/Key Removal ............................ 2-30 Parking on Hills .............................................. 4-44 Passing ................................................. 4-13, 4-43 Passlock® ...................................................... 2-16 Plan Ahead When Possible ................................ 7-8 Playing a Cassette Tape .................................. 3-63 Playing a CD ................................. 3-42, 3-53, 3-65 Playing the Radio ........................... 3-40, 3-45, 3-56 Power ............................................................. 1-3 Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-18 Door Locks .................................................. 2-8 Electrical System ......................................... 5-90 Lift Seat ....................................................... 1-7 Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-35 Windows .................................................... 2-15 Power Steering ............................................... 4-11 Programmable Automatic Door Locks .................. 2-9 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-13 Radio Data System (RDS) ....................... 3-45, 3-55 Radio Messages ............................................. 3-42 Radios .......................................................... 3-39 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................ 3-67 Radios (cont.) Care of Your CD Player ............................... 3-68 Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-68 Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-55 Radio with CD .................................... 3-40, 3-45 Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ........................................ 3-40 Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ................................ 3-39 Theft-Deterrent ............................................ 3-67 Understanding Reception .............................. 3-67 RDS Messages ...................................... 3-49, 3-59 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... 1-29 Rear Seat Operation ......................................... 1-8 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............. 1-23 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-23 Rear Window Defogger .................................... 3-22 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-33 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-3 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-12 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-31 Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-3 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ............. 2-4 Remote Trunk Release .................................... 2-13 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire .................................................. 5-73 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-72 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-52 Replacing Brake System Parts .......................... 5-41 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ..... 1-61 10 Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government .................................. 7-11 General Motors ........................................... 7-12 United States Government ............................ 7-11 Restraint System Check Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-60 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ..................................................... 1-61 Restraint Systems Checking .................................................... 1-60 Replacing Parts ........................................... 1-61 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-18 Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-23 Roadside Assistance Program ....................................... 7-6 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out ................... 4-31 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-32 Safety Belt Safety Belts Reminder Light ............................................ 3-26 Care of ...................................................... 5-84 Center Rear Passenger Position .................... 1-27 Driver Position ............................................ 1-15 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-14 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-13 Safety Belts (cont.) Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults ...................................... 1-29 Rear Seat Passengers ................................. 1-23 Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-23 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-31 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-22 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ......................... 1-9 Safety Chains ................................................. 4-42 Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4 Seatback Latches ............................................. 1-5 Seats Easy Entry Seat ............................................ 1-6 Head Restraints ............................................ 1-5 Manual ........................................................ 1-2 Power Lift Seat ............................................. 1-7 Rear Seat Operation ...................................... 1-8 Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-3 Seatback Latches .......................................... 1-5 Six-Way Power Driver .................................... 1-3 Securing a Child Restraint Center Rear Seat Position ............................ 1-49 Designed for the LATCH System ................... 1-46 Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... 1-46 Right Front Seat Position .............................. 1-51 Security Light ................................................. 3-37 Security While You Travel .................................. 7-6 Service ........................................................... 5-3 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ..................................................... 5-4 Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-3 Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-32 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-12 Vehicle Soon Light ....................................... 3-38 Service Bulletins ............................................. 7-12 Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada .................. 3-32 Service Manuals ............................................. 7-12 Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) ............... 3-49, 3-59 Setting Preset Stations .................... 3-41, 3-47, 3-57 Setting the Time Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ......... 3-40 Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ..... 3-39 Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) .......... 3-41, 3-47, 3-57 Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-87 Shift Speeds .................................................. 2-26 Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-28 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-30 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ........................... 1-17 Skidding ........................................................ 4-15 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips ....................... 4-20 Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..................... 5-83 Speciﬁcations, Capacities ................................. 5-95 Speedometer .................................................. 3-25 Starting Your 2.2L L4 ECOTEC™ Engine ........... 2-18 11 Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine ........................... 2-19 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-18 Steering ........................................................ 4-11 Steering in Emergencies .................................. 4-12 Steering Tips .................................................. 4-11 Storage Areas Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-35 Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-34 Glove Box .................................................. 2-34 Storing the Flat Tire and Tools .......................... 5-79 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools ....................... 5-80 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...................... 4-30 Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-15 Sunroof ......................................................... 2-35 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ............... 1-54 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .................... 1-58 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ......... 1-60 What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate? .................... 1-58 What Will You See After an Air Bag Inﬂates? ...... 1-58 When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? ................... 1-57 Where Are the Air Bags? .............................. 1-56 Tachometer .................................................... 3-25 Taillamps Turn Signal, and Stoplamps .......................... 5-52 Theft-Deterrent, Radio ..................................... 3-67 Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-16 12 Passlock® ................................................... 2-16 Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-5 Tire Inﬂation Check ........................................... 6-9 Tire Sidewall Labeling ...................................... 