Pontiac 1999 Firebird Owner's Manual

Pontiac 1999 Firebird Owner's Manual

Pontiac 1999 firebird owner's manual
Table of Contents

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The 1999 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual
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1
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Seats and Restraint Systems
This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the "SRS" system.
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Features and Controls
This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
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Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
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Your Driving and the Road
Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
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Problems on the Road
This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
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6
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Service and Appearance Care
Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
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Maintenance Schedule
This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
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8
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Customer Assistance Information
This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on "Reporting Safety Defects" on page 8
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9
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Index
Here's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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12.
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Summary of Contents for Pontiac 1999 Firebird

  • Page 1 This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8 Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.
  • Page 2: For Canadian Owners Who Prefer A French Language Manual

    GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name FIREBIRD are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice.
  • Page 3: How To Use This Manual

    How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.
  • Page 4: Vehicle Damage Warnings

    Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
  • Page 5: Vehicle Symbols

    Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, These symbols these symbols are important are used on an for you and original battery: your passengers whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE INJURY DOOR LOCK PROTECT...
  • Page 6 yellowblue NOTES...
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About...
  • Page 8: Seats And Seat Controls

    Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats them and also about reclining front seatbacks, seatback latches and the folding rear seatback. Manual Front Seat CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving.
  • Page 9 4-Way Manual Seat There are two levers at the front of the seat. The left lever adjusts the seat forward and rearward. The right lever adjusts the angle of the front of the seat. To adjust the seats forward and rearward, lift the lever under the left front of the seat.
  • Page 10 6-Way Power Seat with Lumbar/Lateral Control (AQ9) (If Equipped) This switch is designed to imitate the movements of your seat cushion. It is located on the left side of the driver’s or the right side of the passenger’s seat cushion. To move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch forward or rearward.
  • Page 11 Fully Articulating Sport Seat (If Equipped) If your vehicle has these seats, the driver’s seat has the four way manual seat adjuster. See “4 Seat” earlier in this section. The passenger seat has the way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat” earlier in this section.
  • Page 12: Reclining Front Seatbacks

    Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to its original upright position. If you have fully articulating sport seats, your recliner lever looks like this.
  • Page 13: Head Restraints

    But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job.
  • Page 14: Front Seatback Latches

    Front Seatback Latches The front seatbacks fold forward to let people get into the back seat. To fold a seatback forward, lift the latch located on the lower backside of the seatback. When you return the seatback to its original position, make sure the seatback is locked.
  • Page 15: Safety Belts: They're For Everyone

    Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly.
  • Page 16: Why Safety Belts Work

    You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between.
  • Page 17 yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-11...
  • Page 18 yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. or the instrument panel ... In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-12...
  • Page 19: Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

    or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers...
  • Page 20: How To Wear Safety Belts Properly

    If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident even one that isn’t your fault your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.
  • Page 21: Driver Position

    Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.
  • Page 22 If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender”...
  • Page 23 yellowblue The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
  • Page 24 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-18 CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
  • Page 25 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
  • Page 26 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-20 CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury.
  • Page 27 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.
  • Page 28: Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

    To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
  • Page 29: Right Front Passenger Position

    The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
  • Page 30 CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags.
  • Page 31: How The Air Bag System Works

    How the Air Bag System Works Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. yellowblue 1-25...
  • Page 32 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.
  • Page 33 How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually.
  • Page 34: Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

    Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system.
  • Page 35: Rear Seat Passengers

    Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash.
  • Page 36 yellowblue If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
  • Page 37 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
  • Page 38: Smaller Children And Babies

    To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. 1-32 Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints.
  • Page 39 CAUTION: Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should.
  • Page 40 CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued) 1-34 CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 will suddenly become a 240...
  • Page 41: Child Restraints

    Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. What are the different types of add child restraints? on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it...
  • Page 42 yellowblue A rear facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash.
  • Page 43 yellowblue A forward facing child restraint (C E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age.
  • Page 44 yellowblue A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
  • Page 45: Where To Put The Restraint

    When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both.
  • Page 46: Top Strap

    Top Strap If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Vehicles First Sold in the United States: Was your vehicle first sold in the United States? If so, the label on the rear edge of the driver’s door will say that the vehicle meets “all U.S.
  • Page 47 Vehicles First Sold in Canada: If your vehicle was first sold in Canada, the label on the rear edge of the driver’s door will say that the vehicle meets “all Canada safety standards.” Canadian law requires that forward facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored.
  • Page 48: Securing A Child Restraint In A Rear Seat Position

    Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint.
  • Page 49 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child...
  • Page 50: Securing A Child Restraint In The Right Front Seat Position

    Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: CAUTION: A child in a rear facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags.
  • Page 51 Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 52 1-46 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6.
  • Page 53: Larger Children

    Larger Children Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.
  • Page 54 yellowblue CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time. 1-48...
  • Page 55 What if a child is wearing a lap but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.
  • Page 56: Safety Belt Extender

    Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you.
  • Page 57: Section 2 Features And Controls

    Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly and what to do if you have a problem.
  • Page 58 yellowblue Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
  • Page 59 If you need a new ignition key, contact your dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the cut emergency key that Pontiac sends after delivery (this service is not available in Canada). In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1 3743.
  • Page 60: Door Locks

    Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers especially children open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked.
  • Page 61: Power Door Locks - If Equipped

    Power Door Locks (If Equipped) Press the power door lock switch located on the driver’s door to lock or unlock both doors at once. Operating the power door locks may affect the Content Theft Deterrent System (if you have this option). See “Content Theft Deterrent System”...
  • Page 62: Leaving Your Vehicle

