Oldsmobile Alero

jhs70 · January 2004

HELP! I'm trying to drain the radiator on my son's '99 Alero. If I'm doing this right, it appears that there is a drain on the lower left corner of the radiator (as you look at the engine from the front). On another Alero this looks to be a petcock, but on my son's car, it appears the gripping portion of the petcock has been busted off. There did not appear to be an easy way to maneuver the petcock, except upon closer inspection I noticed a small exposed hex nut inside of it. I tried to loosen it with a hex wrench. It appears to twist about half way, but does not seem to want to come all the way out. Fluid does not drain when I do this. I could not get the hex nut out after several careful attempts to maneuver it. I don't want to force the issue and break it, especially since I don't have a replacement. So my question is, has anyone had this experience and does this petcock come off or simply loosen up? Should I just "break" it off and go to an Olds dealer and get a new one?

I thought about removing the lower hose to the radiator unit and draining it that way, but the squeeze clamp is pretty inaccessible (not to mention what a mess that would be).

Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

On my old 97 Malibu (which uses the same design) there was a petcock that just turned one half turn and the fluid would drain. It was so easy, I was able to do it without tools. If I were you, before I broke the petcock on the radiator, I would be sure that there was a replacement part for it. Much of GM's stuff can be bought in pieces, but no way to replace it (i.e. On the coolant reserve tank there is a coolant level sensor. You can purchase the sensor, but in order to replace it, you must replace the entire reserve tank). I'm not saying you would have to purchase a new radiator, but I would just check to make sure how easy of a replacement it would be if you broke it off.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Jeremy

jhs70 · January 2004

OK, I was able to get that broken petcock to turn the half turn as you describe, but nothing came out. Now I'm wondering if there isn't a bunch of buildup at that part of the radiator preventing it from draining in the first place. Anyway, now I'm leaning towards taking it in to my local mechanic and letting him do the work. It's going to get very cold here for the next week or so -- not the kind of weather that's helpful to a shade tree mechanic. Thanks again. I'll let you know what happens.

mikey00 · January 2004

You need to let air into the system by opening the top cap when draining. I assume you are already doing this. If you are, something to try is to put a slight pressure on the open cap while the drain is open. The exhaust of a vacuum cleaner will work for this. You can also trying poking something into the open drain (q-tip, etc.)
Mike

gregkillian · January 2004

coonhound - I have had issues with the front end of my '01 sounding clunky, and 2 dealers have never been able to fix it. I'll try your silicone suggestion. Also, it is now sounding to me like the sounds could be coming from the steering rack. What was the problem when you had yours fixed? Was it clunking noises? Thanks for any help you can provide!

bxd20 · January 2004

My parents 2002 Alero GLS has a rattle that occasionally comes from the rear doors. Has anyone had the same, and if so what was the fix? I could pull them apart and Dynamat but it's under warranty so maybe they should let the dealer deal with it.

Brian

coonhound · January 2004

Dealer lubed the ISS using the kit. Not any noticeable improvement.
Replaced the steering rack as the tie rod ends were loose. This helped the clunk heard with slight steering wheel movement back and forth at standstill.
Later the mechanic lowered the engine cradle and lubricated the sway bar bushings. No helpful results.

Dealer wanted to keep it for a day and put the noise pick devices on to isolate the problem. He told me that the upper strut bearings probably needed replacement. I asked if we could lubricate them and he said no.

I sprayed the heavy duty Prestone silicone lubricant in through all the top holes on the right hand strut and wala all the noise was gone. Later on the left side started making noise and solved the same way. 10,000 miles later they were still quite.

I traded in the Alero week before last on a 2002 Buick regal, and took the wife's 2000 Intrigue GX as my driver and gave the Loaded Buick to my wife.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

I just purchased a 2002 Alero and only a few days later I noticed a rattle coming from the rear door. I finally figured out that it was a defective door handle. The outside door handle on the rear passenger side would not fully return to the rest position after the handle was operated and would rattle over bumps. Is your sound coming from the door pad area or just the door in general? Double check to make sure that both of the rear door handles are okay. Mine is due to be replaced in the next few weeks.

Let us know what happens.

Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

It was very windy yesterday and someone let their car door next to me go and it wacked off my passenger side mirror. Luckily the guy stuck around and offered to pay.

Car is going in for repair tomorrow and also to have the squeaky seat fixed. I will also have them check the Ecotec as mileage has dropped off as of late (even for winter).

