1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO wiper blades

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2-35
For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the
LO position. For high
-speed wiping, move the stalk up
further, to HI. To stop the wipers, move the stalk to OFF.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow.
Move the stalk to INT, then turn the inner band, labeled
INT ADJ, and choose the delay you want. Rotate the
inner band up for shorter delay times between wiper
cycles. Rotate the band down for a longer delay time
between wiper cycles.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To
avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from
the wiper blades before using them. If they're frozen
to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If
your blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, push in the button at the end
of the stalk until the washers begin.
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4-18
Driving in Rain and on Wet RoadsRain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire
-to-road traction isn't as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don't have much tread left, you'll get
even less traction. It's always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It's wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
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4-23
Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?

Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?

Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?

Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble
-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long
-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?

Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?

Maps: Do you have up
-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as ªhighway
hypnosisº? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness,
or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't let
it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road in less than a second, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.

Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.

If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
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6-34
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here's how to remove the
type with a Shepherd's Hook:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
For the proper type and size, see ªCapacities and
Specificationsº in the Index.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Oldsmobile Warranty booklet for details.
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6-47
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
(See ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later.
If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.Clean the outside of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami

Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full
-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.)
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6-60
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.4L L4 AC Type A
-1279C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 AC Type A
-1279C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4L L4 AC Type PF
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs
2.4L L4 AC Type
41
-942 (Platinum Plug) . . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
3400 V6 AC Type
41
-963 (Platinum Plug) . . . . . . .
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades (Shepherd's Hook Type)
Passenger's Side 17 inches (43 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Side 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 186.7 inches (474.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 70.1 inches (178.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 54.5 inches (138.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 107.0 inches (271.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 59.1inches (150.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 59.3 inches (150.7cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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7-14 At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. (See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.)Automatic Transaxle Inspection
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.
Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to
your Oldsmobile dealership Service Department and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all door hinges and latches, including those
for the hood and trunk lid. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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9-2
Brake (Continued)
System Warning Light 2-56, 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock 2-29, 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 2-57, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-29, 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamp 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHMSL 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamps 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Lamp 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stoplamp 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-12, 2-30, 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-9, 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage Area 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-32 . . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chains, Safety 4
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Light 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator Light 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-48 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Fabric Problems 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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