heating OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999 User Guide

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5-13
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at or above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX
-COOL

coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. (See ªEngine Coolantº in the
Index for more information.)
CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge
tank pressure cap
-- even a little -- they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system
and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you
ever have to turn the pressure cap.
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6-18
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON
-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an ACDelco

thermostat is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
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6-35
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the
rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy.
NOTICE: (Continued)
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9-4
Engine (Continued)
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-17, 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil, What Kind to Use 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-to-Pass 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Following Distance with a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp Aiming 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-6
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning Light 2-60, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Light 2-65, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Tire Pressure Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Turns with a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Remote Control 2
-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-11, 8-12, 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Shifting Into 2
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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