2001 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual

2001 Oldsmobile Alero owners manual
Year:
2001
Make:
Oldsmobile
Model:
Alero
Rating:
(9)

Online manual

Size:
2.53 MB

Table of Contents

2001 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual
1
24-hour Roadside Asisstance
2
Copyright Genral Motors Corp. 2000
3
Table of Contents:
4
1. Seats and Restraint System
4
2. Features and Controls
4
3. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
5
4. Your Driving and the Road
5
5. Problems on the Road
5
6. Service and Appearance Care
6
7. Maintenance Schedule
6
8. Customer Assistance Information
7
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
8
How to Use this Manual
9
Safety Warnings and Symbols
9
Vehicle Damage Warnings
10
Vehicle Symbols
11
Service Station Guide
12
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
13
Seats and Seat Controls
14
Manual Seats
14
Power Lift Seat (If Equipped)
15
6-Way Power Seat Controls (If Equipped)
16
Manual Lumbar Support (If Equipped)
16
Reclining Front Seatbacks
16
Head Restraints
18
Seatback Latches (2-Door Models)
18
Easy Entry Seat (2-Door Models)
19
Rear Seats
19
Folding the Rear Seat
19
Safety Belts: They re for Everyone
20
Why Safety Belts Work
21
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers
24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
25
Adults
25
Driver Position
25
Lap-Shoulder Belt
25
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4- Door Models)
27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
32
Right Front Passenger Position
33
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
33
How the Air Bag System Works
35
Where are the air bags?
35
When should an air bag inflate?
37
What makes an air bag inflate?
37
How does an air bag restrain?
37
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
38
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
39
Rear Seat Passengers
40
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
40
Lap-Shoulder Belt
40
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
43
Center Passenger Position
45
Lap Belt
46
Children
47
Infants and Young Children
47
Restraint Systems for Children
51
Where to Put the Restraint
54
Top Strap
55
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
56
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
59
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position
62
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
64
Older Children
66
Safety Belt Extender
69
Checking Your Restraint Systems
70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
70
Section 2 Features and Controls
71
Windows
72
Manual Windows
73
Power Windows (If Equipped)
73
Auto- Down Switch
73
Lock- Out Switch (4- Door Models)
73
Keys
74
Door Locks
76
Power Door Locks
77
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
77
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks
78
Delayed Locking
79
Rear Door Security Locks (4-Door Models)
80
Anti-Lockout Protection
81
Leaving Your Vehicle
81
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
81
Operation
82
Programmable Horn Chirp
83
Radio Personalization
83
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
84
Battery Replacement
84
Resynchronization
85
Trunk
86
Remote Trunk Release
87
Remote Trunk Release Lockout (If Equipped)
87
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)
88
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit
88
Theft
89
Key in the Ignition
89
Parking at Night
89
Parking Lots
89
Passlock
90
New Vehicle Break-In
90
Ignition Positions
91
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
92
Starting Your Engine
92
Automatic Transaxle
92
Manual Transaxle
93
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
94
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
95
Automatic Transaxle Operation
96
Manual Transaxle Operation
99
Shift Speeds
101
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)
101
Parking Brake
101
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)
102
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)
103
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
104
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)
104
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal (Manual Transaxle Models Only)
104
Parking Over Things That Burn
105
Engine Exhaust
105
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)
106
Horn
106
Tilt Wheel
107
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
107
Turn and Lane Change Signals
108
Turn Signal On Chime
108
Headlamps
109
Lamps On Reminder
109
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
109
Flash-to-Pass
110
Windshield Wipers
110
Windshield Washer
111
Cruise Control
111
Setting Cruise Control
112
Resuming a Set Speed
113
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
113
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
114
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
114
Using Cruise Control on Hills
114
Ending Out of Cruise Control
114
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory
114
Exterior Lamps
115
Headlamps
115
Daytime Running Lamps
115
Automatic Light Control (ALC)
115
Headlamps Dim to Park (If Equipped)
116
Delayed Headlamps
116
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
116
Interior Lamps
117
Instrument Panel Intensity Control
117
Courtesy Lamp Control
117
Illuminated Entry/Exit System
117
Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)
118
Three-Position Dome Lamp
118
Trunk Lamp
118
Battery Saver
118
Mirrors
119
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
119
Manual Remote Control Mirror
119
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)
119
Convex Outside Mirror
120
Storage Compartments
120
Glove Box
120
Center Console Storage Area
120
Rear Seat Cupholders
120
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
120
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)
121
Sun Visors
121
Visor Vanity Mirror
121
Accessory Power Outlet
122
Sunroof (Option)
123
The Instrument Panel Your Information System
124
Instrument Panel Cluster
126
Speedometer and Odometer
127
Trip Odometer
127
Tachometer
127
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
128
Safety Belt Reminder Light
128
Air Bag Readiness Light
129
Charging System Indicator Light
130
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)
130
Brake System Warning Light
130
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
132
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
132
Enhanced Traction System Active Light
133
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
134
Low Coolant Warning Light
134
Low Tire Pressure Light (If Equipped)
135
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada)
136
If the Light Is Flashing
137
If the Light Is On Steady
137
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
138
Oil Pressure Light
139
Low Oil Light (If Equipped)
140
Change Oil Light
140
Security Light
141
Cruise Light
141
Low Washer Light
141
Service Vehicle Soon Light
142
Fuel Gage
142
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
143
Comfort Controls
144
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning
144
Fan Knob
144
Temperature Knob
144
Mode Knob
144
Mode Buttons
145
Air Conditioning
145
Heating
146
Defogging and Defrosting Windows
146
Rear Window Defogger
147
Ventilation System
147
Ventilation Tips
148
Audio Systems
149
Setting the Clock
149
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS)
149
Playing the Radio
149
Finding a Station
150
Setting the Tone
151
Using RDS Mode
152
Adjusting the Speakers
154
Playing a Compact Disc
154
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)
156
Playing the Radio
156
Finding a Station
156
Setting the Tone
157
Using RDS Mode
158
Adjusting the Speakers
160
Playing a Cassette Tape
160
Playing a Compact Disc
162
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)
164
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios
164
Understanding Radio Reception
164
AM
164
FM Stereo
164
Tips About Your Audio System
164
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
165
Care of Your Compact Discs
166
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
166
Backglass Antenna
166
Chime Level Adjustment
167
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
168
Defensive Driving
169
Drunken Driving
170
Control of a Vehicle
173
Braking