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Oooh man...I'm sorry about that mirror. I am surprised that the other guy stuck around. When I had my Malibu, someone whacked my door and there was a nice, huge red scratch from the other car. I pretty much had that on her from the time I bought her to the time I sold her. Anyway, I hope they do a good job on the repair. BTW let me know what they find with the seat. I am taking my car in on Wednesday to get the emergency brake repaired and I will probably have them do a rotation and balance, lubricate the key lock cylinders, and lubricate the weatherstrips. Will also be sure and have them check the deck lid.
Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

They did a great job. C$147 including labor. Not bad. I have to call the guy who did it and get the $$. Also got an oil change and my squeaky seat is gonzo!!

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

What was wrong with the squeaky seat? I need mine fixed and would like to lead my service advisor in the right direction.
Thanks!
Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

Not sure. They "could not duplicate", but lubed the power seat motor and tracks and that seems to have done the trick.

Car is solid though, no rattles.

khovius · January 2004

I just bought a 2004 GL2 (Sun&Fun, XM, power seat) with 2500 miles (never titled) for $14,490 with an MSRP of $24,000. Was this a fair price? What issues should I be looking out for with this car? I have put 500 miles on the car and am looking for excuses to go out on errands.

rdeschene · January 2004

Doing a search though the Edmunds "Maintenance" section, I found the following pages with TSBs (not sure if you have a two- or four-door model, though the TSBs for both look to be the same):

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet?step=step4&- amp;year=2004&make=Oldsmobile&model=Alero&style=GL2+2- dr+Coupe+%283.4L+6cyl+4A%29&zip=13601&popup=current&s- ynpartner=edmunds&tid=edmunds...mnt.step2.9.Oldsmobile*

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet?step=step4&- amp;year=2004&make=Oldsmobile&model=Alero&style=GL2+4- dr+Sedan+%283.4L+6cyl+4A%29&zip=13601&popup=current&s- ynpartner=edmunds&tid=edmunds...mnt.step2.9.Oldsmobile*

ab348 · January 2004

In the localpaper today is a dealer's display ad offering, among other things, a 2004 "Chevy Olds Alero".

Ouch.

dindak · January 2004

Mostly they advertise Aleros with out the Olds name anymore. The car is an orphan at Chevy dealers in Canada now. Local dealer has 4-5 of them but not vans or Bravadas.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Today I took the Silver Bullet to the dealer to repair a parking brake that doesn't engage. While I was there I had them check the trunk, since it doesn't close without a hard slam, and a buzz that I have where the dash meets the windshield. The service advisor was really nice but the fat, old, cranky mechanic was a complete jerk. I had to take him for a ride to hear the buzz, and while he was in the car, I asked what he found with the parking brake. He simply told me, "Yeah, you just have to pull on it". What the heck is that crap??? To keep the car from rolling on a hill in neutral, the mechanic nearly had to rip the brake out of the floor, saying it was normal and there is no way to adjust the cable of the brake. He had to pull it so high to make it hold the car, I could barely disengage it. I really don't think that this is normal. So, Dindak, on your stick Alero, how high do you have to pull the brake up to engage it? About the trunk he told me that if adjustments were made, then the weather stripping wouldn't keep water out. Then came the icing on the cake: while on my quest to show the mechanic the buzz in the dash, it was pretty prevalent. He, of course simply said, "I can't hear nuthin"...MORON!!!! I'm definitely taking my car to another dealership to have all of that stuff looked at again. I have a feeling that he was just REALLY REALLY lazy (the mechanic).

I would like to hear what everyone thinks about my dealer visit. Should I just take it to another dealer, or call Olds customer service and complain?

My day just kept getting worse: after I left there I got my first speeding ticket... 4 points but I hope I can knock it down to a non-moving violation. If I can get that, I wouldn't mind paying a large fine...I just don't want my insurance to hit the roof...again.

BTW, congratulations Khovius on your new vehicle!

Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

Khovius : Yes, congrats on the 04.

jtrujillo86 : I don't have a stick, I have an auto so I don't use the hand brake much. I actually wouldn't likely know if it didn't work. Sounds like a lazy mechanic though, try another dealer. I really know I'm lucky with my dealer when I hear some of the stories I do.

rdeschene · January 2004

Like you, dindak, we consider ourselves very fortunate with our local GM Goodwrench service centre. Last month, we had to have our driver's side wheel bearing replaced (my husband wrote about this experience on page 115). He was impressed with the way the mechanic listened to the sound while driving around and methodically pinpointed the problem.

