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Summary of Contents for Pontiac 2000 Montana

  • Page 2: Emergency Towing

    Every 2000 Montana under warranty is backed with the following services: Courtesy Transportation Bumper-to-Bumper 3-years/36,000 miles (60 000 km) Limited Warranty 1-800-762-3743 1-800-762-3743 For vehicles purchased in Canada, For vehicles purchased in Canada, 1-800-268-6800) 1-800-268-6800) call call that provides in an emergency: Free lockout assistance Free...
  • Page 3 2000 Pontiac Montana Owner's Manual Litho in U.S.A. © Copyright General Motors Corporation 1999 Part Number 10423671 A First Edition All Rights Reserved...
  • Page 4 Seats and Seat Controls Section Safety Belts Keys and Door Locks Section Keyless Entry System (Option) Automatic Transaxle Parking Brake Windows Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control (Option) Table of Contents Seats and Restraint Systems Air Bag Systems Child Restraints Features and Controls Interior and Exterior Lamps...
  • Page 5 Heating and Air Conditioning Section Setting the Radio Clock Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player Defensive Driving Section Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Hazard Warning Flashers Section Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Table of Contents (cont'd) Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) Your Driving and the Road...
  • Page 6 Fuel Section Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Passenger Compartment Air Filter Brakes Bulb Replacement Section Scheduled Maintenance Owners Checks and Services Periodic Maintenance Inspections Table of Contents (cont'd) Service and Appearance Care Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers...
  • Page 7 Customer Satisfaction Procedures Section Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. Section Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Table of Contents (cont'd) Customer Assistance Information Warranty Information...
  • Page 8 GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name MONTANA 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 9: 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 10: Vehicle Damage Warnings

    Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. viii 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 11: Vehicle Symbols

    Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, These symbols these symbols are important are used on an for you and original battery: your passengers whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE INJURY DOOR LOCK PROTECT...
  • Page 12 Service Station Guide Windshield Washer Battery Tire Pressure Fluid See Section 6 See Section 6 See Section 6 Spare Tire Pressure a More Detailed Look at See Section 5 What's Under the Hood See Section 6 Engine Oil Dipstick See Section 6 Secondary Fuel Oil Viscosity...
  • Page 13 Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls Rear Seats Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone...
  • Page 14: Seats And Seat Controls

    Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats take them out, put them back in, fold and unfold them. Driver’s 4-Way Manual Seat Use the lever located on the front left side of the seat to adjust the seat forward or rearward. Pull up the lever on the front of the seat to unlock it.
  • Page 15 Manual Front Passenger Seats To move the seat, pull up the lever located on the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. To make sure the seat is locked into place, release the lever and try to move the seat with your body.
  • Page 16: Reclining Front Seatbacks

    Heated Front Seats (Option) The heated seat switch is located in the instrument panel switchbank. This feature will quickly heat the lower cushions and lower back of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats for added comfort. The left switch is for the driver’s seat and the right switch is for the front passenger’s seat.
  • Page 17 But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body.
  • Page 18: Head Restraints

    Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Rear Seats Seat Controls The rear seats in your vehicle have levers and straps used to adjust, remove and reinstall the seats.
  • Page 19: Second Row Safety Belt Stowage

    Second Row Safety Belt Stowage If your vehicle has seats in the third row, there is a sleeve on the second row outside safety belt to store the safety belt while entering and exiting the third row of the vehicle. If your vehicle has a split bench seat in the second row, follow this procedure: 1.
  • Page 20: Split Bench Seats

    Split Bench Seats If you have the split bench seat (50/50 or 40/60), the seatbacks can be folded down individually and the sections can be removed individually. The sections can also be adjusted forward or rearward individually. The second row (40/60) split bench may be equipped with a built in child restraint.
  • Page 21 Adjusting the Split Bench Seats There are two adjustment levers on each section of the split bench seats to adjust the seat forward or rearward. One is located below the center, in the front of each section of the split bench. The other lever is located on the rear of the seat.
  • Page 22 Removing the Split Bench Seat Make sure the seatback is in the upright position. 1. For the second row split bench, with the seatback in the upright position, unhook the side attachment for the safety belt. This mini buckle is located on the right side of the seat.
  • Page 23 6. To unlatch the front latches, squeeze the angled latch release bar toward the straight crossbar. 7. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out. Repeat these steps for the other section of the split bench seat.
  • Page 24 Make sure the seat is in the full rear position before beginning this procedure. 1. Squeeze the angled bar toward the solid crossbar while placing the front hooks of the bench seat onto the front two floor pins. 1-12 2. Make sure the bench seat is angled so that the front hooks clear the floor pins.
  • Page 25 If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check that the seat is in the full rear position. 3. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins by pushing down on the rear of the seat. 4. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down. CAUTION: A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop.
  • Page 26: Bucket Seats

    7. Attach the mini buckle so that the safety belt is ready for use when a passenger uses the seat. The buckle reattaches by pushing the latch into the buckle until the red center pops out again. Repeat these steps for the other section of the split bench seat.
  • Page 27 To raise a seatback, pull the nylon strap while raising the seatback until it locks upright. To fold down the seatback, lift up on this lever located on the front of the seatback. Use the lever to raise or lower the seatback to the desired position.
  • Page 28 The other lever is located on the rear of the bucket seat. Lift up either lever and slide the seat forward to allow for extra storage behind the seat, or slide the seat back to allow extra room for passengers. Release the lever.
  • Page 29 You can also lift the lever on the side of the seat to release the rear latches from the floor pins. Do not let go of the straps or lever until the seat is folded all the way forward. 4. To unlatch the front latches, with the seat folded forward, squeeze the angled latch release bar toward the straight crossbar.
  • Page 30 Replacing the Bucket Seats Don’t put the seats in so they face rearward because they won’t latch that way. If you want more storage room behind the seat, adjust the seat by sliding it forward. The bucket seats have seat position labels, located on the back of the seat, showing where the seat must go.
  • Page 31 If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check that the seat is in the full rear position. 3. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins by pushing down on the rear of the seat. CAUTION: A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop.
  • Page 32 Captain’s Chairs The captain’s chairs adjust like the manual front passenger seats. The seatback can be reclined or raised by turning the knob located on the inboard side of the seat. It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean forward and take the weight off the seatback.
  • Page 33 Removing the Captain’s Chairs 2. The seat can then be lifted off the front floor pins 1. Pull the nylon strap behind the chair to release the and removed from the vehicle. rear hooks from the floor pins. 1-21...
  • Page 34 Replacing the Captain’s Chairs The left chair goes in the A and C sets of floor pins. The right chair goes in the D and F sets of floor pins. 1. Hook the front latches over the front floor pins. 1-22 2.
  • Page 35 CAUTION: A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it. CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
  • Page 36 CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
  • Page 37: Why Safety Belts Work

    Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on it. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-25...
  • Page 38 Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-26 The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...
  • Page 39 or the instrument panel ... 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. 1-27...
  • Page 40 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? You could be whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down.
  • Page 41: How To Wear Safety Belts Properly

