2000 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual - Page 307

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in reverse. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF. Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. D To check the parking brake's holding ability: With the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release the parking brake followed by the regular brake. D To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability: CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. Underbody Flushing Service At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect. 7-17