key Oldsmobile Alero 2004 s User Guide

From the inside, you can lock or unlock the door by
moving the manual lever forward or rearward.
Power Door Locks
With the power door locks, you can lock or unlock all of
the doors on your vehicle using the driver’s or front
passenger’s door lock switch.
Press the bottom of the switch to lock all of the doors.
Press the top of the switch to unlock all of the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature will allow the driver to delay the actual
locking of the vehicle. This feature will not operate if the
key is left in the ignition. SeeLockout Protection on
page 2-11.
With the key out of the ignition and the driver’s door
open, pressing LOCK on the driver’s power door
lock switch will not immediately lock the other doors.
Instead a seven second delay will start and three chimes
will be heard. Seven seconds after the driver’s door
has been closed, all of the doors will lock and the
parking lamps will flash. The horn will also chirp if the
horn chirp feature is enabled. See “Programmable Horn
Chirp” previously for more information.
If the driver opens another door before the seven
seconds, the doors will not lock until seven seconds
after the last door is closed.
Press LOCK twice on the power door lock switch on the
driver’s door to lock the doors without a delay or
press the LOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter while all doors are closed.
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Programmable Automatic Door
Locks
Programmable automatic power door locks are intended
to provide enhanced security and convenience by
automatically locking and unlocking doors. This features
lets you program your power door locks to one of
four different modes.
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks
for Automatic Transaxle Vehicles
Mode 1:All doors automatically lock when the transaxle
is shifted out of PARK (P). The doors will remain
locked unless manually unlocked or the lock button is
pressed. All doors will unlock when the transaxle is
shifted into PARK (P) and the key is turned to OFF.
Mode 2:This mode is only available on vehicles
equipped with a remote keyless entry transmitter. All
doors automatically lock when the transaxle is shifted
out of PARK (P). Automatic driver’s door only unlock
when the transaxle is shifted into PARK (P) and the key
is turned to OFF.
Mode 3:All doors automatically lock when the transaxle
is shifted out of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock.
Mode 4:No automatic door lock or unlock.
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks
for Manual Transaxle Vehicles
Mode 1:All doors automatically lock when the vehicle
speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). The doors
will remain locked unless manually unlocked or the lock
button is pressed. All doors will unlock when the
transaxle is shifted into REVERSE (R) and the key is
turned to OFF.
Mode 2:This mode is only available with the remote
keyless entry transmitter. All doors automatically
lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph
(8 km/h). Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the
transaxle is shifted into REVERSE (R) and the key
is turned to OFF.
Mode 3:All doors automatically lock when the vehicle
speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). No automatic
door unlock.
Mode 4:No automatic door lock or unlock.
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The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to
open a rear door when the security lock is on, do
the following:
1. Unlock the door from the inside.
2. Then open the door from the outside.
If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or
older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open
the rear door from the inside. You should let adults
and older children know how these security locks work,
and how to cancel the locks.
To cancel a rear door lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door from the inside and open it from
the outside.
2. Move the switch down.
3. Do the same to the other rear door.
The rear doors will now work normally.Lockout Protection
Lockout protection is intended to provide enhanced
security and convenience. This feature prevents a driver
who has left the key in the ignition from locking the
doors, using the power door locks while any door
is open.
To override this feature, when the key is in the ignition
and any door is open, press and hold down the
power door lock switch for three seconds.
This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be
locked out of your vehicle. If you don’t leave the key in
the ignition, or if you use the manual door lock or
the remote keyless entry transmitter, you could still lock
your keys inside your vehicle. Always remember to
take your keys with you.
2-11

Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving your vehicle, open your door and set
the locks from the inside, then get out and close the door.
Trunk
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and
turn the trunk lock cylinder or use the remote keyless
entry transmitter, if your vehicle has this feature.
When closing the trunk, push the trunk lid in the center
to ensure that the lock fully latches.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even
death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open
or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See “Climate Control
System” in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
2-12

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Passlock®
Your vehicle has the Passlock®theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock®enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder has
not been tampered with.
During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go off
about five seconds after the ignition key is turned to
ON and the engine is started.
After attempting to start the engine, if the SECURITY
light flashes or stays on, wait ten minutes with the key in
ON until the light goes off. Then turn the ignition to
OFF before attempting to start the engine again.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6for
more information.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-39for more information.
2-16

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
while 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.
2-17

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:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift to
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever 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.
Starting Your 2.2L L4 ECOTEC™
Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn’t start, wait about 15 seconds and try
again to start the engine by turning the ignition
key to START. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Don’t
“race” your engine when it’s cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let
the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
2-18

3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine warms up.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try to help avoid draining your battery
or damaging your starter.2. If the engine doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the way
down while you turn the key to START. Do this until
the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of
the key.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine
still won’t start or starts briefly but then stops again,
repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on temperature.
When the engine starts, release the key and the
accelerator pedal.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.
2-19

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle
shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular
brake and press the shift lever button before you can
shift from PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park (P) on page 2-30later in this section.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-30.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine racing may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting
your vehicle.
2-23

Manual Transaxle Operation
This is your shift pattern.
The clutch must be fully
pressed in when shifting a
manual transaxle to
ensure the transaxle is
fully in gear.
Here’s how to operate your transaxle:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
that 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the
shift lever into Neutral and let up on the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up
on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), and FIFTH (5):Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way
you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the
clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral:Use this position when you start or idle your
engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down the clutch
pedal and lift up on the ring on the shift lever to shift into
REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly
while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift
to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.
Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
for parking your vehicle.
Once the shift lever is in REVERSE (R), the ignition can
be turned to OFF and the key removed.
2-25