    How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.”...
  • Page 42 Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. 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 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. To move it down, push down on the button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide.
  • Page 44 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-32 CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
  • Page 45 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
  • Page 46 What’s wrong with this? The belt is over an armrest. 1-34 CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries.
  • Page 47 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 48 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. 1-36 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 49: 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 50: 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 51 Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) This part explains the frontal and side impact Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) or air bag systems. Your vehicle has four air bags a frontal air bag for the driver, another frontal air bag for the right front passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger.
  • Page 52 CAUTION: Both frontal and side impact 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. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash.
  • Page 53 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows an air bag symbol. 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 54 The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door. 1-42 The right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.
  • Page 55 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering and don’t let seat covers block the...
  • Page 56 What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag.
  • Page 57 CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door.
  • Page 58: Safety Belt Pretensioners

    Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems.
  • Page 59: Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

    Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1. 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.
  • Page 60 Second Row Outside Passenger Positions Third Row Outside Passenger Positions If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. 1-48...
  • Page 61 On some vehicles, when the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.
  • Page 62 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. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. 1-50 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults...
  • Page 63 1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of 2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges the seatback. of the belt into the slots of the guide. 1-51...
  • Page 64 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The guide must be on top of the belt. 1-52 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.
  • Page 65: Center Passenger Position

    Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat) Lap Belt If your vehicle has a third row rear bench seat, someone can sit in the center position. When you sit in the center position of the bench seat, 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.
  • Page 66: Bucket Seat

    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 67 When you sit in the center position bucket seat, you have a lap safety belt which has a retractor. 1. Pick up the latch plate and, in a single motion, pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 2.
  • Page 68: Smaller Children And Babies

    The center position bucket seat is a CENTER OR LEFT type seat. Because it is the only bucket seat with a lap belt, and has a buckle on only one side, there are certain places a CENTER OR LEFT type bucket seat should, and should not, be used.
  • Page 69 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 70 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) 1-58 CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 will suddenly become a 240...
  • Page 71 Built in Child Restraint (Option) 60/40 Bench Seat If your vehicle has this option in a bucket seat, each Bucket Seat bucket seat that has the built in child restraint fits in only one location in your vehicle. To find out where a bucket seat that has a built in child restraint must be located in your vehicle, see “Removable Rear Bucket...
  • Page 72 This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Each child restraint is designed for use only by children who weigh between 22 and 40 pounds (10 and 18 kg) and whose height is between 33.5 and 40 inches (850 and 1 016 mm) and who are capable of sitting upright alone.
  • Page 73 Securing a Child in the Built-In Child Restraint 1. Raise the head restraint until the lower edge of the head restraint is even with the top of the seatback. 2. Rotate the head restraint rearward until it touches the top of the seatback. Make sure there is no gap between the lower edge of the head restraint and the top of the seatback.
  • Page 74 3. Lower the child restraint cushion. You’ll be using the child restraint’s harness (A) to secure your child. Don’t use the vehicle’s safety belts. 1-62...
  • Page 75 CAUTION: Using the vehicle’s regular safety belts on a child seated on the child restraint cushion can cause serious injury to the child in a sudden stop or crash. If a child is the proper size for the built child restraint, secure the child using the child restraint’s harness.
  • Page 76 6. Select only one side of the harness. Place the harness over the child’s shoulder. 7. Push the latch plate (B) into the buckle until it clicks. Be sure the buckle is free of any foreign objects that may prevent you from securing the latch plates. If you can’t secure a latch plate, see your dealer for service before using the child restraint.
  • Page 77 11. Now fasten the left and right halves of the shoulder harness clip together. The purpose of this clip is to help keep the harness positioned on the child’s shoulders. CAUTION: An unfastened shoulder harness clip won’t help keep the harness in place on the child’s shoulders. If the harness isn’t on the child’s shoulders, it won’t be able to restrain the child’s upper body in a sudden stop or crash.
  • Page 78 12. Pull the shoulder harness adjustment strap (C) firmly until the harness is snugly adjusted around the child. You should not be able to put more than two fingers between the harness and the child’s chest. Make sure the harness and buckle strap are not twisted. 1-66 13.
  • Page 79 Removing the Child from the Built-In Child Restraint 1. Unfasten the shoulder harness clip. 2. Unlatch the harness by pushing the button on the buckle. 3. Move one side of the harness off the child’s shoulder. 4. Move the other side of the harness off the child’s shoulder.
  • Page 80 Storing the Built-In Child Restraint Always properly store the built in child restraint before using the vehicle’s lap shoulder belt. 1. Move both latch plates and both sides of the shoulder harness clip to the bottom of the harness straps. 1-68 2.
  • Page 81 4. Then press the leg rest firmly into the seatback, and secure it by pressing the upper corners against the fastener strips on the seatback. 5. Rotate the head restraint forward and push it all the way down. Just like the other restraint systems in your vehicle, your built in child restraint needs to be periodically checked and may need to have parts replaced after a...
  • Page 82: 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...
  • Page 83 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 84 A forward facing child restraint (C E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age.
  • Page 85 A booster seat (F) 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 86: Where To Put The Restraint

    Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in a rear seat. Never put a rear child restraint in the front passenger seat.
  • Page 87 A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second or third row. Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position or in the center position of a third row seat, because there’s no place to anchor the top strap.
  • Page 88 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-76 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 89 Second Row Outside Passenger Position Third Row Outside Passenger Positions 3. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 1-77...
  • Page 90 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. 1-78 5. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor.
  • Page 91 If your vehicle has the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint.
  • Page 92 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position (Third Row Bench Seat) You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.
  • Page 93 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 94 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position (Bucket Seat) You’ll be using the lap 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. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.
  • Page 95 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, feed it back into the retractor 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 96: Securing A Child Restraint In The

    Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a front passenger air bag. Never put a rear facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: CAUTION: A child in a rear facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the front passenger’s air bag inflates.
  • Page 97 4. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 98 6. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor. Then, let the belt go back a few inches, and try to pull the belt out again.
  • Page 99: Larger Children

    To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. If your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, tighten the belt by pulling up on the shoulder belt...
  • Page 100 Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.
  • Page 101 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 102: 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 103: Replacing Restraint System Parts After A Crash

    Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new safety belts or built in child restraint parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the safety belts or built in child restraint harness straps were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new safety belts or...
  • Page 104 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 105 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 the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
  • Page 106 If you need a new key, contact your Pontiac dealer, who can obtain the correct key code. In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1 3743. (In Canada, call 1...
  • Page 107: 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 108: Power Door Locks

    Power Door Locks From the inside, press the front of the power door lock switch (on either front door) to unlock all doors and the liftgate. If your vehicle is equipped with the content theft deterrent system, the power door lock switch will not unlock the doors until the system is disarmed.
  • Page 109: Last Door Closed Locking

    Last Door Closed Locking The last door closed locking feature makes it easier to use your power door locks to lock all the doors and the liftgate when leaving your vehicle. When any door or the liftgate is open, the first time you attempt to lock the doors using the power lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped), this will result in three chimes to signal that last door...
  • Page 110: Leaving Your Vehicle

    Lockout Deterrent The lockout deterrent feature makes it difficult for you to lock your keys in your vehicle. If the driver’s door is open while the keys are in the ignition, a chime will sound and you will not be able to use your power door lock switch to lock the vehicle.
  • Page 111 This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
  • Page 112 Remote Lock Confirmation (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the content theft deterrent system, your remote keyless entry transmitter will have this feature. When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock your vehicle, the parking lamps will flash briefly to let you know the command has been received.
  • Page 113: Battery Replacement

