warning lights Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Owner's Manuals

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
Notice: These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice will tell you about something that can damage
your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be
covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the
notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the
damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead
of text. Symbols, used
on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage or indicator reference the following
topics in the Index:
“Engine Compartment Overview’’
“Instrument Panel Overview”
0 “Climate Controls”
“Audio Systems”
Also see
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators on
page 3-23.

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.
C (ON): This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The
ignition switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can
use
ON to operate your electrical accessories and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
D (START): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue
to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to OFF.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or
ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON
to OFF,
the radio will continue
to work up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
- that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The gear selector should be in neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor
and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start
if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down
- that’s a safety feature.
2-1 8

Section 3 Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview ............................... 3.4
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......... .............. 3.6
Other Warning Devices
................................... 3.6
Horn
............................................................. 3.6
Tilt Wheel
..................................................... 3.7
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
......................... 3.7
Exterior Lamps
............................................. 3.13
Interior Lamps
.............................................. 3.16
Accessory Power Outlets
............................... 3.17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
........................ 3.18
Climate Controls
........................................... -3-1 9
Climate Control System
................................. 3.19
Outlet Adjustment
......................................... 3.22
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
............. 3.23
Instrument Panel Cluster
................................ 3.24
Speedometer and Odometer
........................... 3.25
Tachometer
................................................. 3.25
Safety Belt Reminder Light
............................. 3.26
Air
Eag Reauiness iighi 3-LW
Charging System Light .................................. 3.27
fi cln ................................
Up-Shift Light .............................. .......... 3-28
Brake System Warning Light
........, .......... 3-28
Anti-Lock Brake System
Enhanced Traction System
Enhanced Traction System
Warning
bight
........................................ 3-29
Warning Light
........................................... 3-29
Active Light
.............................................. 3-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
.................. 3-31
Low Coolant Warning Light
............................ 3-31
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
............................. 3-31
Oil Pressure Light
......................................... 3-34
Low Oil Level Light
....................................... 3-35
Security Light
............................................... 3-36
Cruise Control Light
...................................... 3-36
%??:ice ‘!ehic!n see!? Light ........................... ._ 2-36
Fuel Gage ................................................... 3-37
Change Engine
Oil Light
................................ 3-35
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
..................... 3-36
3-
1

Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages
that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help
you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working.
If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens. Gages can
indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together
to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving,
or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about
it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly
- and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.
3-23

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.
Your vehicle has this cluster
or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained
on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.
PO
RO
NO
DO
30
20
United States Automatic Transaxle Cluster shown, Manual Transaxle and Canada Clusters similar
3-24

When to Check and What to Use
Schedule to determine
how often you should
check the fluid level in your
master cylinder reservoir
and for the proper
fluid. See
Part B: Owner
Checks and Services
on page 6-9 and Part D:
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
on
page 6- 15.
How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take
the cap
off. If the fluid level reaches the top of the
reservoir, the fluid level is correct. It isn’t a good idea to
top
off your clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a
leak. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem
Have the system inspected and repaired.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL@ engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add
only DEX-COOL@ extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (1 29°C).
@ Protect against rust and corrosion.
@ Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
5-23

Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-22
Vinyl
............................................................. 5-74
Visor Vanity Mirror
.......................................... 2-15
Visors
........................................................... 2-1 5
Warning Lights. Gages and indicators ................ 3-23
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers
............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices
.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols
......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light
...................... 3-36
Washing Your Vehicle
...................................... 5-75
Weatherstrip Lubrication
................................... 6-1 0
Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-37
Weight
of the Trailer Tongue ............................. 4-38
What Kind
of Engine Oil to Use ........................ 5-18
What to Do with Used Oil
................................ 5-20
What to Use
.......................................... 5-24, 5-36
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance
.......................... 5-58
Replacement
............................................... 5-59
When to Add Engine Oil
.................................. 5-17
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life SystemTM)
................................ 5-19
When to Check
.............................................. 5-54
When to Check and What to Use
..................... 5-23 When
to Check Power Steering Fluid
................ 5-35
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
on a Hill
..................................................... 4-42
Where to Put the Restraint
........... ............ 1-41
Window Lockout
............................................. 2-15
Windows
....................................................... 2-14
Manual
...................................................... 2-14
Power
........................................................ 2-15
Windshield and Wiper Blades
....................... 5-76
Windshield Washer
..................................... 3-10
Fluid
.......................................................... 5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
................. 6-9
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
...................................... 5-52
Fuses
........................................................ 5-81
Windshield Wipers
............................................ 3-9
Winter Driving
......... ................................ 4-25
Wiper Blade Check
..... ........ ........ 6-10
Why Safety Belts Work
.................................... 1-10
X
XMTM Satellite
Radio Antenna System ................ 3-67
XMTM Satellite Radio Service
............................ 3-65
Your Vehicle and the Environment
....................... 6-2
14