Oldsmobile ALERO 2001 Owner's Manual page 248

6-10
3. Lift the hood, release the hood prop rod from
its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in
the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then let the
hood down and close it firmly.