run flat OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999 Owners Manual

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The 1999 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint SystemsThis section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the ªSRSº system.
2-1 Features and ControlsThis section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio SystemsThis section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
4-1 Your Driving and the RoadHere you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
5-1 Problems on the RoadThis section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
6-1 Service and Appearance CareHere the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
7-1 Maintenance ScheduleThis section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
8-1 Customer Assistance InformationThis section tells you how to contact Oldsmobile for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on ªReporting Safety Defectsº on page 8-10.
9-1 IndexHere's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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1-49
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger's air bag inflates, even though your
vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags.
This is because the back of the rear
-facing child
restraint would be very close to the inflating air
bag. Always secure a rear
-facing child restraint
in the rear seat.
Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a
forward
-facing child restraint in the right front seat.
You'll be using the lap
-shoulder belt. See the earlier part
about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure
to follow the instructions that came with the child
restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and
as the instructions say.
1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger
air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go
before securing a forward
-facing child restraint.
(See ªSeatsº in the Index.)2. Put the restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child's face or
neck, put it behind the child restraint.
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2-46
Storage Compartments
Glove Box
Use the key to lock and unlock the glove box. To open,
pull the glove box handle up.
Center Console Storage Area
The center console has two separate storage areas.
To open, pull up on the lid.
Rear Seat Cupholders
Pull down the door on the rear of the center console to
use the rear seat cupholders.
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You'll see it
just inside the back wall of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or
quick starts and stops.
The net isn't for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when
you're not using it.
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5-26
A. Nut
B. Wing Nut
C. Extension
(If Equipped)
D. AdapterE. Wrench
F. Jack
G. Tool Tray
H. Flat Road Tire
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full
-size tire as soon as you
can. See ªCompact Spare Tireº in the Index. See the
storage instructions label to replace your compact spare
into your trunk properly.
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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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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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9-5
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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