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2002 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual - Page 196

2002 Oldsmobile Alero Manual

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Dinghy Towing To tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these steps: 1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it. 2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. 3. Set the parking brake. 4. To prevent your battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the following fuses from the left side instrument panel fuse block: WIPER, PCM ACC and IPC/BFC ACC. See "Instrument Panel Fuse Block -- Driver's Side" in the Index for the location of these fuses. 5. Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY. 6. Shift your transaxle to NEUTRAL (N). 7. Release the parking brake. 4-31

Section	Page
2002 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual	1
Copyright General Motors Corp. 2001	2
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:	3
How to Use this Manual	4
Safety Warnings and Symbols	4
Vehicle Damage Warnings	5
Vehicle Symbols	5
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems	7
Seats and Seat Controls	8
Manual Seats	8
Power Lift Seat (If Equipped)	9
Six-Way Power Seat Controls (If Equipped)	10
Manual Lumbar Support (If Equipped)	10
Reclining Front Seatbacks	10
Head Restraints	12
Seatback Latches (Two-Door Models)	12
Easy Entry Seat (Two-Door Models)	13
Rear Seats	13
Folding the Rear Seatback (Option)	13
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone	14
Why Safety Belts Work	15
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts --and the Answers	18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	19
Adults	19
Driver Position	20
Lap-Shoulder Belt	20
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Four-Door Models)	22
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	27
Right Front Passenger Position	28
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	28
How the Air Bag System Works	30
Where are the air bags?	30
When should an air bag inflate?	31
What makes an air bag inflate?	32
How does an air bag restrain?	32
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	32
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	34
Rear Seat Passengers	34
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	34
Lap-Shoulder Belt	34
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	37
Center Passenger Position	40
Lap Belt	40
Children	41
Infants and Young Children	41
Restraint Systems for Children	45
Where to Put the Restraint	48
Top Strap	48
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	50
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	55
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	56
Older Children	59
Safety Belt Extender	62
Checking Your Restraint Systems	62
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	62
Section 2 Features and Controls	63
Windows	64
Manual Windows	65
Power Windows (If Equipped)	65
Auto-Down Switch	65
Lock-Out Switch (Four-Door Models)	65
Keys	66
Door Locks	68
Power Door Locks	69
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	69
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks	70
Delayed Locking	71
Rear Door Security Locks (Four-Door Models)	72
Anti-Lockout Protection	73
Leaving Your Vehicle	73
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	73
Operation	74
Programmable Horn Chirp	75
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	75
Battery Replacement	76
Trunk	77
Remote Trunk Release	78
Remote Trunk Release Lockout	78
Trunk Release Handle	79
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	79
Theft	80
Key in the Ignition	80
Parking at Night	80
Parking Lots	80
Passlock	81
New Vehicle "Break-In"	81
Ignition Positions	82
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	83
Starting Your Engine	83
Automatic Transaxle	83
Manual Transaxle	83
Starting Your 2.2L L4 ECOTEC_ Engine	84
Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine	85
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)	86
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	87
Automatic Transaxle Operation	88
Manual Transaxle Operation	92
Shift Speeds	93
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)	93
Parking Brake	94
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	95
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)	96
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)	96
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	97
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal (Manual Transaxle Models Only)	97
Parking Over Things That Burn	98
Engine Exhaust	98
Running Your Engine While You' re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)	99
Horn	99
Tilt Wheel	100
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	100
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	101
Turn Signal On Chime	101
Lamps On Reminder	101
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	102
Flash-to-Pass	102
Windshield Wipers	102
Windshield Washer	103
Cruise Control	104
Setting Cruise Control	105
Resuming a Set Speed	105
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	106
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	106
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	106
Using Cruise Control on Hills	107
Ending Out of Cruise Control	107
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory	107
Exterior Lamps	107
Daytime Running Lamps	108
Automatic Light Control (ALC)	109
Headlamps Dim to Park	109
Delayed Headlamps	110
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	110
Interior Lamps	110
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	110
Illuminated Entry/Exit System	111
Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)	111
Three-Position Dome Lamp	111
Trunk Lamp	111
Battery Saver	112
Mirrors	112
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	112
Manual Remote Control Mirror	112
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	113
Convex Outside Mirror	113
Storage Compartments	114
