2000 Oldsmobile Alero coolant level

2-22
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for
that particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle
has a shift lever located
on the console between
the seats.PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.

2-60 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the
red area, the light comes on
and you hear a chime, your
engine is too hot! It means
that your engine coolant
has overheated.
The ªProblems on the Road,º section of this
manual shows what to do. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.
Low Coolant Warning Light
This light comes on
briefly when you turn
your ignition on.
If this light comes on and stays on and you hear a chime,
the vehicle should promptly be pulled off the road and
the coolant level checked.
See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index. If there are visible
signs of steam, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index
before opening the hood. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as you can.

3-4 Heating
On cold days, use FLOOR and the outside air button
with the temperature knob all the way in the red area.
The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send
it to the floor outlets.
Your vehicle has heat ducts that are directed toward the
rear seat. Keep the area under the front seats clear of
obstructions so that the heated air can reach the rear
seat passengers.
If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use
it to help your system provide warm air faster when it's
cold outside (0
F (
-18
C) or lower). An engine
coolant heater warms the coolant your engine and
heating system use to provide heat. See ªEngine
Coolant Heaterº in the Index.
Defogging and Defrosting Windows
Your system has two settings for clearing the front and
side windows. For each setting, adjust the temperature
control as desired.
To defrost the front window quickly, turn the temperature
control knob all the way in the red area. Use FRONT
DEFROST and adjust the fan to the highest speed.
To warm passengers while keeping the front window
clean, use DEFOG.
If you select RECIRCULATION while in VENT,
BI
-LEVEL or FLOOR modes, humid air can recirculate
inside the vehicle and allow moisture to form on the
windows. If this happens, either press the A/C button
to on or select DEFROST or the DEFOG modes.
Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger
vents. The side window defogger vents are located on the
outside of the side instrument panel vents. To defrost the
side windows, turn the temperature control knob all the
way in the red area. Use FLOOR and adjust the fan to the
highest speed. To control fogging of the windows, turn
the temperature control knob all the way in the red area.
Use DEFOG and adjust the fan to the highest speed.

5-13
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
or above the FULL COLD mark. If it isn't, you may
have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator,
water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.
CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don't touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Don't run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn't covered by your warranty.

5-14
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be
running. If they aren't, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at or above the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX
-COOL

coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. (See ªEngine Coolantº in the
Index for more information.)
CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge
tank pressure cap
-- even a little -- they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system
and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you
ever have to turn the pressure cap.

5-18
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is hand
-tight.
Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling
system has cooled down. If the coolant isn't at the
proper level, repeat Steps 1 to 3 and reinstall the
pressure cap or see your dealer.

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transaxle Fluid
6
-20 Engine Coolant
6
-23 Power Steering Fluid
6
-24 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-25 Brakes
6
-29 Battery6
-30 Bulb Replacement
6
-35 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-36 Tires
6
-46 Appearance Care
6
-46 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-48 Care of Safety Belts
6
-49 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-52 Finish Damage
6
-53 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-54 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-55 Electrical System
6
-61 Replacement Bulbs
6
-61 Capacities and Specifications
6
-62 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-20 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 ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.