That's how they always are at this particular service centre. They're attentive, they listen to what we say and find problems that need to be fixed, but never try to sell us stuff we don't need. Their track record is consistently good. I read stories here of bad experiences other folks have had with their mechanics, and I'm reminded of how lucky we are.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Sorry, Dindak, I thought you had the stick.

In regards to my car, I'm gonna take it to another dealer tomorrow. Like I said earlier, the previous dealer told me there was "no adjustments with the emergency brake". Well when I called this new dealer to make an appointment, he told me there was a way to adjust it and that the brake engaging at the top of the pull was not normal by any means. I think for sure I will now call Oldsmobile Customer Service and complain. Not only has this been a waste of time, but gas money as well since the dealers are 20 miles away, each. I'm really disappointed that GM won't let me take my car to ANY Goodwrench dealer for warranty service - everytime I had my Malibu in at the Chevrolet dealer, they were EXTREMELY courteous, always gave me coupons/discounts, as well as the fact that they were quick.

Jeremy

infinia1 · January 2004

i used to have a 00 gl3 alero and i had the ebrake adjusted. you are correct and that mechanic was wrong in saying that it cannot be adjusted. i was so fed up with the only olds dealer in my town that i began to take it to the chevrolet dealer. as long as the dealer is willing, i believe any gm dealer can do warranty work. that will be the case next year for sure anyways since olds is dead. check your ebrake boot too-mine tore at the seam at least 4 times that i remember.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Thanks for the info - I really appreciate it. I did end up calling Oldsmobile Customer Service today and I filed a complaint against the dealer. Even the operator on the phone agreed that it's not normal for the brake not to engage only at the very top. Olds Cust. Service contacted the service manager at the dealership for me. The operator told me that the service manager believed that there was an adjustment, and he would be glad to have me back...yeah right (I had already made another appt. at a different dealer when I called Olds Cust. Service). Obviously, the mechanic had no clue as to what the heck he was talking about.

Anyway, I am really happy how Customer Service handled my complaint. They were quick, courteous, and understanding. I would highly recommend giving them a jingle if there is a warranty issue that can't be resolved at the dealer level.

Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

No stick.

One thing I have noticed over the last few days is the Alero does not handle all that well in the snow. Perhaps it's because of the tires on my base GX, but compared to our Intrigue with the Goodyear Eagles, you would think you were on slicks. Thankfully we have ABS and traction control on the car.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Took the Silver Bullet to McCaddon Oldsmobile in Boulder, CO. today. The emergency brake was mis-adjusted. Since wear and tear items and all adjustments must be fixed before 12K miles, I had to pay to get it fixed. So who thinks I should forward the bill to Ralph Shomp Olds, who couldn't find any problem with it in the first place?

Although this dealer is a bit further than the other, I am definitely gonna go there for anymore warranty repairs or stuff I can't do myself such as rotations and balances, ect. They also do COURTESY car washes. Very nice.

When I was at the dealer, I saw a pamphlet advertising the Alero. It showed a picture of the interior of one. It was funny, though, because the car that was pictured had a stick, with leather, cruise, power windows, locks, cd, and tape. HELLO?!? Number 1: I thought leather wasn't available on the GX, right? Well isn't the GX the only trim the stick comes in? Also, CD/Tape combos are not available on the GX...hmmmmm. Is there a change in the 04's trim options?

Okay, I am I going nuts or what? I thought someone on this board had the stick...I must be wrong. Anyway, Dindak, about snow, mine handles very well. I think the previous owner changed the tires because I have two tire booklets in my owners manual. One labeled Goodyear and the other BF Goodrich. I don't know for sure which ones are on my car, however.

Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

I have the BF Goodies on mine. They ride nice but they suck in the snow IMO.

5-speeds were avialable in the GL but I think that was discontinued.

You are right, someone has a 5-speed Ecotec. Can't remember who though.

Glad you found a better dealer.

rdeschene · January 2004

In the winter, we replace our BF Goodrich Touring T/A SR4 tires with Michelin Arctic Alpins. Between that and the traction control, our Alero handles extremely well on snow and ice.

isseyvoo · January 2004

Jtrujillo86 -- I have a stick, but my Alero is a 2001 GL2 with the old 2.4l engine. I can't remember if you could order it with leather or not back then. Mine has the cloth seats.