Glove Box	114
Center Console Storage Area	114
Rear Seat Cupholders	114
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	114
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)	115
Sun Visors	115
Visor Vanity Mirror	115
Accessory Power Outlet	116
Sunroof (Option)	117
The Instrument Panel --Your Information System	118
Instrument Panel Cluster	120
Speedometer and Odometer	121
Trip Odometer	121
Tachometer	121
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	122
Safety Belt Reminder Light	122
Air Bag Readiness Light	123
Charging System Indicator Light	124
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)	124
Brake System Warning Light	124
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	126
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	126
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	127
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	128
Low Coolant Warning Light	128
Low Tire Pressure Light (If Equipped)	129
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)	130
If the Light Is Flashing	132
If the Light Is On Steady	132
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	133
Oil Pressure Light	134
Low Oil Light (If Equipped)	135
Change Oil Light	135
Security Light	136
Cruise Light	136
Low Washer Light	136
Service Vehicle Soon Light	137
Fuel Gage	137
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	138
Comfort Controls	139
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning	139
Fan Knob	139
Temperature Knob	139
Mode Knob	139
Mode Buttons	140
Air Conditioning	140
Heating	141
Defogging and Defrosting Windows	141
Rear Window Defogger	142
Ventilation System	142
Ventilation Tips	143
Audio Systems	144
Setting the Clock	144
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS)	144
Playing the Radio	144
Finding a Station	145
Setting Preset Stations	146
Setting the Tone (Bass/ Treble)	146
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	147
Using RDS	147
Finding a PTY Preset Station	148
Setting PTY Preset Stations	149
RDS Messages	149
Playing a Compact Disc	150
Compact Disc Errors	151
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	152
Playing the Radio	152
Finding a Station	152
Setting Preset Stations	153
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	153
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	154
Using RDS	154
Finding a PTY Preset Station	155
Setting PTY Preset Stations	156
RDS Messages	156
Playing a Cassette Tape	157
Cassette Tape Messages	159
Playing a Compact Disc	159
Compact Disc Messages	161
Theft-Deterrent Feature	161
Understanding Radio Reception	161
AM	161
FM Stereo	162
Tips About Your Audio System	162
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	163
Care of Your Compact Discs	164
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	164
Backglass Antenna	165
Chime Level Adjustment	165
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	166
Defensive Driving	167
Drunken Driving	168
Control of a Vehicle	171
Braking	171
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	172
Using Anti-Lock	174
Braking in Emergencies	174
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)	174
Steering	176
Power Steering	176
Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)	176
Steering Tips	176
Driving on Curves	176
Steering in Emergencies	177
Off-Road Recovery	178
Passing	178
Loss of Control	180
Skidding	180
Driving at Night	181
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	182
Hydroplaning	183
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	184
Driving Through Flowing Water	184
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	184
City Driving	185
Freeway Driving	186
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	187
Highway Hypnosis	188
Hill and Mountain Roads	189
Winter Driving	190
Driving on Snow or Ice	191
If You' re Caught in a Blizzard	193
Recreational Vehicle Towing	195
Dinghy Towing	196
Dolly Towing	198
Loading Your Vehicle	199
Towing a Trailer	201
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	202
Weight of the Trailer	202
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	203
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires	203
Hitches	204
Safety Chains	204
Trailer Brakes	204
Driving with a Trailer	205
Following Distance	205
Passing	205
Backing Up	205
Making Turns	206
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	206
Driving On Grades	207
Parking on Hills	207
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	208
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	208
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	208
Section 5 Problems on the Road	209
Hazard Warning Flashers	210
Other Warning Devices	210
Jump Starting	211
Towing Your Vehicle	216
Engine Overheating	217
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	217
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	218
Cooling System	219
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank	221
If a Tire Goes Flat	226
Changing a Flat Tire	226
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	227
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	229
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	234
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	235
Compact Spare Tire	236
If You' re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	237
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	237
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	238
Service	239
Doing Your Own Service Work	239
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	240
Fuel	240
Gasoline Octane	240
Gasoline Specifications	241
California Fuel	241
Additives	241
Fuels in Foreign Countries	242
Filling Your Tank	243
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	245
Checking Things Under the Hood	246
Hood Release	246
Engine Compartment Overview	248
Engine Oil	250
Checking Engine Oil	250
When to Add Engine Oil	252
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	253
Engine Oil Additives	255
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life System_)	255