    If the sliding door is locked, first unlock all doors (see “Remote Driver’s Door and All Door Unlock” earlier in this section), then press the van symbol to open the sliding door. Press the van symbol again to close the sliding door.
  • Page 114 1. Insert a flat object like a dime into the slot on the side of the transmitter and twist to separate the halves. 2. Gently pry the battery out of the transmitter. Do not use the metal flanges to “pop out” the battery. 3.
  • Page 115: Overhead Console Switchbank

    Overhead Console Switchbank This switchbank is located in the overhead console. The switches that you may find in this switchbank are the interior lamps override, power sliding door override, power sliding door and power rear quarter windows. If your vehicle does not have some of the options controlled by these switches, there will be a blank button in its place.
  • Page 116: Multifunction Alarm Locks And Lighting Choices

    Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices Your vehicle’s locks and lighting systems can be programmed with several different features. The features you can program depend on the options that came with your vehicle. The following chart shows the features that can be programmed.
  • Page 117: Entering Programming Mode

    Entering Programming Mode To program features, your vehicle must be in the programming mode. Follow these steps: 1. The content theft deterrent system (if equipped) must be disarmed. See “Content Theft System” in this section. 2. Remove the BCM PRGRM fuse from the instrument panel fuse block, located to the right of the glove box.
  • Page 118 Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 4. To change the mode: 1. Follow the instructions for “Entering Programming Mode” listed previously. 2. Turn the interior lamps control all the way clockwise and then back slightly counterclockwise. 3. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is in.
  • Page 119 Mode 4: Automatic Unlocking with Transaxle in PARK (P) Shift into PARK (P) with the ignition on; all doors will unlock automatically. Shift out of PARK (P) with the ignition on and the driver’s door closed; all doors will lock automatically. Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 3.
  • Page 120: Remote Driver's Unlock Control

    Programmable Modes Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes. Mode 1: Both Features Off (Doors will always lock immediately when you press LOCK on the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped.) Mode 2: Lockout Deterrent Only (If you leave your key in the ignition with the driver’s door open, you won’t be able to lock the doors with the power door locks.)
  • Page 121: Remote Lock And Unlock Confirmation

    Programmable Modes Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes. Mode 1: Remote All Doors Unlock (When you press UNLOCK on your remote keyless entry transmitter, all doors and the liftgate will unlock.) Mode 2: Remote Driver’s Door Unlock Only (When you press UNLOCK on your remote keyless entry transmitter once, the driver’s door will unlock.
  • Page 122 Programmable Modes Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes. Mode 1: Both Features Off (Remote lock and unlock confirmation are disabled.) Mode 2: Exterior Lamps Flash Only When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock your vehicle, your parking lamps will flash briefly to let you know the command has been received.
  • Page 123: Content Theft-Deterrent System

    The content theft shock sensor detects if anyone damages your vehicle. The shock sensors sensitivity can be adjusted, by your Pontiac dealer, if more or less sensitivity is desired. To customize this feature to your preference, see “Programmable Modes”...
  • Page 124 Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 4. To change the mode: 1. Follow the instructions for “Entering Programming Mode” listed previously. 2. Turn the parking lamps on, then off. 3. 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 turning the parking lamps on, then off again.
  • Page 125 Programmable Modes Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes. Mode 1: Power Door Lock Switch Arming Off The system will arm when you lock the doors with your key or remote keyless entry transmitter. The key must be removed from the ignition when you lock the doors or the content theft will not arm.
  • Page 126: Sliding Door

    Vehicles are delivered programmed in Mode 1. To change the mode: 1. Follow the instructions for “Entering Programming Mode” listed previously. 2. Insert your second key fully into any door key cylinder and turn it to the unlock position. This step is necessary to prevent accidental programming of this feature to Mode 2.
  • Page 127: Sliding Door Lock

    Sliding Door Lock CAUTION: If your vehicle is facing downward on a steep grade (15 percent or more), the door may not stay open and could slam shut, possibly injuring someone. To make sure the door does not slam shut, be sure to hold it open until everyone is clear of the door, and only then allow it to slowly close.
  • Page 128 Lock the sliding door from inside the vehicle by moving the manual locking lever down. Unlock it by moving the lever up. With the power door locks, the sliding door lock has a delay feature. See “Power Door Locks” or “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices”...
  • Page 129 This switch is located in the overhead console switchbank. Pushing the bottom of the button turns the power sliding door off. When the power sliding door switch is turned off, you will not be able to open the door using the switch located on the overhead console switchbank, the wall mounted switch in front of the passenger’s sliding...
  • Page 130 The other switch is mounted on the wall, just in front of the passenger’s side sliding door. The power sliding door override switch will also stop the door immediately, while the door is opening or closing, when the switch is turned off. The power sliding door will only open if the transaxle is in PARK (P).
  • Page 131 If anything obstructs the power sliding door while it is closing, the door will automatically reverse to the open position, provided it meets sufficient resistance. Resistance must be as strong as the force of the closing door, or stronger. The force of the closing door increases significantly as the door approaches the latched position.
  • Page 132 CAUTION: If your vehicle is facing downward on a steep grade (15 percent or more), the door may not stay open and could slam shut, possibly injuring someone. To make sure the door does not slam shut, turn on the power sliding door feature. Then if the door closes, it will close under the control of the power door system.
  • Page 133 Sliding Door Security Lock Your vehicle is equipped with a sliding door security lock that helps prevent young children or other passengers from opening the sliding door by using the inside door handle. The security lock lever is located on the inside of the sliding door, on the front edge of the door.
  • Page 134: Resetting The Power Sliding Door

    Resetting the Power Sliding Door The power sliding door may operate incorrectly or not at all because of the following conditions: A low voltage or dead battery, disconnecting the battery, or if the IGN 1, B/U LAMP, RADIO or PWR SEAT/PSD fuse is removed or blown.
  • Page 135 Liftgate To unlock the liftgate from the outside, turn the key in the cylinder clockwise. To lock the liftgate using the key, turn the key counterclockwise. Open the liftgate using the handle above the license plate. Once slightly opened, the liftgate will rise by itself.
  • Page 136 To close the liftgate, pull down on the handle, then firmly shut the liftgate. Don’t drive with the liftgate open, even slightly. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. A message in your instrument panel will warn you if the liftgate is not completely closed. See “Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message”...
  • Page 137 Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your key.
  • Page 138 Once armed, the alarm will go off if someone tries to enter the vehicle (without using the remote keyless entry transmitter or a key), breaks a window, tries to damage the vehicle or turns the ignition on. The horn will sound and the parking lamps will flash for up to two minutes.
  • Page 139: Disarming With Your Key

    Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Your alarm system will disarm when you use your remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock the doors. The security light will stop flashing to let you know the system is no longer armed. Disarming with Your Key Your alarm system will disarm when you use your key to unlock the doors.
  • Page 140 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 141 To program the new key: 1. Insert the ignition key in the ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not start see your dealer for service. 2. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF, and remove the key. 3.
  • Page 142: Ignition Positions

