2003 Oldsmobile Alero brake

Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all the door hinges and latches, including
those for the hood and the trunk lid. Part
D tells
you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter S---:tc" Ct---'-
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
When you are doing this chec the vehicle
could move suddenly.
If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
When you are doing this check, the vehicle
could move suddenly.
If it does, you or others
CGG!~ be i~j~d. FO~~GVV the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
around the vehicle.
brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-26 if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked
on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on page
2-26 if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately
if
the vehicle begins to move.
but don't start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position,
6-1 1

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

Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
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.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often
if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-1 4

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

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specifications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1 -800-463-7483).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
in-Portfolio: Includes
a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00
7-1 0

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

Backglass Antenna .......................................... 3-66
Backing Up
.................................................... 4-40
Battery
.......................................................... 5-41
Battery Replacement
......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection
............................ 3-1 7
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
......................... 4-22
Body Lubrication Service
.................................. 6-1 1
Brake
Parking
................................... .... 2-26
System Inspection
.................... .... 6-14
System Warning Light
................... .... 3-28
Brake Adjustment
............................................ 5-40
Brake Fluid
.................................................... 5-38
Brake Pedal Travel
......................................... 5-40
Brake Wear
................................................... 5-40
Brakes
................................ ................... 5-38
Braking
................................... ................. 4-6
Break-in, New Vehicle
..................................... 2-17
Bulb Replacement
........................................... 5-49
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
........ 5-50
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps ............. 5-50
Headlamp Aiming .. .......................... 5-47
Braking
in Emergencies
............. ............. 4-8
Halogen Bulbs
............................................ 5-49
Headlamps
........ .......................... 5-49 Bulb
Replacement (cont.)
Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 5-51
Taillamps, Turn Signal. and Stoplamps ............ 5-50
Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-56
C
............
California Fuel ........................ ...... 5-6
Canada
......................................... .. 7-4
Canadian Owners
...............................
Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specifications
............................ 5-86
Carbon Monoxide
................... 4.25. 4.36. 4-1 1. 4-30
Care
of
Safety Belts ........ ................ 5-75
Care of Your
..... II
Cassette Tape Player ... ................ 3-65
CD Player
.................................................. 3-66
Cassette Deck Service
...................................... 6-9
Center Console Storage Area
........................... 2-34
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
........... 5-50
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts ..... 1-50
Chains, Tires
.................................................. 5-60
Charging System Light
.................................... 3-27
Check Engine Light
............................................... 3-31
Checking Coolant
............................................ 5-25
CDS
.......................................................... 3-66
Cassette Tape Messages
................................. 3-62
3

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