2001 Oldsmobile Alero warning lights

Table of Contents
Windows
Keys and Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Remote Trunk Release
Automatic Transaxle (If Equipped)
Manual Transaxle (If Equipped)
Parking Brake
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction LeverWindshield Wipers
Cruise Control
Exterior and Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Accessory Power Outlet
Sunroof (Option)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Seats and Seat Controls
Safety BeltsSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Restraints Systems for Children
Section
1
Section
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
Features and Controls
ii

ix
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important for
you and your
passengers
whenever your
vehicle is driven:
CHILD
RESTRAINT
TOP STRAP
ANCHOR
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see ªWarning Lights and Gagesº in the Index.

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-11 Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-16 Trunk
2
-19 Theft
2
-20 Passlock

2-20 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-21 Ignition Positions
2
-22 Starting Your Engine
2
-24 Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
2
-26 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-29 Manual Transaxle Operation
2
-31 Parking Brake
2
-32 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-34 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)2
-34 Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal
(Manual Transaxle Models Only)
2
-35 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-35 Engine Exhaust
2
-36 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
2
-37 Tilt Wheel
2
-37 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-45 Exterior Lamps
2
-47 Interior Lamps
2
-49 Mirrors
2
-50 Storage Compartments
2
-51 Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)
2
-51 Sun Visors
2
-52 Accessory Power Outlet
2
-53 Sunroof (Option)
2
-54 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-58 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-21
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
OFF (A): This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. With an automatic transaxle, the shift
lever must be in PARK (P) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key. With a manual transaxle, the shift lever
must be in REVERSE (R) with the ignition in OFF to
remove the key. A warning chime will sound if you
open the driver's door when the ignition is off and the
key is in the ignition.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
ACC (Accessory) (B): This position unlocks the
transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio and
windshield wipers when the engine is not running. To
use ACC, turn the key clockwise to the first position
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push
-start your vehicle.
ON (C): This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The ignition
switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use ON to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel warning lights.
START (D): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.

2-39 Headlamps
The headlamp control is on the turn signal/
multifunction lever.
Turn the headlamp control to this symbol to turn on
the following:

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights
Turn the headlamp control to this symbol to turn on
the following:

Headlamps

Parking Lamps

Sidemarker Lamps

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel LightsTurning the headlamp control to AUTO will turn the
headlamps, taillamps and parking lamps on and off
automatically, while the ignition is on, by sensing how
dark it is outside. For more information see ªAutomatic
Light Controlº later in this section.
Lamps On Reminder
If you open the driver's door and turn off the
ignition while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam,
push the turn signal/multifunction lever away from you.
When the high beams are
on, a light on the instrument
panel cluster will come on
if the ignition is in ON.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low beam,
pull the turn signal lever toward you.

2-56
Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster 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.
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

2-58
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt
is already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds,
then it will flash for
about 55 seconds.
If the driver's belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.

6-22 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.