Segment:
Compact/Mid-size car (entry-level)
Target Audience:
Young drivers, budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire.
Styling:
Distinctive 'sweeps' styling, GM's 'Epsilon' platform shared with Opel Vectra.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, generally good feature set for the price point.
Brand Perception:
Oldsmobile represented an aging but still recognized GM brand at this time, aiming for a modern appeal with the Alero.
Primary Coverage:
2000 Oldsmobile Alero (all trims and engine options)
Secondary Coverage:
General vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety for the specified model year.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era).
Format:
Printed Booklet (Original Equipment Manufacturer - OEM)
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicators, and their meanings.
Controls And Features:
Climate control, audio system, lighting, wipers, mirrors, seats, windows, door locks.
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags, child restraint systems, anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Driving And Operation:
Starting, driving, parking, braking, fuel economy tips.
Maintenance:
Routine checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), owner-performed maintenance, service schedule.
Emergencies:
Flat tire repair, jump starting, engine overheating, warning lights.
Comfort And Convenience:
Power accessories, cruise control, interior lighting.
Tire Information:
Tire pressure recommendations, rotation, replacement guidelines.
Roadside Assistance:
Information on obtaining assistance, towing procedures.
Basic Operation:
Step-by-step guides for common vehicle functions.
Fluid Checks:
Instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid.
Tire Inflation:
Correct tire pressures and inflation methods.
Fuse Replacement:
Location and replacement procedure for fuses.
Bulb Replacement:
Guidance on replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
Child Seat Installation:
Proper methods for installing child safety seats.
Winter Driving:
Tips for operating the vehicle in cold weather conditions.
Break In Period:
Recommendations for the initial period of vehicle ownership.
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or diagnostics.
Format:
Physical printed booklet.
Quality:
Standard OEM print quality, black and white text and diagrams.
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound paperback.
Paper Quality:
Standard paper, suitable for regular use.
Engine Code 1:
2.4L L4 (LD9)
Displacement 1:
2384 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
150 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Configuration 1:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, SFI (Sequential Fuel Injection)
Engine Code 2:
3.4L V6 (L36)
Displacement 2:
3387 cc (3.4 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 2:
205 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Configuration 2:
V6, OHV, 12-valve, SFI (Sequential Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
ECU:
GM ECM (Electronic Control Module)
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed automatic transaxle
Transmission Name Std:
GM 4T40-E (for 2.4L L4)
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed automatic transaxle
Transmission Name Opt:
GM 4T65-E (for 3.4L V6)
Shift Modes:
Drive, Reverse, Neutral, Park, (and often a manual select mode for gears)
Fluid Type:
Dexron III-H (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for 2000 model year, tested)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for 2000 model year, tested)
IIHS Offset Front:
Acceptable (for 2000 model year)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some.
Traction Control:
Optional on V6 models.
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, optional premium sound systems.
Display Type:
Analog gauges with LCD odometer and trip computer. No central color screen.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trim levels.
Aux Input:
Not typically equipped from factory; aftermarket solutions available.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory; aftermarket solutions available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial flush at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Check at every oil change, change approximately every 50,000 - 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter for 2.4L; 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) for 3.4L V6.
Coolant Type:
GM specified orange silicate-free extended life coolant (or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF.
Common Problem 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on the 3.4L V6).
Common Problem 2:
Transmission issues (harsh shifting, slipping) particularly on the 4T40-E.
Common Problem 3:
Power window regulators failing.
Common Problem 4:
Ignition coil pack issues or spark plug failures.
Common Problem 5:
Air conditioning system leaks or compressor failures.
Brand Context:
Oldsmobile was one of the oldest automotive brands in the United States, known for innovation (e.g., the Rocket V8).
Platform:
Based on the GM Epsilon platform, shared with Opel Vectra B and Saab 9-3.
Introduction Year:
Introduced for the 1999 model year.
Generation Details:
First Generation (1999-2002). Model year 2000 saw minor updates rather than a full redesign.
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors' Lansing Car Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
1999-2002
Brand Discontinuation:
Oldsmobile brand was officially discontinued by GM in 2004.