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The 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual
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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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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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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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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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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Pontiac 1999 Grand Am

  • 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 GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name GRAND AM 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 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 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 Pontiac 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.
  • Page 8: Seats And Seat Controls

    Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats adjust them and also about reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Seats 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 Power Lift Seat-Forward/Rearward Controls (If Equipped) Move the control lever under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place. Power Lift Seat-Height Controls (If Equipped) The power seat switch is located on the lower, left side...
  • Page 10 6-Way Power Seat Controls (If Equipped) The power seat switch is located on the lower left side of the driver’s seat. This switch allows you to move the seat up, down, forward, and backward. It also moves the front of the seat up or down and the rear of the seat up or down.
  • Page 11 Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to an upright position. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.
  • Page 12: Head Restraints

    CAUTION: (Continued) up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.
  • Page 13: Rear Seats

    The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. The seatback latch is designed for handed operation. To fold a front seatback forward, lift the seatback latch fully without pushing forward on the seatback. Push the seatback to its original position, the seatback will lock.
  • Page 14: 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 15: Why Safety Belts Work

    In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They 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.
  • Page 16 yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-10...
  • Page 17 yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. or the instrument panel ... In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-11...
  • Page 18: 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. 1-12 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts...
  • Page 19: 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 20 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
  • Page 21 yellowblue 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.
  • Page 22 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4 Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. 1-16 Door Models) To move it down, squeeze the release button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing on the shoulder belt guide.
  • Page 23 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 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. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
  • Page 24 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-18 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 25 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 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 26 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. 1-20 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 27: 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 28: 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 29 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 30 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.
  • Page 31 The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 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.
  • Page 32 When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 14 mph (14 to 23 km/h).
  • Page 33 What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s will be hot for a short time.
  • Page 34 NOTICE: If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag.
  • 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: Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides For Children And Small Adults

    yellowblue Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head.
  • Page 39 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip. 2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
  • Page 40 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top. 1-34 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section.
  • Page 41: Center Passenger Position

    yellowblue Center Passenger Position Lap Belt When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. 1-35...
  • Page 42: Children

    To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 43 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 44 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) 1-38 CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 will suddenly become a 240...
  • Page 45: 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 will...
  • Page 46 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 47 A forward facing child restraint (C 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 48 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 49: 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 50 yellowblue Top Strap Canadian law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle.
  • Page 51 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside 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 52 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. 1-46 4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint.
  • Page 53 To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt.
  • Page 54 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. 5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end 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 55 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. This is because the back of the rear restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag.
  • Page 56 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. 1-50 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint.
  • Page 57: Larger Children

    Larger Children Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat.
  • Page 58 1-52 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. 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?
  • Page 59 CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen.
  • Page 60: 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 61 yellowblue NOTES 1-55...
  • Page 62 yellowblue NOTES 1-56...
  • Page 63 yellowblue NOTES 1-57...
  • Page 64 yellowblue NOTES 1-58...
  • Page 65 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 66 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 67 Remember to carry the pre cut emergency key which Pontiac sends after delivery (for vehicles sold in the United States). In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program at 1...
  • Page 68: 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 69: Automatic Door Locks

    Automatic Door Locks Just close your doors and turn on the ignition. All of the doors will lock when you move your shift lever out of PARK (P) to REVERSE (R). If someone needs to get out while the vehicle is running, have that person use the manual or the power door lock.
  • Page 70: Rear Door Security Locks

    To change the mode: 1. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch for ten seconds. 2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is in. You can change the mode by pressing and holding LOCK on the power door lock switch (two chimes for mode 2, three chimes for mode 3 and four chimes for mode 4).
  • Page 71: Leaving Your Vehicle

    The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on: 1. Unlock the door from the inside. 2. Then open the door from the outside. If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open the rear door from the inside.
  • Page 72 Keyless Entry System If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency...
  • Page 73 Operation The following functions are available with the keyless entry system: LOCK: All doors will automatically lock when the LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. The interior lamps will turn off after all of the doors are closed. UNLOCK: The driver’s door will unlock automatically when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed.
  • Page 74: 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 75 Resynchronization Your keyless entry system is equipped with a security system that prevents anyone from recording and playing back your signal. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal that has been sent to it more that once. To resynchronize your transmitter and receiver, follow these directions: 1.
  • Page 76: Remote Trunk Release