On another note, my car's coming up on its 3yr. birthday. I have 13K mi. on it, and have only taken it to the dealer for oil changes every 3K and tire rotations every other oil change. It seems like my past cars have required much more maintenance. Am I overlooking something? The coolant claims to almost be timeless, spark plugs to 100K. I feel like I'm neglecting something but the dealer doesn't seem to think so.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Well since you have only 13K miles on it, I would assume everything is fine. The only big service comes at 50K - flush and fill auto tranny and replace filter - and even that is only on extreme driving conditions. I don't know when you need to change the stuff in your stick though. Double check the manual and see if there is anything else. For sure you should check the air filter to see if its dirty...if so, I would change it before the reccommended 30K miles.

Jeremy

3and14 · January 2004

Turning in an '01 Alero GLS smartbuy tomorrow. After 3 years and 30K miles I have to say it's been an extremely good car apart from needing all new front brakes at my expense. Other than the brakes, I had a burnt out fuse and a piece of trim by the door that would pop off once in a while. Still love the way the car looks. But it's time to move on to something new.

Too bad Olds is going away; there ought to be a second generation Intrigue with a higher quality interior, a 5 speed auto trans and the 3.6 motor from the CTS coming out about now I could be moving onto.

dindak · January 2004

Ya, it's sad to see Olds die. We have an Intrigue and an Alero and both have been very good to us.

3.6 with a 5 speed and improved interior? I would have bought another in a heartbeat. Hope the coming Buick LaCross is what the Intrigue could have been.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

When I owned my 97 Malibu, I had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced on the 3.1 V6 engine, which is pretty much the same as the 3.4 in the Aleros. I believe the labor hours were something near 5 or 6 and the total cost came to $751.50. I would definitely go to somewhere other than the dealer, however. My sister had to have hers done a 98 Eagle Talon and it only cost her about $350 and the job was done right.

Jeremy

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Took the Alero into the mountains today for the first time. It did extremely well heading up the hills, especially in third gear, which helped all of the downshifting. Gas mileage was just about the same as city driving, which surprised me. I was also surprised at how well the car held all of our gear (snowboards, boots, bags). The fold-down rear seats were absolutely AWESOME. I found myself thankful that I didn't own the 2.2 liter while I was driving up. I really don't know the performance of the Ecotecs in the mountains, but the 3.4 was great!

Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

Ecotec is surprisingly peppy. That said, if the car is loaded up it looses a lot of it's pep.

For us it's a commuter car so we rarely have much in it.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Since my speeding ticket I've slowed down a ton! That said, my MPG has hit the roof...ALL CITY I just got 23 miles per gallon. That's the best that I've had even with my Malibu.

Jeremy

jpelder · January 2004

I have an '02 5-speed with the Ecotec. In '02, you could get the GL2 with the 5-speed. This was the only way you could get a 5-speed with leather with the Ecotec. Of course, in 2003 this changed.

FYI, the car is still flawless. Not a rattle or burp in this car. I find the snow traction to be pretty good, although not quite as good as my minivan. I think it has more to do with the weight distribution than the tires. The same principle that improves overall handling can reduce snow traction. Of course, a different tire tread or narrower tire can improve traction in any vehicle.

dindak · January 2004

Glad to hear all is well with your 5-speed.

Wasn't sure if you were still around.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

The best combination for me in an Alero would be Silver, four door, 2.2 Ecotec, 5-speed, BLACK leather (if they had it), power everything...ahhhhhhh I would be in HEAVEN! Although I wouldn't mind having a V6 stick...

Jeremy

skibry1 · January 2004

Our last 4 vechiles have had a beloved left-leg-flexor...wonder why the General dropped
it for alero's last year?!?

dindak · January 2004

Sales sucked and at this point a large number of 03/04s are just heading for fleets. Sad end to Oldsmobile.

The good news is the G6 (Grand Am replacement)will be out in the fall and will get a 5 speed matted to a 3.9L 240hp V6. It will also get a 2.4L 170hp Ecotec in 2005.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

I just got a fuel filter for the Silver Bullet. I was wondering if anyone knew where it is located. On my Malibu, it was south of the gas tank, behind the evap canister. I'm assuming it's in the same place on the Alero, but I just want to make sure before I lift the car.