    Ignition Positions With the key in the ignition, you can turn the switch to five positions. ACCESSORY (A): This is an on position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you. LOCK (B): This is the only position in which you can remove the key.
  • Page 143: Starting Your Engine

    RUN (D): This is an on position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in RUN when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical power accessories, and to display some instrument panel warning lights.
  • Page 144 NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.
  • Page 145 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) 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 146: Automatic Transaxle Operation

    Automatic Transaxle Operation Maximum engine speed is limited when you’re in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), to protect driveline components from improper operation. There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This gear position locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.
  • Page 147 REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow”...
  • Page 148 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 149 NOTICE: Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) as much as possible. Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage your engine.
  • Page 150: Parking Brake

    Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot and push down on the parking brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.
  • Page 151 Shifting Into PARK (P) CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
  • Page 152 Move the lever up as far as it will go. 3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 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). Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running CAUTION:...
  • Page 153: 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 154: 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 155: Running Your Engine While You're Parked

    Running Your Engine While You’re Parked It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if ever you 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 156: Manual Windows

    Windows Manual Windows Use the manual crank to open and close the front windows. Power Windows (Option) If you have power windows, the switches on the driver’s door armrest control the front windows (when the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY or when retained accessory power (RAP) is active).
  • Page 157: Side Window Latches

    Side Window Latches The rear of the side windows swings open. To open, pull the latch forward to release it, then swing the window outward. Press the center of the latch to secure the window in the open position. To close, pull the center of the latch forward and then close the latch.
  • Page 158: Tilt Wheel

    Horn You can sound the horn by pressing the horn symbols on your steering 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.
  • Page 159: Turn Signal And Lane Change Indicator

    Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator 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 160: Windshield Wipers

    Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer To change the headlamps from high to low beam, or low to high, simply pull the turn signal lever all the way toward you. Then release it. When the high beams are on, this light on the instrument panel cluster will also be on.
  • Page 161: Windshield Washer

    Windshield Washer To wash your windshield, press and hold the windshield washer paddle. The washers and wipers will operate. When you release the paddle, the washers will stop, and the wipers will continue to operate for two cycles, unless your wipers had already been on. In that case, the wipers will resume the wiper speed you had selected earlier.
  • Page 162 To wash and wipe the rear window, push in the washer symbol on the top of the button. Washer fluid will spray as long as the button is held in. When the top of the button is released, the wiper will continue to cycle three more times.
  • Page 163 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 cruise control.
  • Page 164 Resuming a Set Speed Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it. Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from ON to RESUME/ACCEL (R/A) briefly.
  • Page 165: Exterior Lamps

    Using Cruise Control on Hills How well your cruise control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down.
  • Page 166: Lamps On Reminder

    Turning the dial to this setting turns on the headlamps, together with: Parking Lamps Sidemarker Lamps Taillamps Instrument Panel Lights Turning the dial to this setting turns off all the lamps and lights. Lamps on Reminder If the driver’s door is opened and you turn the ignition to OFF or LOCK while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
  • Page 167: Interior Lamps

    Fog Lamps The fog lamps switch is located in the instrument panel switchbank. Push the fog lamp symbol on the switch to turn on the lamps. The indicator light will glow when the fog lamps are on. Push the ribbed part of the switch to turn them off. The indicator light will go off.
  • Page 168 Interior Lamps Override Switch This switch is located in the overhead console switchbank. Press the symbol on the bottom of the switch to override control of the interior lamps and turn off power to the courtesy lamps, reading lamps, visor vanity lamps (if equipped) and glove box lamp.
  • Page 169: Exit Lighting

    Delayed Illumination The delayed illumination feature will continue to illuminate the interior for 25 seconds after all doors have been closed so that you can find your ignition and buckle your safety belt at night. Delayed illumination will not occur while the ignition is in RUN or ACCESSORY.
  • Page 170: Front Reading Lamps

    Front Reading Lamps There are two reading lamps in the overhead console. To turn either reading lamp on or off, press the lens of the lamp. These lamps will go on each time you open the doors, unless you turn on the interior lamps override feature. Rear Reading Lamps There are two reading lamps in the third row headliner, above the outboard seating positions.
  • Page 171: Battery Saver

    Cargo Lamp The cargo lamp is located in the rear of your vehicle, above the liftgate opening, and has no switch of its own. It will go on each time you open the doors, unless you turn on the interior lamps override. Battery Saver Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent you from draining the battery, in case you accidentally leave the...
  • Page 172 Turn the control counterclockwise to select the driver’s side rearview mirror, or clockwise to select the passenger’s side rearview mirror. Then use the control to adjust each mirror so that you can see a little of the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
  • Page 173: Storage Compartments

    Storage Compartments Your vehicle’s large carrying capacity can store many items. If you have the extended wheelbase version, you can carry things as large as a 4 You can also use the floor pins that are used to attach the seats, to secure larger loads.
  • Page 174 Overhead Console (If Equipped) The optional front overhead console has reading lamps, a switchbank, storage compartments, including one for your garage door opener and another one for your sunglasses, and a driver information center (DIC). The garage door opener and sunglasses storage compartments are explained on the following pages.
  • Page 175 4. Once the opener is installed, use the black pegs inside the compartment door to make sure the lined area on the compartment door will contact the control button on your garage door opener when pressed. 5. Add one peg at a time until your garage door opener operates with the compartment door closed when you press the button.
  • Page 176: Storage Bin

    Storage Bin At the base of the center instrument panel console, there is a storage bin. To open the bin, lift the latch release and the door will fold down. Inside the bin, you will find a tray that slides out. Slide the tray all the way toward the rear of the vehicle until the tray locks onto the plastic tabs at the end of the guide rails.
  • Page 177 The dividers in the tray can be removed by squeezing the plastic tabs on the bottom of the dividers, while pulling up. Put the dividers back in by sliding them down until the tabs click into place. To reinstall the tray, line up the guides on the bottom of the tray with the guide rails in the storage bin door.
  • Page 178 Convenience Net (Option) The optional convenience net is designed to help keep small loads, like grocery bags, from falling over during sharp turns or quick stops and starts. Install the convenience net at the rear of your vehicle, just inside the liftgate.
  • Page 179: Front Seat Storage Net

    Side Convenience Nets The side convenience nets are designed to hold smaller items (about 8 lbs. (4 kg.)) than the large convenience net. Attach the loops to the posts on the rear side panels, near the jack storage area. When not in use, it is recommend that you take down the convenience nets to extend their life and retain their elasticity.
  • Page 180 Luggage Carrier (Option) CAUTION: If you try to carry something on top of your vehicle that is longer or wider than the luggage carrier like paneling, plywood, a mattress, and so forth the wind can catch it as you drive along.
  • Page 181 NOTICE: Loading cargo that weighs more than 150 lbs. (68 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage your vehicle. When you carry cargo on the luggage carrier of a proper size and weight, put it on the slats, as far forward as you can.
  • Page 182: Ashtray And Cigarette Lighter

    After repositioning the crossrails, be sure to tighten the release knobs by turning them clockwise. This will lock the crossrails in place. Use the tie the slider to help secure large loads. Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter The ashtray and cigarette lighter are located below the instrument panel switchbank in the instrument panel, below the switchbank.
  • Page 183: Sun Visors

    Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also remove them from the center mount and swing them to the side. Visor Vanity Mirrors Pull down the sun visor. Flip up the cover to expose the vanity mirror.
  • Page 184 CAUTION: Inflating something too much can make it explode, and you or others could be injured. Be sure to read the inflator instructions, and inflate any object only to its recommended pressure. To use your air inflator system, the engine must be running or the ignition key in ACCESSORY.
  • Page 185: Accessory Power Outlets

    Accessory Power Outlets Power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone, CB radio, etc. Follow the proper installation instructions that are included with any electrical equipment you install. The front power outlet is located next to the ashtray and lighter.
  • Page 186 OnStar System (If Equipped) OnStar is a vehicle communications service. The following services are available through a subscription with OnStar and are available 24 hours a day: Emergency Services Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment Theft Notification and Stolen Vehicle Tracking Roadside Assistance with Location Remote Diagnostics OnStar MED...
  • Page 187 The Instrument Panel Your Information System 2-84...
  • Page 188 The main components of the instrument panel are: A. Side Vents B. Front Vents C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever D. Hazard Warning Flashers Switch E. Instrument Panel Cluster F. Center Vents G. Audio System H. Side Vents I. Lamp Switch J. Hood Release K.
  • Page 189: Instrument Panel Cluster

    Instrument Panel Cluster Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically. The indicator warning lights and gages are explained on the following pages.
  • Page 190 Speedometer and Tamper Resistant 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 191 Retro Active Reset Each of the two trip odometers has a feature called retro active reset. This feature can be used to set either (or both) trip odometer(s) to the number of miles (kilometers) driven since the ignition was last turned on.
  • Page 192: Safety Belt Reminder Light

    Warning Lights, Gages, Messages 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 193: Air Bag Readiness Light

    Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows an air bag symbol. 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 diagnostic module.
  • Page 194: Brake System Warning Light

    Brake System Warning Light When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
  • Page 195: Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

    Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light The anti system warning light should come on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the anti lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn the ignition off.
  • Page 196: Malfunction Indicator Lamp

    If the traction control system is affected by an engine related problem, the system will turn off and the warning light will come on. If the traction control system warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
  • Page 197 This system is called OBD II (On Board Diagnostics Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
  • Page 198 Light Flashing A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required. Light On Steady An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
  • Page 199 Are you low on fuel? As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this condition.
  • Page 200: Fuel Gage

    Fuel Gage United States When the indicator nears EMPTY (E), you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. If your fuel is low, the warning message in the message center will go on. See “Low Fuel Warning Message” later in this section.
  • Page 201: Message Center

    Message Center The message center is located in the instrument panel cluster. It gives you important safety and maintenance facts. Charging System Indicator Message The charging system battery symbol will come on in the message center when you turn on the ignition as a check to show you it is working.
  • Page 202 Traction Active Message (Option) If your vehicle has the traction control system, the TRACTION ACTIVE message will appear when the traction control system is limiting wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message appears, so adjust your driving accordingly.
  • Page 203: Low Coolant Level Warning Message

    Low Coolant Level Warning Message If this message comes on, your system is low on coolant and the engine may overheat. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index and have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Low Oil Pressure Message Your vehicle is equipped with a LOW OIL PRESSURE...
  • Page 204: Power Sliding Door Warning Message

    Low Engine Oil Level Message If this message comes on, it means your engine is low on oil. You need to check the oil level right away. Have your vehicle serviced immediately. Change Engine Oil Message If this CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes on and stays on after you started the engine,...
  • Page 205: Door Ajar Warning Message

    Door Ajar Warning Message This message will come on when the ignition is turned to RUN or START and the driver’s or passenger’s door is open. It may also come on if a sliding door is not in the fully latched position.
  • Page 206 Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option) The DIC will show information about the vehicle and the surroundings. E/M (English/Metric Button): You can change the display to a metric or English reading at any time by pressing E/M. This button will also toggle the odometer display.
  • Page 207: Compass Variance

    Compass Variance Compass variance is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some areas of the country, the difference is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this occurs, the compass variance must be set. Setting the Variance 2-104 Turn the ignition on and cycle the DIC to the...
  • Page 208: Trip Computer

    Turn the ignition on and cycle the DIC to the compass/temperature mode. Press both the E/M and MODE buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the calibration symbol appears. Release both buttons and complete three 360 _ turns in an area free from large metal objects.
  • Page 209 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 Air Conditioning Heating Defogging and Defrosting...
  • Page 210: Comfort Controls

    Comfort Controls This section tells you how to make your air system work for you. With this system, you can control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a flow through ventilation system described later in this section.
  • Page 211: Air Conditioning

    DEFOG: This setting directs air to the windshield and through the floor ducts. This mode is particularly useful during cold or inclement weather because of your vehicle’s larger windshield area. DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air to the windshield and side window vents. Mode Buttons OUTSIDE AIR: Press this button (the light will glow) to send outside air into your vehicle.
  • Page 212: Defogging And Defrosting

    The air conditioner removes moisture from the air, so you may sometimes notice water dripping from under your vehicle’s engine compartment when it is idling or after it has been turned off. This is normal. Heating Turn the temperature knob clockwise (toward the red area) to warm the air.
  • Page 213 Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped) Press the REAR button (the light will glow) to warm the defogger grid on the rear window and to turn on the heated outside rearview mirrors. The system will turn off automatically after about 10 minutes of use. If you turn it on again, the defogger will operate for about five minutes.
  • Page 214 Rear Fan Control This option comes with the rear climate controls. Keep the area around the base of the center instrument panel console and the area between and under the front seats free of objects that would obstruct airflow to the rear of the vehicle.
  • Page 215 Turn the temperature knob counterclockwise (to the blue area) for cooler air, or clockwise (to the red area) for warmer air. To maintain a comfortable temperature in the rear, use either rear fan control to adjust the force of air coming through the rear outlets.
  • Page 216: Ventilation System

    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 fan is running. Your vehicle has air outlets that allow you to adjust the direction and amount of airflow inside the vehicle.
  • Page 217: Audio Systems

