cooling Oldsmobile Alero 2001 s User Guide

5-14
CAUTION: (Continued)
Never turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
hot. Wait for the cooling system and coolant
surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.

5-15
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
So use the recommended coolant.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap
when the cooling system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise (left) about two or two and
one
-half turns. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any pressure still left to be
vented out the discharge hose.

5-17
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is hand
-tight.
Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling
system has cooled down. If the coolant isn't at the
proper level, repeat Steps 1 to 3 and reinstall the
pressure cap or see your dealer.

6-22 How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take
the cap off. If the fluid level reaches the top of the
reservoir, the fluid level is correct. It isn't a good idea to
top off your clutch fluid. Adding fluid won't correct a
leak. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
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.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.

6-23 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

6-45 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels,
which can sometimes be repaired). See your dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load
-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose
control. You could have a collision in which you or
others could be injured. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for
more information.

6-60
Maxifuses Usage
5 Ignition Switch
6 Not Used
7 Left Electrical Center
-Power
Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks,
Trunk Release, Audio Amplifier,
Remote Lock Control
8 Cooling Fan #1
Mini Relays Usage
9 Rear Defog
10 Not Used
11 Not Used
12 Cooling Fan #1
13 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
14 Cooling Fan #2
15 Cooling FanMicro Relays Usage
16 Air Conditioning Compressor
17 Not Used
18 Fuel Pump
19 Automatic Light Control
20 Automatic Light Control
21 Horn
22 Daytime Running Lamps
Minifuses Usage
23
- 32 Spare Fuse Holder
33 Rear Defog
34 Accessory Power Outlets,
Cigarette Lighter
35 Not Used
36 Not Used
37 Air Conditioning Compressor,
Body Function Control Module
38 Automatic Transaxle
39 Powertrain Control Module
40 Anti
-Lock Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering

6-61
Minifuses Usage
41 Ignition System
42 Back
-Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle
Shift Interlock
43 Horn
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
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb
Back
-Up Lamps 921. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High
-Mounted Stop Lamp 912. . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Lamps 3157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop/Taillamps 3157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Headlamps
-Low Beam 9006. . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Headlamps
-High Beam 9005. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking/Turn Signal Lamps 3157NA or 3157A. . . . .
Sidemarker Lamps 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For service information on other bulbs, contact your
dealer's service department.

6-62
Capacities and Specifications
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in
this manual.
Capacities
Engine Crankcase
2.4L L4 Engine 4.0 quarts (3.8 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Complete Overhaul 9.5 quarts (9.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transaxle
Complete Overhaul 1.8 quarts (1.7 L). . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System
2.4L L4 Engine 11.3 quarts (10.7 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine 13.6 quarts (12.9 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant, Air ConditioningSee refrigerant . . . . .
charge label under the hood.
Fuel Tank14.3 U.S. gallons (54.1 L) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressures, SizesSee Tire
-Loading . . . . . . . . . . .
Information label on the
rear driver's side passenger door.
Engine Specifications
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
VIN Engine Code
2.4L L4 Engine T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displacement
2.4L L4 Engine 2.4 Liters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine 3.4 Liters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order
2.4L L4 Engine 1
-3-4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine 1
-2-3-4-5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower
2.4L L4 Engine 150. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 Engine 170. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque
100 lb-ft (140 N´m)

Scheduled Maintenance
7-14
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)

Inspect spark plug wires (except 2.4L Code T L4 engine).
An Emission Control Service.

Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.

Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 90
F (32
C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and
filter do not require changing.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE