power steering fluid Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Owner's Manuals

Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
Service ........................................................... -5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work ......................... 5.4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your
Vehicle
..................................................... -5-4
Fuel
............................................................... -5-5
Gasoline Octane ........................................... -5-5
Gasoline Specifications .................................... 5.5
California Fuel .............................................. -5-6
Additives
...................................................... -5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries
.............................. -5-6
Filling Your Tank
..................................... 5-7
Fillins a Portable Fuel Container .. ...... 5.8
the Hood
...................................................... 5-9
Hood Release .............................................. 5-10
Engine Compartment Overview ....................... 5-12
Engine Oil
.................................................. -5-1 5
Au'romaiic Transaxie Fiuia A-LL
Manual Transaxle Fluid .................................. 5-22
Checking
Things Under
Engine Air CleanedFilter
................................ 5-21 - ^^ .............................
Hydraulic Clutch ........................................... 5-22
Engine Overheating
....................................... 5-26
Cooling System
............................................ 5-28
Power Steering Fluid
..................................... 5-35
Windshield Washer Fluid
............ ............ -5-36
Brakes
...................................................... -5-38
Battery
........................................................ 5-41
Jump Starting
.............................................. 5-42
Engine Coolant
............................................. 5-23
Headlamp Aiming
........................................... 5-47
Bulb Replacement .......................................... 5-49
Haloger;
!3L;lbs .............................................. 5-49
Headlamps .................. .... ......... 5-49
Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps
.......... ......... 5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
.................................... 5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps ............ 5-50 n-.-~ n ..II-- nepmwzIIIe111 DUIU~ J-J 1 rc4 .......................................
5- 1

A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Engine Oil Dipstick
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap
D. Brake Fluid Reservoir
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir F. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
G. Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
H. Battery
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
5-1 3

When you open the hood on the 3400 V6 engine, you'll see the following:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap
D. Engine Oil Dipstick E.
Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
G. Battery
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
5-1 4

Power Steering Fluid
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
See your dealer,
if necessary.
A L
L.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page
5-72 for reservoir location.
5-35

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 Part Dr
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6- 15.
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. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on page
5-12 for reservoir
location.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low
washer fluid telltale that
will come on in the
WASHER
FLU ID
instrument panel cluster
when the washer fluid
is low.
See
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light on page 3-36 for
more information.
5-36

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Wlndshleld
ti^ Optlkleen Washer solvent or
Washer Solvent equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
Hydraulic
brake fluid).
U.S. 12345347 in Canada
Clutch System 10953517, or
equivalent DOT-3 Usaae
I Fluid/Lubricant -
GM Power
Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. US. 1052884, in Canada Power
System
993294. or eauivalent).
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part No.
U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474. or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM
Part
No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements
of NLGl #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
Hinges (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
1974984, or equivalent).
6-1
5

Engine (cont.) Coolant Temperature Gage
........................... 3-31
Cooling System Inspection ............................ 6-1 4
Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-1 2
Exhaust ..................................................... 2-30
Oil ............................................................. 5-15
Overheating ................................................ 5-26
Starting .................................................. 2-1 8
Engine Compartment Fuse Block .................. 5-84
Engine Coolant Level Check .............................. 6-9
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing .................. 4-42
Engine Oil Additives ........................................ 5-19
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance ..................... 6-5
Enhanced Traction System(ETS) ......................... 4-9
Ac'rive Light ................................................ 3-30
Warning Light ............................................. 3-29
Entry/Exit Lighting ........................................... 3-1 6
Express Down Window .................................... 2-15
Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-31
Exterior Lamps ............................................... 3-13
Engine Oil Level Check ..................................... 6-9
F
FabridCarpet ...............................
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner
.....
(RDS. XMTM and DAB) .... .............. 3.46. 3-56
Finding a Station ............................ 3-39, 3-44, 3-54
Finding a PTY Station
............
5-73
5-2
1
Finish Care ................................................ 5-76
Finish Damage ............................................... 5-77
Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-61
Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-62
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle
.................. ........ 5-22
Manual Transaxle .................................... 5-22
Power Steering ........................................... 5-35
Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-36
Fog Lamps .................................................... 3-15
Folding the Seatback ........................................ 1-8
Footmtes ........................................................ 6-5
Fuel ............................................................... 5-5
Additives ...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel .............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container ..................... 5-8
Filling Your -rank ........................................... 5-7
Gage ......................................................... 3-37
FM Stereo ..................................................... 3-65
Following Distance .......................................... 4-40
Fge!s i~ Fnminn Pnrrntrin c. "'V'Y" v"u"L"-U J-v cr? ..............................
Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications .................................. 5-5
System Inspection ....................................... 6-14
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-81
Windshield Wiper ......................................... 5-81
5

G
Gage Engine Coolant Temperature
......................... 3-31
Fuel
.......................................................... 3-37
Speedometer
.............................................. 3-25
Tachometer
................................................. 3-25
Octane
........................................................ 5-5
Specifications ............................................... 5-5
Glass Surfaces
............................................... 5-74
Glove Box
..................................................... 2-34
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
.................................................... 7-5
Gasoline
H
Head Restraints ............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming
....................................................... 5-47
Headlamps
.................................................... 5-49
Bulb Replacement
....................................... 5-49
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
............. 5-50
Halogen Bulbs
............................................ 5-49
Headlamps
Off in PARK (P) .............................. 3-15
Highway Hypnosis
........................................... 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
.................................. 4-23
Hitches
.......................................................... 4-39 Hood
Checking Things Under
.............................. 5-9
Release
..................................................... 5-10
Horn
........................................................... 3-6
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
............................. ............ 5-30
How to Check
................................................ 5-54
How to Check and Add Fluid
............................ 5-23
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
.................. 5-36
How to Use This Manual
...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-14
Hydraulic Clutch
............................................. 5-22
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
........................ 6-10
Hydroplaning
.................................................. 4-18
If
No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-27
If Steam
Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-26
If the Light
Is Flashing ..................................... 3-32
If the Light
Is On Steady ................................. 3-33
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
....... 4-29
If You Do Decide
To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-37
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard
........................... 4-27
Ignition Positions
............................................. 2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.......................... 6-12
IHazard Warning Flashers
.................................. 3-6
Indicators
....................................................... 3-23
Infants and Young Children, Restraints
............... 1-34
Inflation
-- Tire Pressure .................................. 5-54

Light (cont.) Low Oil Level
............................................. 3-35
Low Washer Fluid Warning
........................... 3-36
Malfunction Indicator
.................................... 3-31
Oil Pressure
............................................... 3-34
Safety Belt Reminder
................................... 3-26
Security
..................................................... 3-36
Service Vehicle Soon
................................... 3-36
Up-Shift
..................................................... 3-28
Loading Your Vehicle
....................................... 4-34
Lockout Protection
.......................................... 2-1 1
Locks Delayed Locking
.......................... ...... 2-8
Door
.......................................... .......... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle
........................ .... 2-11
Lockout Protection
........................... .... 2-11
Power Door
.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks
............................. 2-10
Loss of Control
............................................... 4-14
Low Coolant Warning Light
.............................. 3-31
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
....................... 3-36
M
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ........ 5-88
Maintenance Schedule At Each Fuel Fill
........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month
.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year
.................................. 6-10 Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At Least Twice a Year
.................................. 6-10
Brake System Inspection
.............................. 6-14
Engine Cooling System Inspection
................. 6-14
Exhaust System Inspection
........................... 6-13
Fuel System Inspection
................................ 6-14
How This Section is Organized
....................... 6-3
Introduction
.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
............................. 6-2
Part A
- Scheduled Maintenance Services ......... 6-4
Part B
- Owner Checks and Services ............... 6-9
Part C
- Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 6-13
Part D
- Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
........................................... 6-15
Part
E - Maintenance Record ........................ 6-16
Scheduled Maintenance
................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
.......................... 6-13
Throttle System Inspection
............................ 6-14
Using Your
................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment
............... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
.... ..... 4-42
Making Turns
.................................... ..... 4-40
Malfunction Indicator Light
............................ 3-31
Manual Seats
................................................... 1-2
Manual Transaxle
............................................ 2-18
Fluid
.......................................................... 5-22
Operation
................................................... 2-25
Manual Transaxle Check
.................................. 6-10
Manual Windows
............................................ 2-14
8

Power ............................................................. 1-3
Accessory Outlets
........................................ 3-1 7
Door Locks .................................................. 2-8
Electrical System
......................................... 5-81
Lift Seat
....................................................... 1-6
Steering Fluid
............................................. 5-35
Windows
.................................................... 2-1 5
Power Steering ............................................... 4-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
.................. 2-8
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
......... 1-13
Radio Messages
.............................................
Radios ..........................................................
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................
Care of Your CD Player ...............................
Care of Your CDs ........................................
DAB Radio Antenna System ..........................
Radio with Cassette and CD .........................
Radio with CD .................................... 3.39.
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)
................................
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems
(RDS) .......................
Theft-Deterrent ............................................
Understanding Reception ..............................
3-41
3-38
3-65
3-66
3-66 3-67
3-52 3-42
3-38
3-38
3-64
3-65 RDS
and DAB Messages
......................... 3.47. 3-57
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
...................... 1-29
Rear Seat Operation
......................................... 1-8
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
............. 1-23
Rear Window Defogger
.................................... 3-21
Rearview Mirrors
............................................. 2-32
Reclining Seatbacks
.......................................... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing
............................. 4-31
Remote Keyless Entry System
............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation
............ 2-4
Remote Trunk Release
.................................... 2-12
Remote Trunk Release Lockout
........................ 2-12
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
.................................................. 5-64
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
................... 5-63
Replacement Bulbs
......................................... 5-51
Replacing Brake System Parts
.......................... 5-41
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash
................................................. 1-60
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government
................................... 7-9
General Motors
............................................. 7-9
United States Government
.............................. 7-9
Restraint System Check
................................... 6-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems
................... 1-60
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash
..................................................... 1-60
Checking
.................................................... 1-60
Rear
Seat Passengers, Safety Belts
.................. 1-23
Restraint Systems
10