Pontiac 1998 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 78

Starting Your 2.4 Liter Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine warms up.
I I
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time
will
cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If the engine doesn't start right away, and if the
weather is very cold (below -20" F or -29" C),
push
the
accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the
way down while you turn the key to START. Do this
until the engine starts. As soon as it does, let
go
of
the key.
3. I f your engine still won't start (or starts but then stops),
it could be
flooded
with
too
much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator
pedal
a l l the way to
the
floor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. If the engine still won't start
or starts briefly but then stops again, repeat step 1 or 2,
depending on temperature. When the engine starts,
release the key and the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual
that
tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See "Towing
Your Vehicle" in the Index.
~
your engine might not perform properly.
2-17