    Remote Trunk Release The remote trunk release button is located on the driver’s door. Push the remote release button to release the trunk lid. Make sure the trunk lockout feature is not activated. Remote Trunk Release Lockout Your remote trunk release is equipped with a lockout feature to help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk when the vehicle is left unattended.
  • Page 77 Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves...
  • Page 78 Passlock at this time. You may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Center at 1 ROADSIDE or 1 (In Canada, call 1 6800.)
  • Page 79: Ignition Switch

    Ignition Switch CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be 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: Starting Your Engine

    NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch.
  • Page 81: Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine

    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 a maximum of 15 seconds.
  • Page 82 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try this: Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down. Then push your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor.
  • Page 83: To Use The Engine Coolant Heater

    3400 V6 Engine 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 84: Automatic Transaxle Operation

    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. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle.
  • Page 85 Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and as you maintain brake application.
  • Page 86 AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: Going less than 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 87: Parking Brake

    FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
  • Page 88 To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake handle up until you can press the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake handle all the way down. NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat.
  • Page 89 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) position like this: Hold in the button on the handle. Push the handle all the way toward the front of the vehicle. 3. Move the ignition key to OFF. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
  • Page 90: Torque Lock

    Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
  • Page 91: Parking Over Things That Burn

    Parking Over Things That Burn CAUTION: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn. Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell.
  • Page 92 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. CAUTION: Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust”).
  • Page 93: Manual Windows

    Windows Manual Windows On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window crank to open and close each window. Power Windows (If Equipped) The power window switches are located on the armrest of the driver’s door. In addition, each passenger door has a switch for its own window.
  • Page 94: Tilt Wheel

    Tilt Wheel A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever toward you.
  • Page 95: Turn And Lane Change Signals

    Turn and Lane Change Signals The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
  • Page 96: Windshield Wipers

    Windshield Wipers You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk with the wiper symbol on it up or down. For a single wiper cycle, push the stalk down to MIST, then release it. For more cycles, hold the stalk down longer. 2-32 For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the LO position.
  • Page 97: Windshield Washer

    Windshield Washer To wash your windshield, push in the button at the end of the stalk until the washers begin. CAUTION: In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.
  • Page 98 Cruise Control (If Equipped) The cruise control buttons are located on the bottom of the steering wheel. With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
  • Page 99 Setting Cruise Control CAUTION: If you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control switch off until you want to use it.
  • Page 100 Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: Push the SET COAST button until you reach the lower speed you want, then release it. To slow down in very small amounts, push SET COAST button for less than half a second.
  • Page 101 Exterior Lamps Rotate the turn signal lever end cap up one position to turn on your: Parking Lamps Side Marker Lamps Taillamps License Plate Lamps Instrument Panel Lights Rotate the turn signal lever end cap up two positions to turn on your: Headlamps Parking Lamps Sidemarker Lamps...
  • Page 102: Lamps On Reminder

    Lamps On Reminder If you turn off the ignition and open the driver’s door while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a warning chime. Daytime Running Lamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset.
  • Page 103: Fog Lamps

    There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and nighttime operation of the DRL and the ALC systems so that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not affect the system. The DRL and ALC systems will only be affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
  • Page 104: Interior Lamps

    Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Intensity Control You can brighten or dim the instrument panel cluster lights by moving the thumb wheel to the right to increase intensity and to the left to decrease intensity. The thumb wheel is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
  • Page 105 Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped) Press the switch on the lower front portion of the mirror to turn on the lamps. Press the other side of the switch to turn the lamps off. Three-Position Dome Lamp (If Equipped) The switch on this lamp has three positions. The ON position will turn on the light.
  • Page 106: Trunk Lamp

    Trunk Lamp The trunk lamp comes on when you open your trunk. Battery Saver Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature designed to protect your vehicle’s battery. When any interior lamp (trunk, mirror reading lamps, footwell, dome lamp or glove box) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the battery saver system will automatically shut the lamp off after 20 minutes.
  • Page 107 Manual Remote Control Mirror The outside rearview mirror should be adjusted so you can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. Adjust the driver’s side outside mirror with the control lever on the driver’s door. To adjust your passenger’s side mirror, sit in the driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for you.
  • Page 108: Glove Box

