12th Jun 2008, 13:43

I have a 2000 Alero, and I am having similar problems with the ABS, Trac Off, and Service Engine Soon lights. And now to top it off my power steering system just went last week. My dad, decided to put transmission fluid into it to find the leak, when the stuff that originally sprayed out was yellowish and clear, so its wasn't tranny fluid. I am confused, many people argue that transmission fluid and power steering fluid are the same thing just different bottles. Is this true, or should I be concerned about what my dad just did? Do I need to go yell at him?

1st Jul 2008, 17:25

Are you freaking kidding me? Brake fluid and power steering fluid are about the same but transmission fluid? Ouch! You better change it out right away!

16th Aug 2008, 08:38

To the person who said that brake fluid and power steering fluid are the same, Very wrong. Trans fluid and power steering fluid can sometimes be interchanged, never brake fluid, It causes rubber components to expand causing major problems. If you are using power steering fluid in your brakes please get your brake system flushed and checked before someone gets injured.

19th Aug 2008, 19:18

Regarding power steering vs. transmission fluids. There are some Fords and Chryslers that use transmission fluid as the power steering fluid. However, there are many kinds of transmission fluids. Please check your owners manual before putting any kind of fluids in your car. GM autos rarely if ever use transmission fluid as the power steering fluid.

29th Sep 2008, 17:31

Check for recalls on your vehicle. A lot of the stuff I read in this form are repaired through recalls. If you have the 2000 Olds Alero 2 DR...you'll find 184 recalls!!! The 2000 Olds Alero 4 dr has about 4.

16th Nov 2008, 15:58

The triple threat, AKA the Trac light, ABS and Service VEHICLE soon light. A few questions:

1. Will the vehicle pass inspection? I hooked it to a scanner at Pepe boys and it showed no codes.

2. Service VEHICLE and Service Engine lights are 2 different animals. The service vehicle light is the one that I am seeing along with the other 2.

3. How many speed sensors are there, I think maybe 2 and where are they located.

30th Dec 2008, 13:13

Just an FYI. The rear defroster issue is due to a bad Antenna Buffer Module / Antenna Module. The power to the rear defogger goes through a module that separates the antenna amplifier signal from the 12 volt power to the defogger. The defogger elements also act as the antenna.

The module is behind the rear pillar right behind the rear passenger door. The inside plastic has to be gently pulled off, the seat needs to be folded down to get the lower part of the trim off. One screw at the bottom, unplug the wires... (two connect to the window grid, mark which one is which)... and the module is free.

The module may require re-soldering of the pins joining the main power connectors to the internal circuit board. If you feel you can do this (or have a friend do it for you), go for it... else get another module from the dealer to replace it.

10th Dec 2009, 22:33

I too have had many issues with my 2000 Alero. I have had to replace the motor for all four windows, my horn does not work, my hazard light fell into the dash the first time I touched it, and I can hardly hear anything on the radio over the static. I am glad and sad to know it is not just my car.

1st Feb 2010, 20:56

Triple death lights also happened to me while on the road - ABS, Trac, Service engine.

Rear defroster doesn't work, window electronics don't work on passenger side of doors, just driver side, and my heater works when it wants to. Hear a noise like it's trying to, then stops, I turn it off for few minutes, and hope it starts again when I restart, cos in Canada Quebec is very cold.

Was wondering if I should change the sensor to the wheel, cause when all 3 lights went off while driving, felt the "wheel" get bit loose for second.

4th Oct 2010, 17:58

I too have major problems with 99 Alero!!! My signals go out often and do not work, gas gauge goes up and down while driving, low tire pressure.

9th Oct 2010, 21:17

If you're wondering why your tire pressure light keeps returning on after clearing the code and the tire isn't low, you might have a broken coil spring on the front strut, I just went through that on my 2000 Alero. Also, thanks for the heads up on the rear defrost being a part of the antenna; my reception isn't the best and the rear defrost doesn't work. :)

18th Oct 2010, 21:10

More likely the faulty wheel sensor triggered your ABS to kick in, and it makes the brakes feel loose. This is definitely a safety issue, so suggest either get the sensor fixed or pull the fuse for the ABS system. At least that way, you won't have ABS kicking in when you don't expect it. Also, you'll adapt to leave a bit more room in front of you, because you can no longer trust that ABS will kick in if/when you need it to.

Hope this helps.

3rd Nov 2011, 11:57

Most auto parts stores now sell an aftermarket defroster kit for around $40. We too had the same problem with ours.