2004 Oldsmobile Alero ECU

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You will need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you are a good deal
longer, you will need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer will not strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-43

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.
5-50

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P225/50R16 size tires, don’t
use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P225/50R16 size tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class
“S” type chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-69

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
Store the flat tire in the compact spare tire compartment.
Place the tire in the compartment, then secure the
adapter and wing nut. Place the cover and the nut on
top of the flat tire. Store the jack and the wrench in the
foam tray.A. Nut
B. Cover
C. Wing Bolt
D. AdapterE. Wrench
F. Jack
G. Tool Tray
H. Flat Tire
5-79

GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward eligible aftermarket
driver or passenger
adaptive equipment you
may require for your vehicle
(hand controls, wheelchair/
scooter lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The offer is available for
a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. For more details, or to determine your
vehicle’s eligibility, see your GM dealer or call the
GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. All TTY users
call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
1-800-442-OLDS (6537)
As the proud owner of a new Oldsmobile vehicle, you
are automatically enrolled in the Oldsmobile Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road.
Oldsmobile’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is
staffed by courteous and capable Roadside Assistance
Representatives who are available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense
to you:
•Fuel delivery
•Lock-out service (identification required)
•Tow to the nearest dealership for warranty service or
in the event of a vehicle-disabling accident
•Flat tire change
•Jump starts
•Minor repairs to disabled vehicles
7-6

•Assistance when vehicle is mired in sand, mud or
snow
•Trip routing
•Trip interruption expense benefits
•Dealership locator service
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance specifically excludes
coverage for mounting, dismounting or changing of snow
tires, chains or other traction devices.
In some cases, where service is impractical, the driver
may be authorized to obtain other service for which
reimbursement is provided.
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Oldsmobile’s comprehensive warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representative:
•Location of vehicle
•Telephone number of your location
•Vehicle model, year and color
•Mileage of vehicle
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Vehicle license plate number
Oldsmobile reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in
Oldsmobile’s judgement, the claims become excessive
in frequency or type of occurrence.
While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we’re only a phone call
away. Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance:
1-800-442-OLDS (6537), text telephone (TTY) users,
call 1-888-889-2438.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
roadside assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
7-7

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
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