2000 Oldsmobile Alero instrument panel

2-45 Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)
Press the switch on the lower front portion of the mirror
to turn on the lamps. Press the other side of the switch to
turn the lamps off.
Three-Position Dome Lamp
The switch on this lamp has three positions. The ON
position will turn on the light. The DOOR position will
turn on the light whenever a door is opened or when the
instrument panel intensity control thumbwheel is moved
up. The OFF position will shut off the lamp completely,
even when a door is opened.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when you open your trunk.
Battery Saver
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature
designed to protect your vehicle's battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, mirror reading lamps,
footwell, dome lamp or glove box) is left on when the
ignition is turned off, the battery saver system will
automatically shut the lamp off after 20 minutes.
This will avoid draining the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:

Lift the driver's door handle,

open any door or

press any remote lock control transmitter button
(if equipped),

press the power door lock switch,

press the remote trunk release or

turn the lamp that was left on to off and then to
on again.

2-49
Auxiliary Power Accessory Outlet
The auxiliary power accessory outlet is located to the
left of the glovebox on the lower side of the instrument
panel and behind a flip
-out door.
The power outlet can be used to plug electrical
equipment such as a cellular telephone, CD player, CB
radio, etc. Follow the proper installation instructions that
are included with any electrical equipment you install.
Sunroof (If Equipped)
Open the sunshade by hand when using the vent position.
To use the vent position of the sunroof, push the switch
back and release it. This is the express
-vent mode of
the sunroof.
To fully open the sunroof, push the switch back again
and release. This is the express
-open mode of the
sunroof and sunshade.
To close the sunroof, push the switch forward and hold
it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if the
switch is released during operation. If desired, you may
close the sunshade by hand.
The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if
your vehicle has an electrical failure.
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to force the sunshade forward of
the sliding glass panel. Damage will occur and the
sunroof may not open or close properly.

2-50
Instrument Panel - Your Information System

2-51
Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You'll know how fast
you're going, how much fuel you're using, and many other things you'll need to drive safely and economically.
The main components of your instrument panel are:
A. Fuse Panels
B. Vents
C. Instrument Cluster Panel
D. Hazard Warning Button
E. Audio System
F. Climate Control
G. Auxiliary Power Accessory Outlet
H. Cigarette Lighter/Power Accessory Outlet
I. Parking BrakeJ. Transaxle Shift Lever
K. Enhanced Traction System Switch
L. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
M. Ignition Switch
N. Cruise Control Switches (If Equipped)
O. Tilt Wheel Lever
P. Hood Release Handle
Q. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
R. Instrument Panel Intensity Control

2-52
Instrument Panel Cluster
Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are
explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.
United States Automatic Transaxle Cluster Shown, Manual Transaxle and Canada Clusters Similar

2-55 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag modules, the wiring
and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more
information on the air bag system, see ªAir Bagº
in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

2-66
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems
can be costly and is not covered by your warranty.
Low Oil Light (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped
with a 3400 V6 engine, then
you will have a LOW OIL
light in your instrument
panel cluster.
This light will come on briefly when you start your vehicle.
If the light stays on after starting your vehicle, or comes
on and chimes while you are driving, your engine oil
level should be checked.
Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has
been shut off for several minutes and is on a level
surface. Check the oil level on your dipstick and bring it
to the proper level. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
A false LOW OIL light may be generated when parking
on steep grades.

3-2
Comfort Controls
With this system, you can control the ventilation and
heating in your vehicle.
Your vehicle also has the flow
-through ventilation
system described later in this section.
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning
Fan Knob
The left control knob sets the fan speed. To select the
force of air you want, turn the knob.
Temperature Knob
The center control knob regulates the temperature of the
air coming through the system.Mode Knob
The right control knob changes the functions of
your system.
VENT: In this position most of the airflow comes
through the instrument panel outlets. A small amount of
air comes through the floor vents. Set the center control
knob to the temperature desired.
BI-LEVEL: In this position the airflow comes
through the instrument panel outlets and through the
floor outlets. Set the center control knob to the
temperature desired.
FLOOR: In this position most of the airflow
comes through the floor outlet. The rest of the air comes
through the windshield and side window vents. Set the
center control knob to the temperature desired.
DEFOG: This position divides the airflow
between the floor outlets and the windshield defroster
vent. The air conditioning compressor will run
automatically in this position when it is needed to
help dry the air in the vehicle.