wipers Oldsmobile Alero 2002 Owner's Manuals

2-20
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
A (OFF): This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. With an automatic transaxle, the shift
lever must be in PARK (P) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key. With a manual transaxle, the shift lever
must be in REVERSE (R) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key.A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when the ignition is off and the key is in the
ignition.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY): This position unlocks the transaxle.
It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield
wipers when the engine is not running. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise to the first
position. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed
or towed, but never try to push
-start your vehicle.

2-40 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam,
push the turn signal/multifunction lever away from you.
When the high beams are
on, a light on the instrument
panel cluster will come on
if the ignition is in ON.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low beam,
pull the turn signal lever toward you.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you until the high
-beam headlamps come on, then
release the lever to turn them off.
Windshield Wipers
Use this lever located on the right side of the steering
wheel to operate the windshield wipers.
OFF: Move the lever to OFF to turn off the
windshield wipers.

2-41
INT (Intermittent): Move the lever to INT to choose a
delayed wiping cycle. Turn the INT ADJ band down for a
longer delay or up for a shorter delay. The further the INT
ADJ band is turned upward, the shorter the delay will be
and the further the INT ADJ band is turned downward,
the longer the delay will be. The wiper speed can only be
adjusted when the lever is in the INT position. Use this
position for light rain or snow.
LO (Low Speed): Move the lever up to the first
setting past INT, for steady wiping at low speed.
HI (High Speed): Move the lever up to the second
setting past INT, for steady wiping at high speed.
MIST: Move the lever all the way down to MIST for
a single wiping cycle. Hold it there until the windshield
wipers start; then let go. The windshield wipers will stop
after one wipe. If you want more wipes, hold the band
on mist longer.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage,
be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before
using them. If they're frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become damaged,
get new blades or blade inserts.Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, push in the button at the end
of the lever until the washers begin.
CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don't use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
When you release the button, the washers will stop,
but the wipers will continue to wipe about three times
or will resume the speed you were using before.

3-6
You will find air outlets in the center and on the sides of
your instrument panel.
You can direct the airflow side to side by moving the
sliding levers. The outlet louvers can also be tilted up
and down. To control the amount of airflow through the
outlets, turn the thumbwheel.Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and the area around the windshield
wipers free of ice, snow or any other obstruction,
such as leaves. The heater and defroster will work
better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside
of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear
of objects to help air circulate throughout
your vehicle.

When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle is
encountered, the recirculation setting can prevent the
odor from being drawn into the vehicle through the
ventilation system. For example, this usage of
recirculation can be helpful when driving through a
long tunnel with poor ventilation. However,
extended use of recirculation in cold or cool
weather can cause window fogging.

6-61
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
NOTICE:
Don't add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Some add
-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see ªServicing
Your Air Bag
-Equipped Vehicleº in the Index.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have
it fixed.
Power Windows
A circuit breaker in the fuse panel protects the power
windows. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit
breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the
problem is fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible links. This greatly reduces the chance of
damage caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver
-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure to
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
There are three fuse blocks in your vehicle: two
instrument panel fuse blocks and the engine
compartment fuse block.
There are four spare fuses located in the driver's side
instrument panel end cap for your use.
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks
There are two fuse panels for your vehicle. One is
located on the driver's side of the instrument panel and
the other is located on the passenger's side.