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2001 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual - Page 207

2001 Oldsmobile Alero Manual

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Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop. When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating. 4-40

Section	Page
2001 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual	1
	24
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers	24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	25
Adults	25
Driver Position	25
Lap-Shoulder Belt	25
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4- Door Models)	27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	32
Right Front Passenger Position	33
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	33
How the Air Bag System Works	35
Where are the air bags?	35
When should an air bag inflate?	37
What makes an air bag inflate?	37
How does an air bag restrain?	37
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	38
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	39
Rear Seat Passengers	40
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	40
Lap-Shoulder Belt	40
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	43
Center Passenger Position	45
Lap Belt	46
Children	47
Infants and Young Children	47
Restraint Systems for Children	51
Where to Put the Restraint	54
Top Strap	55
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	56
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	59
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	62
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	64
Older Children	66
Safety Belt Extender	69
Checking Your Restraint Systems	70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	70
Section 2 Features and Controls	71
Windows	72
Manual Windows	73
Power Windows (If Equipped)	73
Auto- Down Switch	73
Lock- Out Switch (4- Door Models)	73
Keys	74
Door Locks	76
Power Door Locks	77
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	77
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks	78
Delayed Locking	79
Rear Door Security Locks (4-Door Models)	80
Anti-Lockout Protection	81
Leaving Your Vehicle	81
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	81
Operation	82
Programmable Horn Chirp	83
Radio Personalization	83
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	84
Battery Replacement	84
Resynchronization	85
Trunk	86
Remote Trunk Release	87
Remote Trunk Release Lockout (If Equipped)	87
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)	88
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	88
Theft	89
Key in the Ignition	89
Parking at Night	89
Parking Lots	89
Passlock	90
New Vehicle Break-In	90
Ignition Positions	91
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	92
Starting Your Engine	92
Automatic Transaxle	92
Manual Transaxle	93
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)	94
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	95
Automatic Transaxle Operation	96
Manual Transaxle Operation	99
Shift Speeds	101
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)	101
Parking Brake	101
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	102
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)	103
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)	104
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	104
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal (Manual Transaxle Models Only)	104
Parking Over Things That Burn	105
Engine Exhaust	105
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)	106
Horn	106
Tilt Wheel	107
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	107
Turn and Lane Change Signals	108
Turn Signal On Chime	108
Headlamps	109
Lamps On Reminder	109
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	109
Flash-to-Pass	110
Windshield Wipers	110
Windshield Washer	111
Cruise Control	111
Setting Cruise Control	112
Resuming a Set Speed	113
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	113
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	114
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	114
Using Cruise Control on Hills	114
Ending Out of Cruise Control	114
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory	114
Exterior Lamps	115
Headlamps	115
Daytime Running Lamps	115
Automatic Light Control (ALC)	115
Headlamps Dim to Park (If Equipped)	116
Delayed Headlamps	116
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	116
Interior Lamps	117
Instrument Panel Intensity Control	117
Courtesy Lamp Control	117
Illuminated Entry/Exit System	117
Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)	118
Three-Position Dome Lamp	118
Trunk Lamp	118
Battery Saver	118
Mirrors	119
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	119
Manual Remote Control Mirror	119
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	119
Convex Outside Mirror	120
Storage Compartments	120
Glove Box	120
Center Console Storage Area	120
Rear Seat Cupholders	120
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	120
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)	121
Sun Visors	121
Visor Vanity Mirror	121
Accessory Power Outlet	122
Sunroof (Option)	123
The Instrument Panel Your Information System	124
Instrument Panel Cluster	126
Speedometer and Odometer	127
Trip Odometer	127
Tachometer	127
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	128
Safety Belt Reminder Light	128
Air Bag Readiness Light	129
Charging System Indicator Light	130
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)	130
Brake System Warning Light	130
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	132
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	132
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	133
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	134
Low Coolant Warning Light	134
Low Tire Pressure Light (If Equipped)	135
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)	136
If the Light Is Flashing	137
If the Light Is On Steady	137
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	138
Oil Pressure Light	139
Low Oil Light (If Equipped)	140
Change Oil Light	140
Security Light	141
Cruise Light	141
Low Washer Light	141
Service Vehicle Soon Light	142
Fuel Gage	142
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	143
Comfort Controls	144
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning	144
Fan Knob	144
Temperature Knob	144
Mode Knob	144
Mode Buttons	145
Air Conditioning	145
Heating	146
Defogging and Defrosting Windows	146
Rear Window Defogger	147
Ventilation System	147
Ventilation Tips	148
Audio Systems	149
Setting the Clock	149
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS)	149
Playing the Radio	149
Finding a Station	150
Setting the Tone	151
Using RDS Mode	152
Adjusting the Speakers	154
Playing a Compact Disc	154
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	156
Playing the Radio	156
Finding a Station	156
Setting the Tone	157
Using RDS Mode	158
Adjusting the Speakers	160
Playing a Cassette Tape	160
Playing a Compact Disc	162
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)	164
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios	164
Understanding Radio Reception	164
AM	164
FM Stereo	164
Tips About Your Audio System	164
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	165
Care of Your Compact Discs	166
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	166
Backglass Antenna	166
Chime Level Adjustment	167
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	168
Defensive Driving	169
Drunken Driving	170
Control of a Vehicle	173
Braking	173
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	174
Using Anti- Lock	176
Braking in Emergencies	176
Enhanced Traction System	176
Steering	178
Power Steering	178
Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)	178
Steering Tips	178
Driving on Curves	178
Steering in Emergencies	179
Off-Road Recovery	180
Passing	180
Loss of Control	182
Skidding	182
Driving at Night	183
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	184
Hydroplaning	186
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	186
Driving Through Flowing Water	187
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	187