    Lockout Prevention (If Equipped) To protect you from locking your keys in the vehicle, this feature stops the power door locks from locking when the keys are in the ignition and a door is open. If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open, a chime will sound five times as a reminder to take the keys out of the ignition before locking the door.
  • Page 63 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada.
  • Page 64: Operation

    Operation The driver’s door will unlock automatically when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger’s door will also unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed. The hatch will unlock when the REAR 2X button is pressed twice within five seconds, as long as the ignition is turned to OFF.
  • Page 65: Matching Transmitter(S) To Your Vehicle

    6. When you have finished matching all of your transmitters, replace the RADIO fuse. 7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing their buttons. If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not match the transmitters yourself, see your Pontiac dealer. yellowblue...
  • Page 66: Battery Replacement

    Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.
  • Page 67 Resynchronization Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by the remote keyless entry system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
  • Page 68: Hatch Release

    Hatch Release Your door key opens the hatch from the outside. If your vehicle has the Content Theft Deterrent System and the system is armed, opening the hatch this way will trigger the alarm. First disarm the system or use the remote keyless entry transmitter to open the hatch.
  • Page 69 Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves don’t do it. When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
  • Page 70: Shock Sensor

    If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a door or hatch opening, it can be turned off by either turning the ignition with a proper key inserted or by pressing any button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
  • Page 71: Arming The System

    To adjust, remove the label covering the adjustment knob and adjust as desired. Turn the knob clockwise to increase sensitivity and counterclockwise to decrease sensitivity. The shock sensor is ignored by the alarm system when the ignition is on, when the hatch is open, when the alarm is disarmed or when it is customized to be ignored and for five seconds after the horn sounds an alarm or chirp.
  • Page 72: Disarming The System

    Passive Arming If the ignition was just turned off and a door was opened, the system will arm six seconds after both doors are closed, whether or not you lock them. In all other cases, the system will wait 30 seconds after both doors are closed before arming, allowing you time to get into the vehicle and put the key in the ignition.
  • Page 73 If you lose or damage a PASS your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Center at ROADSIDE or 1 (In Canada call 1 Key II.
  • Page 74: Feature Customization (If Equipped)

    Feature Customization (If Equipped) Your vehicle’s locks and lighting systems can be programmed with several different features. The features you can program depend upon the options that came with your vehicle. The following list tells you the features that can be programmed. Listed next to each feature is the option you need to have on your vehicle in order to be able to program that particular feature.
  • Page 75 Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination With Exit Lighting, your interior lamps will come on for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from the ignition. With Delayed Illumination, your interior lamps will come on and stay on for up to 25 seconds when entering your vehicle and up to 5 seconds when leaving your vehicle.
  • Page 76 Remote Keyless Entry Verification Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 5. To change the factory setting, do the following: 1. Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
  • Page 77 Mode 3: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (If you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to arm the system, your parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify that the system is armed. If it only chirps once, the hatch is open or unlatched.
  • Page 78 Mode 2: Eight Second Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.) Mode 3: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled (The alarm will sound immediately after the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
  • Page 79: Ignition Positions

    Ignition Positions CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in the vehicle with children.
  • Page 80: Key Release Button

    START (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition will return to RUN for normal driving. Even if the engine is not running, ACC and RUN allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio and ventilation fan.
  • Page 81: Starting Your Engine

    To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
  • Page 82 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds.
  • Page 83 When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0 _ F or 18 _ C), do this: 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START and hold it there. When the engine starts, let go of the key. Use the accelerator pedal to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until your engine has run for a while.
  • Page 84: To Use The Engine Coolant Heater

    Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only) In very cold weather, 0 _ F ( 18 _ C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
  • Page 85: Automatic Transmission Operation

    4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged. How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
  • Page 86 Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever.
  • Page 87 AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.
  • Page 88: Manual Transmission Operation

    NOTICE: If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal.
  • Page 89 THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal.
  • Page 90: Shift Speeds

    THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) gear the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal.
  • Page 91 If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.
  • Page 92: Parking Brake

    Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. 2-36 To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the release button.
  • Page 93: Automatic Transmission Only

    NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your parking brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer”...
  • Page 94 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle. 3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
  • Page 95: Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)

    Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
  • Page 96: Parking Over Things That Burn

    If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
  • Page 97: Engine Exhaust

    Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
  • Page 98: Manual Windows

    CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
  • Page 99: Tilt Wheel

    You can open the passenger’s window any amount by pressing the switch and releasing it when the window has lowered to the position you want. The switch for the driver’s window has an express feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Quickly press and release the bottom of the switch for the driver’s window and the window will lower completely.
  • Page 100: Turn Signal And Lane Change Indicator

    Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your: Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer and Passing Signal Windshield Wipers Windshield Washer Cruise Control (Option) 2-44 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions.
  • Page 101: Windshield Wipers

    As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t flash but just stay on as you signal a turn or lane change, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident.
  • Page 102: Windshield Washer

    Windshield Washer There is a paddle with the word PUSH on it at the top of the turn signal/multifunction lever. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, just push the paddle briefly. The washer will continue to spray until you release the paddle.
  • Page 103 CAUTION: Cruise control can be dangerous where you can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control.
  • Page 104 Resuming a Set Speed Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then apply the brake or clutch pedal. This, of course, shuts off the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it. Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A (Resume/Accelerate) for about half a second.
  • Page 105: Exterior Lamps

    Ending Out of Cruise Control There are several ways to turn off the cruise control: Step lightly on the brake pedal or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transmission; or Move the cruise switch to OFF. Erasing Speed Memory When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
  • Page 106: Daytime Running Lamps