    Storage Compartments Glove Box Use the key to lock and unlock the glove box. To open, pull the glove box handle up. Center Console Storage Area The center console has two separate storage areas. The upper compartment, which is also the armrest, can be used to store maps, gloves, etc.
  • Page 109: Sun Visors

    Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them to the side. Visor Vanity Mirror Lift the cover to expose the vanity mirror. Sunroof (If Equipped) Open the sunshade by hand when using the vent position. To use the vent position of the sunroof, push the switch back and release it.
  • Page 110 yellowblue The Instrument Panel - Your Information System 2-46...
  • Page 111 The main components of your instrument panel are: A. Fog Lamp Switch B. Instrument Panel Intensity Control C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever D. Horn E. Instrument Cluster F. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever G. Ignition Switch H. Enhanced Traction System I. Hazard Switch J.
  • Page 112: Instrument Panel Cluster

    yellowblue Instrument Panel Cluster Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them. 2-48...
  • Page 113: 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 114: 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 115: 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 sensor, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
  • Page 116: 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 117: Enhanced Traction 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 light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the light comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off.
  • Page 118: Enhanced Traction System Active Light

    The Enhanced Traction System warning light may come on for the following reasons: If you turn the system off by pressing the ETS button located on the instrument panel above the audio system, the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again.
  • Page 119: Low Coolant Warning Light

    Low Coolant Warning Light This light comes on briefly when you turn your ignition on. If this light comes on and stays on and you hear a chime, the vehicle should promptly be pulled off the road and the coolant level checked. See “Engine Coolant”...
  • Page 120 Check Tire Pressure Light (If Equipped) The tire pressure monitor system can alert you to a large change in the pressure in one tire. After the system has “learned” tire pressures with properly inflated tires, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE light will come on if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than the other three tires.
  • Page 121: Malfunction Indicator Lamp

    Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. 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.
  • Page 122 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 123: Oil Pressure Light

    Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see “Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration.
  • Page 124 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 your warranty.
  • Page 125: Security Light

    Change Oil Light The CHANGE OIL light should come on briefly as a bulb check when you start the engine. If the light doesn’t come on, have it serviced. If the CHANGE OIL light comes on and stays on after you start the engine, have the oil changed.
  • Page 126: Service Vehicle Soon Light

    Service Vehicle Soon Light This light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition. It will stay on, or come on and a chime will sound if it detects a problem on the vehicle, such as a DRL or an ALC malfunction.
  • Page 127 yellowblue NOTES 2-63...
  • Page 128 yellowblue NOTES 2-64...
  • Page 129 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 Climate Control System with Air Conditioning Air Conditioning...
  • Page 130 Comfort Controls With this system, you can control the ventilation and heating in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow through ventilation system described later in this section. Climate Control System with Air Conditioning Fan Knob The left control knob sets the fan speed. To select the force of air you want, turn the knob.
  • Page 131 FLOOR: In this position most of the airflow comes through the floor outlet. The rest of the air comes through the windshield and side window vents. Set the center control knob to the temperature desired. DEFOG: This position divides the airflow between the floor outlets and the windshield defroster vent.
  • Page 132 Heating On cold days, use FLOOR with the temperature knob all the way in the red area. The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send it to the floor outlets. Your vehicle has heat ducts that are directed toward the rear seat.
  • Page 133: Rear Window Defogger

    Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the defogger button. The indicator light will glow. The rear window defogger will turn itself off after about ten minutes after the first time the button is pressed, and after five minutes each additional time the button is pressed.
  • Page 134 Ventilation System For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air through your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow through ventilation system. Your vehicle’s flow through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning fan is running.
  • Page 135: Audio Systems

