air conditioning Oldsmobile Alero 2000 Owner's Manuals

iii
Section
3
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
Section
4
Your Driving and the Road
Section
5
Table of Contents (cont'd)
Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
Enhanced Traction SystemSteering
Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer Heating and Air Conditioning
Setting the Radio ClockRadio/Cassette Player/CD Player
Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature
Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your VehicleEngine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck
Problems on the Road

3-
3-1
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle.
Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3
-2 Comfort Controls
3
-2 Climate Control System with Air Conditioning
3
-3 Air Conditioning
3
-4 Heating
3
-4 Defogging and Defrosting Windows
3
-5 Rear Window Defogger
3
-6 Ventilation System
3
-7 Audio Systems
3
-7 Setting the Clock
3
-7AM-FM Stereo
3
-9AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)3
-14 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and
Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone
Control (If Equipped)
3
-20 Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
3
-22 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-22 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-23 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-24 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-24 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-24 Backglass Antenna

3-2
Comfort Controls
With this system, you can control the ventilation and
heating in your vehicle.
Your vehicle also has the flow
-through ventilation
system described later in this section.
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning
Fan Knob
The left control knob sets the fan speed. To select the
force of air you want, turn the knob.
Temperature Knob
The center control knob regulates the temperature of the
air coming through the system.Mode Knob
The right control knob changes the functions of
your system.
VENT: In this position most of the airflow comes
through the instrument panel outlets. A small amount of
air comes through the floor vents. Set the center control
knob to the temperature desired.
BI-LEVEL: In this position the airflow comes
through the instrument panel outlets and through the
floor outlets. Set the center control knob to the
temperature desired.
FLOOR: In this position most of the airflow
comes through the floor outlet. The rest of the air comes
through the windshield and side window vents. Set the
center control knob to the temperature desired.
DEFOG: This position divides the airflow
between the floor outlets and the windshield defroster
vent. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this position when it is needed to
help dry the air in the vehicle.

3-3
FRONT DEFROSTER: This position directs
most of the airflow through the window defroster vent.
Some of the air goes to the floor outlets. The air
conditioning compressor will run automatically in
this position when it is needed to help dry the air
in the vehicle.
OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button to force
the system to use outside air.
Pressing the OUTSIDE AIR button will cancel the
RECIRCULATION button.
RECIRCULATION: Press this button to limit
the amount of fresh air entering your vehicle. This is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors entering your
vehicle. Press it again to turn off the recirculation.
Pressing the RECIRCULATION button will cancel the
OUTSIDE AIR button.
RECIRCULATION is not available when the DEFOG
or FRONT DEFROSTER mode is selected.
Air Conditioning Compressor Button
Press A/C to operate the air conditioner compressor.
The indicator light will glow when the button is pressed
to indicate that the air conditioning system has been
turned on. The fan knob must be set to a speed for the
air conditioning to operate.
Air Conditioning
The air conditioner and heater work best if you keep
your windows closed while using them. Your vehicle
also has the flow
-through ventilation system described
later in this section.
On very hot days, open the windows long enough to
let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes
for your vehicle to cool down, which should help
fuel economy.
On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper
body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
You can use BI
-LEVEL with the temperature knob
in the middle and the A/C indicator light glowing.
The system will bring in outside air and direct slightly
warmer air to your lower body.
For normal cooling on hot days, use VENT with the
temperature knob in the blue area and the A/C indicator
light glowing. The system will bring in outside air and
cool it.

3-5
To defog the side windows while using air conditioning,
use BI
-LEVEL and adjust the fan to the highest speed
and press the A/C button so that the indicator light is
glowing. For added airflow to the side windows aim the
side vents toward the windows and close the center vents.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger
uses a warming grid
to remove fog from
the rear window.Press the defogger button. The indicator light will glow.
The rear window defogger will turn itself off after about
10 minutes after the first time the button is pressed,
and after five minutes each additional time the button is
pressed. You can turn the defogger off by pressing the
button again or turning off the ignition.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license across the
defogger grid on the rear window.
NOTICE:
Don't use a razor blade or anything else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty.

