2003 Oldsmobile Alero lock

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to
OFF in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to
OFF only when the shift lever is in reverse.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only
in OFF.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Parl- 'P) ""xhanism Check
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake's holding ability:
With the engine running and transaxle in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready
to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.
I
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-1 2

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Wlndshleld
ti^ Optlkleen Washer solvent or
Washer Solvent equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
Hydraulic
brake fluid).
U.S. 12345347 in Canada
Clutch System 10953517, or
equivalent DOT-3 Usaae
I Fluid/Lubricant -
GM Power
Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. US. 1052884, in Canada Power
System
993294. or eauivalent).
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part No.
U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474. or equivalent).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM
Part
No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements
of NLGl #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
Hinges (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
Canada 10953474, or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
1974984, or equivalent).
6-1
5

We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense
to you:
Fuel delivery
Lock-out service (identification required)
Tow to the nearest dealership for warranty service
or in the event of a vehicle-disabling accident
Flat tire change
Jump starts
Minor repairs to disabled vehicles
Assistance when vehicle is mired in sand, mud
or snow
Trip routing
Trip interruption expense benefits
Dealership locator service
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance specifically excludes
coverage for mounting, dismounting or changing
of snow
tires, chains or other traction devices.
In some cases, where service is impractical, the driver
may be authorized to obtain other service for which
reimbursement is provided. In
many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Oldsmobile’s comprehensive warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representative:
Location of vehicle
Telephone number of your location
Vehicle model, year and color
Mileage of vehicle
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle license plate number
Oldsmobile reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when,
in
Oldsmobile’s judgement, the claims become excessive
in frequency or type of occurrence.
While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we’re only a phone
call away. Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance:
1 -800-442-OLDS (6537), text telephone (TTY)
users, call 1-888-889-2438.
7-6

A
Accessory Power Outlets .............................. 3-17
Adding Washer Fluid
....................................... 5-36
Additional Program Information
........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel
................................................. 5-6
Adjusting the Speakers
Air Bag
Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint Add-On Electrical Equipment
............................ 5-81
(Balance/Fade)
............................ 3-40, 3-46, 3-56
Readiness Light
.......................................... 3-26
System (SRS)
............................................. 1-53
Air CleanedFiIter, Engine
................................. 5-21
All Overseas Locations ...................................... 7-4
Aluminum Wheels
........................................... 5-77
AM ................................................ ....... 3-65
Antenna, XMTM Satellite Radio System
................ 3-67
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light
.............. 3-29
Care of Safety Belts
.................................... 5-75
Chemical Paint Spotting
............................... 5-78
Antenna, Backglass
......................................... 3-66
Appearance Care
............................................ 5-72
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
................ 5-72
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
.............. 5-75
Finish Damage
............................................ 5-77
G!.! Vehicle CarelAppearmce Materials .......... 5-78
Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 5-77
Underbody Maintenance
............................... 5-78 Appearance Care (cont.)
Weatherstrips
........... ........................ 5-75
Ashtrays
........................................................ 3-18
Audio System(s)
......................................... 3-38
Backglass Antenna
...................................... 3-66
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
................ 3-65
Care of Your CD Player
............................... 3-66
Care of Your CDs
........................................ 3-66
Chime Level Adjustment
............................... 3-67
DAB Radio Antenna System
.......................... 3-67
Radio with Cassette and CD
......................... 3-52
Radio with CD
.................................... 3-39, 3-42
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)
................................ 3-38
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)
................................ 3-38
Theft-Deterrent Feature
................................ 3-64
Understanding Radio Reception
..................... 3-65
KhATM %?P!!ifP Radln Antenna . Sysf9t-p .............. 1-87
Automatic Headlamp System ............................ 3-14
Automatic Transaxle
........................................ 2-18
Fluid
.......................................................... 5-22
Operation
................................................... 2-22
Automatic Transaxle Check
.............................. 6-10
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
............................................. 6-11
Audio Systems

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Roadside Assistance Program
......................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information
........ 7-1 0
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-9
D
DAB Radio ................................................ 3-65
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
......................... 3-14
Defensive Driving
............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting
................................. 3-20
Delayed Headlamps
........................................ 3-1 5
Delayed Locking ............................................... 2-8
Dinghy Towing
...................... .................. 4-32
Dolly Towing
........................ .............. 4-33
Dome Lamp
......................... .................. 3-16
Door Delayed Locking
................... ................ 2-8
Power Door Locks
......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
............... 2-8
Rear Security Locks
..................................... 2-10
Position, Safety Belt
..................................... 1-15
Six-Way Power Seat
...................................... 1-3
At Night
..................................................... 4-15
City
........................................................... 4-20
Defensive
..................................................... 4-2
Doing
Your Own Service Work
............... ..... 5-4
Locks
...................................................... 2-7
Driver
Driving Driving
(cont.)
Drunken
....................................................... 4-2
Freeway
..................................................... 4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads
.............................. 4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads
........................... 4-17
Winter
........................................................ 4-25
Driving On Grades
.......................................... 4-41
Driving on Snow or Ice
.................................... 4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
............... 4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water
......................... 4-19
Driving with a Trailer
....................................... 4-40
E
Easy Entry Seat ............................................... 1-6
Electrical System
Add-on Equipment
...................................... 5-81
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-81
Windshield Wiper Fuses
............................... 5-81
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
..................... 2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
................................................... 3-33
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
......................................... 5-21
Battery
....................................................... 5-41
Change Engine Oil Light
............................... 3-35
Coolant
...................................................... 5-23
Coolant Heater
............................................ 2-20
Power Windows and Other Power Options
...... 5-81
Check and Service Engine Soon Light
............ 3-31
4