    Audio Systems Your 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 audio 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 218 Playing the Radio PWR VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RCL: Press this knob to recall the station being played or to display the clock. Clock display is available with the vehicle off.
  • Page 219 Setting the Tone BASS: Press and release AUDIO repeatedly until BAS appears on the display. Then press and hold the up arrow to increase bass. “B” and a positive number will appear on the display. Press and hold the down arrow to decrease bass.
  • Page 220 FADE: Press and release AUDIO until FAD appears on the display. Then press and hold the up arrow to move the sound to the front speakers or the down arrow to move the sound to the rear speakers. “F” and a number will appear on the display when the sound is balanced toward the front speakers.
  • Page 221 SCV: Your system has a feature called Speed Compensated Volume (SCV). With SCV, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to select MIN, MED or MAX.
  • Page 222 Setting the Tone TONE: Press and release this button until the desired tone control (BASS, MID or TREB) is found. The SELECT LED indicator will light to show that the tone control can be adjusted. When using BASS, MID or TREB, turn the SELECT knob clockwise to increase.
  • Page 223 Using RDS Mode Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS mode gives you many useful new features. With RDS, the radio can: Seek only to stations with the types of programs you want to listen to, seek to stations with traffic announcements, receive announcements concerning local and national emergencies, and...
  • Page 224 PROG TYPE: This button is used to turn on and off Program Type (PTY) select. The P appear on the display and the SELECT LED indicator next to the SELECT knob will light. The last selected PTY will appear on the display for five seconds. Turn the SELECT knob to select the PTY you want to listen to.
  • Page 225 ALTERNATE FREQUENCY: This feature allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the same program type. Press and hold AM FM for two seconds to turn alternate frequency on. AF ON will appear on the display. The radio may switch to stronger stations. Press and hold AM FM again for two seconds to turn alternate frequency off.
  • Page 226 TIGHT TAPE is displayed when the tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat.
  • Page 227 SCAN: Press and hold one of the SEEK arrows for more than two seconds until SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. Use SCAN to listen to each selection for a few seconds. The tape will go to the next selection, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next selection.
  • Page 228 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped) Playing the Radio VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. 3-20 SCV: Your system has a feature called Speed...
  • Page 229 SCAN: Press and hold one of the SEEK arrows for two seconds until the SCAN icon appears on the display and you hear a beep. Use SCAN to listen to stations for a few seconds. The radio will go to a station, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next station.
  • Page 230 EQ: This feature allows you to choose preset bass, mid and treble equalization settings designed for different individual listening tastes. Press EQ to select the desired preset equalization setting. Each time you press EQ, another setting will appear on the display. You can preset up to six equalization settings.
  • Page 231 TRAF: Press this button to receive traffic announcements. The traffic announcement brackets will appear on the display. TRAF will appear on the display if the tuned station broadcasts traffic announcements. If the current tuned station does not broadcast traffic announcements, the radio will seek to a station that does.
  • Page 232 PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite Program Types (PTYs). These buttons have factory PTY presets. You can set up to 12 PTYs (six FM1 and six FM2). Just: 1. Press PROG TYPE, if it is not already on. 2.
  • Page 233 Playing a Compact Disc With the ignition on, insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in and the disc should begin playing. If you want to insert a CD when the ignition is off, first press the eject symbol or the RCL knob.
  • Page 234 SCAN: Press and hold one of the SEEK arrows for more than two seconds until SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. Use SCAN to listen to each selection for a few seconds. The disc will go to the next selection, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next selection.
  • Page 235 Playing the Radio VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. SCV: Your system has a feature called Speed Compensated Volume (SCV). With SCV, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive.
  • Page 236 PRESET SCAN: Press and hold one of the SEEK arrows for more than four seconds until the PSCAN icon and the preset number appear on the display. You will hear a double beep. Use PRESET SCAN to listen to each of your preset stations for a few seconds. The radio will go to the first preset station stored on your pushbuttons, stop for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station.
  • Page 237 Using RDS Mode Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS mode gives you many useful new features. With RDS, the radio can: Seek only to stations with the types of programs you want to listen to, seek to stations with traffic announcements, receive announcements concerning local and national emergencies, and...
  • Page 238 PROG TYPE: This button is used to turn on and off Program Type (PTY) select. The P appear on the display and the SELECT LED indicator next to the SELECT knob will light. The last selected PTY will appear on the display for five seconds. Turn the SELECT knob to select the PTY you want to listen to.
  • Page 239 ALTERNATE FREQUENCY: This feature allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the same programming. Press and hold AM FM for two seconds to turn alternate frequency on. AF ON will appear on the display. The radio may switch to stronger stations. Press and hold AM FM again for two seconds to turn alternate frequency off.
  • Page 240 TIGHT TAPE is displayed when the tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat.
  • Page 241 SCAN: Press and hold one of the SEEK arrows for more than two seconds until SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for SCAN to work. Use SCAN to listen to each selection for a few seconds.
  • Page 242 Inserting a CD with the radio off and the ignition on will start auto play. Note that when the disc is inserted, the CD symbol will be displayed. If you select an EQ setting for your CD, it will be activated each time you play a CD. As each new track starts to play, the track number will appear on the display.
  • Page 243 RCL: Press this button to see how long the current track has been playing. To change what is normally shown on the display (track or elapsed time), press the button until you see the display you want, then hold the button until the display flashes.
  • Page 244 The following function is controlled by the primary radio knob: POWER VOL: Push this knob twice to turn the rear seat audio system on or off. ON or OFF will be displayed for five seconds. The rear speakers will be muted when the power is turned on.
  • Page 245 P.SET PROG: The front passengers must be listening to something different for each of these functions to work: Press this button to seek through your preset radio stations set on your primary radio pushbuttons. The display will show your selections. When a cassette tape is playing, press this button to go to the other side of the tape.
  • Page 246: Audio Steering Wheel Controls

    Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio and remote playback functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. VOLUME: Press the up or down arrow to increase or decrease volume. PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or compact disc when the radio is playing.
  • Page 247: 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 248: 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 249: Integrated Windshield Antenna

    After you clean the player, press and hold the cassette eject symbol or EJT button for five seconds to reset the CLEAN or CLN indicator. The radio will display CLEANED or to show the indicator was reset. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.
  • Page 250: Table Of Contents

    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 Traction Control System (Option) Steering...
  • Page 251: Defensive Driving

    Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”...
  • Page 252: 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 253 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 254 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 255: 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 256: Anti-Lock Brakes (Abs)

    Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.
  • Page 257 Here’s how anti lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
  • Page 258: Traction Control System (Option)

    Remember: Anti lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 259 If this message comes on and stays on or comes on while you are driving, there’s a problem with your traction control system. See “Service Traction System Warning Message” in the Index. When this warning message is on, the TRAC OFF light will come on to remind you that the system will not limit wheel spin.
  • Page 260: Steering

    Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control”...
  • Page 261: Steering In Emergencies

    Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you.
  • Page 262: Off - Road Recovery

    Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
  • Page 263 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 264: Loss Of Control

    Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
  • Page 265: Driving At Night

    Driving at Night Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively. Don’t drink and drive.
  • Page 266: Driving In Rain And On Wet Roads

    You can be temporarily blinded by approaching headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps), slow down a little.
  • Page 267 The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road and even people walking.
  • Page 268: Driving Through Flowing Water

    It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
  • Page 269: 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 270: 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 271: Before Leaving On A Long Trip

    If it needs service, have it done before starting out. 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. 4-22...
  • Page 272: Highway Hypnosis

    Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
  • Page 273 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 274: 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 vehicle. 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 reflective warning triangles.
  • Page 275 What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (32 _ F;...
  • Page 276 Your anti lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have an anti lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti Lock”...
  • Page 277 Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
  • Page 278: Recreational Vehicle Towing

    Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can.
  • Page 279 The label shows the size of your original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
  • Page 280 If you put things inside your vehicle tools, packages, or anything else as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going. CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
  • Page 281: Towing A Trailer

    Towing a Trailer CAUTION: If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well You and your passengers could be seriously injured.
  • Page 282: If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

    If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving.
  • Page 283: Weight Of The Trailer Tongue

    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: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre...
  • Page 284 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Certification/Tire Label at the rear edge of the driver’s door, or see “Tire Loading” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
  • Page 285: Driving With A Trailer

    Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting 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 286: Following Distance

    Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
  • Page 287: Making Turns

    Making Turns NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal.
  • Page 288: Parking On Hills

    Parking on Hills CAUTION: You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it: 1.
  • Page 289 Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating Cooling System If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow...
  • Page 290: 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. Your hazard warning flashers button is located on top of the steering column.
  • Page 291: Jump Starting

    Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. But please use the following steps listed to do it safely. On vehicles equipped with the optional power sliding door, a low voltage battery or replacing a battery may cause the system to become inoperative.
  • Page 292 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems.
  • Page 293 5. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jump starting terminal. The terminal is under a tethered cap at the front of the underhood fuse and relay center. Squeeze the tabs and pull up on the cap to access the remote positive (+) terminal.
  • Page 294 6. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative ( ) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or a body metal surface.
  • Page 295 9. Now connect the black negative ( to the good battery’s negative ( Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative ( go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.
  • Page 296: Towing Your Vehicle

    Removal Procedure A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part B. Good Battery C. Dead Battery 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.
  • Page 297: Engine Overheating

    NOTICE: Use the proper towing equipment to avoid damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas of the vehicle. With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is essential that the correct towing equipment is used to tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel lift or car carrier equipment.
  • Page 298 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
  • Page 299: If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

    NOTICE: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index. 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.
  • Page 300: Cooling System

    Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A. Radiator Pressure Cap B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans C. Coolant Recovery Tank 5-12 CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you.
  • Page 301 When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the FULL COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system. CAUTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot.
  • Page 302: Recovery Tank

    NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX COOL (silicate If coolant other than DEX COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first.
  • Page 303 NOTICE: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture. 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 304 CAUTION: Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap even a little they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot.
  • Page 305: How To Add Coolant To The Radiator

    How to Add Coolant to the Radiator 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops.
  • Page 306 Bypass Tube 3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valves. There are two bleed valves. One is located on the thermostat housing. The other is located on the thermostat bypass tube. 5-18 Housing 4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck.
  • Page 307 6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. 7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX COOL through the filler neck until the level reaches the...
  • Page 308: If A Tire Goes Flat

    9. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL COLD mark. 10. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank. 5-20 If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
  • Page 309: 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 310: Removing The Spare Tire And Tools

    Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is located in the storage compartment at the rear of the vehicle, on the passenger’s side. 1. Remove the side convenience net. 2. Open the jack storage compartment by lifting up the tab and pulling the cover off.
  • Page 311 A. Hoist Shaft D. Spare Tire B. Hoist Assembly E. Extension (Chisel End) C. Retainer F. Folding Wrench The compact spare tire is located under the vehicle, ahead of the rear bumper. (See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section for more information about the compact spare.) Attach the folding wrench to the extension and insert the chisel end on an angle through the hole in the rear bumper and into the hoist shaft.
  • Page 312 Tilt the retainer at the end of the cable so it can be pulled up through the wheel opening. 5-24 The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A), extension (B) and folding wrench (C).
  • Page 313: Spare Tire

    Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. With the end of the folding wrench, loosen the nuts. If your vehicle has the plastic “bolt covers, loosen them completely using the folding wrench, and remove the wheel cover. For wheels with a wheel lock key, use the wheel lock key between the lock nut and folding wrench.
  • Page 314 3. Near each wheel, there is a notch in the vehicle’s body. Position the jack and raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch in the vehicle’s frame nearest the flat tire. 5-26 NOTICE: Do not place the jack under the rear axle control arms.
  • Page 315 CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle. 4.
  • Page 316 CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 8. Install the spare tire and put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
  • Page 317 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. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new GM original equipment wheel nuts.
  • Page 318: Storing A Flat Or Spare Tire And Tools

    Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.
  • Page 319 5. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If the tire moves, use the folding wrench to tighten the cable. Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack storage compartment and put the compartment cover back on.
  • Page 320: Compact Spare Tire

    Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
  • Page 321: If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice Or Snow

    If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.
  • Page 322 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 323: 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 324 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 325 (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 326: 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 327 While refueling, let the cap hang by the tether as shown. 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 328: Filling A Portable Fuel Container

    The malfunction indicator lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light) will come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
  • Page 329: 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 330 2. Go to the front of the vehicle and push up on the underhood release. 3. Lift the hood. The hood prop may be hot due to increased engine temperatures under the hood, so be careful when handling it. Use your hood prop sleeve when handling the hood prop.
  • Page 331 When you lift the hood, you’ll see these items: A. Underhood Fuse and Relay Center B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir D. Radiator Pressure Cap E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir F. Engine Oil Fill Cap 6-10 G.
  • Page 332: Engine Oil

    Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly then follow these steps: 1. Lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop. 2. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood. 3. Return the prop to its retainer. 4.
  • Page 333: When To Add Engine Oil

    When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, 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 334: What Kind Of Engine Oil To Use

    What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the starburst symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this starburst symbol.
  • Page 335: Engine Oil Additives

    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 Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines...
  • Page 336: What To Do With Used Oil

    How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message 1. With the ignition key in RUN but the engine off, fully push and release the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. 2. Turn the key to OFF. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back on, the engine oil life monitor has not reset.
  • Page 337 Checking or Replacing the Air Cleaner/Filter 1. Unlatch the two hooks on top of the air cleaner housing. 2. Turn back the air inlet panel and rest it on top of the housing. The air intake tube is designed to flex back; you do not need to disconnect it.
  • Page 338 1. Pull the tab up and out on the outer access panel. 2. Then squeeze the tab on the left of the inner access panel. 3. The first air filter will pull straight out. To remove the second, reach in and slide it toward the opening. Pull the second filter out.
  • Page 339: Automatic Transaxle Fluid

    Automatic Transaxle Fluid When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90...
  • Page 340 Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range.
  • Page 341: How To Add Fluid

    3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the cross 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way. How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use.
  • Page 342: Engine Coolant

    Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with COOL 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 extended life coolant.
  • Page 343 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 344: Checking Coolant

    Checking Coolant The engine coolant reservoir is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, above the engine air cleaner/filter. The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL COLD mark, or a little higher.
  • Page 345: Power Steering Fluid

    Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. 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 346: Windshield Washer Fluid

    When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
  • Page 347: 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 348 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 349: Brake Wear

    What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT fluid. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it.
  • Page 350: Brake Adjustment

    CAUTION: The brake wear warning sound means that soon your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced. NOTICE: Continuing to drive with worn could result in costly brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied.
  • Page 351: Vehicle Storage

    Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested with top brake parts.
  • Page 352: Bulb Replacement

