Pontiac 1996 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 229

Then go to the front of the vehicle and
lift the secondary
Lift the hood, release the hood prop rod from its retainer
hood release handle upward.
and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot
ig
the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then just let the
hood down and close it firmly.