1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO jump start

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5-3
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. But please follow the steps here to do it safely.
CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:

They contain acid that can burn you.

They contain gas that can explode or ignite.

They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
The ACDelco Freedom battery in your vehicle
has a built
-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
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5-4
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems. To avoid the
possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump
start procedure. Put an automatic transaxle in
PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in NEUTRAL (N)
before setting the parking brake.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter. Turn off all lamps that aren't needed as well
as the radios. This will avoid sparks and help save
both batteries. In addition, it could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery.
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6-27 Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If
you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make a few
moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km),
so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original
battery's label.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more,
remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
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8-6
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance
Program Features and Benefits
Security While You Travel
1-800-442-OLDS (6537)
As the proud owner of a new Oldsmobile vehicle, you
are automatically enrolled in the Oldsmobile Roadside
Assistance program. This value
-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road.Oldsmobile's Roadside Assistance toll
-free number is
staffed by courteous and capable Roadside Assistance
Representatives who are available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
We will provide the following services during the Bumper
to Bumper warranty period, at no expense to you:

Fuel delivery

Lock
-out service (identification required)

Tow to the nearest dealership for warranty service or
in the event of a vehicle
-disabling accident

Flat tire change

Jump starts

Minor repairs to disabled vehicles

Assistance when vehicle is mired in sand, mud
or snow

Trip routing

Trip interruption expense benefits

Dealership locator service

Courtesy Transportation
- See Courtesy
Transportation section for details
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance specifically excludes
coverage for mounting, dismounting or changing of
snow tires, chains or other traction devices.
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9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlets 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Adjuster, Seat 1-2, 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-25, 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag Readiness Light 1-25, 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Backglass 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-57, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 2-57, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-44, 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 2-16, 3-22, 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audio Systems 3
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-Down Window 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Light Control 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid 6
-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backing Up with a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Lock Control 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Leaving on a Long Trip 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-5
Ignition Positions 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry/Exit 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-53, 6-54, 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intensity Control 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tire
-Loading Information 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-28 . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-25, 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-57, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-52, 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure Light 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Active 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-60, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil 2-65, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Tire Pressure 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Wash 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-8, 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lock Out Switch 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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