    Bulb Replacement For the type of bulbs, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer’s service department. Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured.
  • Page 353 4. Unscrew the black retainer ring that holds the bulb assembly in place. 5. Pull the bulb assembly straight up from the lamp housing. 6. Unhook the electrical connector by lifting up the blue tabs and pulling the bulb out. 6-32 7.
  • Page 354 8. Carefully put the bulb assembly back into the lamp housing and tighten the black retainer ring in place. Be careful not to damage the bulb on the headlamp aiming bar. 9. Align the pins on the bottom of the headlamp assembly with the holes in the lamp support bracket while placing the holes in the assembly over the bolts where the wing nuts attach.
  • Page 355 Front Turn Signal/Parking Lamps 1. Open the hood. 2. Remove the thumb screw attaching the parking/turn signal lamp assembly to the headlamp assembly. 3. Pull the parking/turn signal lamp assembly away from the vehicle. 4. Unscrew the bulb socket from the lamp assembly by pressing the tab while turning counterclockwise.
  • Page 356 7. To reinstall the lamp assembly, line up and insert the tabs on the back of the assembly with the slots in the fender. Engage the lower clip on the front of the lamp assembly, keeping the upper tab on the parking/turn signal lamp assembly inboard of the headlamp bracket tab.
  • Page 357 5. Replace the bulb by pulling the old one out and gently pushing the new one into the lamp socket. 6. Line up the tabs on the socket with the gaps in the socket holes and screw the bulb socket back into the lamp housing.
  • Page 358 Taillamps 1. Open the liftgate. 2. Remove the two screws from the taillamp housing on the inboard side. 3. Pull off the entire taillamp housing. The locator/retaining pins on the outboard side are part of the lamp assembly and will remain intact during removal.
  • Page 359: 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 the Index for more information. Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. For proper type and length, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts”...
  • Page 360 5. Push the release clip at the connecting point of the blade and the arm up and pull the blade assembly down toward the glass to remove it from the wiper arm. 6. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm until you hear the release clip “click”...
  • Page 361 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 362: Tire Inspection And Rotation

    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 363 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 Certification/Tire label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
  • Page 364: 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 365: 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 366 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 367: Wheel Replacement

    Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset.
  • Page 368: 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 369: Appearance Care

    Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
  • Page 370: Special Fabric Cleaning Problems

    Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric 1.
  • Page 371: Cleaning Vinyl

    Cleaning Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth. Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it more than once. Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a vinyl/leather cleaner.
  • Page 372: Cleaning Glass Surfaces

    Cleaning the Built in Child Restraint Pad The built in child restraint pad is attached to the seat frame with fastener strips. You can remove the pad and hand wash it with mild soap and water. Care of Safety Belts and Built Child Restraint Harness Keep the safety belts and the built in child restraint...
  • Page 373 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami Powder (non...
  • Page 374: Washing Your Vehicle

    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. Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Use a car washing soap. Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents.
  • Page 375: Cleaning Aluminum Wheels

    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 376: Chemical Paint Spotting

    Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Pontiac will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs first.
  • Page 377 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 378: Electrical System

    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 379: Windshield Wipers

    Headlamp Wiring The headlamp wiring is protected by an internal circuit breaker in the instrument panel fuse panel. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have your headlamp wiring checked right away.
  • Page 380 Instrument Panel Fuse Block The instrument panel fuse block is located to the right of the glove box. Pull the door open to access the instrument panel fuse block. Circuit Usage Breakers HEADLAMP DRL Control Module, Headlamp and Instrument Panel Dimmer Switch PWR WDO Front Power Windows...
  • Page 381 Fuses Usage Steering Wheel Radio Control BACKLIGHT Switches (Illumination) PCM/PASS Instrument Cluster to KEY/CLUSTER PRNDL Indicators PWR MIRROR Power Remote Control Mirror Switch CRUISE Cruise Control Module, Switch and Release Switch PCM/CRANK Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Ignition Crank PASS KEY PASS Key III System PWR LOCK...
  • Page 382 Fuses Usage CLUSTER Module/Electronic Brake Control BATT Module/Electronic Brake Traction Control Module (EBCM/EBTCM) CAN VENT Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Canister Vent Solonoid Valve ELC/TRAILER ELC Air Compressor and ELC Relay, Trailer Harness CTSY LAMP IGN 1 BCM, Electronic Brake Control Indicator Lamp Driver Module, Instrument Panel Cluster, Rear Side Door Actuator Control Module, Rear Windows...
  • Page 383 Underhood Fuse and Relay Center This fuse and relay center is located in the engine compartment, in front of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The fuses marked spare are available if a replacement fuse is needed. To remove the cover, turn the knob clockwise and lift up on the remote positive (+) battery terminal cover.
  • Page 384 Maxi Fuse Usage IGN MAIN 1 Ignition Switch to Fuses (Instrument Panel): ABS/TCS IGN, CRUISE, DRL, ELEC PRNDL, IGN 1, PSD, SIR, T/SIG and PCM [IGN MAIN Relay (Underhood Electrical Center Fuses: A/C CLU, ELEK IGN, IGN 1 U/H, INJ, TCC)] COOL FAN 1 Coolant Fans BATT...
  • Page 385 Mini Fuse Usage IGN1 Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Canister Purge Valve, Heated Oxygen Sensors 1 and 2, Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor SPARE Not Used SPARE Not Used SPARE Not Used ELEK IGN Ignition Control Module (ICM) SPARE Not Used B/U LAMP Transaxle Range Switch to Back up Lamps...
  • Page 386: Capacities And Specifications

    Replacement Bulbs Headlamps ......Front Turn Signal/Parking Lamps ..3157 NA or 3157 NAK Front Sidemarker Lamps .
  • Page 387: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

    Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Filter ... . . Battery Replacement ....Engine Oil Filter .
  • Page 388 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance. Introduction Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Scheduled Maintenance Part B: Owner Checks and Services Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Part E: Maintenance Record...
  • Page 389: Your Vehicle And The Environment

    Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your dealer for details. Introduction Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment.
  • Page 390: How This Section Is Organized

    How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs.
  • Page 391: 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 392: 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 393 Scheduled Maintenance Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled Maintenance Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Reset the system. The system will show you when to change the oil 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
  • Page 394 Scheduled Maintenance...
  • Page 395 Scheduled Maintenance...
  • Page 396 Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
  • Page 397 Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) Replace engine air cleaner filter.
  • Page 398 Scheduled Maintenance 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) j Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90 _ F (32 _ C) or higher. –...
  • Page 399 Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
  • Page 400 Scheduled Maintenance 82,500 Miles (137 500 km) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often.
  • Page 401 Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) Inspect spark plug wires. 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 402: At Each Fuel Fill

    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 403: At Least Twice A Year

    At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. If your vehicle has a built restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip, child head restraint and anchorages are working properly.
  • Page 404 At Least Once a Year Key Lock Cylinders Service Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D. Body Lubrication Service Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding seats, fuel door hinge, liftgate hinges, power sliding door cable and sliding door track(s).
  • Page 405 Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System 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.
  • Page 406 Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll.
  • Page 407: 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 408: 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 Inspect the complete system.
  • Page 409 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 410 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Chassis Chassis Lubricant (GM Part Lubrication No. 12377985 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC Hood Latch Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol Assembly, (GM Part No. 12346293 or Secondary Latch, equivalent) or lubricant meeting Pivots, Spring requirements of NLGI # 2, Anchor and...
  • Page 411: 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 Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
  • Page 412 Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-25...
  • Page 413 Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-26...
  • Page 414 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 415: 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 416: 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 417 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 418: 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 419 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 420: 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 421: 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 422: 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 423: Courtesy Transportation

    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,...
  • Page 424: 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 425: 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 426: 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 1–800–762-2737, 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 427 2000 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 428 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.

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