City Driving	188
Freeway Driving	189
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	190
Highway Hypnosis	191
Hill and Mountain Roads	191
Winter Driving	193
Driving on Snow or Ice	194
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	195
Recreational Vehicle Towing	197
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front	197
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear	199
Loading Your Vehicle	199
Towing a Trailer	201
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	202
Weight of the Trailer	203
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	203
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	204
Hitches	204
Safety Chains	205
Trailer Brakes	205
Driving with a Trailer	205
Following Distance	206
Passing	206
Backing Up	206
Making Turns	206
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	207
Driving On Grades	207
Parking on Hills	208
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	208
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	209
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	209
Towing a Trailer (2.4L L4 Engine)	209
Section 5 Problems on the Road	210
Hazard Warning Flashers	211
Other Warning Devices	211
Jump Starting	212
Towing Your Vehicle	217
Engine Overheating	217
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	218
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	219
Cooling System	220
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank	222
If a Tire Goes Flat	227
Changing a Flat Tire	227
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	228
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	230
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	235
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	236
Compact Spare Tire	237
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	238
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	238
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	239
Service	240
Doing Your Own Service Work	240
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	241
Fuel	241
Fuels in Foreign Countries	243
Filling Your Tank	244
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	246
Checking Things Under the Hood	246
Hood Release	247
Engine Compartment Overview	249
Engine Oil	251
Checking Engine Oil	251
When to Add Engine Oil	253
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	255
Engine Oil Additives	256
When to Change Engine Oil	256
How to Reset the Change Oil Light	257
What to Do with Used Oil	257
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	257
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	258
Manual Transaxle Fluid	259
Hydraulic Clutch	259
When to Check and What to Use	259
How to Check and Add Fluid	260
Engine Coolant	260
What to Use	261
Checking Coolant	262
Adding Coolant	263
Power Steering Fluid	263
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	263
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	264
What to Use	264
Windshield Washer Fluid	264
What to Use	264
Adding Washer Fluid	264
Brakes	265
Brake Fluid	265
What to Add	267
Brake Wear	268
Brake Pedal Travel	268
Brake Adjustment	268
Replacing Brake System Parts	269
Battery	269
Vehicle Storage	270
Bulb Replacement	270
Halogen Bulbs	270
Headlamps	270
Headlamp Aiming	271
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement	273
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp	273
Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamp Bulb Replacement	274
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	274
Tires	275
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	276
When to Check	276
How to Check	276
Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped)	277
Tire Inspection and Rotation	278
When It s Time for New Tires	280
Buying New Tires	280
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	281
Treadwear	282
Traction AA, A, B, C	282
Temperature A, B, C	282
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	283
Wheel Replacement	283
Used Replacement Wheels	284
Tire Chains	284
Appearance Care	285
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	285
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	285
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	286
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	286
Cleaning Vinyl	287
Cleaning Leather	287
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	287
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	287
Care of Safety Belts	288
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	288
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	288
Weatherstrips	288
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	289
Washing Your Vehicle	289
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	289
Finish Care	289
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	290
Cleaning Tires	290
Sheet Metal Damage	290
Finish Damage	291
Underbody Maintenance	291
Chemical Paint Spotting	291
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	292
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	293
Engine Identification	293
Service Parts Identification Label	293
Electrical System	294
Add-On Electrical Equipment	294
Windshield Wipers	294
Power Windows	294
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	294
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks	294
Instrument Panel Fuse Block Driver s Side	295
Instrument Panel Fuse Block Passenger s Side	296
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	297
Replacement Bulbs	299
Capacities and Specifications	300
Capacities	300
Engine Specifications	300
Wheel Nut Torque	300
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	301
Vehicle Dimensions	301
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	302
Introduction	303
Your Vehicle and the Environment	303
Maintenance Requirements	303
How This Section is Organized	304
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	305
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	305
Scheduled Maintenance	306
Footnotes	306
Scheduled Maintenance	307
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	307
Scheduled Maintenance	308
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	316
At Each Fuel Fill	316
Engine Oil Level Check	316
Engine Coolant Level Check	316
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	316
At Least Once a Month	316
Tire Inflation Check	316
Cassette Deck Service	316
At Least Twice a Year	317
Restraint System Check	317
Wiper Blade Check	317
Weatherstrip Lubrication	317
Manual Transaxle Check	317
Automatic Transaxle Inspection	317
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	318
At Least Once a Year	318
Key Lock Cylinders Service	318
Body Lubrication Service	318
Starter Switch Check	318
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	319
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	319
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	320
Underbody Flushing Service	320
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	321
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	321
Exhaust System Inspection	321
Engine Cooling System Inspection	321
Throttle System Inspection	322
Brake System Inspection	322
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	323
Part E: Maintenance Record	325
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	328
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	329
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	331
Customer Assistance Offices	331
United States	331
Canada	332
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	332
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	332
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program Features and Benefits	333
Security While You Travel	333
Canadian Roadside Assistance	334
Courtesy Transportation	334
Plan Ahead When Possible	335
Transportation Options	335
Shuttle Service	335
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	335
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	335
Additional Program Information	336
Warranty Information	336
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	337
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	337