How to Reset the Change Oil Light	256
What to Do with Used Oil	256
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	257
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	259
Manual Transaxle Fluid	260
Hydraulic Clutch	260
When to Check and What to Use	260
How to Check and Add Fluid	260
Engine Coolant	261
What to Use	262
Checking Coolant	263
Adding Coolant	264
Power Steering Fluid	265
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	265
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	265
What to Use	265
Windshield Washer Fluid	265
What to Use	265
Adding Washer Fluid	266
Brakes	267
Brake Fluid	267
What to Add	268
Brake Wear	269
Brake Pedal Travel	269
Brake Adjustment	269
Replacing Brake System Parts	270
Battery	270
Vehicle Storage	270
Bulb Replacement	271
Halogen Bulbs	271
Headlamps	271
Headlamp Aiming	272
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps	274
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp	274
Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamps	275
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	276
Tires	277
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	278
When to Check	278
How to Check	278
Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped)	279
Tire Inspection and Rotation	281
When It's Time for New Tires	282
Buying New Tires	283
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	284
Treadwear	284
Traction -- AA, A, B, C	284
Temperature -- A, B, C	285
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	285
Wheel Replacement	285
Used Replacement Wheels	286
Tire Chains	287
Appearance Care	288
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	288
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	289
Using Cleaner on Fabric	289
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	290
Cleaning Vinyl	290
Cleaning Leather	290
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	291
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	291
Care of Safety Belts	291
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	291
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	292
Weatherstrips	292
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	292
Washing Your Vehicle	292
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	293
Finish Care	293
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	294
Cleaning Tires	294
Sheet Metal Damage	294
Finish Damage	295
Underbody Maintenance	295
Chemical Paint Spotting	295
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	296
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	297
Engine Identification	297
Service Parts Identification Label	297
Electrical System	298
Add-On Electrical Equipment	298
Windshield Wipers	298
Power Windows	298
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	298
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks	298
Instrument Panel Fuse Block -- Driver's Side	299
Instrument Panel Fuse Block -- Passenger' s Side	300
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	301
Replacement Bulbs	303
Capacities and Specifications	303
Capacities	304
Engine Specifications	304
Wheel Nut Torque	304
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity	305
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	305
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	306
Introduction	307
Your Vehicle and the Environment	307
Maintenance Requirements	307
How This Section is Organized	308
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	309
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	309
Scheduled Maintenance	310
Footnotes	310
Scheduled Maintenance	311
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	311
Scheduled Maintenance	314
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	319
At Each Fuel Fill	319
Engine Oil Level Check	319
Engine Coolant Level Check	319
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	319
At Least Once a Month	319
Tire Inflation Check	319
Cassette Deck Service	319
At Least Twice a Year	320
Restraint System Check	320
Wiper Blade Check	320
Weatherstrip Lubrication	320
Manual Transaxle Check	320
Automatic Transaxle Inspection	320
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	320
At Least Once a Year	320
Key Lock Cylinders Service	320
Body Lubrication Service	320
Starter Switch Check	321
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	321
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	322
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	322
Underbody Flushing Service	322
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	323
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	323
Exhaust System Inspection	323
Fuel System Inspection	324
Engine Cooling System Inspection	324
Throttle System Inspection	324
Brake System Inspection	324
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	325
Part E: Maintenance Record	327
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	332
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	333
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	335
Customer Assistance Offices	335
United States	335
Canada	336
All Overseas Locations	336
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	336
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	336
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program Features and Benefits	337
Security While You Travel	337
Canadian Roadside Assistance	338
Courtesy Transportation	339
Plan Ahead When Possible	339
Transportation Options	339
Shuttle Service	339
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	340
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	340
Additional Program Information	340
Warranty Information	341
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	341
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	342
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS	342
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION	343
Service Manuals	343
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual	343
Service Bulletins	343
Owner's Information	343