    Headlamp Doors The headlamp doors are designed to open when you turn the headlamps on and close when you turn the headlamps off. The headlamp doors can be opened without turning on the headlamps by turning the headlamps on, then turning the switch back to the parking lamps position.
  • Page 107: Fog Lamps

    For Canadian vehicles, when it’s dark enough outside, your front turn signal lamps will go out and your headlamps will come on. The other lamps that come on with your headlamps will also come on. When it’s bright enough outside, the regular lamps will go off, and your front turn signal lamps will come on.
  • Page 108: Interior Lamps

    Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Brightness Control The thumbwheel controls the brightness of your instrument panel lights. Move the thumbwheel to brighten or dim the lights. If you move the thumbwheel all the way up, your courtesy lamps will come on. 2-52 Courtesy Lamps When either door is opened, several interior lamps go...
  • Page 109: Exit Lighting

    Delayed Illumination With delayed illumination, the courtesy lamps will come on and stay on for 25 seconds after you close the doors when entering the vehicle. They will also stay on for five seconds after you close the doors when exiting the vehicle.
  • Page 110: Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror

    Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror An inside rearview mirror is attached to your windshield. The mirror has pivots so that you can adjust it. You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull the tab for night driving to reduce glare. Push the tab for daytime driving.
  • Page 111: Storage Compartments

    Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right.
  • Page 112: Cargo Cover

    Cargo Cover Using the Cargo Cover The cargo cover can be closed for hidden storage in the rear area of your vehicle. It can also help reduce noise in the vehicle when placed in the upright position, closing out the rear end area.
  • Page 113: Ashtray And Cigarette Lighter

    When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to open the panel and place the items in the rear area. CAUTION: An improperly stored cargo cover could be thrown about the vehicle during a collision or sudden maneuver. You or others could be injured.
  • Page 114: Sun Visors

    To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself. NOTICE: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready.
  • Page 115: Floor Mats

    NOTICE: When using the accessory plug: The maximum load of any electrical equipment should not exceed 3 amps. Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment when not in use. Leaving electrical equipment on for extended periods can drain your battery. We recommend that you see a qualified technician or your dealer for the proper installation of your equipment.
  • Page 116 1. The door key unlocks the panels. The lock is over the front door window. Turn the key counterclockwise to unlock the panel. 2-60 2. Then pull on the release handle to unlatch the panel. Lift the outer edge of the panel and pull it toward you.
  • Page 117 Storing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels CAUTION: If the T top panel is not stored properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Whenever you store the T top panel in the vehicle, always be sure that it is stored securely in the correct storage slot with the T...
  • Page 118 2. Push the handle closed to secure the panel in the slot. To lock each panel in the storage area, use your door key. 2-62 Installing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels CAUTION: An improperly attached roof panel may fall into or fly off the vehicle.
  • Page 119 1. When installing the panels to the roof, keep the outboard edge of the panel raised about three inches (8 cm) above the roof while placing the inboard edge of the panel under the center roof. 2. After the inboard edge of the panel is in position under the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge of the panel into position, close the latch and lock the T yellowblue...
  • Page 120 NOTICE: Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding them horizontally toward the center roof rail. Doing so may cause the weatherstrips to be aligned improperly, which may result in leaks and possible damage to the weatherstrips. NOTICE: High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle.
  • Page 121 3. Open the latch and close the T top. Check to see if there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T adjust the sunshade as required. 4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can stick the Velcro buttons on the glass for a proper fit every time you install the sunshades.
  • Page 122: Convertible Top (If Equipped)

    You can store the sunshades two different ways: When the T tops are in use, store the sunshades in their storage area in the rear of the vehicle, and make sure the cargo cover is in its closed, upright position. When you have the T tops off and in their storage slots, store the sunshades on the T...
  • Page 123 NOTICE: It is not recommended that you raise or lower the top while the vehicle is moving. NOTICE: Don’t lower the top if it is damp or wet. When the top is down, trapped water can cause stains, mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle. Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.
  • Page 124 NOTICE: Before lowering the convertible top into the storage area, be sure there are no objects in the way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a stored top on items in the storage area will cause the convertible top back glass to break. 2.
  • Page 125: Installing The Boot Cover

    Installing the Boot Cover After lowering the convertible top, you may want to install the boot cover. The three piece boot cover is stored in a bag in the hatch. 1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the closed position. 2.
  • Page 126 Removing Your Boot Cover 1. Open the hatch. Remove the middle piece of the cover by pushing in on the latch and lifting up on the cover. 2-70 2. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of their slots.
  • Page 127: Raising Your Convertible Top

    3. Store each piece of the cover in its separate compartment per graphic printed inside of the storage bag. Store the bag in the hatch and close the hatch. 4. Disengage the two convertible top latches. Raising Your Convertible Top 1.
  • Page 128 3. Pull down on the center opening and align the hooks with the holes. Push forward on the larger part of the latch until it clicks. Do not force the latch. If it is hard to lock, the top is not properly aligned. 2-72 NOTICE: The convertible top may be tight when pushing...
  • Page 129 yellowblue Open the hatch and find the tab along the left side trim panel. Lift up the tab and turn the valve counterclockwise to release the hydraulic pressure. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. You can now raise or lower your top manually. Be sure to close the valve after installing your top so you can raise or lower it electrically later.
  • Page 130 yellowblue The Instrument Panel Your Information System 2-74...
  • Page 131 A. Fog Lamp Switch B. Main Lamp Control C. Air Vents D. Instrument Panel Cluster E. Horn F. Audio System G. Glove Box H. Comfort Controls I. Cupholders J. Parking Brake Lever K. Storage Console L. Rear Window Defogger Button M.
  • Page 132: Instrument Panel Cluster

    yellowblue Instrument Panel Cluster 5.7L V8 engine shown, 3800 V6 engine similar Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, your engine’s rpms, about how much fuel you have left and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.
  • Page 133: Speedometer And Odometer

    Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada).
  • Page 134: Safety Belt Reminder Light

    Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement.
  • Page 135: Air Bag Readiness Light

    Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
  • Page 136: Brake System Warning Light

    Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
  • Page 137: Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

    Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti system, this light will come on when you start your engine and it will stay on for three seconds. That’s normal. If the anti lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn the ignition off.
  • Page 138: Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

    Low Traction Light When your anti is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, this light will come on. If you have the traction control system, this light will also come on when the system is limiting wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
  • Page 139: Malfunction Indicator Lamp

    Low Coolant Light (5.7L V8 Engine) This warning light should come on briefly while you are starting your engine. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. Your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant indicator that is designed to detect when the coolant level drops below a set limit.
  • Page 140 This system is called OBD II (On Board Diagnostics Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
  • Page 141 This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: Light Flashing A misfire condition has been...
  • Page 142: Oil Pressure Gage

    Are you low on fuel? As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this condition.
  • Page 143 CAUTION: Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by...
  • Page 144 Oil Change Light This OIL CHANGE light should come on briefly as a bulb check when you start the engine. If the OIL CHANGE light doesn’t come on, have it serviced. If the OIL CHANGE light comes on and stays on for 60 seconds after you start your vehicle, have the oil changed.
  • Page 145: Fuel Gage

    Check Gages Light This warning light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, check your gages to see if they are in the warning areas. Hatch Ajar Light This warning light should come on in your instrument...
  • Page 146: Reduced Engine Power Light

    When the indicator nears E (empty), you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about. All these things are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage. At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads F (full).
  • Page 147 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle. Comfort Controls Heating Defogging and Defrosting Rear Window Defogger...
  • Page 148: Comfort Controls

    Comfort Controls With this system you can control the heating, air conditioning and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow through ventilation system described later in this section. Fan Control Knob Turn the fan knob to select the force of air you want.
  • Page 149: Bi-Level Heating

    LEVEL: Air is directed through the upper air vents and the heater ducts. VENT: Air flows through the upper air vents. HEATER: This setting directs most of the air through the heater ducts and some of the air through the windshield defroster vents.
  • Page 150: Defogging And Defrosting

    Ventilation For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through your vehicle. 1. Turn the air control knob to vent. 2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable setting. 3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed. Defogging and Defrosting 1.
  • Page 151: Ventilation System

    NOTICE: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Ventilation System Adjust the direction of airflow by moving the vents. Your vehicle’s flow through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving.
  • Page 152: Setting The Clock Ram

    Audio Systems Your Delco Electronics audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco Electronics system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
  • Page 153 Playing the Radio POWER VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Display the time with the ignition off by pressing this button. When the radio is playing, press this knob to recall the station frequency.
  • Page 154 While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE and BAL controls just as you do for the radio. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing. When the down indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing.
  • Page 155 REV (5): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape reverses. You may select stations during REV operation by using SEEK or TUNE. FWD (6): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape.
  • Page 156: Am-Fm Stereo With Compact Disc Player

    AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the AM with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer, included are four speakers. Please see your dealer for details. If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon AM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (not shown), included are 8 (convertibles only) or 10 high performance speakers and a powerful 8 channel...
  • Page 157 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons until SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that numbered button, the station you set will return. 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. Setting the Tone EQUALIZER: A seven band equalizer is part of your audio system.
  • Page 158: Trunk Mounted Cd Changer (If Equipped)

    RDM (3): Press this button to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. The display will show RDM. Press RDM again to turn off random play. REV (5): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will hear sound at a reduced volume.
  • Page 159 You must first load the magazine with discs before you can play a compact disc. Each of the 12 trays holds one disc. Press the button on the back of the magazine and pull gently on one of the trays. Load the trays from bottom to top, placing a disc on the tray label side down.
  • Page 160 All of the CD functions are controlled by the radio buttons except for ejecting the magazine. Whenever a CD magazine with discs is loaded in the changer, the compact disc symbol will appear on the radio display. If the CD changer is checking the magazine for CDs, the compact disc symbol will flash on the display until the changer is ready to play.
  • Page 161 Playing a Compact Disc If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon AM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Equalizer, the following buttons are used for the trunk cd changer. PREV (1): Press this button to go back to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played.
  • Page 162 PREV (1): Press this button to go back to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. Press PREV again to go to the previous track on the disc. NEXT (2): Press this button to advance to the next track on the disc.
  • Page 163: Theft-Deterrent Feature

    Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCK is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is removed. The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature.
  • Page 164 Unlocking the Theft Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display. 2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 3.
  • Page 165: Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)

    Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio and compact disc functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. VOLUME: Press the up or down arrow to increase or decrease volume. PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or compact disc when the radio is playing.
  • Page 166: Understanding Radio Reception

    Understanding Radio Reception The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
  • Page 167: Care Of Your Cassette Tape Player

    Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
  • Page 168: Care Of Your Compact Discs

    You may also choose a non scrubbing action, wet cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
  • Page 169: Power Antenna Mast Care

    Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it’s cleaned from time to time. To clean the antenna mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna. 2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or equivalent solvent.
  • Page 170 yellowblue NOTES 3-24...
  • Page 171: Section 4 Your Driving And The Road

    Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving. Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Road Recovery...
  • Page 172: Defensive Driving

    Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”...
  • Page 173: Drunken Driving

    Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision...
  • Page 174 It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
  • Page 175 The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
  • Page 176: Control Of A Vehicle

    Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide.
  • Page 177: Anti-Lock Brakes (Abs)

    Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.
  • Page 178 Here’s how anti lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels.
  • Page 179: Traction Control System

    Remember: Anti lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 180 If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may engage the cruise control. (See “Cruise Control” in the Index.) When the system is on, this warning light will come on...
  • Page 181: Power Steering

    Braking in Emergencies With anti lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort.
  • Page 182: Steering In Emergencies

    Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you.
  • Page 183: Off - Road Recovery

    Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
  • Page 184 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 185: Loss Of Control

    Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
  • Page 186: Driving At Night

    Driving at Night Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. 4-16 Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively.
  • Page 187: Night Vision

    Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50 driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20 year old.
  • Page 188: Driving In Rain And On Wet Roads

    yellowblue Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction.
  • Page 189 Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them. CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents.
  • Page 190: Driving Through Deep Standing Water

    Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
  • Page 191: City Driving

    City Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going.
  • Page 192: Freeway Driving

    Freeway Driving Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving.
  • Page 193: Before Leaving On A Long Trip

    Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things you can check before a trip:...
  • Page 194: Highway Hypnosis

    Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
  • Page 195 If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission.
  • Page 196: Winter Driving

    Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transmission, and you can climb the hill better. Stay in your own lane when driving on two roads in hills or mountains.
  • Page 197: Driving On Snow Or Ice

    Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction.
  • Page 198 What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (32 F;...
  • Page 199: If You're Caught In A Blizzard

    If You’re Caught in a Blizzard If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers.
  • Page 200: Recreational Vehicle Towing

    CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe.
  • Page 201: Loading Your Vehicle

    Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire Loading Information label found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle.
  • Page 202 If you put things inside your vehicle tools, packages or anything else they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going. CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR.
  • Page 203: Towing A Trailer

    Towing a Trailer CAUTION: If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured.
  • Page 204: If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

    If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving.
  • Page 205: Weight Of The Trailer Tongue

    You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340 2952 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre...
  • Page 206: Safety Chains

    Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
  • Page 207: Driving With A Trailer

    Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
  • Page 208: Turn Signals When Towing A Trailer

    Making Turns NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal.
  • Page 209: When You Are Ready To Leave After Parking On A Hill

    Parking on Hills CAUTION: You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it: 1.
  • Page 210: Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing

    Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts, cooling system and brake system.
  • Page 211: Section 5 Problems On The Road

    Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating Cooling System If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow...
  • Page 212: Hazard Warning Flashers

    Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. Press the button in to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.
  • Page 213: Other Warning Devices

    Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle.
  • Page 214 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems.
  • Page 215 CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom battery installed in every new GM vehicle.
  • Page 216 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
  • Page 217 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.
  • Page 218: Towing Your Vehicle

    Towing Your Vehicle CAUTION: To help avoid serious personal injury to you or others: Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed. Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds. Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured. Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the tow truck.
  • Page 219: Engine Overheating

    Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. You may also find a LOW COOLANT warning light on your vehicle’s instrument panel (5.7L V8 engine only). Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode (5.7L V8 Engine Only) Should an overheated engine condition exist and the LOW COOLANT warning light is displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups...
  • Page 220: If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

    yellowblue If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
  • Page 221: If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

    NOTICE: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. If your vehicle has the 5.7L V8 engine, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”...
  • Page 222: Cooling System

    Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans B. Radiator Pressure Cap C. Coolant Recovery Tank 5-12 CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you.
  • Page 223 When it is cool, remove the coolant recovery tank cap and look at the dipstick. The coolant level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.
  • Page 224 NOTICE: Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index. 5-14 NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX COOL (silicate If coolant other than DEX COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result.
  • Page 225: Recovery Tank

    How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the FULL COLD mark add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX COOL coolant at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant”...
  • Page 226 5-16 CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle.
  • Page 227 yellowblue CAUTION: Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap even a little they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot.
  • Page 228: How To Add Coolant To The Radiator

    How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (3800 V6 Engine) NOTICE: Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged. 5-18 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
  • Page 229 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
  • Page 230 4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mixture.) If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air bleed valve, close the valve.
  • Page 231 7. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. 8. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX COOL through the filler neck until the level reaches the...
  • Page 232: How To Add Coolant To The Radiator (V8 Engine Only)

    How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only) 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
  • Page 233 3. Fill with the proper DEX COOL 4. Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. 5. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine and compartment. 6. Start the engine and allow it to run in idle for approximately four minutes.
  • Page 234: If A Tire Goes Flat

    yellowblue If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
  • Page 235: Changing A Flat Tire

    Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers. CAUTION: Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people.
  • Page 236 On convertible models, you must also remove the trunk access panel. It’s at the upper back of the trunk. Turn the two wing fasteners under the trunk edge a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove the panel. Find the plastic screw heads in the trim panel over the spare tire.
  • Page 237 yellowblue Remove the wing nut and adapter and pull out the spare. The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B). 5-27...
  • Page 238: Removing The Flat Tire And Installing The Spare Tire

