warning lights OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999 Owners Manual

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v
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
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2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-8 Remote Lock Control (If Equipped)
2
-12 Trunk
2
-13 Theft
2
-14 Passlock

2-15 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-15 Ignition Switch
2
-17 Starting Your Engine
2
-20 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-22 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-26 Parking Brake
2
-27 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-29 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-29 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-30 Engine Exhaust
2
-30 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-31 Windows
2
-32 Tilt Wheel
2
-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-39 Exterior Lamps
2
-42 Interior Lamps
2
-44 Mirrors
2
-46 Storage Compartments
2
-47 Ashtray and Lighter (If Equipped)
2
-48 Sun Visors
2
-48 Auxiliary Power Accessory Outlet
2
-49 Sunroof (If Equipped)
2
-50 Instrument Panel
2
-54 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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2-16
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to four positions.
OFF (A): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is off. It is the only position from
which you can remove the key. This position locks your
ignition and transaxle. A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver's door when the ignition is off and
the key is in the ignition.ACC (Accessory) (B): This position unlocks the
transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers when the engine is not running. To
use ACC, turn the key to the right. Use this position if
your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push
-start your vehicle.
ON (C): This position is where the key returns after you
start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in ON when the engine is running. But even when
the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate
your electrical power accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
START (D): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
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2-40
Turn the turn signal lever end cap up two positions to
turn on your:

Headlamps

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Turn the switch to OFF to turn all of the lamps off.
Lamps On Reminder
If you turn off the ignition and open the driver's
door while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.The DRL system will make your high
-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when:

the ignition is on,

the headlamp switch is in OFF or you have turned on
your parking lamps,

the light sensor detects daytime light,

the parking brake is released and

the shift lever is not in PARK (P).
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, park lamps and instrument panel lights will not
be illuminated.
The DRL system will remain off any time your vehicle
is in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged and the
vehicle speed is less than 3 mph (1.9 km/h).
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
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2-52
Instrument Panel Cluster
Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that
are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.
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2-54
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds, then it
will flash for about
55 seconds. If the driver's
belt is already buckled,
neither the chime nor the
light will come on.
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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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9-5
Ignition Positions 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry/Exit 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-53, 6-54, 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intensity Control 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tire
-Loading Information 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-28 . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-25, 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-57, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-52, 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Active 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-60, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil 2-65, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Tire Pressure 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Wash 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-8, 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Out Switch 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-10
Trailer (Continued)
Hitches 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Turns 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing with 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle
Automatic 6
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Lock Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Remote Lock Control 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release Lockout, Remote 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release, Remote 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Lamp 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal On Chime 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensions 6
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity Mirrors 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visors, Sun 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Devices 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Information 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer Fluid, Windshield 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing Your Vehicle 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstrips 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel
Alignment 6
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nut Torque 5-24, 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used Replacement 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrench 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-Down 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Out Switch 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Washer 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 2-35, 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wipers 2-34, 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter Driving 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blade Check 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wrecker Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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