3-6 Ventilation System
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air
through your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the
flow
-through ventilation system.
Your vehicle's flow
-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside
air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning
fan is running.
You will find air outlets in the center and on the sides of
your instrument panel.You can direct the airflow side to side by moving the
sliding levers. The outlet can be tilted up and down also.
To control the amount of airflow through the outlets,
turn the thumbwheel.
Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction, such as leaves. The heater and
defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of
fogging the inside of your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the
mode knob to FLOOR and the fan to the highest
speed for a few moments before driving off. This
helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture
and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of
your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air circulate throughout
your vehicle.

To prevent circulation of outside air, press the
recirculation button. This will close all outside vents.

6-59
Fuse Usage
Maxi
-Fuses
1 Ignition Switch
2 Left Electrical Center
-Power
Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks,
Trunk Release, Audio Amplifier,
Remote Lock Control
3 Left Electrical Center
-Stop
Lamps, Hazard Lamps, Body
Function Control Module, Cluster,
Climate Control System
4 Right Electrical Center
-Fog
Lamps, Radio, Body Function
Control Module, Interior Lamps
5 Ignition Switch
6 A.I.R.
7 Anti
-Lock Brakes
8 Cooling Fan #1 Fuse Usage
Mini
-Relays
9 Rear Defog
10 A.I.R.
11 Anti
-Lock Brakes
12 Cooling Fan #1
13 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
14 Cooling Fan #2
15 Cooling Fan
Micro
-Relays
16 Air Conditioning Compressor
17 Not Used
18 Fuel Pump
19 Automatic Light Control
20 Automatic Light Control
21 Horn
22 Daytime Running Lamps

6-60
Fuse Usage
Mini
-Fuses
23
- 32 Spare Fuse Holder
33 Rear Defog
34 Accessory Power Outlets,
Cigarette Lighter
35 Anti
-Lock Brakes
36 Anti
-Lock Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering
37 Air Conditioning Compressor,
Body Function Control Module
38 Automatic Transaxle
39 Powertrain Control Module
40 Anti
-Lock Brakes
41 Ignition System
42 Back
-Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle
Shift Interlock
43 Horn Fuse Usage
44 Powertrain Control Module
45 Parking Lamps
46 Climate Control System,
Air Conditioning
47 Canister Vent Valve, Exhaust
Oxygen Sensors
48 Fuel Pump, Injectors
49 Generator
50 Right Headlamp
51 Left Headlamp
52 Cooling Fan #2
53 HVAC Blower (Climate Control )
54 Not Used
55 Cooling Fan #2 Ground
56 Fuse Puller for Mini Fuses
57 Not Used

6-61
Replacement Bulbs
Outside Lamps (Rear) Bulb
Back
-Up Lamps 921. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High
-Mounted Stop Lamp 912. . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Lamps 3157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop/Taillamps 3157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Lamps (Front) Bulb
Halogen Headlamps
-Low Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Headlamps
-High Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking/Turn Signal Lamps 3157NA. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side Marker Lamps 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 894X *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Lamps Bulb
Dome (Base) 561 *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome (Uplevel) 212
-2 * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glovebox 194 *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 73 *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
* For service information on these bulbs, contact your
Oldsmobile dealer service department.
Capacities and Specifications
Engine Crankcase
2.4L L4 Engine 4.0 quarts (3.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System
2.4L L4 Engine 10.0 quarts (9.5 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine 12.5 quarts (11.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant, Air ConditioningSee refrigerant . . . . .
charge label under the hood.
Fuel Tank14.3 gallons (54.1 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressures, SizesSee Tire
-Loading . . . . . . . . . . .
Information label on the rear driver's
side passenger door.
Wheel Nut Torque100 lb
-ft (140 N´m) . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to
fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in
this manual.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.

7-18
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº
in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least
once a year.