air condition Oldsmobile Alero 2002 Owner's Manuals

2-62 Charging System Indicator Light
The charging system
indicator light will come
on when you turn on the
ignition, but the engine is
not running, as a check to
show you it is working.
When the engine is running, the light should go out.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and
you hear a chime, you may have a problem with the
electrical charging system. It could indicate that you
have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this
light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)
(If Equipped)
This light comes on when
you need to shift to the next
higher gear. See ªManual
Transaxle Operationº in
the Index.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.

2-69
NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transaxle,
exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle or
the replacement of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls
and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON
or the CHECK ENGINE light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
This may also result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn't come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:

Light Flashing
-- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.

Light On Steady
-- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.

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
-5 Ventilation System
3
-7 Audio Systems
3
-7 Setting the Clock
3
-7AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
with Programmable Equalization and Radio
Data System (RDS)3
-15 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and
Compact Disc Player with Programmable
Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS)
(If Equipped)
3
-24 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-24 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-25 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-26 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-27 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-27 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-28 Backglass Antenna
3
-28 Chime Level Adjustment

3-2
Comfort Controls
With this system, you can control the air conditioning,
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 knob regulates the fan speed. To select the force
of air you want, turn the knob.
Temperature Knob
The center knob regulates the temperature of the air
coming through the system.Mode Knob
The right knob changes the functions of the system.
The available modes are the following:
(Vent): In this position most of the airflow comes
through the instrument panel outlets. A small amount of
air comes through the floor outlets. Set the center knob
to the desired temperature for comfort.
(Bi-Level): In this position the airflow comes
through the instrument panel outlets and through the
floor outlets. Set the center knob to the desired
temperature.
(Floor): In this position most of the airflow comes
through the floor outlets. The rest of the air comes
through the windshield and side window vents. Set the
center knob to the desired temperature for comfort.
(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.
(Front Defroster): This position directs most of
the airflow through the windshield defroster vent. Some
of the air goes to the floor outlets. The air conditioning
will run automatically in this position when it is needed
to help dry the air in the vehicle.

3-3
Mode Buttons
A/C (Air Conditioning): Press A/C to operate the
air conditioning. The 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.
(Outside Air): Press this button to force the
system to use outside air.
Pressing this button will cancel the recirculation button.
(Recirculation): Press this button to limit the
amount of outside 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 this button will cancel the outside air button.
Recirculation is not available when the defog or front
defroster mode is selected, or when the fan is off. When
recirculation is selected, the air conditioning compressor
will run automatically to help dry the air in the vehicle.
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.
For normal cooling on hot days, use vent mode with the
temperature knob in the blue area and the A/C button
pressed in.
On very hot days, begin by opening 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.
For quicker cool
-down on very hot days, use vent mode
with the temperature knob all the way in the blue area
and the A/C button pressed in. Begin with the outside air
button pressed for a few minutes, or until the vehicle
begins to feel cool. Then push the recirculation button.
If the recirculation setting is used for long periods of
time, the air in your vehicle may become too dry.

3-4
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 button pressed in. The system
directs slightly warmer air to your lower body.
Heating
On cold days, use floor mode and the outside air button
with the temperature knob all the way in the red area.
The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send it to
the floor outlets.
Your vehicle has heat ducts that are directed toward
the rear seat. Keep the area under the front seats clear
of obstructions so the heated air can reach the rear
seat passengers.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it's
cold outside (0
F (
-18
C) or lower). An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant your engine and heating
system use to provide heat. See ªEngine Coolant
Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting Windows
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows. For each setting, adjust the temperature
knob as desired.To defrost the front window quickly, turn the
temperature knob all the way in the red area. Use front
defroster and adjust the fan to the highest speed. To
warm passengers while keeping the front window clean,
use defog. When you switch to defog or defrost modes
your system will automatically move from recirculation
into outside air. When you move the mode knob back to
vent or bi±level, the system will move back into
recirculation. When the car is turned off and back on the
system will default to outside air automatically.
The recirculation setting in cold weather should be used
only for outside odor control so that fog formation on
the windows is reduced.
Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger
vents. The side window defogger vents are located
above the side instrument panel vents. To defrost the
side windows, turn the temperature knob all the way in
the red area. Use floor mode and adjust the fan to the
highest speed.
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.

3-5 Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
The button is located
at the bottom, on the right
of the climate controls.
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.
Ventilation System
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use vent mode and 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.

5-10
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
An overheat warning, along with a low coolant light,
can indicate a serious problem. See ªLow Coolant
Lightº in the Index.
If you get an engine overheat warning with no low
coolant light, but see or hear no steam, the problem may
not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when you:

Climb a long hill on a hot day.

Stop after high
-speed driving.

Idle for long periods in traffic.

Tow a trailer.If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
3. If you're in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for
an automatic transaxle, or for a manual transaxle
shift to FIFTH (5) or FOURTH (4).
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you
can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes. If the warning doesn't come back on,
you can drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there's still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while you're parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.

6-4 Gasoline Specifications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
which were developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association for better
vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines
meeting these specifications could provide improved
driveability and emission control system performance
compared to other gasolines.
In Canada, look for
the ªAuto Makers'
Choiceº label on
the pump.
Canada Only
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (see the underhood emission control label),
it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California
specifications. If this fuel is not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may
turn on (see ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in the
Index) and your vehicle may fail a smog
-check test.
If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by
your warranty.
Additives
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors
does not recommend the use of such gasolines.

6-22
Automatic 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.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) 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.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.