maintenance Oldsmobile Alero 2001 s User Guide

6-21
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON
-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON

-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A
transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealership service
department and have it repaired as soon as possible. You
may also have your fluid level checked by your dealer
or service center when you have your oil changed.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self
-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding fluid
won't correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine how
often you should check the
fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir
and for the proper fluid.
See ªOwner Checks and
Servicesº and
ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-29
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-30 Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If
you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make a few
moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km),
so your brakes will adjust properly.

6-31 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6-39 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 reset.
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 or on gravel roads.
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.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, when the ignition is
ON, until the tire pressure condition is corrected and
you RESET the system. The light may come on and then
go out when driving on partially cleared pavement or on
gravel roads. Under these conditions, you do not need to
reset the tire pressure monitor.
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.

6-40
Any time you adjust a tire's pressure, rotate your tires,
have one or more tires repaired or replaced, or when any
work is done on your vehicle where tires are removed
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:
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (engine not running).
2. Press and release the RESET button located inside
of the driver's side instrument panel fuse block.
The CHANGE OIL light will begin to flash.
3. Press and release the RESET button again.
The CHANGE OIL light will go off, and the
LOW TIRE PRESSURE light will start flashing.
4. 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,
repeat the procedure. If the LOW TIRE PRESSURE
light still remains on, 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).
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.

6-53
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch
-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control
can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed,
accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody
parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust
system even though they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can
take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped discolorations,
and small irregular dark spots etched into the
paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this,
Oldsmobile will repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km)
of purchase, whichever occurs first.

6-63
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
2.4L L4 A
-1279C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 A
-1279C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
2.4L L4 PF
-44* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 PF
-47* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs
2.4L L441
-942* (Platinum Plug) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
3400 V641
-940* (Platinum Plug) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
PCV ValveCV892C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Shepherd's Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger's Side 17 inches (43 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Side 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
* ACDelco

part number.
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 186.7 inches (474.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 70.1 inches (178.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 54.5 inches (138.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 107.0 inches (271.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 59.1inches (150.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 59.3 inches (150.7cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-
7-1
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7
-2 Introduction
7
-4 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
7
-15 Part B: Owner Checks and Services7
-20 Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
7
-22 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
7
-24 Part E: Maintenance Record

7-2
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in this
manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. Any damage caused by failure to
follow recommended maintenance may not be covered
by warranty.