2003 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual

2003 Oldsmobile Alero owners manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Oldsmobile
Model:
Alero
Rating:
(8)

Online manual

Size:
16.74 MB

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
8
Front Seats
9
Manual Seats
9
Six-Way Power Driver Seat
10
Reclining Seatbacks
10
Head Restraints
12
Seatback Latches
12
Easy Entry Seat
13
Power Lift Seat
13
Rear Seats
15
Rear Seat Operation
15
Safety Belts
16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
20
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
21
Driver Position
22
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
29
Right Front Passenger Position
30
Rear Seat Passengers
30
Center Rear Passenger Position
34
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
36
Safety Belt Extender
38
Child Restraints
39
OIder Children
39
Infants and Young Children
41
Child Restraint Systems
45
Where to Put the Restraint
48
Top Strap
48
Top Strap Anchor Location
49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
50
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position
55
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
57
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
60
Where Are the Air Bags?
62
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
63
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
64
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
64
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?
64
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
66
Restraint System Check
67
Checking Your Restraint Systems
67
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
67
Features and Controls
70
Keys
71
Remote Keyless Entry System
72
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
73
Doors and Locks
76
Door Locks
76
Power Door Locks
77
Delayed Locking
77
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
77
Rear Door Security Locks
79
Lockout Protection
80
Leaving Your Vehicle
80
Trunk
80
Windows
83
Manual Windows
83
Power Windows
84
Sun Visors
84
Theft-Deterrent Systems
85
Passlock
85
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
86
New Vehicle Break-In
86
Ignition Positions
86
Starting Your Engine
87
Engine Coolant Heater
89
Automatic Transaxle Operation
91
Manual Transaxle Operation
94
Parking Brake
95
Shifting Into Park (P)
96
Shifting Out of Park (P)
97
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal
98
Parking Over Things That Burn
98
Engine Exhaust
99
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
99
Mirrors
101
Manual Rearview Mirror
101
Outside Remote Control Mirror
101
Outside Power Mirrors
102
Outside Convex Mirror
102
Storage Areas
103
Glove Box
103
Cupholder(s)
103
Center Console Storage Area
103
Sunroof
104
Instrument Panel
106
Instrument Panel Overview
109
Hazard Warning Flashers
111
Other Warning Devices
111
Horn
111
Tilt Wheel
112
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
112
Exterior Lamps
118
Interior Lamps
121
Accessory Power Outlets
122
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
123
Climate Controls
124
Climate Control System
124
Outlet Adjustment
127
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
128
Instrument Panel Cluster
129
Speedometer and Odometer
130
Tachometer
130
Safety Belt Reminder Light
131
Air Bag Readiness Light
131
Charging System Light
132
Up-Shift Light
133
Brake System Warning Light
133
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
134
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
134
Enhanced Traction System Active Light
135
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
136
Low Coolant Warning Light
136
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
136
Oil Pressure Light
139
Low Oil Level Light
140
Change Engine Oil Light
140
Security Light
141
Cruise Control Light
141
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
141
Service Vehicle Soon Light
141
Fuel Gage
142
Audio System(s)
143
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)
143
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)
143
Radio with CD (Base Level)
144
Radio with CD (Up Level)
147
Radio with Cassette and CD
157
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non-RDS Radios)
169
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios)
169
Understanding Radio Reception
170
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
170
Care of Your CDs
171
Care of Your CD Player
171
Backglass Antenna
171
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System
172
DAB Radio Antenna System
172
Chime Level Adjustment
172
Driving Your Vehicle
174
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
175
Defensive Driving
175
Drunken Driving
175
Control of a Vehicle
178
Braking
179
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
182
Steering
183
Off-Road Recovery
185
Passing
186
Loss of Control
187
Driving at Night
188
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
190
City Driving
193
Freeway Driving
194
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
195
Highway Hypnosis
195
Hill and Mountain Roads
196
Winter Driving
198
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
202
Towing
204
Towing Your Vehicle
204
Recreational Vehicle Towing
204
Loading Your Vehicle
207
Towing a Trailer
209
Service and Appearance Care
216
Service
218
Doing Your Own Service Work
219
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
219
Fuel
220
Gasoline Octane
220
Gasoline Specifications
220
California Fuel
221
Additives
221
Fuels in Foreign Countries
221
Filling Your Tank
222
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
223
Checking Things Under the Hood
224
Hood Release
225
Engine Compartment Overview
227
Engine Oil
230
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
236
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
237
Manual Transaxle Fluid
237
Hydraulic Clutch
237
Engine Coolant
238
Engine Overheating
241
Cooling System
243
Power Steering Fluid
250
Windshield Washer Fluid
251
Brakes
253
Battery
256
Jump Starting
257
Headlamp Aiming
262
Bulb Replacement
264
Halogen Bulbs
264
Headlamps
264
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
265
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
265
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps
265
Replacement Bulbs
266
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
267
Tires
268
Inflation - Tire Pressure
269
Tire Inspection and Rotation
270
When It Is Time for New Tires
271
Buying New Tires
271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
272
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
273
Wheel Replacement
274
Tire Chains
275
If a Tire Goes Flat
276
Changing a Flat Tire
277
Compact Spare Tire
286
Appearance Care
287
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
287
Care of Safety Belts
290
Weatherstrips
290
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
290
Sheet Metal Damage
292
Finish Damage
292
Underbody Maintenance
293
Chemical Paint Spotting
293
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
293
Vehicle Identification
295
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
295
Service Parts Identification Label
295
Electrical System
296
Add-on Electrical Equipment
296
Windshield Wiper Fuses
296
Power Windows and Other Power Options
296
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
296
Capacities and Specifications
301
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
303
Maintenance Schedule
304
Maintenance Schedule
305
Introduction
305
Your Vehicle and the Environment
305
Maintenance Requirements
305
How This Section is Organized
306
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
307
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
307
Scheduled Maintenance
308
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
312
At Each Fuel Fill
312
At Least Once a Month
312
At Least Twice a Year
313
At Least Once a Year
313
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
316
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
316
Exhaust System Inspection
316
Fuel System Inspection
317
Engine Cooling System Inspection
317
Throttle System Inspection
317
Brake System Inspection
317
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
318
Part E: Maintenance Record
319
Customer Assistance Information
322
Customer Assistance Information
323
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
323
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
324
Customer Assistance Offices
324
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
326
Roadside Assistance Program
326
Courtesy Transportation
328
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
330
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
330
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
330
Service Publications Ordering Information
331
Index
334

