2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manuals

A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-29.
B. Ground. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” in
Engine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
inEngine Oil on page 5-15.
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” inBrakes
on page 5-38.F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-35.
G. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-90.
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
I. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-36.
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When you open the hood on the 3400 V6 engine, you’ll see the following:
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A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-29.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-35.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
inEngine Oil on page 5-15.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” in
Engine Oil on page 5-15.
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” inBrakes
on page 5-38.
F. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
G. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41.
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-36.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
2.2L L4 ECOTEC™ Engine
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When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the MIN mark for the 2.2L L4
ECOTEC™ engine or below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick for the 3400 V6 engine, then
you will need to add at least one quart of oil. But you
must use the right kind. This section explains what kind
of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-95.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If your engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the
way back in when you are through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for two things:
•GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting GM
Standard GM6094M. You should look for and use
only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. 3400 V6 Engine
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•SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle. However, if it is going to be 0°F
(–18°C) or above and SAE 5W-30 is not available,
you may use SAE 10W-30.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should also
have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
You should look for this information on the oil container,
and useonlythose oils that are identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol
on the front of the oil container.
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Notice:Use only engine oil identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL light will come on. Change
your oil as soon as possible within the next two
times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a
year. However, your engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine GM
parts and reset the system. It is also important to check
your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
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How to Reset the CHANGE OIL Light
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a
CHANGE OIL light being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
To reset the CHANGE OIL light use the following
procedure:
Using the Accelerator Pedal
1. Turn the ignition to ON, with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within five seconds.
The reset is complete when you hear the chimes
and the CHANGE OIL light goes out. However, if the
light stays on and no chime is heard, you will
need to repeat the reset procedure.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the CHANGE OIL light comes back on when you start
your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a
service station or a local recycling center for help.
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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at every oil change and
replace at the first oil change after
25,000 miles (40 000 km).
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter from
the vehicle and lightly shake filter to release loose dust
and dirt. If the filter remains “caked” with dirt, a new
filter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter, do the
following:
1. Remove the screws that hold the cover on.
2. Lift off the cover.
3. Check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
4. Put the cover back on tightly.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to replace the air filter.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. 2.2L L4 ECOTEC™ Engine shown, 3400 V6 Engine
similar
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