    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 136 Finding a Station FM: Press this button to switch between AM and FM. The display shows your selection. TUNE: Turn the lower knob to choose radio stations. SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to go to the next higher or lower station and stay there. PUSHBUTTONS: The four numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations.
  • Page 137 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped) 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.
  • Page 138 Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn this knob to move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn this knob to move the sound to the front or rear speakers.
  • Page 139 NEXT (2): Press this button or the SEEK up arrow to search for the next selection on the tape. If you hold the button, the player will continue moving forward through the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for NEXT or SEEK to work.
  • Page 140 CD Adapter Kits It is possible to use a CD adapter kit with your cassette tape player after activating the bypass feature on your tape player. To activate the bypass feature, use the following steps: Turn the ignition to ON or ACC. Turn the radio off.
  • Page 141 Finding a Station FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display shows your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Push the knob back into its stored position when you’re not using it.
  • Page 142 If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem. PREV (1): Press this button or the SEEK down arrow to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played.
  • Page 143 Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player. With the radio on, insert a cassette tape. Once the tape is playing, use the control knobs for VOL, BAL, FADE, BASS and TREB just as you do for the radio.
  • Page 144 Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped) 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.
  • Page 145 Unlocking the Theft Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. LOC appears when the ignition is on. 2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 3.
  • Page 146: Audio Steering Wheel Controls

    To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the Theft Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier in this section. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. 3-18 SEEK: Press the up arrow to tune to the next radio station and the down arrow to tune to the previous radio...
  • Page 147: 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 148: 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 149: Fixed Mast Antenna

    When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape detection feature is active again. 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.
  • Page 150 yellowblue NOTES 3-22...
  • Page 151 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 152: Defensive Driving

    The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Pontiac: 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 153: 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 154 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 155 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 156: 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 157 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 158 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 159 This light will come on when your Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin. See “Enhanced Traction System Active Light” in the Index. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. This light will also come on when the anti-lock brake system is working.
  • Page 160: Steering

    When you turn the system off, the Enhanced Traction System warning light will come on and stay on. If the Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin when you press the button to turn the system off, the warning light will come on but the system won’t turn off right away.
  • Page 161: Steering In Emergencies

    Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems steering and acceleration their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to “Enhanced Traction System”...
  • Page 162: Off - Road Recovery

    An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.
  • Page 163: Passing

    Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds.
  • Page 164: Loss Of Control

    Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane.
  • Page 165: Driving At Night

    If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System, or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go.
  • Page 166: Night Vision

    Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively. Don’t drink and drive. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.
  • Page 167: Driving In Rain And On Wet Roads

    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 168 4-18 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 169: 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 170: 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. 4-20 Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going.
  • Page 171: 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 172: 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 173: Hill And Mountain Roads

    Then here are some tips: Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both.
  • Page 174 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 transaxle.
  • Page 175: Winter Driving

    Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your trunk. 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.
  • Page 176: Driving On Snow Or Ice

    Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip”...
  • Page 177 Your anti lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti Lock”...
  • Page 178 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 179: 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 180 Towing Your Vehicle from the Front To tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these steps: 1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it. 2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. 3. Set the parking brake. 4-30 4.
  • Page 181: Loading Your Vehicle

    Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear NOTICE: Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. Your vehicle could be badly damaged and the repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry.
  • Page 182 The other label is the Certification label, found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
  • Page 183: Towing A Trailer

    CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a trunk, put them as far forward as you can. Try to spread the weight evenly.
  • Page 184 Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself.
  • Page 185: Weight Of The Trailer

    And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 436008 Pontiac, MI 48343-6008 In Canada, write to:...
  • Page 186 If you’re using a weight carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a weight hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
  • Page 187: Safety Chains

    Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
  • Page 188: Following Distance

    Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer.
  • Page 189: Turn Signals When Towing A Trailer

    When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your Pontiac dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change...
  • Page 190: Towing A Trailer (Except 3400 V6 Engine)

    When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: Start your engine; Shift into a gear; and Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3.
  • Page 191 yellowblue NOTES 4-41...
  • Page 192 yellowblue NOTES 4-42...
  • Page 193 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 If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow yellowblue...
  • Page 194: 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 on the instrument panel to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.
  • Page 195: Jump Starting

    Jump Starting CAUTION: Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: They contain acid that can burn you. They contain gas that can explode or ignite. They contain enough electricity to burn you. If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.
  • Page 196 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a volt battery with a negative ground system. NOTICE: If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other.
  • Page 197 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 198 7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. 8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
  • Page 199 10. 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. 11.
  • Page 200: 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 201: Engine Overheating

    Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage and a low coolant warning light on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” and “Low Coolant Warning Light” in the Index. If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood.
  • Page 202: If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