2003 Oldsmobile Alero Overview

Introduction

The 2003 Oldsmobile Alero presents a blend of style, comfort, and reliability, making it a notable choice in the compact sedan market of the early 2000s. Designed with a sporty edge and a consumer-friendly approach, the Alero captures attention due to its refined exterior and practicality. This model is part of Oldsmobile's last generation of vehicles, showcasing a commitment to quality and performance through its final years of production.

Powertrains

Under the hood, the 2003 Alero offers two engaging powertrains, catering to different driver preferences. The base engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produces 140 horsepower, delivering a balance of efficiency and power. For those seeking a more dynamic driving experience, the optional 3.4-liter V6 engine steps up the game with 170 horsepower, enhancing acceleration and overall performance. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a comfortable ride across various terrains.

Trims

The 2003 Alero comes in three distinct trims: the base Alero, the mid-level GLS, and the sporty GLS V6. Each trim level brings a unique character, with the base model featuring key essentials like air conditioning and a CD player. The GLS trim adds premium features such as a power driver's seat and alloy wheels, while the GLS V6 model injects a stronger performance and enhanced interior luxury, including leather seating and advanced audio systems.

Features

Owner satisfaction is transformed through the array of features in the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. Standard features include cruise control, power windows and locks, and dual front airbags for added safety. Higher trims introduce amenities like a sunroof, upgraded sound systems, and keyless entry, ensuring that convenience and comfort are never compromised. The spacious cabin and ample trunk space contribute to a practical driving experience perfect for everyday use.

Owner's Manual

The 2003 Oldsmobile Alero comes with a comprehensive owner's manual that provides essential information for maintaining and operating the vehicle. This resource serves as a guide for troubleshooting, scheduled maintenance intervals, and tips for maximizing fuel efficiency. It also includes details on the vehicle’s features and specifications, ensuring that owners can fully appreciate their Alero's capabilities and performance, ultimately enhancing the ownership experience.

User manual download

The Oldsmobile Alero owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

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A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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