2004 Oldsmobile Alero engine coolant

(h)Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
-In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
-In hilly or mountainous terrain.
-When doing frequent trailer towing.
-Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush and refill cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-23for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and filler neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.
6-8

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12345347 in Canada
10953517) or equivalent DOT-3
brake fluid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021184, in Canada
89021186).
Manual
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
992887).
6-12

Brake
Parking......................................................2-27
System Warning Light..................................3-28
Brake Adjustment............................................5-41
Brake Fluid....................................................5-38
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-41
Brake Wear...................................................5-40
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-51
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-48
Headlamps.................................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-52
Buying New Tires...........................................5-65
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specifications............................5-95
Carbon Monoxide...................4-26, 4-39, 2-12, 2-31Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-84
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-67
Your CD Player...........................................3-68
Your CDs ...................................................3-68
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-64
Cassette Tape Player Service............................. 6-9
CD Messages................................3-44, 3-54, 3-66
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-51
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-27
Chains, Tires..................................................5-69
Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Checking Coolant............................................5-25
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-15
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-9
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-60
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-87
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-43
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-49
2

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-51
Top Strap...................................................1-41
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-43
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-41
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-69
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-82
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Weatherstrips..............................................5-84
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-85
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-82
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-84
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-84
Cleaning Leather............................................5-83
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-84
Cleaning Tires................................................5-87
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-83
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-86
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-80
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-31
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Low Warning Light.......................................3-32
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-37
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-34
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-13
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-11
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-12
3

Customizing the Automatic Door Locks for
Automatic Transaxle Vehicles.......................... 2-9
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks for
Manual Transaxle Vehicles............................. 2-9
D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-21
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-16
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-33
Dome Lamp...................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-21
Defensive..................................................... 4-2Driving (cont.)
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-18
Winter........................................................4-26
Driving On Grades..........................................4-44
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-27
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-19
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-20
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-43
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-6
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-89
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-90
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-90
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-90
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-35
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-41
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-36
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-32
Coolant......................................................5-23
4

Engine (cont.)
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-31
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-15
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-18
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-93
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-45
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-18
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-9
Active Light................................................3-31
Warning Light.............................................3-30
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-17
Event Data Records (EDR)..............................7-10
Express Down Window....................................2-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-31
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).................................3-48, 3-58Finding a Station............................3-41, 3-46, 3-56
Finish Care....................................................5-85
Finish Damage...............................................5-87
Flat Tire........................................................5-70
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Manual Transaxle........................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-35
Windshield Washer......................................5-36
FM Stereo.....................................................3-67
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding the Seatback........................................ 1-8
Following Distance..........................................4-43
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-38
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-4
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-90
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-90
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-31
Fuel..........................................................3-38
Speedometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-4
Glove Box.....................................................2-34
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-48
Headlamps......................................3-7, 3-14, 5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)..............................3-15
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-24Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-42
Hood
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-9
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank . . 5-31
How to Check................................................5-62
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-23
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-36
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-20
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-22
Hydroplaning..................................................4-19I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-33
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-34
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-40
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
6

Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Inflation - Tire Pressure...................................5-61
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-24
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-16
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Passenger’s Side)....5-92
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Driver’s Side).............................................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks...........................5-90
Interior Lamps................................................3-16
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Key Removal.................................................2-30
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-16
Lap Belt........................................................1-27Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-15, 1-24
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-46
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-12
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-29
Lift Seat, Power............................................... 1-7
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-26
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-29
Brake System Warning.................................3-28
Change Engine Oil......................................3-36
Charging System.........................................3-27
Cruise Control.............................................3-37
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active Light....3-31
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-30
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-32
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-37
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-32
Oil Pressure...............................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-26
Security.....................................................3-37
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-38
Up-Shift.....................................................3-28
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-34
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
7