173
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
174
Using Anti- Lock
176
Braking in Emergencies
176
Enhanced Traction System
176
Steering
178
Power Steering
178
Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)
178
Steering Tips
178
Driving on Curves
178
Steering in Emergencies
179
Off-Road Recovery
180
Passing
180
Loss of Control
182
Skidding
182
Driving at Night
183
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
184
Hydroplaning
186
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
186
Driving Through Flowing Water
187
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
187
City Driving
188
Freeway Driving
189
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
190
Highway Hypnosis
191
Driving on Snow or Ice
194
If You re Caught in a Blizzard
195
Recreational Vehicle Towing
197
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front
197
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear
199
Loading Your Vehicle
199
Towing a Trailer
201
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
202
Weight of the Trailer
203
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
203
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires
204
Hitches
204
Safety Chains
205
Trailer Brakes
205
Driving with a Trailer
205
Following Distance
206
Passing
206
Backing Up
206
Making Turns
206
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
207
Driving On Grades
207
Parking on Hills
208
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
208
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
209
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
209
Towing a Trailer (2.4L L4 Engine)
209
Section 5 Problems on the Road
210
Hazard Warning Flashers
211
Other Warning Devices
211
Jump Starting
212
Towing Your Vehicle
217
Engine Overheating
217
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
218
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
219
Cooling System
220
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
222
If a Tire Goes Flat
227
Changing a Flat Tire
227
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
228
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
230
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
235
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
236
Compact Spare Tire
237
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
238
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
238
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
239
Service
240
Doing Your Own Service Work
240
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
241
Fuel
241
Fuels in Foreign Countries
243
Filling Your Tank
244
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
246
Checking Things Under the Hood
246
Hood Release
247
Engine Compartment Overview
249
Engine Oil
251
Checking Engine Oil
251
When to Add Engine Oil
253
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
255
How to Reset the Change Oil Light
257
What to Do with Used Oil
257
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
257
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
258
Manual Transaxle Fluid
259
Hydraulic Clutch
259
When to Check and What to Use
259
How to Check and Add Fluid
260
Engine Coolant
260
What to Use
261
Checking Coolant
262
Adding Coolant
263
Power Steering Fluid
263
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
263
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
264
What to Use
264
Windshield Washer Fluid
264
What to Use
264
Adding Washer Fluid
264
What to Add
267
Brake Wear
268
Brake Pedal Travel
268
Brake Adjustment
268
Replacing Brake System Parts
269
Battery
269
Vehicle Storage
270
Bulb Replacement
270
Halogen Bulbs
270
Headlamps
270
Headlamp Aiming
271
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement
273
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
273
Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamp Bulb Replacement
274
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
274
Tires
275
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
276
When to Check
276
How to Check
276
Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped)
277
Tire Inspection and Rotation
278
When It s Time for New Tires
280
Buying New Tires
280
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
281
Treadwear
282
Traction AA, A, B, C
282
Temperature A, B, C
282
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
283
Wheel Replacement
283
Used Replacement Wheels
284
Tire Chains
284
Appearance Care
285
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
285
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
285
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric
286
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
286
Cleaning Vinyl
287
Cleaning Leather
287
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
287
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
287
Care of Safety Belts
288
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
288
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades
288
Weatherstrips
288
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
289
Washing Your Vehicle
289
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
289
Finish Care
289
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
290
Cleaning Tires
290
Sheet Metal Damage
290
Finish Damage
291
Underbody Maintenance
291
Chemical Paint Spotting
291
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
292
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
293
Engine Identification
293
Service Parts Identification Label
293
Electrical System
294
Add-On Electrical Equipment
294
Windshield Wipers
294
Power Windows
294
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
294
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks
294
Instrument Panel Fuse Block Driver s Side
295
Instrument Panel Fuse Block Passenger s Side
296
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
297
Replacement Bulbs
299
Capacities and Specifications
300
Capacities
300
Engine Specifications
300
Wheel Nut Torque
300
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
301
Vehicle Dimensions
301
Your Vehicle and the Environment
303
Maintenance Requirements
303
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
307
Scheduled Maintenance
308
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
316
At Each Fuel Fill
316
Engine Oil Level Check
316
Engine Coolant Level Check
316
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
316
At Least Once a Month
316
Tire Inflation Check
316
Cassette Deck Service
316
At Least Twice a Year
317
Restraint System Check
317
Wiper Blade Check
317
Weatherstrip Lubrication
317
Manual Transaxle Check
317
Automatic Transaxle Inspection
317
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
318
At Least Once a Year
318
Key Lock Cylinders Service
318
Body Lubrication Service
318
Starter Switch Check
318
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
319
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
319
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
320
Underbody Flushing Service
320
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
321
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
321
Exhaust System Inspection
321
Engine Cooling System Inspection
321
Throttle System Inspection
322
Brake System Inspection
322
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
323
Part E: Maintenance Record
325
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
328
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
329
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
331
Customer Assistance Offices
331
United States
331
Canada
332
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
332
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
332
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance Program Features and Benefits
333
Security While You Travel
333
Canadian Roadside Assistance
334
Courtesy Transportation
334
Plan Ahead When Possible
335
Transportation Options
335
Shuttle Service
335
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
335
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
335
Additional Program Information
336
Warranty Information
336
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
337
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
337
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS
338

