2004 Oldsmobile Alero lock

Power Windows
If your vehicle has power window switches, they are
located on the armrest on the driver’s door. In addition,
each passenger door has a window switch.
Express Down Window
The driver’s window switch has an express down
feature. Press the rear of the switch slightly down, and
the driver’s window will open a small amount. If the
rear of the switch is pressed all the way down,
the window will go all the way down.To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front
of the switch. To raise the window, press and hold
the front of the switch.
Window Lockout
On four-door models, the driver’s power window controls
also include a window lockout. Press the right side of the
lockout switch (LOCK) to prevent the passengers from
using their window switches. The driver can still operate
all of the windows with the lock on.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors and
slide them along the rod to cover different areas of
the front window. You can also swing them to cover the
side windows.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Swing down the driver’s side sun visor and lift the cover
to expose the vanity mirror.
2-15

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Passlock®
Your vehicle has the Passlock®theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
®is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock®enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder has
not been tampered with.
During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go off
about five seconds after the ignition key is turned to
ON and the engine is started.
After attempting to start the engine, if the SECURITY
light flashes or stays on, wait ten minutes with the key in
ON until the light goes off. Then turn the ignition to
OFF before attempting to start the engine again.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6for
more information.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
slow — for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new
brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear
and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake
linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-39for more information.
2-16

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to four
different positions.
A (OFF):This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. With an automatic transaxle, the
shift lever must be in PARK (P) with the ignition in OFF
to remove the key. With a manual transaxle, the shift
lever must be in REVERSE (R) with the ignition in OFF
to remove the key.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door
while the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition.Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you
can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the
key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position unlocks the transaxle.
It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield
wipers when the engine is not running. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise to the first
position. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed
or towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
C (ON):This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The
ignition switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can
use ON to operate your electrical accessories and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
2-17

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle
has a shift lever located on
the console between the
seats.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can not move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-39.
2-22

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle
shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular
brake and press the shift lever button before you can
shift from PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of
Park (P) on page 2-30later in this section.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-30.NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine racing may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting
your vehicle.
2-23

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your automatic transaxle model
vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is
in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set
before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then,
see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without first pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully
locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
automatic transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of
the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever
out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.“ To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into
PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To
find out how, seeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-28.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push your vehicle a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-29

Shifting Out of Park (P)
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system which locks
the shift lever in PARK when the ignition is in the OFF
position. In addition, you have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in ON. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on
page 2-22.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into the gear you wish. Press the shift lever
button before moving the shift lever.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift
out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY. There is no
shift interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear
you want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as possible.
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal
Before leaving your manual transaxle model vehicle,
fully press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into
REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake.
Once the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R)
with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the
ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release the
clutch. SeeManual Transaxle Operation on page 2-25.
2-30

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-5
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Windshield Wiper Lever...................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Interior Lamps..............................................3-16
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-18
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-19
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators.............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-26
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-26
Charging System Light..................................3-27
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-28
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-28
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-29
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-30
Enhanced Traction System Active Light............3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-31
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-32Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-32
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-35
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-36
Security Light...............................................3-37
Cruise Control Light......................................3-37
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-37
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-38
Fuel Gage...................................................3-38
Audio System(s).............................................3-39
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-39
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS).........................................3-40
Radio with CD (Base Level)...........................3-40
Radio with CD (Up Level)..............................3-45
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-55
Theft-Deterrent Feature
(RDS Radios)...........................................3-67
Understanding Radio Reception......................3-67
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player.................3-67
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-68
Care of Your CD Player................................3-68
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-69
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
(48 Contiguous US States).........................3-69
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-69
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1