    The jack has a bolt at the end. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack bolt. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the lift head a little. If your wheel has a center cap, pry it off using the wheel wrench. If your vehicle has optional alloy wheels, each wheel has one locknut in place of the standard wheel nut.
  • Page 239 yellowblue 2. Position the jack under the vehicle. There is a notch in the vehicle’s rocker flange on the coupe model. Raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch nearest the flat tire. On convertible models, place the jack in a similar location.
  • Page 240 Stay away from moldings or fender flanges to avoid damaging them. 3. Put the compact tire near you. 5-30 CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.
  • Page 241 4. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit. 5. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. 6.
  • Page 242 CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 7. Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
  • Page 243 9. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss cross sequence as shown. Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new original equipment wheel nuts.
  • Page 244: Storing A Flat Or Spare Tire And Tools

    NOTICE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. 5-34 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could...
  • Page 245 Replace the jack, wheel wrench and flat tire using the storage instructions. When you replace the trim panel, be sure to tuck it under the weatherstrip. 1. Trim Panel 2. Bolt 3. Cover 4. Jack 5. Wing Nut 6. Adapter 7.
  • Page 246: Compact Spare Tire

    Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
  • Page 247: Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out

    If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.
  • Page 248 yellowblue NOTES 5-38...
  • Page 249: Section 6 Service And Appearance Care

    Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
  • Page 250: Doing Your Own Service Work

    Service Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll...
  • Page 251: Adding Equipment To The Outside Of Your Vehicle

    CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task.
  • Page 252 (See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the Index.) If this occurs, return to your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
  • Page 253: Fuels In Foreign Countries

    To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
  • Page 254: Filling Your Tank

    Filling Your Tank The cap is behind a hinged door on the driver’s side of your vehicle. CAUTION: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle.
  • Page 255 CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather.
  • Page 256: Checking Things Under The Hood

    Filling a Portable Fuel Container CAUTION: Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs.
  • Page 257 Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle located inside the vehicle below the instrument panel on the driver’s side. Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on the hood release located at the center of your hood. Lift the hood.
  • Page 258 When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Reservoir B. Battery C. Radiator Cap D. Engine Oil Fill Cap 6-10 E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped) F. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir G. Engine Cooling Fans yellowblue H.
  • Page 259 When you open the hood of the 5.7L V8 engine you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Reservoir B. Battery C. Engine Oil Dipstick D. Engine Oil Fill Cap E. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir F. Engine Cooling Fans G. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped) yellowblue H.
  • Page 260: Engine Oil

    Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on. Then pull the hood down and close it firmly. Engine Oil If the LOW OIL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away.
  • Page 261: When To Add Engine Oil

    Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. 3800 V6 Engine 5.7L V8 Engine When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil.
  • Page 262: What Kind Of Engine Oil To Use

    NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged. The oil fill cap is located at the rear of your engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
  • Page 263 yellowblue As shown in the chart, if you have the 5.7L V8 engine, SAE 5W 30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can 30 if it’s going to be 0 _ F ( 18 _ C) or use SAE 10W above.
  • Page 264 3800 V6 Engine 6-16 As shown in the chart, if you have the 3800 V6 engine, SAE 10W 30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can 30 if it’s going to be colder than 60 _ F use SAE 5W (16 _ C) before your next oil change.
  • Page 265: Engine Oil Additives

    Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added. When to Change Engine Oil Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage, but on engine revolutions and engine operating temperature.
  • Page 266: Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

    Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. 6-18 CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires.
  • Page 267: Air Filter Replacement

    Air Filter Replacement To remove the air filter: 1. Unlatch the two clamps located on the front of the filter. 2. Lift the cover and remove the air filter. 3. Replace the filter. yellowblue 6-19...
  • Page 268: Automatic Transmission Fluid

    4. Close the cover without overlap (the clamp will not latch with overlap) and latch the clamps. 6-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:...
  • Page 269: How To Check

    How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission.
  • Page 270 Checking the Fluid Level Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range.
  • Page 271 1. The red transmission dipstick is located near the back of the engine. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again.
  • Page 272: Manual Transmission Fluid

    3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area, below the cross hatched area for a cold check or in the HOT area or cross hatched area for a hot check. 4.
  • Page 273 How to Check Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
  • Page 274: When To Check And What To Use

    How to Add Fluid Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
  • Page 275: Rear Axle

    Rear Axle When to Check and Change Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. How to Check Lubricant If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant.
  • Page 276: Engine Coolant

    Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with COOL R engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only COOL R extended life coolant.
  • Page 277 CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning.
  • Page 278: Checking Coolant

    Checking Coolant The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be at COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or a little higher.
  • Page 279: When To Check Power Steering Fluid

    CAUTION: Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the pressure cap even a little when the engine and radiator are hot. Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
  • Page 280: Windshield Washer Fluid

    How to Check Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
  • Page 281: Adding Washer Fluid

    Adding Washer Fluid Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until the tank is full. NOTICE: When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system.
  • Page 282: Brake Fluid

    Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT brake fluid. 6-34 There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.
  • Page 283 When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. Checking Brake Fluid You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above the plastic seam in the reservoir (A).
  • Page 284: Brake Wear

    NOTICE: Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
  • Page 285: Brake Adjustment

    See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.” Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel.
  • Page 286: Bulb Replacement

    Vehicle Storage If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative ( battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. CAUTION: Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode.
  • Page 287 Headlamps Before replacing a headlamp bulb that does not light, check to make sure that the wiring connector is securely fastened to it. See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index to check the type of headlamp bulb you need to use before you begin to replace the headlamp bulb.
  • Page 288 3. Remove the headlamp plate that holds the bulb to the housing by removing the two screws on top of the bulb with a Torx screwdriver. 6-40 4. Pull out the bulb and disconnect the electrical connector. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. yellowblue...
  • Page 289: Center High-Mounted Stoplamp