    If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: Climb a long hill on a hot day. Stop after high speed driving.
  • Page 203 When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap B. Electric Engine Cooling Fan CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you.
  • Page 204 The coolant level should be at or above FULL COLD. 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. CAUTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot.
  • Page 205: How To Add Coolant To The Coolant

    NOTICE: (Continued) radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use of coolant other than DEX COOL covered by your new vehicle warranty. If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running.
  • Page 206 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 207 yellowblue 1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and when the cooling system, including the coolant surge remove it. tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left) about two or two and half turns and then stop.
  • Page 208 3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture, to the FULL COLD mark or just above the small cylinder at the base of the opening. 5-16 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot.
  • Page 209: If A Tire Goes Flat

    5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is hand tight. Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling system has cooled down. If the coolant isn’t at the proper level, repeat Steps 1 to 3 and reinstall the pressure cap or see your dealer.
  • Page 210: 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 211: Removing The Spare Tire And Tools

    Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. Pull the carpeting from the floor of the trunk. Turn the center retainer nut on the compact spare cover counterclockwise to remove it. Lift and remove the cover. See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section for more information about the compact spare.
  • Page 212: Spare Tire

    The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B). 5-20 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Remove the wheel nut caps (you may need to use the wheel wrench to loosen and remove them, if your fingers do not fit into this small area).
  • Page 213 3. Position the jack and raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch in the vehicle’s frame nearest the flat tire. Put the compact spare tire near you. CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous.
  • Page 214 4. Raise the vehicle by rotating 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 of the wheel nuts. 6. Remove the flat tire. 5-22 yellowblue 7.
  • Page 215 CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
  • Page 216 9. Lower the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 5-24 10. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown. CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off.
  • Page 217 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. NOTICE: Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.
  • Page 218 A. Nut E. Wrench B. Wing Nut F. Jack C. Extension G. Tool Tray (If Equipped) H. Flat Road Tire D. Adapter 5-26 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury.
  • Page 219: Compact Spare Tire

    A. Nut E. Wrench B. Cover F. Jack C. Wing Nut G. Spare Tire D. Adapter 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.
  • Page 220: If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice Or Snow

    Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles. And don’t mix your compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare tire and its wheel together. NOTICE: Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using them can damage your vehicle and can damage the chains too.
  • Page 221: Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out

    NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains”...
  • Page 222 yellowblue NOTES 5-30...
  • Page 223 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 224: 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 225 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 226 (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 227: Fuels In Foreign Countries

    Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
  • Page 228 While refueling, hang the tethered cap inside the fuel door. To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right. CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
  • Page 229: Filling A Portable Fuel Container

    When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right (clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.
  • Page 230: Checking Things Under The Hood

    Checking Things Under the Hood CAUTION: An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. CAUTION: Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire.
  • Page 231 Then go to the front of the vehicle and move the secondary hood release handle to the right. Lift the hood, release the hood prop rod from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly.
  • Page 232 2.4L L4 (CODE T) Engine When you open the hood, you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank B. Engine Oil Fill Cap C. Engine Oil Dipstick 6-10 D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Brake Fluid Reservoir F. Air Cleaner yellowblue G.
  • Page 233 3400 V6 (CODE E) Engine When you open the hood, you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir C. Engine Oil Fill Cap D. Engine Oil Dipstick E. Brake Fluid Reservoir F. Air Cleaner yellowblue G. Battery H.
  • Page 234: Engine Oil

    yellowblue Engine Oil 3400 V6 Engine Only If the LOW OIL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see LOW OIL light in the 2.4L L4 Engine Index.
  • Page 235: Checking Engine Oil

    3400 V6 Engine The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on the 2.4L L4 engine is located at the rear of the engine. The dipstick on the 3400 V6 engine is located on the front of the engine, behind the fan. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan.
  • Page 236: When To Add Engine Oil

    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. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”...
  • Page 237: What Kind Of Engine Oil To Use

    3400 V6 Engine The 3400 V6 engine oil fill cap is on the front of the engine, behind the radiator. Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.
  • Page 238 6-16 As shown in the chart, SAE 5W 30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W to be 0 C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W NOTICE: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum...
  • Page 239: 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 240 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter The air cleaner is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. To check or replace the air filter: 1. Remove the screws that hold the cover on. 2. Lift off the cover. 3. Reinstall the air cleaner filter and replace the cover tightly.
  • Page 241: Automatic Transaxle Fluid

