2001 Oldsmobile Alero steering

6-11 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the 2.4L L4 engine, you'll see the following:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
C. Engine Oil DipstickD. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Air Cleaner/FilterG. Battery
H. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir

6-12
When you open the hood on the 3400 V6 engine, you'll see the following:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Oil Fill CapD. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Air Cleaner/FilterG. Battery
H. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir

6-25
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it
is hand
-tight.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.

6-26
On the 2.4L L4 engine, the power steering fluid
reservoir is located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment. On the 3400 V6 engine, the power
steering fluid reservoir is located on the passenger's
side of the engine compartment. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level
up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer fluid telltale that will
come on in the instrument panel cluster when the washer
fluid is low. See ªLow Washer Lightº in the Index for
more information.
The windshield washer fluid
reservoir is located on the
driver's side of the engine
compartment towards the
front of the vehicle. See
ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index
for more information
on location.

6-58
Instrument Panel Fuse Block -- Passenger's Side
Fuse Usage
INST LPS Interior Lamp Dimming
CRUISE
SW LPSSteering Wheel Cruise Control
Switch Lamps Fuse Usage
CRUISE SW Steering Wheel Cruise
Control Switches
HVAC
BLOWERHVAC Blower Motor
CRUISE Cruise Control
FOG LPS Fog Lamps
INT LPS Interior Courtesy Lamps
RADIO BATT Radio
SUNROOF Power Sunroof
Circuit Breaker Usage
PWR WNDW Power Windows
Relay Usage
FOG LPS Fog Lamps

6-60
Maxifuses Usage
5 Ignition Switch
6 Not Used
7 Left Electrical Center
-Power
Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks,
Trunk Release, Audio Amplifier,
Remote Lock Control
8 Cooling Fan #1
Mini Relays Usage
9 Rear Defog
10 Not Used
11 Not Used
12 Cooling Fan #1
13 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
14 Cooling Fan #2
15 Cooling FanMicro Relays Usage
16 Air Conditioning Compressor
17 Not Used
18 Fuel Pump
19 Automatic Light Control
20 Automatic Light Control
21 Horn
22 Daytime Running Lamps
Minifuses Usage
23
- 32 Spare Fuse Holder
33 Rear Defog
34 Accessory Power Outlets,
Cigarette Lighter
35 Not Used
36 Not Used
37 Air Conditioning Compressor,
Body Function Control Module
38 Automatic Transaxle
39 Powertrain Control Module
40 Anti
-Lock Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering

7-20
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in
the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.

7-22
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 brake fluid).
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer
Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent
DOT
-3 brake fluid).
Power
Steering SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.