5-54 Tire Size ....................................................... 5-58 Tire Terminology and Deﬁnitions ........................ 5-59 Tires ............................................................. 5-54 Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-65 Chains ....................................................... 5-69 Changing a Flat Tire .................................... 5-70 Compact Spare Tire ..................................... 5-80 If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-70 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ................................ 5-61 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-62 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-66 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-67 Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-67 When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-64 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-21 Top Strap ...................................................... 1-41 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-43 Torque Lock ................................................... 2-29 Total Weight of Your Vehicle’s Tires ................... 4-42 Towing Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-31 Towing a Trailer .......................................... 4-39 Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-31 Traction Enhanced Traction System (ETS) .................... 4-9 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active Light .... 3-31 Traction (cont.) Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning Light ...................................................... 3-30 Trailer Brakes ................................................. 4-42 Transaxle Fluid, Automatic ........................................... 5-21 Fluid, Manual .............................................. 5-22 Transaxle Operation, Automatic ......................... 2-22 Transaxle Operation, Manual ............................ 2-25 Transmission Up-Shift Light .............................................. 3-28 Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual ............................................ 7-12 Transportation Options ...................................... 7-8 Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit ................................... 2-14 Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-25 Trunk ............................................................ 2-12 Trunk Lamp ................................................... 3-17 Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... 3-6 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-6 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer .................. 4-44 Used Replacement Wheels .............................. 5-68 Using Cleaner on Fabric .................................. 5-82 Vehicle Control ........................................................ 4-5 Damage Warnings ........................................... iv Loading ...................................................... 4-34 Parking Your ............................................... 2-30 Service Soon Light ...................................... 3-38 Symbols ......................................................... iv Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records .... 7-10 Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) ............................................. 5-89 Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label ................... 5-89 Vehicle Storage .............................................. 5-42 Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-22 Visor Vanity Mirror .......................................... 2-15 Visors ........................................................... 2-15 Understanding Radio Reception ........................ 3-67 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-66 United States – Customer Assistance .................. 7-5 Up-Shift Light ................................................. 3-28 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-23 Warnings Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-4 Other Warning Devices .................................. 3-5 13 Why Safety Belts Work .................................... 1-10 Window Lockout ............................................. 2-15 Windows ....................................................... 2-14 Manual ...................................................... 2-14 Power ........................................................ 2-15 Windshield Washer ......................................... 3-10 Fluid .......................................................... 5-36 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-53 Fuses ........................................................ 5-90 Windshield Wiper Lever ..................................... 3-9 Winter Driving ................................................ 4-26 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ................ 3-69 XM™ Satellite Radio Service (48 Contiguous US States) ........... 3-45, 3-55, 3-67 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2 Warnings (cont.) Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light ...................... 3-37 Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... 5-85 Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-40 Weight of the Trailer Tongue ............................. 4-41 What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................ 5-16 What to Do with Used Oil ................................ 5-19 What to Use .......................................... 5-24, 5-36 Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-67 Replacement ............................................... 5-67 When to Add Engine Oil .................................. 5-16 When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life System) ................................... 5-18 When to Check .............................................. 5-62 When to Check and What to Use ..................... 5-22 When to Check Power Steering Fluid ................ 5-35 When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ..... 5-20 When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill ..................................................... 4-45 Where to Put the Restraint ............................... 1-41 14 2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owner Manual M Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1 ............................................... 1-2 ............................................... 1-8 .............................................. 1-9 ....................................... 1-32 Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Restraint System Check Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors Storage Areas Sunroof ...................................... 1-54 ............................ 1-60 Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1 ........................................................ 2-2 ....................................... 2-7 ................................................. 2-14 ............................ 2-16 ........... 2-16 .................................................... 2-33 ......................................... 2-34 .................................................. 2-35 Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1 .......................... 3-2 ...................................... 3-19 ......... 3-23 ....................................... 3-39 Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Audio System(s) Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1 ..... 4-2 ................................................... 4-31 Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1 Service ..................................................... 5-3 Fuel ......................................................... 5-4 Checking Things Under the Hood ................. 5-9 Headlamp Aiming ..................................... 5-48 Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-50 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-53 Tires ...................................................... 5-54 Appearance Care ..................................... 5-81 Vehicle Identiﬁcation ................................. 5-89 Electrical System ...................................... 5-89 Capacities and Speciﬁcations ..................... 5-95 Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1 ................................ 6-2 Customer Assistance Information .................... 7-1 .................. 7-2 ........................... 7-11 Index ................................................................ 1 Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Defects Maintenance Schedule Canadian Owners You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, OLDSMOBILE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem and the name ALERO are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles ﬁrst sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Oldsmobile Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they ﬁrst receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you will ﬁnd that pictures and words work together to explain things. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual, and the page number where you will ﬁnd it. Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 22713779 A First Edition ©Copyright General Motors Corporation 05/29/03 All Rights Reserved ii Safety Warnings and Symbols You will ﬁnd a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. {CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt. You will also ﬁnd a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” iii Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will ﬁnd these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice will tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE. Vehicle Symbols Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a speciﬁc component, control, message, gage or indicator. If you need help ﬁguring out a speciﬁc name of a component, gage or indicator, reference the following topics: • Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1 • Features and Controls in Section 2 • Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 • Climate Controls in Section 3 • Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3 • Audio System(s) in Section 3 • Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5 iv These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may ﬁnd on your vehicle: ✍ NOTES vi Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Front Seats ......................................................1-2 Manual Seats ................................................1-2 Six-Way Power Driver Seat ..............................1-3 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-3 Head Restraints .............................................1-5 Seatback Latches ...........................................1-5 Easy Entry Seat .............................................1-6 Power Lift Seat ..............................................1-7 Rear Seats .......................................................1-8 Rear Seat Operation .......................................1-8 Safety Belts .....................................................1-9 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone .................1-9 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-13 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-14 Driver Position ..............................................1-15 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-22 Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-23 Rear Seat Passengers ..................................1-23 Center Rear Passenger Position .....................1-27 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults .......................................1-29 Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-31 Child Restraints .............................................1-32 Older Children ..............................................1-32 Infants and Young Children ............................1-34 Child Restraint Systems .................................1-38 Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-41 Top Strap ....................................................1-41 Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-43 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-43 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System .........................................1-46 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position ............................................1-46 Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position ............................................1-49 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ............................................1-51 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) .............................................1-54 Where Are the Air Bags? ...............................1-56 When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? ....................1-57 What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate? .....................1-58 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .....................1-58 What Will You See After an Air Bag Inﬂates? ...1-58 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle .........1-60 Restraint System Check ..................................1-60 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-60 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ......................................................1-61 1-1 Front Seats Manual Seats {CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. 1-2 Lift the bar located under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place. Six-Way Power Driver Seat Reclining Seatbacks If your vehicle has this feature, the power seat control is located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat. This control allows you to move the seat up, down, forward, or backward. It will also move the front or rear of the seat cushion up or down. • Move the seat forward or rearward by pushing the control toward the front or rear of the vehicle. • Raise or lower the entire seat cushion by holding the control up or down. • Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by holding the front of the control up or down. • Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by holding the rear of the control up or down. To adjust the seatback, lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will go to an upright position. 1-3 {CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. 1-4 Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Seatback Latches For two-door model vehicles, the front seatbacks fold forward to let people get into the back seat. The seatback latch is designed for one-handed operation. To fold a front seatback forward, lift the seatback latch fully without pushing forward on the seatback to unlock it. Then the seatback will fold forward. Push the seatback to its original position, and the seatback will lock. {CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. 1-5 Easy Entry Seat For two-door model vehicles, the right front seat of your vehicle makes it easy for people to get in and out of the rear seat. 1. Fold the right front seatback forward after lifting the seatback latch fully. 2. Slide the seat forward to allow someone to get into the rear seat area. 3. Push the seatback upright to lock it and slide the seat fully rearward to lock it. 4. Adjust the seat to the desired position. 5. The front passenger should try to move the seat to make sure the seat is locked into place. {CAUTION: If the easy entry right front seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearward on an easy entry seat to be sure it is locked. 1-6 Power Lift Seat If your vehicle has this feature, to move the power lift seat forward or rearward, pull up on the lever located under the front of the driver’s seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place. To raise or lower the power lift seat, hold the switch located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat up or down. 1-7 Rear Seats Rear Seat Operation Folding the Seatback If your vehicle has this feature, do the following: 1. Pull the release straps located in the trunk. The right strap operates the passenger’s side rear split seat. The left strap operates the driver’s side rear split seat. 2. Fold the seatback down from the inside of the vehicle. 1-8 {CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. {CAUTION: A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted. To raise the seatback, push the seatback up to return it to its original position. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is latched securely in the fully upright position. Safety Belts Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. {CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too. {CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-26. 1-9 Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot! Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-10 Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-11 The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... or the instrument panel... 1-12 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? A: You could be – whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts – not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-13 or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident – even one that isn’t your fault – you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-32 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-34. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. 1-14 Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-31. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-15 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. 1-16 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Four–Door Models) Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. To move it down, squeeze the release button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the release button to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder. 1-17 Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should ﬁt against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way. 1-18 Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-19 Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-20 Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to ﬁx it. A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-21 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. 1-22 A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-15. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt – except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Rear Seat Passengers It is very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who are not safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions 1-23 Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder

Boost Classifieds - Car Advice, Reviews, Events & Classifieds

2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owners Manual