2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL review from North America

My Radio would not work when the rear window defogger was turned on.

My driver's side power window would go down upon starting the car.

My brakes "shimmy" even after putting on new brake pads all around.

My Passlock II security light would go on sporatically, and twice would not start until I did the 10-minute reset routine (at very inconvenient times!).

Until you step on the brakes, or go through the security routine, the car handles pretty well and is a smooth, comfy ride with decent gas mileage (2.2 L - 4-Cyl. version).

The Radio/Rear Defogger issue was resolved when someone threw a rock and shattered my rear window. $325 dollars later, the replacement window corrected this problem (bad luck, good luck).

The dealer did a warranty replacement of the driver's side power window switch assembly to correct the problem.

Eventually, I plan to replace the aluminum brake calipers, brake rotors, and based on other reviews, the wheel bearings and hub assemblies.

To solve the Passlock II security dilemma, here is what you need to do:

Pry up the plastic molding from around the Radio/HeaterAC controller and from around the Gear Shifter. Detach the HeaterAC module from the molding by removing the four 7-mm hex bolts from the back side. Take out the 3 7-mm hex bolts to loosen the Radio. Put key in ignition & turn to "On" position, apply brake, and shift into "drive" or lower gear. Turn HeaterAC module to the left, sideways orientation, and pull out the Radio. Disconnect main wiring harness from back center of Radio if there is not enough slack to take the Radio out past the plastic molding. Leave the antenna connected. Look inside an to the left at the back of the Ignition Cylinder assembly. Locate the THIN YELLOW WIRE which is bundled alongside the thin white and the thin black wire. You may have to stick you hand in and fish a bit to grab this "Thin wire Trio". DO NOT mess with the main rear/downward ignition wiring harnesses (1 of which contains a Thick Yellow Wire - leave it alone).

Isolate the THIN YELLOW WIRE from the 2 others. As a precaution, RECONNECT the MAIN RADIO WIRE HARNESS, and let the Radio hang to the right side. Put the key in the ignition, and put the car back in PARK. START THE CAR. CUT THE THIN YELLOW WIRE with the car running. Tape both ends of the cut wire. Place black electrical tape over the "Security" light (less annoying). Turn off the car engine. Disconnect the Radio main wire harness to Re-Install the Radio, if necessary. You may need to crawl under the passenger-side dash to push the main wire harness back into the radio while holding the Radio from the front. The rest of the installation is the reverse of removal. YOUR LIFE JUST GOT A LOT BETTER if you want to keep driving this car !!