2004 Oldsmobile Alero instrument panel

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low
washer fluid telltale that
will come on in the
instrument panel cluster
when the washer fluid
is low.
SeeLow Washer Fluid Warning Light on page 3-37for
more information.
5-36

Cleaning the Top of the Instrument
Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones
or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the
windshield and even make it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth
or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. See
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-88.
Notice:If you use abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch
the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger and the integrated radio antenna. When
cleaning the glass on your vehicle, use only a soft
cloth and glass cleaner.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
5-84

Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identication Label
You’ll find this label on the bottom of your spare
tire cover. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order
parts. On this label is:
•your VIN,
•the model designation,
•paint information and
•a list of all production options and special
equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer rst. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting
to add anything electrical to your vehicle, see
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-60.
5-89

Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If the
overload is caused by some electrical problem, have
it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
A circuit breaker in the fuse panel protects the power
windows. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit
breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until
the problem is fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible links. This greatly reduces the chance of
damage caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure to
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
There are three fuse blocks in your vehicle: two
instrument panel fuse blocks and the engine
compartment fuse block.
There are four spare fuses located in the driver’s side
instrument panel end cap for your use.
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks
There are two fuse panels for your vehicle. One is
located on the driver’s side of the instrument panel and
the other is located on the passenger’s side.
5-90

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Driver’s Side)
Your vehicle may not be equipped with all the fuses and
features listed.
Fuses Usage
WIPERWindshield Wiper Motor, Washer
Pump
TRUNK
REL/RADIO
AMPTrunk Release Relay/Motor, Audio
Amplifier/RFA
TURN LPS Turn Signal Lamps
PWR MIRROR Power Mirrors
Fuses Usage
AIR BAG Air Bags
BFC BATT Body Computer (BFC)
PCM ACC Power Control Module (PCM)
DR LOCK Door Lock Motors
IPC/BFC ACC Cluster, Body Computer (BFC)
STOP LPS Stop Lamps
HAZARD LPS Hazard Lamps
IPC/HVAC
BATTHVAC Head, Cluster, Data Link
Connector
Circuit
BreakersUsage
PWR SEAT Power Seats
Relay Usage
TRUNK REL Trunk Relay
DR UNLOCK Door Unlock Relay
DR LOCK Door Lock Relay
DRIVER DR
UNLOCKDriver’s Door Unlock Relay
5-91

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Passenger’s Side)
Your vehicle may not be equipped with all the fuses and
features listed.
Fuse Usage
INST LPS Interior Lamp Dimming
CRUISE SW
LPSSteering Wheel Cruise Control
Switch Lamps
CRUISE SWSteering Wheel Cruise Control
Switches
HVAC
BLOWERHVAC Blower Motor
CRUISE Cruise Control
FOG LPS Fog Lamps
INT LPS Interior Courtesy Lamps
RADIO BATT Radio, XM™ Satellite Radio/DAB
SUNROOF Power Sunroof
Circuit Breaker Usage
PWR WNDW Power Windows
Relay Usage
FOG LPS Fog Lamps
5-92

Customer Assistance
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to
your dealer and to Oldsmobile. Normally, any concerns
with the sales transaction or the operation of your
vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service
departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best
intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can
occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your
satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE:Discuss your concern with a member of
dealership management. Normally, concerns can
be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has
already been reviewed with the sales, service or parts
manager, contact the owner of the dealership or
the general manager.STEP TWO:If after contacting a member of dealership
management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help, contact
the Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Center by calling
1-800-442-6537. In Canada, contact GM of Canada
Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling
1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order to
give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the
following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
•Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from
the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at the top
left of the instrument panel and visible through the
windshield.)
•Dealership name and location
•Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
When contacting Oldsmobile, please remember that
your concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility.
That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if
you have a concern.
7-2

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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