Engine (cont.) Coolant Temperature Gage
........................... 3-31
Cooling System Inspection ............................ 6-1 4
Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-1 2
Exhaust ..................................................... 2-30
Oil ............................................................. 5-15
Overheating ................................................ 5-26
Starting .................................................. 2-1 8
Engine Compartment Fuse Block .................. 5-84
Engine Coolant Level Check .............................. 6-9
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing .................. 4-42
Engine Oil Additives ........................................ 5-19
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance ..................... 6-5
Enhanced Traction System(ETS) ......................... 4-9
Ac'rive Light ................................................ 3-30
Warning Light ............................................. 3-29
Entry/Exit Lighting ........................................... 3-1 6
Express Down Window .................................... 2-15
Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-31
Exterior Lamps ............................................... 3-13
Engine Oil Level Check ..................................... 6-9
F
FabridCarpet ...............................
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner
.....
(RDS. XMTM and DAB) .... .............. 3.46. 3-56
Finding a Station ............................ 3-39, 3-44, 3-54
Finding a PTY Station
............
5-73
5-2
1
Finish Care ................................................ 5-76
Finish Damage ............................................... 5-77
Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-61
Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-62
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle
.................. ........ 5-22
Manual Transaxle .................................... 5-22
Power Steering ........................................... 5-35
Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-36
Fog Lamps .................................................... 3-15
Folding the Seatback ........................................ 1-8
Footmtes ........................................................ 6-5
Fuel ............................................................... 5-5
Additives ...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel .............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container ..................... 5-8
Filling Your -rank ........................................... 5-7
Gage ......................................................... 3-37
FM Stereo ..................................................... 3-65
Following Distance .......................................... 4-40
Fge!s i~ Fnminn Pnrrntrin c. "'V'Y" v"u"L"-U J-v cr? ..............................
Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications .................................. 5-5
System Inspection ....................................... 6-14
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........................... 5-81
Windshield Wiper ......................................... 5-81
5

G
Gage Engine Coolant Temperature
......................... 3-31
Fuel
.......................................................... 3-37
Speedometer
.............................................. 3-25
Tachometer
................................................. 3-25
Octane
........................................................ 5-5
Specifications ............................................... 5-5
Glass Surfaces
............................................... 5-74
Glove Box
..................................................... 2-34
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
.................................................... 7-5
Gasoline
H
Head Restraints ............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming
....................................................... 5-47
Headlamps
.................................................... 5-49
Bulb Replacement
....................................... 5-49
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
............. 5-50
Halogen Bulbs
............................................ 5-49
Headlamps
Off in PARK (P) .............................. 3-15
Highway Hypnosis
........................................... 4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads
.................................. 4-23
Hitches
.......................................................... 4-39 Hood
Checking Things Under
.............................. 5-9
Release
..................................................... 5-10
Horn
........................................................... 3-6
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
............................. ............ 5-30
How to Check
................................................ 5-54
How to Check and Add Fluid
............................ 5-23
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
.................. 5-36
How to Use This Manual
...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-14
Hydraulic Clutch
............................................. 5-22
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
........................ 6-10
Hydroplaning
.................................................. 4-18
If
No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-27
If Steam
Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-26
If the Light
Is Flashing ..................................... 3-32
If the Light
Is On Steady ................................. 3-33
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
....... 4-29
If You Do Decide
To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-37
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard
........................... 4-27
Ignition Positions
............................................. 2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
.......................... 6-12
IHazard Warning Flashers
.................................. 3-6
Indicators
....................................................... 3-23
Infants and Young Children, Restraints
............... 1-34
Inflation
-- Tire Pressure .................................. 5-54

Inspection Brake System
............................................. 6-14
Engine Cooling System
................................ 6-14
Fuel System
............................................... 6-14
Part C
. Periodic Maintenance ....................... 6-13
Steering. Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal
......................................... 6-1 3
Throttle System
.................................... 6-1 4
Cluster
....................................................... 3-24
Overview
..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness
............................. 3-1 6
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Passenger's Side)
....................................... 5-83
instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Driver's Side)
............................................. 5-82
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks
........................... 5-81
Exhaust System
.......................................... 6-13
Instrument Panel
Interior Lamps
................................................ 3-16
Interior Plastic Components
.............................. 5-74
J
Jump Starting ................................................. 5-42
Key Lock Cylinders Service
.............................. 6-10
Key Removal
................................................. 2-29 Keyless
Entry System
....................................... 2-3
Keys
............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior
............ .... ........ 3-13
Interior
....................................................... 3-16
Lap Belt
........................................................ 1-27
Lap-Shoulder Belt
................................... 1.15. 1-24
LATCH System Child Restraints
........................................... 1-43
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System
........................................ 1-45
Latches,
Seatback ............................................ 1-5
Leather ......................................................... 5-74
Leaving Your Vehicle
....................................... 2-11
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
.......................................... 2-28
Lift Seat, Power
....................... ......... 1-6
Light
................................... 3-26
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ................... 3-29
Brake System Warning
................................. 3-28
Change Engine Oil
...................................... 3-35
Charging System
......................................... 3-27
Cruise Control
............................................. 3-36
Enhanced Traction System Warning
............... 3-29
Low Coolant Warning
................................... 3-31
. A-ir -"a Ran Rnadinncc .V UU ... YYY
LI c+,,,, I talIbGd T;actior; System Active J-JO QQ ..................
7