    Front Parking and Turn Signal 1. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the access panel under the vehicle. Move the access panel out of the way. 2. Turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise. 3. Pull out the bulb from the socket. 4.
  • Page 290: Rear Lamps

    Rear Lamps To change any rear bulb, you have to remove the entire housing. 1. Remove the trim panel from inside of the hatch for the side that you are replacing the bulb. 2. Pull the carpet back. 3. Remove the wing nuts. 6-42 4.
  • Page 291 Rear Sidemarker Replacing a rear sidemarker bulb: 1. Remove the screw from the sidemarker assembly. 2. To pull out the bulb housing, tilt the housing to remove the end with the tab. 3. Turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise and gently pull out.
  • Page 292: Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

    Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade Check” in Section 7 of this manual under Part B “Owner Checks and Services” for more information. Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways.
  • Page 293: Wiper Blade Element Replacement

    Wiper Blade Element Replacement To replace the wiper blade element, follow these steps: 1. Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw. 2. Hold the wiper blade assembly with one hand and pull the element gently with the other hand.
  • Page 294 Your new vehicle comes with high a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details. CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous.
  • Page 295: Inflation -- Tire Pressure

    Inflation -- Tire Pressure The Tire Loading Information label, which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
  • Page 296: Tire Inspection And Rotation

    When to Check Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). How to Check Use a good quality pocket type gage to check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them.
  • Page 297 If you have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1 must roll in a certain direction for the best overall performance. The direction is shown by an arrow on the sidewall. Because these tires are directional, they should be rotated as shown here.
  • Page 298: Buying New Tires

    When It’s Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire.
  • Page 299: Uniform Tire Quality Grading

    CAUTION: Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
  • Page 300 Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
  • Page 301: Wheel Replacement

    Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset.
  • Page 302: Tire Chains

    Used Replacement Wheels CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
  • Page 303: Appearance Care

    Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
  • Page 304: Special Fabric Cleaning Problems

    Here are some cleaning tips: Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stains as soon as you can Carefully scrape off any excess stain. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn.
  • Page 305: Cleaning Interior Plastic Components

    Cleaning Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth. Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it more than once. Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a vinyl/leather cleaner.
  • Page 306: Cleaning The Outside Of The Windshield And Wiper Blades

    Cleaning Glass Surfaces Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.) Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches.
  • Page 307: Cleaning The Outside Of Your Vehicle

    Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
  • Page 308 Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
  • Page 309: Cleaning Tires

    Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Plated Wheels (If Equipped) Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then be applied. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of your vehicle.
  • Page 310: Chemical Paint Spotting

    Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Pontiac will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs first.
  • Page 311: Gm Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

    GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials PART NUMBER SIZE 994954 23 in. x 25 in. 1050172 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050173 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050174 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050214 32 oz. (0.946 L) 1050427 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) 1052925 16 oz.
  • Page 312: Engine Identification

    Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration.
  • Page 313: Electrical System

    Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should.
  • Page 314 There are three fuse centers on your vehicle. One (main fuse block) is located behind a cover in the left side of your instrument panel. 6-66 The other two are in the engine compartment. Open the cover on the boxes to expose the fuses. Look at the silver colored band inside the fuse.
  • Page 315 Main Fuse Block Fuse Usage STOP/HAZARD Hazard Flashers, Brake Switch Assembly TURN B/U Traction Control Switch, Back/Up Lamp Switch, Turn Flasher, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Module Fuse Usage STG WHEEL Steering Wheel Controls CNTRL RADIO ACCY Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier, Power Antenna, Remote CD Player (Hatch) TAIL LPS...
  • Page 316 Fuse Usage CIG/ACCY Cigarette Lighter, Data Link Connector (DLC), Auxiliary Accessory Wire DEFOG/SEATS Rear Defogger Switch/Timer, Rear Defogger Timer/Relay, Power Seats Aftermarket Use Only STG WHEEL Steering Wheel Controls CNTRL WIPER/WASH Wiper Motor Assembly, Wiper/Washer Switch BATT Aftermarket Use Only WINDOWS Power Windows Switch (Right...
  • Page 317 Underhood Electrical Center Fuse and Relay Center 1 Fuse Usage ABS BAT SOL Anti Lock Brake System TCS BAT Traction Control System COOL FAN Cooling Fan Control Fuse Usage PCM BAT Powertrain Control Module (PCM) FUEL PUMP Fuel Pump AIR PUMP A.I.R.
  • Page 318 Fuse and Relay Center 2 Fuse Usage Fuel Injectors (Not used for V6) (LH injectors for V8 Ignition Module) Fuel Injectors (All for V6) (RH injectors for V8 and Ignition Module) 6-70 Fuse Usage ENG SEN Mass Air Flow Sensor, Heated Oxygen Sensor, Skip Shift Solenoid (V8 Only), Reverse Lockout Solenoid, Brake Switch...
  • Page 319: Capacities And Specifications

    Fuse Usage HVAC Blower Control and Relay Ignition Switch, Relay and Starter Enable Relay Instrument Panel Fuse Center Relay Description AIR SOL Air Solenoid AIR PUMP Air Pump A/C COMP Air Conditioning Compressor FUEL PUMP Fuel Pump STARTER Starter Engine Controls, Cruise Controls, Air Conditioning Replacement Bulbs Back...
  • Page 320: Engine Specifications

    Cooling System 3800 V6 With Manual Transmission ..With Automatic Transmission . . . 5.7L V8 With Manual Transmission ..With Automatic Transmission Crankcase Oil and Filter Change . . . 3800 V6 (VIN K) 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) 5.7L V8 (VIN G) 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) Fuel Tank .
  • Page 321: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

    Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Filter ..... . Battery ....... . Engine Oil Filter 3800 V6 .
  • Page 322 yellowblue NOTES 6-74...
  • Page 323: Section 7 Maintenance Schedule

    Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance. Introduction Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Scheduled Maintenance Part B: Owner Checks and Services Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Part E: Maintenance Record...
  • Page 324: Your Vehicle And The Environment

    Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your dealer for details. Introduction Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment.
  • Page 325: How This Section Is Organized

    How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs.
  • Page 326: Using Your Maintenance Schedule

    Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
  • Page 327: Scheduled Maintenance

    Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
  • Page 328 Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 329 Scheduled Maintenance – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km). Rotate tires.
  • Page 330 Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: –...
  • Page 331 Scheduled Maintenance 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 332 Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) (Continued) – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km). Rotate tires.
  • Page 333 Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: –...
  • Page 334 Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued) Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote 67,500 Miles (112 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor.
  • Page 335 Scheduled Maintenance Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90 _ F (32 _ C) or higher. –...
  • Page 336 Scheduled Maintenance 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: –...
  • Page 337 Scheduled Maintenance 97,500 Miles (162 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 338 Scheduled Maintenance 150,000 Miles (240 000 km) Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
  • Page 339: At Least Twice A Year

    Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed in this part are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Part D.
  • Page 340 Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) Wiper Blade Check Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
  • Page 341 Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2.
  • Page 342 Ignition Transmission Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
  • Page 343: Steering And Suspension Inspection

    Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed in this part are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
  • Page 344: Throttle System Inspection

    Throttle System Inspection (Except 3800 Series V6 Engine) Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables.
  • Page 345 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine Oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity.
  • Page 346 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Floor Shift Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol Linkage (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2 Category LB or GC Rear Axle SAE 75W 90 Synthetic Axle (Standard Lubricant (GM Part No. Differential) 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115.
  • Page 347: Maintenance Record

    yellowblue Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
  • Page 348 yellowblue Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-26...
  • Page 349: Section 8 Customer Assistance Information

    Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects. Pontiac Cares What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?
  • Page 350: Pontiac Cares

    ... YOU! PONTIAC CARES is: A valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac, a feature that offers a multitude of benefits that can give you safety, security, comfort and convenience.
  • Page 351: Customer Satisfaction Procedure

    All of these elements combine to make your driving experience an enjoyable one and are discussed in greater detail in your owner’s manual. Pontiac is focusing on the changing needs of our customers and is committed to giving you an exceptional level of customer care throughout your ownership experience.
  • Page 352 Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Pontiac. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur.
  • Page 353: Customer Assistance For Text Telephone

    To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Pontiac has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with Pontiac by dialing: 1 (TTY users in Canada can dial 1...
  • Page 354: All Overseas Locations

    Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 All Overseas Locations GMODC Customer Communication Centre 169-007 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Telephone: 905-644-4112 Fax:...
  • Page 355: Gm Mobility Program For Persons

    GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities This program, available to qualified applicants, can reimburse you up to $1,000 toward aftermarket driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may require for your vehicle (hand controls, wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.). This program can also provide you with free resource information, such as area driver assessment centers and mobility equipment installers.
  • Page 356: Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program

    Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program Security While You Travel ROADSIDE (1 3743) As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside Assistance program. This value added service is intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive in the city or travel the open road.
  • Page 357: Canadian Roadside Assistance

    Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Vehicle license plate number Pontiac reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Pontiac’s judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence. While we hope you never have the occasion to use our service, it is added security while traveling for you and your family.
  • Page 358: Courtesy Transportation

    8-10 Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Pontiac helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options. Depending on the circumstances, your dealer can offer you one of the following:...
  • Page 359: Additional Program Information

    Courtesy Rental Vehicle When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts.
  • Page 360: Reporting Safety Defects To The United

    REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors.
  • Page 361: Reporting Safety Defects To General Motors

    In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1 CARES (762-2737), or write: Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 436008 Pontiac, MI 48343-6008 In Canada, please call us at 1 or 1 7854 (French).
  • Page 362 1999 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
  • Page 363 ORDER TOLL FREE (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) 1-800-551-4123 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927 PUBLICATION FORM PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER NUMBER Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair Owner’s Manual In Portfolio Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
  • Page 364 yellowblue NOTES 8-16...
  • Page 365: Section 9 Index

    Section 9 Index ccessory Plug ....... Air Bag ........How Does it Restrain .
  • Page 366 Brake ........Adjustment Fluid ........Master Cylinder .
  • Page 367 Cleaner, Air ........Cleaning Aluminum Wheels .
  • Page 368 Door ........Keys Last Closed Locking .
  • Page 369 Features and Controls ......... . Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission Filling a Portable Fuel Container .
  • Page 370 Hitches, Trailer ....... . . Hood Checking Things Under ......Release .
  • Page 371 Check Gages ..............Hatch Ajar Interior .
  • Page 372 ........Passive Arming Pass Periodic Maintenance Inspections Persons with Disabilities, GM Mobility Program Pontiac Cares Information Power Accessory Plug Antenna Mast Care Door Locks Four Way Lumbar Driver’s Seat...
  • Page 373 adiator ..............Radiator Pressure Cap Radio Reception .
  • Page 374 Safety Belts (Continued) ....Smaller Children and Babies Use During Pregnancy ......Warning Light .
  • Page 375 Storage Compartments ........... Cassette/Compact Disc Front Console .
  • Page 376 Trailer (Continued) ........Towing Turn Signals .

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