inflation pressure OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999 Owners Manual

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2-61 Low Tire Pressure Light (If Equipped)
The tire pressure monitor system can alert you to a large
change in the pressure in one tire. After the system has
ªlearnedº tire pressures with properly inflated tires, the
LOW TIRE PRESSURE light will come on if the
pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than
the other three tires. The tire pressure monitor system
won't alert you if the pressure in more than one tire is
low, if the system is not yet calibrated, or if the vehicle
is moving at less than 15 mph (25 km/h), faster than
75 mph (120 km/h), on rough roads or during turns.
The light may also come on if you are driving on
partially cleared pavement.When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE light comes on, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires
for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in
the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as soon as you can. See ªInflation
- Tire Pressureº in
the Index.
The light will stay on until you turn off the ignition or
reset the system. See ªTire Pressure Monitor Systemº in
the Index.
The LOW TIRE PRESSURE light also comes on briefly
when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the light
doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be there to
tell you if the pressure in a tire is low or high.
If the anti
-lock brake system warning light comes on,
the tire pressure monitor system may not be working.
See your dealer for service. (Also, see ªAnti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Lightº in the Index).
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4-32 Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear
NOTICE:
Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. Your
vehicle could be badly damaged and the repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire
-Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver's door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight,
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory
-installed options.
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5-27
A. Nut
B. Cover
C. Wing Nut
D. AdapterE. Wrench
F. Jack
G. Spare Tire
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when
your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle,
you should stop as soon as possible and make sure
your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare
is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km),
so you can finish your trip and have your full
-size tire
repaired or replaced where you want. You must calibrate
the tire pressure monitor system after installing or
removing the compact spare. See ªTire Pressure
Monitorº in the Index. The system may not work
correctly when the compact spare is installed on the
vehicle. Of course, it's best to replace your spare with a
full
-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare will last
longer and be in good shape in case you need it again.
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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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6-36
NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:

Unusual wear

Bad handling

Rough ride

Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped)
The tire pressure monitor system can alert you to a large
change in the pressure of one tire. The system ªlearnsº
the pressure at each tire throughout the operating speed
range of your vehicle. The system normally takes
between 45 and 90 minutes of driving to learn the tire
pressures. This time may be longer depending on your
individual driving habits. Learning need not be
accumulated during a single trip. Once learned, the
system will remember the tire pressures until the system
is recalibrated.
After the system has learned tire pressures with properly
inflated tires, the LOW TIRE PRESSURE light will
come on if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi
(83 kPa) lower than the other three tires. The tire
pressure monitor system won't alert you if the pressure
in more than one tire is low, if the system is not properly
calibrated, or if the vehicle is moving at less than
15 mph (25 km/h), faster than 75 mph (120 km/h) on
rough roads or during turns. The light may also come on
if you are driving on partially cleared pavement.
The tire pressure monitor system detects differences in
tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes in tire
pressure. The system can alert you about a low
tire
-- but it doesn't replace normal tire maintenance.
See ªTiresº in the Index.
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6-37
If the anti-lock brake system warning light comes on,
the tire pressure monitor system may not be working.
See your dealer for service. (Also, see ªAnti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Lightº in the Index).
When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE light comes on, you
should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires
for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes Flatº in
the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires
as soon as you can. See ªInflation
- Tire Pressureº in
the Index.
The light will come on and stay on until you turn off the
ignition or press the RESET button.
Don't reset the tire pressure monitor system without first
correcting the cause of the problem and checking and
adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the
system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the system
will not work properly and may not alert you when a
tire is low.
Any time you adjust a tire's pressure, rotate your tires,
or have one or more tires repaired or replaced, you'll
need to reset (calibrate) the tire pressure monitor system.
You'll also need to reset the system whenever you buy
new tires and whenever the vehicle's battery has
been disconnected.To reset (calibrate) the system, turn the ignition switch
to ON (engine not running). The RESET button is
located inside of the driver's side instrument fuse panel.
Press and release the RESET button.
The CHANGE OIL light will begin to flash. Press and
release the RESET button again. The CHANGE OIL
light will go off, and the LOW TIRE PRESSURE light
will start flashing. When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE
light is flashing, press and hold the RESET button until
the chime sounds. If the LOW TIRE PRESSURE light
doesn't go off then, see your dealer for service.
The system completes the calibration process
during driving.
The system normally takes 15 to 20 minutes of driving
in each of three speed ranges to ªlearnº tire pressures.
The speed ranges are 15 to 40 mph (25 to 65 km/h),
40 to 65 mph (65 to 105 km/h) and above 65 mph
(105 km/h). When learning is complete, the system will
alert you after 2
-8 minutes if a tire is 12 psi (83 kPa)
different from the other three tires. Detection thresholds
may be higher and detection times may be longer on
rough roads, curves and at high speeds. The system is
not capable of detection at speeds greater than 75 mph
(120 km/h).
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6-38 Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See ªWhen It's Time for New Tiresº and
ªWheel Replacementº later in this section for
more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Don't include the compact spare tire in your
tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.)
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7-13
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the
Index for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.
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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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