wheel Oldsmobile Alero 2001 s Workshop Manual

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.

6-46
Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how far it's been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has P225/50R16 size tires, don't
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because there's not enough clearance.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
If you have other tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only SAE
Class ªSº type chains that are the proper size for
your tires. Install them on the front tires and
tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning
the wheels with chains on will damage
your vehicle.

6-52
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non
-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don't use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners
with acid or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because
you could damage the surface. Do not use chrome polish
on aluminum wheels.Don't take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Cleaning Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care to
wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted
surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle.
Petroleum
-based products may damage the paint
finish and tires.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti
-corrosion material to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide
the corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.

6-54
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBERSIZEDESCRIPTIONUSAGE
99495423 in. x 25 in.Polishing Cloth ± Wax TreatedExterior polishing cloth
105017216 oz. (0.473 L)Tar and Road Oil RemoverRemoves tar, road oil and asphalt
105017316 oz. (0.473 L)Chrome Cleaner and PolishUse on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
105017416 oz. (0.473 L)White Sidewall Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black marks from whitewalls
105021432 oz. (0.946 L)Vinyl CleanerCleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
105042723 oz. (0.680 L)Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
1052918**8 oz. (0.237 L)Armor All
ProtectantProtects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas
, plastic,
rubber and vinyl
105292516 oz. (0.473 L)Multi-Purpose
Interior CleanerCleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
105292916 oz. (0.473 L)Wheel CleanerSpray on and rinse with water
10529308 oz. (0.237 L)Capture Dry Spot RemoverAttracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric
123457212.5 sq. ft.Synthetic ChamoisShines vehicle without scratching
1234572512 oz. (0.354 L)Silicone Tire ShineSpray on tire shine
12377964*16 oz. (0.473 L)Finish EnhancerRemoves dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
12377966*16 oz. (0.473 L)Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
12377984*16 oz. (0.473 L)Surface CleanerRemoves contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. * For exterior use only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index. ** Not recommended for use on instrument panels.

6-58
Instrument Panel Fuse Block -- Passenger's Side
Fuse Usage
INST LPS Interior Lamp Dimming
CRUISE
SW LPSSteering Wheel Cruise Control
Switch Lamps Fuse Usage
CRUISE SW Steering Wheel Cruise
Control Switches
HVAC
BLOWERHVAC Blower Motor
CRUISE Cruise Control
FOG LPS Fog Lamps
INT LPS Interior Courtesy Lamps
RADIO BATT Radio
SUNROOF Power Sunroof
Circuit Breaker Usage
PWR WNDW Power Windows
Relay Usage
FOG LPS Fog Lamps

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)

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). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8-5
From:
Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English)
1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)
U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994
Fax Number: 313-381-0022
Canada
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
1-800-263-3777 (English)
1-800-263-7854 (French)
1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands)
General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Customer Assistance Center
Paseo de la Reforma # 2740
Col. Lomas de Bezares
C.P. 11910, Mexico, D.F.
01-800-508-0000
Long Distance: 011-52 - 53 29 0 800
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver
or passenger adaptive
equipment you may require
for your vehicle (hand
controls, wheelchair/scooter
lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1
-800-323-9935.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1
-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1
-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. When
calling from outside Canada, please dial 1
-905-644-3063.
All TTY users call 1
-800-263-3830.