2000 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manuals

6-29 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 a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery,
get one that has the replacement number shown on
the original battery's label. We recommend an
ACDelco battery.
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.

6-30
Bulb Replacement
The following procedures tell you how to replace your
bulbs. For the type of bulb to use, see ªReplacement
Bulbsº in the Index. For any bulbs not listed in this
section, contact your service department.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps
For the type of bulb, see ªReplacement Bulbsº in
the Index.

6-31
1. Lift the headlamp assembly forward, out of the
mounting bracket.
2. Remove the rubber cap covering the bulb assembly.
3. Twist the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise
one
-sixth of a turn and pull out the bulb assembly.
4. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to replace the bulb
assembly and headlamp housing.Headlamp Aiming
Your vehicle has a headlamp system equipped with
horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been
pre
-set at the factory and should need no further
adjustment. This is true even though your vertical and
horizontal aim indicators may not fall exactly on the
ª0º (zero) marks on their scales.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment may be necessary
if it is difficult to see lane markers (for horizontal aim),
or if oncoming drivers flash their high beams at you (for
vertical aim). If you believe your headlamps need to be
re
-aimed, we recommend that you take it to your dealer
for service; however, it is possible for you to re
-aim
your headlamps as described in the following procedure.
NOTICE:
To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before
beginning. Failure to follow these instructions
could cause damage to headlamp parts.

6-32
To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:

The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface.

If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven surface.

The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.

The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.

There should not be any cargo or loading of the
vehicle, except it should have a full tank of fuel and
one person or 160 lbs. (75 kg) on the driver's seat.

Close all doors.

Tires should be properly inflated.

Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.
Start with the horizontal aim. The adjustment screws can be
turned with E8 Torxsocket or a T15 Torx screwdriver.
Once the horizontal aim is adjusted, then adjust the
vertical aim.

6-33
Horizontal Aiming Vertical Aiming
1. Turn the horizontal aiming screw until the indicator
is lined up with zero.
2. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the level bubble
is lined up with zero.
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamp
Bulb Replacement
1. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to the
removal procedure earlier in this section.
2. Twist the bulb assembly retainer and pull out
the bulb.
3. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
4. Reverse Steps 1 through 2 to replace the bulb
assembly. Be sure to properly align the bulb with the
locating feature in the assembly.
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
1. Open the trunk lid and locate the center
high
-mounted stop lamp on the inside of the lid.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the
three screws.
3. Gently remove and replace the bulbs.
4. Reverse this procedure to reassemble the lamp.
For the type of bulb, seeªReplacement Bulbsºin
the Index.

6-34 Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamp
Bulb Replacement
A. Parking Lamp
B. Parking/Brake Lamp
C. Parking Lamp
D. Turn Signal
E. Back up LampFor the type of bulb, see ªReplacement Bulbsº in
the Index.
1. Disconnect the cargo net in the trunk.
2. Pull back the trunk trim.
3. Remove the three wing nut bolts which fasten the
taillamp lens to the vehicle.
4. Carefully remove the taillamp lens from the body
and avoid scratching the paint or dropping it.
5. Twist the bulb socket 1/6 of a turn counterclockwise
and pull out the bulb assembly.
6. To remove a bulb, gently pull the bulb out from
the socket.
7. Reverse Steps 3 through 6 to reassemble
the taillamp.

6-35
Windshield Wiper
Blade ReplacementWindshield 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.

6-36
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.CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.