2000 Oldsmobile Alero GL from North America - Comments

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

Alright, it seems like everyone including myself are having a lot of the same problems here... here is a bit of info that I picked up that I think you will all find very useful when it comes to the Alero stalling a little while driving and the ABS/ETC/Service ENG Soon light problem.

"Often misdiagnosed as a failing fuel pump, a problem with the Alero is the security system's seizure and cut-off of fuel delivery to the engine, resulting in the vehicle not starting or stalling while driving. It is not known exactly what triggers this to happen, but it can be diagnosed by turning the key to the "ON" position and checking for the "SECURITY" light on the dashboard. To reset the security system, leave the key in the ignition in the "ON" position for ten minutes. This problem will continue to occur, however, and a replaced ignition switch should relieve the problem.

More common problems reside in the suspension and brake systems. The front strut mounts are prone to wear, and creaking emanating from the front end may be one symptom. The front brake calipers, pads, and rotors contribute to premature rotor wear. It is not uncommon to resurface or replace warped front rotors after just 20,000 miles of use. Further, the front wheel bearing is another common trouble spot. Both the bearing and its internal wheel speed sensor are prone to failure. The bearing has failed so often that GM has issued a revised axle nut and torque specification to ease the axial load on the bearing assembly. The speed sensor's failure is characterized by a "triple warning", wherein the ABS, TRAC OFF, and SERVICE ENGINE SOON lights illuminate either constantly or intermittently."

Basically it's saying that if you reset the security and replace your ignition switch, you can help that stalling, assuming that it really isn't the fuel pump.

And then the triple light is a simple 25-35 dollar wheel speed sensor in most cases... hope this helped.

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.