    Automatic Transaxle Fluid It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealership service department and have it repaired as soon as possible.
  • Page 242: 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 243 What to Use Use a mixture of one half clean, drinkable water and half DEX COOL coolant which won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add anything else. CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous.
  • Page 244: Checking Coolant

    Checking Coolant The coolant surge tank is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment. 6-22 CAUTION: Turning the surge tank 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 surge tank pressure cap little when the engine and radiator are hot.
  • Page 245: Power Steering Fluid

    Adding Coolant If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the engine is cool. 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 246: 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 247: Brake Fluid

    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. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
  • Page 248 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. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up.
  • Page 249 What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Maintenance Schedule. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it.
  • Page 250: Brake Wear

    Brake Wear The GT Series has four wheel disc brakes and the SE Series has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Disc brake pads have built in wear indicators that make a high pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
  • Page 251: Replacing Brake System Parts

    Brake Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then very carefully a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
  • Page 252: Bulb Replacement

    Bulb Replacement This section describes bulb changing procedures for some of your interior and exterior lamps. For bulb sizes, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. For any bulbs not listed in this section, contact your service department. Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
  • Page 253 yellowblue 1. Remove the fasteners and the splash shield. 2. Lift the two speed clips. 6-31...
  • Page 254 3. Lift the headlamp assembly forward, out of the mounting bracket. 4. Twist the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise sixth of a turn and pull out the bulb assembly. 5. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness. 6. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to replace the bulb assembly and headlamp housing.
  • Page 255 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 1. Open the trunk lid and locate the center high mounted stoplamp on the inside of the lid. 2. Using a flat screwdriver, remove the screws holding the bulb assembly. 3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three screws. 4.
  • Page 256: 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. 6-34 Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways.
  • Page 257 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 258 NOTICE: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not. If your tires don’t have enough air (underinflation), you can get the following: Too much flexing Too much heat Tire overloading Bad wear Bad handling Bad fuel economy.
  • Page 259 After the system has learned tire pressures with properly inflated tires, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE light will come on if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than the other three tires. The tire pressure monitor system won’t alert you if the pressure in more than one tire is low, if the system is not properly calibrated, or if the vehicle is moving at less than 15 mph (25 km/h), faster than 75 mph (120 km/h), on rough...
  • Page 260: Tire Inspection And Rotation

    Any time you adjust a tire’s pressure, rotate your tires, or have one or more tires repaired or replaced, you’ll need to reset (calibrate) the tire pressure monitor system. You’ll also need to reset the system whenever you buy new tires and whenever the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected.
  • Page 261 When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation pattern shown here. Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation. After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire Information label.
  • Page 262: 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 263: 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 264 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 265: Wheel Alignment And Tire Balance

    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 266: Tire Chains

    NOTICE: The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis. See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for more information.
  • Page 267: Appearance Care

    NOTICE: (Continued) If you do find traction devices that will fit, install them on the front tires. If you have other tires, use tire chains only where legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for your tires.
  • Page 268: Cleaning The Inside Of Your Vehicle

    Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi Cleaner and Capture Non Solvent Dry Spot and Soil Remover for cleaning fabric and carpet.
  • Page 269: Cleaning Leather

    3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with a water/baking soda solution: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water. 4. Let dry. Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows: 1.
  • Page 270: Care Of Safety Belts

    Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. CAUTION: Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
  • Page 271: 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 272: Cleaning Tires

