1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS from North America - Comments

I'm a college student who bought a '99 Alero (21,000 miles) about six months ago. About a two months ago Service Engine Soon light came on and I got it checked out, but it was nothing important, so the light was reset and didn't come on again. Yesterday I was driving into town, about 15 miles, and the battery light came on, then the ABS light, followed by the Security light and Brake light, next came the light depicting an Airbag, then Trac Off.. It snowed yesterday and it was also cold when the first incident happened. It could have been the battery, but I won't know for sure until I get notified from the shop later. I didn't think the battery would cause my car engine to shut off completely as well.

I just bought a 99 Olds Alero with 188,000 miles and got it very cheap. The couple I bought it from had all the maintenance records, and yes, these records did show everything was worked on and up to date. All the complaints that people are having are legit. After reading all of this, I am very concerned. When I test drove the car, I loved it. Now this morning when I drove it, the speed odometer, gas gauge, check engine, brake light and security light all came on. I new when I bought this car that the coils and the struts need to be replaced and my brother is a mechanic and this will get done for free. Oh my, I wish I checked this web site before I bought this car. My brother thinks it might be loose ground wires! I hope! I cannot believe Oldsmobile has not recalled this car! I think that is showing disrespect and a who cares attitude to the consumers that get stuck with these cars!

I purchased a 1999 GLS 18 months ago. It is a reasonably high mileage 103,000 when purchased. The seller told me that there was a coolant leak which turned out to be an intake manifold gasket and that cost me $900+ to have fixed at the dealership. I got over that and drove the car for about 5,000 miles and had a complete brake job done. Overall I think the drive train is solid. The engine is solid and delivers power when you need it. The transmission is bullet proof. Now for you folks that are having lights flashing on for no reason take heart. I used to as well (notice the past tense.) I resolved that annoyance just recently. As I parked the car at home the engine stalled before I shut it down. I looked under the hood and wiggled the battery leads, one was loose. I replaced the center bolt on the terminal on removing the old bolt I noticed it could have been arcing as it was worn down and not making contact with the terminal at all. Most if not all my electrical spooks vanished immediately. Cheap fix huh? This intermittant contact of the battery lead caused the ABS to flash on along with the Track off light. The engine (6 cyl 3.4) is infinitely more responsive. The first two positions of the blower failure are caused by a variable resistor... I intend to change it myself...another cheap fix. You know what? I like my Alero again. It has gremlins for sure, but the main components are good. The peripherals can give you bad dreams. Hang in there and happy motoring.

I have to say that I am extremely happy with my Alero. I have had to replace the resistor on the blower motor (kind of difficult to get to, but less than 30 minutes, $16 part and your done) Other than that, I have had no issues, car's been great. I did get a flat the other day and the low tire pressure came on. Quick fix if anyone would like to know how, here it is.

1. Turn your key to the on position

2. In the fuse box there is a reset button for oil and tire pressure, push it once, oil light will blink

3. Push it twice oil pressure light will blink

4. Push and hold in until car door chimes.

5. Release button. Turn Key off, and your good.

Just thought someone would like to know???

P.S. Love the Car!

I posted back in early January. I must say, after searching on the net, and seeing the answers and comments on this page, I'm in love with my car again. Unfortunately I'm getting rid of it... Time for something bigger for the kids and dog! Anyway, I wanted to pass along this page I found which has been a HUGE resource, and saved a LOT of money that would have been spent asking the mechanic, "What's this?!" and "Can you fix this?!".. It's:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/FAQ/815-1

It's a wikipedia site! GREAT resource! Take a look, and happy motoring!

Wow, can't believe how many of the same problems my car is having. Here's the list:

1. Power steering pump broke. Had to get that and the pulley replaced.

2. Driver's side front window fell into door.

3. Rear defrost has been in-op since I bought the car in July 2007.

4. Electric mirrors on both sides of car in-op.

5. ABS light has been coming on intermittently the last couple weeks.

6. Airbag light has been coming on and staying on occasionally.

7. Tire pressure light does not come on when tires are low, but comes on directly after tires are refilled. (That one baffles me.)

That's probably not all, I just can't think of the rest.

Oh, and as someone previously asked, what is the part needed to repair the defrost???

Thanks,

Jenna

I too have a 99 Alero that I love. A couple comments to help a few of you out.

Intake manifold gasket - part $85, labor - ridiculous if you don't do it yourself (not that difficult of a fix if you know someone mechanically inclined) This gasket goes out because of the dexcool coolant that these cars were made with. The replacement gasket is made of a superior rubber that will not have the same issue, although I highly recommend changing your coolant to the 'all types' green coolant rather than refilling the dexcool. The new coolant does not necessarily require a radiator flush, that is up to you as an owner if you wish to spend the money.

Cruise control button - leave this thing ON - if you don't, it will eventually stop working unless you hold the button in and cost $150 for the dealer to replace (only took it there because it is on the steering column)

Fan resistor - previously mentioned, $15 fix 30 minutes to install, kind of a pain to get to as you have to be able to stand on your head under the passenger dash.

Tire pressure light - every time you do ANYTHING to your tires, rotate them, reinflate them, add a little air, etc, RESET THE BUTTON... this is a learned item on the computer, it says so in the manual, it takes about 90 miles for it to readjust when you reset the button. However, if your tires were running low all the way around and they get filled, the computer recognizes the 'low' pressure and complains about the higher amount. Also, I had a little trouble with getting mine to adjust the first spring I had it because the temperatures were fluctuating so much that the computer couldn't learn the correct pressure easily, this went away with some persistence on the reset button and more steady temperatures.

I've never had problems with my brakes, I replace them myself... Sound advice from the person who recommended checking battery connections for all the random blinking lights.

In general I maintain my car nicely, I don't pay for all the extra crud the repair shops want me to get (i.e. radiator, engine, transmission flushes) and I don't have any issues with it.

One more note - you don't really need to flush the transmission on these (v6 anyhow) unless you are actually leaking fluid somewhere (at which point something is WRONG) because the transmission is a completely closed system that you cannot even check the fluid levels without opening it up somewhere (it does not have a dipstick for tranny fluid).

The only other cosmetic complaints I've got are the bubbly dash (I parked it outside for a week in 100 degree weather, instant dash bubble), and two rust spots, one on each side below my doors because of the way the plastic-ish piece is attached on the bottom of the car.