windshield wipers OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999 Owners Manual

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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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As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
rapidly, a signal bulb may be burned out and other
drivers won't see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned
-out bulbs and then check
the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index).
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer
To change the headlamps
from low beam to high
beam, pull on the turn
signal/multifunction lever
all of the way toward you.
Then release it.
When the high beams are on, a light on the instrument
panel also will be on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you until the high
-beam headlamps come on, then
release the lever to turn them off.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk
with the wiper symbol on it up or down.
For a single wiper cycle, push the stalk down to MIST,
then release it. For more cycles, hold the stalk
down longer.
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For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the
LO position. For high
-speed wiping, move the stalk up
further, to HI. To stop the wipers, move the stalk to OFF.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow.
Move the stalk to INT, then turn the inner band, labeled
INT ADJ, and choose the delay you want. Rotate the
inner band up for shorter delay times between wiper
cycles. Rotate the band down for a longer delay time
between wiper cycles.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To
avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from
the wiper blades before using them. If they're frozen
to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If
your blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, push in the button at the end
of the stalk until the washers begin.
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CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
When you release the button, the washers will stop, but
the wipers will continue to wipe for about three times or
will resume the speed you were using before.
Cruise Control
The cruise control buttons are located on the
steering wheel.
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h).
When you apply your brakes or the parking brake or the
BRAKE light is on or you have low brake fluid, the
cruise control will turn off.
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Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
NOTICE:
Don't add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Some add
-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see ªServicing
Your Air Bag
-Equipped Vehicleº in the Index.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have
it fixed.
Power Windows
A circuit breaker in the fuse panel protects the power
windows. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit
breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the
problem is fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible links. This greatly reduces the chance of
damage caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver
-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure to
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
There are three fuse blocks in your vehicle: two
instrument panel fuse blocks and the engine
compartment fuse block.
There are four spare fuses located in the left instrument
panel fuse block for your use.
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks
There are two fuse panels for your vehicle. One is
located on the driver's side of the instrument panel and
the other is located on the passenger's side.
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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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