    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 273: Finish Damage

    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 274 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 275 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 276: 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 277 Driver’s Side Fuse Usage RADIO SW Steering Wheel Radio Switches RADIO ACC Radio WIPER Windshield Wiper Motor, Washer Pump Fuse Usage TRUNK Trunk Release Relay/Motor, REL/RFA/ RKE, Audio Amplifier RADIO AMP TURN LPS Turn Signal Lamps PWR MIRROR Power Mirrors AIR BAG Air Bags BFC BATT...
  • Page 278 Passenger’s Side Fuse Usage INST LPS Interior Lamp Dimming CRUISE Steering Wheel Cruise Control SW LPS Switch Lamps 6-56 Fuse Usage CRUISE SW Steering Wheel Cruise Control Switches HVAC HVAC Blower Motor BLOWER CRUISE Cruise Control FOG LPS Fog Lamps INT LPS Interior Courtesy Lamps RADIO BATT...
  • Page 279 Engine Compartment Fuse Block The engine compartment fuse block is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the battery. Fuse Usage Maxi Fuses Ignition Switch Left Hand Electrical Center Power Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk Release, Audio Amplifier, Remote Lock Control yellowblue 6-57...
  • Page 280 Fuse Usage Left Hand Electrical Center Lamps, Hazard Lamps, Body Function Control Module, Cluster, Climate Control System Right Hand Electrical Center Lamps, Radio, Body Function Control Module, Interior Lamps Ignition Switch Not Used Anti Lock Brakes Cooling Fan Mini Relays Rear Defog Not Used Anti...
  • Page 281 Fuse Usage Automatic Transaxle Powertrain Control Module Anti Lock Brakes Ignition System Back Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock Horn Powertrain Control Module Parking Lamps Rear Defog, Daytime Running Lamps, Climate Control System Canister Vent Valve, Exhaust Oxygen Sensors Fuse Usage Fuel Pump, Injectors Generator...
  • Page 282: Replacement Bulbs

    Replacement Bulbs Outside Lamps (Rear) Back Up Lamps ......Center High Mounted Stop Lamp Fascia Rear Cornering Lamps .
  • Page 283: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

    2.4L L4 Engine Specifications VIN Engine Code ......Type ........Displacement .
  • Page 284 yellowblue NOTES 6-62...
  • Page 285 yellowblue NOTES 6-63...
  • Page 286 yellowblue NOTES 6-64...
  • Page 287 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 How this Section is Organized Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Part B: Owner Checks and Services Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Part E: Maintenance Record...
  • Page 288: 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 Pontiac 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 289 CAUTION: Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work only if you have the required know and the proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, have a qualified technician do the work.
  • Page 290: 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 291: 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 292 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 293 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 *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 294 Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 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 *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 295 Scheduled Maintenance 52,500 Miles (87 500 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 296 Scheduled Maintenance 67,500 Miles (112 500 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 297 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 *.) Replace air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks.
  • Page 298 Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) Inspect spark plug wires (except 2.4L Code T L4 engine). An Emission Control Service. Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: –...
  • Page 299: At Least Once A Month

    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 300: At Least Twice A Year

    A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Pontiac dealership Service Department and have it repaired as soon as possible. At Least Once a Year...
  • Page 301 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 302 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.
  • Page 303: Exhaust System 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 304: Throttle System Inspection

    Throttle System Inspection 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. Brake System Inspection (Except GT Series) Inspect the complete system.
  • Page 305 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 306: Maintenance Record

    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 ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY READING 7-20 Services”...
  • Page 307 yellowblue Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-21...
  • Page 308 yellowblue Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-22...
  • Page 309 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 310: 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 311: What Makes Up Pontiac Cares

    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 312 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 313: Customer Assistance For Text Telephone (Tty) Users

    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 314: 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 315: 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 316: 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 317: 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 318: 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 319: Warranty 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 320: 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 321: 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 322 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 323 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 324 yellowblue NOTES 8-16...
  • Page 325 Section 9 Index dapter Kit, CD ....... Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle Air Bag .
  • Page 326 Body Lubrication Service ......Brake Adjustment ........Fluid .
  • Page 327 Interior Plastic Components ..... Outside of Your Vehicle ......Special Problems .
  • Page 328 asy Entry Seat ....... . Electrical Equipment, Adding ..Electrical System .
  • Page 329 ages Engine Coolant Temperature ....Fuel ........GAWR .
  • Page 330 ey Lock Cylinders Service ..... Keys ......... . abels Certification .
  • Page 331 aintenance, Normal Replacement Parts Maintenance Record ......Maintenance Schedule ......Owner Checks and Services .
  • Page 332 Pontiac Cares Information ......Power Door Locks ........
  • Page 333 Lap Belt ........Shoulder ......Larger Children .
  • Page 334 Specifications and Capacities ..... . Specifications, Engine ..... . Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance Speedometer .
  • Page 335 Pressure Monitor System ..... . . Temperature ....... . . Traction .
  • Page 336 arning Devices ....... Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ....Warranty Information .

This manual is also suitable for:

Grand am-1999

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