air conditioning Oldsmobile Alero 2002 Owner's Manuals

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.

6-65
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 Fan
Micro 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 (DRL)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 (PCM)
40 Anti
-Lock Brakes (ABS), Variable
Effort Steering
41 Ignition System
42 Back
-Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle
Shift Interlock
43 Horn

6-66
Minifuses Usage
44 PCM
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 UsedReplacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb
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. . .
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
Capacities and Specifications
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure
to fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in
this manual.

6-68
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
Capacity
If you do your own service work, you'll need the proper
service manual. See ªDoing Your Own Service Workº in
the Index for additional information. It is recommended
that service work on your air conditioning system be
performed by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioning 1.4 lbs. (0.6 kg). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant R134a
Use Refrigerant Oil, R134a Systems
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
2.2L L4
Engine A
-1172C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 A
-1279C* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
2.2L L4
engine PF2244G*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 PF
-47* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs
2.2L L4
Engine 41
-981* (Platinum Plug) . . . . . .
Gap: 0.042 inch (1.06 mm)
3400 V6 41
-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.
 ECOTEC

7-19 Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the
cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at
least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and
rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.