brake Oldsmobile Alero 2004 s Manual PDF

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
•To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
•To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-11

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12345347 in Canada
10953517) or equivalent DOT-3
brake fluid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021184, in Canada
89021186).
Manual
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
992887).
6-12

Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Records
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a
number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor
and control several aspects of the vehicle’s
performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle
computers to monitor emission control components to
optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for
airbag deployment and, if so equipped, to provide
anti-lock braking and to help the driver control the
vehicle in difficult driving situations. Some information
may be stored during regular operations to facilitate
repair of detected malfunctions; other information
is stored only in a crash or near crash event by
computer systems commonly called event data
recorders (EDR).
In a crash or near crash event, computer systems, such
as the Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)
in your vehicle may record information about the
condition of the vehicle and how it was operated, such
as engine speed, brake applications, throttle position,
vehicle speed, seat belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag
performance data, and the severity of a collision. This
information has been used to improve vehicle crash
performance and may be used to improve crash
performance of future vehicles and driving safety. Unlikethe data recorders on many airplanes, these on-board
systems do not record sounds, such as conversation of
vehicle occupants.
To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the SDM is required.
GM will not access information about a crash event or
share it with others other than
•with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
•in response to an official request of police or similar
government office,
•as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process, or
•as required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may
•use the data for GM research needs,
•make it available for research where appropriate
confidentiality is to be maintained and need is
shown, or
•share summary data which is not tied to a specific
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research
purposes.
7-10

Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-442-6537, or write:
Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33171
Detroit, MI 48232-5171
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specifications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in
the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-12

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-18
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-36
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-89
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-42, 3-47, 3-58
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS).............................................1-54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
AM ...............................................................3-67
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-69
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . 3-69
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...............3-29
Appearance Care............................................5-81
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-84
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-87
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-82
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-85
Finish Damage............................................5-87
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-88
Weatherstrips..............................................5-84Ashtrays........................................................3-19
Audio System(s).............................................3-39
Backglass Antenna......................................3-69
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-67
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-68
Care of Your CDs........................................3-68
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-69
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-55
Radio with CD....................................3-40, 3-45
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-40
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-39
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-67
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-67
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-69
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transaxle........................................2-18
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-69
Backing Up....................................................4-43
Battery..........................................................5-41
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-17
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
1

Brake
Parking......................................................2-27
System Warning Light..................................3-28
Brake Adjustment............................................5-41
Brake Fluid....................................................5-38
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-41
Brake Wear...................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-48
Headlamps.................................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-65
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specifications............................5-95
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-12, 2-31Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-84
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-67
Your CD Player...........................................3-68
Your CDs ...................................................3-68
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-64
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Messages................................3-44, 3-54, 3-66
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-51
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-27
Chains, Tires..................................................5-69
Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-15
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-9
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-60
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-87
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-43
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-49
2

Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Inflation - Tire Pressure...................................5-61
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-24
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-16
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Passenger’s Side)....5-92
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Driver’s Side).............................................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks...........................5-90
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Key Removal.................................................2-30
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-16
Lap Belt........................................................1-27Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-15, 1-24
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-46
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-12
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-29
Lift Seat, Power............................................... 1-7
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-26
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-29
Brake System Warning.................................3-28
Change Engine Oil......................................3-36
Charging System.........................................3-27
Cruise Control.............................................3-37
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active Light....3-31
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-30
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-32
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-37
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-32
Oil Pressure...............................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-26
Security.....................................................3-37
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-38
Up-Shift.....................................................3-28
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-34
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
7

O
Odometer......................................................3-25
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-36
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-35
Older Children, Restraints................................1-32
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
Operation......................................................3-19
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-5
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-22
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-34
Power Mirrors.............................................2-33
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-33
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-13
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31Parking (cont.)
Your Vehicle/Key Removal............................2-30
Parking on Hills..............................................4-44
Passing.................................................4-13, 4-43
Passlock
®......................................................2-16
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-63
Playing a CD.................................3-42, 3-53, 3-65
Playing the Radio...........................3-40, 3-45, 3-56
Power............................................................. 1-3
Accessory Outlets........................................3-18
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-90
Lift Seat....................................................... 1-7
Steering Fluid.............................................5-35
Windows....................................................2-15
Power Steering...............................................4-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-9
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-13
R
Radio Data System (RDS).......................3-45, 3-55
Radio Messages.............................................3-42
Radios..........................................................3-39
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-67
9

Radios (cont.)
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-68
Care of Your CDs........................................3-68
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-55
Radio with CD....................................3-40, 3-45
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-40
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-39
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-67
Understanding Reception..............................3-67
RDS Messages......................................3-49, 3-59
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-29
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-23
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-22
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-31
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation............. 2-4
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-13
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-73
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-72
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-52
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-41
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash.....1-61Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-12
United States Government............................7-11
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-60
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-61
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-60
Replacing Parts...........................................1-61
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-18
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-31
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-32
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-26
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-84
Center Rear Passenger Position....................1-27
Driver Position............................................1-15
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-13
10

Traction (cont.)
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-30
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-42
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-22
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-22
Transaxle Operation, Manual............................2-25
Transmission
Up-Shift Light..............................................3-28
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-12
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit...................................2-14
Trip Odometer................................................3-25
Trunk............................................................2-12
Trunk Lamp...................................................3-17
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-44
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-67
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-66
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-5
Up-Shift Light.................................................3-28Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-68
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-82
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-34
Parking Your...............................................2-30
Service Soon Light......................................3-38
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records....7-10
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-89
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-89
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-22
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-15
Visors...........................................................2-15
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-23
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-5
13