🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Oldsmobile

Model:

Alero

Year:

2004

Vin Prefix:

1G8

Product Name:

‘04 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Owners Manual

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Oldsmobile Alero was General Motors' entry into the compact to mid-size car segment, aimed at a broad demographic seeking reliable and stylish transportation. It competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cavalier.

Competitive Analysis:

Positioned as a more upscale alternative to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Cavalier, the Alero offered a more refined interior and exterior design. Its value proposition centered on providing a comfortable ride and a decent feature set for its price point.

Key Features:

Available in coupe and sedan body styles, with a focus on comfortable touring and everyday usability. Offered a range of engine options and trim levels to cater to different buyer preferences.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Description:

This manual provides comprehensive information for operating, maintaining, and understanding the features of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. It covers all aspects from initial startup to routine checks and emergency procedures.

Page Count:

~150-200

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Instrument Panel and Controls, Gauges and Tell-tales, Warning Lights, Climate Control System, Audio System, Seating and Restraints, Lighting Systems, Wipers and Washers, Starting and Operating, Driving and Operating Tips, Vehicle Care, Maintenance, Specifications, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects

Procedures Included:

Normal operation, starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, fuel filling, basic maintenance checks (oil, coolant, tires), changing a flat tire, jump starting, changing windshield wiper blades, using climate control, operating infotainment, adjusting seats and mirrors, seatbelt usage, child seat installation guidelines.

Technical Depth:

Focuses on user-level understanding and operation. Covers essential user maintenance and troubleshooting common minor issues. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

Standard OEM quality, clear text and legible diagrams.

Binding Type:

Perfect Bound / Saddle Stitch

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock suitable for automotive environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine 2004:

2.2L Ecotec L61 I4

Horsepower 2 2L:

140 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2 2L:

145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Optional Engine 2004:

3.4L LA1 V6

Horsepower 3 4L V6:

175 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 3 4L V6:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (with 2.2L Ecotec)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (4T40-E / 4T45-E)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Includes overdrive and electronic controls for smoother shifting.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III/VI Compatible ATF

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Coupe:

103.2 inches

Wheelbase Sedan:

103.2 inches

Length Coupe:

191.5 inches

Length Sedan:

191.5 inches

Front Headroom Coupe:

~38.5 inches

Front Legroom Coupe:

~42.5 inches

Rear Headroom Coupe:

~36.0 inches

Rear Legroom Coupe:

~30.0 inches

Trunk Volume Coupe:

~12.2 cu ft

Trunk Volume Sedan:

~13.4 cu ft

Curb Weight Base:

~2950 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

~3850 lbs

Standard Tire Size:

P205/60R15

Optional Tire Size:

P215/55R16

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy/steel

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Rating:

4/5 stars (depending on configuration)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Rating:

4/5 stars (depending on configuration)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Acceptable (for similar models of the era)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) (optional on some trims)

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags, Side-impact airbags (optional), Crumple zones, Safety cage construction, Seatbelt pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Type:

AM/FM stereo with CD player and optional cassette or premium sound system.

Speaker Configuration:

Standard 4 or 6-speaker system, optional 8-speaker premium system.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, Optional traction control.

Connectivity Options:

Limited connectivity for the era; no integrated Bluetooth or USB ports. Auxiliary input may be present on some aftermarket or premium systems.

Climate Control Type:

Manual climate control with A/C, Optional automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil); 3,000 miles or 3 months (with conventional oil).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (if equipped).

Spark Plug Replacement 2 2L:

Every 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement 3 4L V6:

Every 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, ILSAC GF-4)

Engine Oil Capacity 2 2L:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 L)

Engine Oil Capacity 3 4L V6:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L)

Coolant Capacity:

~7.0 US quarts (6.6 L)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF

Common Issue Intake Manifold:

Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on V6 engines), leading to coolant or vacuum leaks.

Common Issue Transmission:

Automatic transmission shifting issues or failure can occur, particularly with higher mileage vehicles.

Common Issue Suspension:

Front suspension components (struts, ball joints, bushings) can wear prematurely.

Common Issue Electrical:

Minor electrical gremlins, such as faulty window regulators or dash lights, can be present.

Common Issue Ecotec:

Early 2.2L Ecotec engines could experience oil consumption issues if not properly maintained.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Oldsmobile, founded in 1897, was one of America's oldest automobile brands. It was known for innovation and marketing, but eventually succumbed to GM's restructuring plans, ceasing production in 2004.

Model Evolution:

The Alero was introduced for the 1999 model year, replacing the Oldsmobile Achieva. It was based on GM's N-body platform, sharing components with the Pontiac Grand Am and Chevrolet Malibu. The 2004 model year was the final year for the Alero and for the Oldsmobile brand itself.

Production Location:

Lansing, Michigan, USA (GM Lansing Car Assembly)

Production Years:

1999-2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Award Mention:

While not a recipient of major industry awards, the Alero was noted for its competitive styling within its segment at the time of its introduction.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Variable, often cited as average to below average in reliability compared to segment leaders.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA Federal Emissions Standards.