key Oldsmobile Alero 2001 s Service Manual

4-30
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
You can tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for use
at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing
equipment designed for recreational towing. Follow the
instructions for the towing equipment.
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front
There are two ways to tow your vehicle from the front.To tow your vehicle with a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P) for automatic transaxle
and NEUTRAL for a manual transaxle.
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
(For manual transaxle vehicles, the shift level must
be in REVERSE (R) before removing the key).
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight
-ahead position
with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.

4-31
To tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground,
follow these steps:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it.
2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
3. Set the parking brake.4. To prevent your battery from draining while towing,
remove the following fuses from the left side
instrument panel fuse block: ªWIPER,º ªPCM
ACCº and ªIPC/BFC ACC.º See ªInstrument Panel
Fuse Block
- Driver's Sideº in the Index for the
location of these fuses.
5. Turn the ignition switch to ACC.
6. Shift your transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
7. Release the parking brake.
Remember to reinstall the fuses once you reach your
destination. To reinstall a fuse do the following:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Put the fuse back in.
NOTICE:
Make sure that the towing speed does not exceed
65 mph (110 km/h), or your vehicle could be
badly damaged.

5-2
Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
Press the button on the
instrument panel to make
your front and rear turn
signal lamps flash on
and off.
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn't in.
To turn off the flashers, press the button again.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals won't work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.

6-19
How to Reset the Change Oil Light
After changing the engine oil, you must reset the
system. To reset the system, you must do the following:
1. With the ignition key to ON, push the RESET button
located in the driver's side instrument panel fuse block.
2. When the CHANGE OIL light starts to flash, press
and hold the RESET button again.
The reset is complete when you hear the chimes
sound and the CHANGE OIL light goes out.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements
that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause
cancer? Don't let used oil stay on your skin for very long.
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose of oil by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have
a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is located on the driver's
side of the engine compartment. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
To check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter, do
the following:
1. Remove the screws that hold the cover on.
2. Lift off the cover.
3. Check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter and put
the cover back on tightly.

6-26
On the 2.4L L4 engine, the power steering fluid
reservoir is located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. On the 3400 V6 engine, the power
steering fluid reservoir is located on the passenger's
side of the engine compartment. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level
up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer fluid telltale that will
come on in the instrument panel cluster when the washer
fluid is low. See ªLow Washer Lightº in the Index for
more information.
The windshield washer fluid
reservoir is located on the
driver's side of the engine
compartment towards the
front of the vehicle. See
ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index
for more information
on location.

7-17
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
ªHydraulic Clutch Fluidº in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all the door hinges and latches, including
those for the hood and trunk lid. Part D tells you what
to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. See ªParking Brakeº in the Index if necessary.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.

7-18
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary.
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position,
but don't start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position.
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to OFF
only when the shift lever is in reverse.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.

7-23
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate
Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC
-LB.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).