2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manuals

6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.7. Don’t let the other end
touch metal. Connect it
to the positive (+)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal
if the vehicle has one.
8. Now connect the black
negative (−) cable to
the negative (−)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
negative (−) terminal
if the vehicle has one.
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Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next
step. The other end of the negative (−) cabledoesn’t
go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted
metal engine part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery.9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable at
least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery,
but not near engine parts that move. The electrical
connection is just as good there, and the chance
of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle that has the dead battery. If
it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
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Notice:If the jumper cables are removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Remove the jumper
cables in the correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or other metal.
A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead BatteryTo disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do
the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other
vehicle.
Jumper Cable Removal
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Headlamp Aiming
Your vehicle has a headlamp system equipped with
horizontal and vertical aim indicators. The aim has been
pre-set at the factory and should need no further
adjustment. This is true even though your vertical and
horizontal aim indicators may not fall exactly on the
“0” (zero) marks on their scales.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment may be necessary
if it is difficult to see lane markers (for horizontal
aim), or if oncoming drivers flash their high beams at
you (for vertical aim). If you believe your headlamps
need to be re-aimed, we recommend that you take it to
your dealer for service; however, it is possible for
you to re-aim your headlamps as described in the
following procedure.Notice:To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before beginning.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause
damage to headlamp parts.
To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
•The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface.
•If necessary, pads may be used on an uneven
surface.
•The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.
•The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.
•There should not be any cargo or loading of the
vehicle, except it should have a full tank of fuel and
one person or 160 lbs. (75 kg) on the driver’s seat.
•Close all doors.
•Tires should be properly inflated.
•Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension.
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Start with the horizontal
aim. The adjustment
screws can be turned with
an E8 Torx
®socket.
Once the horizontal aim is adjusted, then adjust the
vertical aim.
1. Turn the horizontal aiming screw until the indicator
is lined up with zero.
2. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the level bubble
is lined up with zero.
Horizontal AimingVertical Aiming
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Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulb to use, seeReplacement Bulbs on
page 5-52. For any bulb changing procedure not
listed in this section, contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the bulb
package.
Headlamps
1. Lift up on the two retaining clips which secure the
headlamp assembly.
2. Lift and pull the headlamp assembly forward, out of
the mounting bracket.
3. Remove the rubber cap covering the bulb assembly.
4. Turn the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise
one-sixth of a turn and pull out the bulb assembly.
5. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
6. Replace the bulb.
7. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to reinstall the bulb
assembly and headlamp housing.
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Front Turn Signal and Parking
Lamps
1. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to the
removal procedure earlier in this section.
2. Turn the bulb assembly retainer and pull out
the bulb.
3. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
4. When replacing the bulb, be sure to properly
align the bulb with the locating feature in the
assembly.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the bulb
assembly.
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL)
1. Open the trunk lid and locate the center
high-mounted stop lamp on the inside of the lid.
2. Use a tool to remove the three screws.
3. Gently remove and replace the bulb(s).
4. Reverse this procedure to reassemble the lamp.
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Taillamps, Turn Signal, and
Stoplamps
A. Taillamp
B. Tail/Brake Lamp
C. Taillamp
D. Turn Signal
E. Back-Up Lamp1. Disconnect the cargo net in the trunk.
2. Pull back the trunk trim.
3. Remove the three wing nut bolts which fasten the
taillamp lens to the vehicle.
4. Carefully remove the taillamp lens from the body
and avoid scratching the paint or dropping it.
5. Turn the bulb socket 1/6 of a turn counterclockwise
and pull out the bulb assembly.
6. To remove a bulb, gently pull the bulb out from the
socket. Put in a new bulb.
7. Reverse Steps 3 through 5 to reassemble the
taillamp.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamps Bulb Number
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp 912
Turn Signal Lamps 3157
Stop/Taillamps 3157
Halogen Headlamps-Low Beam 9006
Halogen Headlamps-High Beam 9005
Parking/Turn Signal Lamps 3157NA or 3157A
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
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