Also, has anyone found a repair manual for the Alero by Chilton or Hayne's? I had one for the Malibu, but I cannot for the life of me find one ANYWHERE for the Alero. I really don't want to go through GM because I doubt they are half as descriptive and extremely expensive. Anyway, just let me know.

Thank you!

Jeremy

jet3197 · January 2004

My 2001 Alero will not start. My mechanic checked out the diagnostics. He is getting a code P-1632 (Fuel Security System). By the way, the SECURITY light started coming on about a week or 2 ago. He thinks it is a security module and referred me to the dealership. The dealership said that this is typically the ignition cylinder and it would run about $600 to fix. Has anyone heard of or had this problem? The vehicle only has 33K on it. I do have a remote starter that I use quite a bit. Could the remote have anything to do with the problem?

dindak · January 2004

Thats exactly what happened to my brother in law. The remote starter system malfunctioned and the car was dead. He had it removed and all was well.

burdawg · January 2004

Yes, I've heard of that. The ignition switch has Hall effect sensor(s) in it to detect if someone is attempting to start the car without the key. If so then the fuel supply is disabled. I actually had this happen on my Grand Am, but it didn't cost $600 to repair, about half that. If your SECURITY light is coming on while driving it means that there's a problem in the system. It's possible that the car could go dead while driving, but it is a warning that service is needed. If it comes on while starting, and the car won't start (it will crank over) it will reset itself after ten minutes or so, and you can try again.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

I had the 'SECURITY' warning light come on in my Malibu a few times. The dealer told me that it warranted the replacement of the ignition lock switch. I didn't get a price on it because I sold the car three weeks later.

Remember when I was talking about some kind of "bubbling" sound occurring when I would brake? Well I figured it out: it only happens when the vehicle is wet like after a heavy rain or just after the car wash. Water must be on the rotors making that funky noise. I doubt that it's a big deal but I just wanted to let you guys know I figured it out.

Jeremy

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

I picked up my license plates today and I got them a whole heck of a lot cheaper than I thought. That's always a plus!

I just changed by air filter element but I was curious if anyone has tried (in any vehicle, not just the Alero) a K&N air filter? How much did it cost? Was it difficult to install? Is it convenient since it's washable? Any increase in power?

BTW, I feel like my first oil change is on its way around - I have pushed the car pretty hard, running the engine past 3K RPM at almost every take-off (that's gonna stop pretty quick...just a new car thing). Anyway, I was curious about Shell Rotella oil. Does anyone use it. There are always coupons for it in the Sunday paper for like $5.99 a gallon for 10W-30. Is that a good deal? What's the performance like on the Shell oil?

Also, does anyone know what brand of oil is put in the Alero's at the factory?

Thanks,
Jeremy

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

Well forget about the question of the Shell Rotella oil. I just read that that specific type of oil does not meet the lubrication specifications of the API. I'll pass, thanks...

Jeremy

dindak · January 2004

K&N's aren't hard to instal but the extra hp can vary. I've heard good and not so good. I've thought about it, but I went back to a Delco this time.

jtrujillo86 · January 2004

After researching some K&N Air Filters, I thought that I would pass. They are pretty expensive and everytime they are washed out, they need to be re-oiled. Before you can re-oil the unit however, you have to let it dry for a period of like 2-3 hours. It just seems a lot easier to change a paper filter since I'll have to remove the air box housing cover to clean any K&N filter anyway...plus they are cheaper.

Well I have had my car for almost four months now and am extremely pleased. With my Malibu, I encountered my first problem after two months. Hopefully I can get a good 3-4 years before any major repair ($150 or more). I think if I baby it she'll be awesome.

Speaking of babying it, does anyone know what's good to clean a stain in the carpet on the Aleros? I found what looks to be a coffee stain under the rear floor mat and I'd like to remove it. Also I noticed a stain on my driver's side seat-back that is about the size of a quarter. Does GM have an upholstery cleaner that I can buy? Anything else that may work? Help me out, please.

Does anyone have seat covers in their car? I was thinking about some, but not the big furry kind. I just want the thin, black, elastic type that way the seats are protected from excessive wear, but that way I'm not sitting on a huge bulge of some animal hide.

Thanks,
Jeremy

sda · January 2004

I've had great luck with Tuff Stuff. It is sold at auto parts stores like AutoZone. Get it in the spray instead of pump bottle. In my experience, it works better. About $3 can. It is great on cloth, carpet and vinyl. We even use it to spot clean our carpet in the house.

Oldsmobile Alero

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