2001 Oldsmobile Alero Overview

Introduction

The 2001 Oldsmobile Alero embodies the American spirit of compact sedans, combining style, comfort, and practicality. Positioned as a competitive player in the midsize car market, the Alero appeals to families and commuters alike with its blend of modern design and reliable performance. Crafted with attention to detail, it delivers an inviting and spacious interior while maintaining an athletic stance on the road. The perfect choice for those seeking a dependable vehicle with an inviting ambiance, the 2001 Alero remains a testament to Oldsmobile’s commitment to quality engineering.

Powertrains

The 2001 Alero comes equipped with a range of capable powertrains aimed at enhancing its performance and efficiency. Buyers can opt for a spirited 2.2-liter inline-four engine that generates 140 horsepower, providing a responsive driving experience suitable for city commutes. For those seeking a little more muscle, there’s a robust 3.4-liter V6 engine that offers an exhilarating 170 horsepower, ensuring a peppy acceleration and strong highway presence. Both engines are paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, giving drivers the flexibility to choose according to their driving style.

Trims

The 2001 Alero is available in three distinct trims: base, GLS, and GL2. The base model comes with essential features like air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM radio. The GLS trim adds extra comforts, including keyless entry, a power driver's seat, and an upgraded sound system. The GL2 model further heightens luxury with features like leather seating and climate control, appealing to drivers who seek a more refined driving environment.

Features

With an emphasis on convenience and connectivity, the 2001 Alero is loaded with a host of features to enhance the driving experience. Standard equipment includes power accessories, cruise control, and a sound system with CD player. Safety features such as dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and child safety locks make it an attractive option for families. Its roomy cabin, with spacious trunk capacity, ensures that passengers and cargo can travel comfortably on any journey.

Owner's Manual

The 2001 Oldsmobile Alero’s owner’s manual is an invaluable resource for drivers, providing comprehensive guidance on operation and maintenance. Inside, users will find detailed instructions on the vehicle’s features, troubleshooting tips, and maintenance schedules to keep the Alero running smoothly. The manual is designed to empower owners with the knowledge needed to fully enjoy their car while ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

User manual download

The Oldsmobile Alero owner manual for the 2001 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2001 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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