Pontiac 2001 Grand Am Owner's Manual
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Pontiac 2001 Grand Am Owner's Manual

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  • Page 3 2001 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual Litho in U.S.A. © Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000 Part Number 22628053 A First Edition All Rights Reserved...
  • Page 4 Seats and Seat Controls Section Safety Belts Windows Section Keys and Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Remote Trunk Release Automatic Transaxle (If Equipped) Manual Transaxle (If Equipped) Parking Brake Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Table of Contents Seats and Restraint Systems Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Restraint Systems for Children...
  • 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: Maintenance Schedule

    Fuel Section Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Brakes Bulb Replacement Section Scheduled Maintenance Owner 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 Capacities and Specifications...
  • 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 (See Warranty Manual)

  • Page 8: For Canadian Owners Who Prefer A French Language Manual

    GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name GRAND AM are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes 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. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index. For example, These symbols these symbols are important for are used on an you and your original battery: passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:...

  • Page 12: Service Station Guide

    Service Station Guide Fuel Cooling System Engine Oil Dipstick Use unleaded only. See Section 5 2.4L L4 Engine See Section 6 a More See Section 6 for octane ratings. Detailed Look at What's Under the Hood See Section 6 Spare Tire Pressure See Section 5 Secondary Hood Release...

  • Page 13: Table Of Contents

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

  • Page 14: Manual Seats

    Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats adjust them and also about reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Seats CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving.
  • Page 15 Power Lift Seat (If Equipped) To move the power lift seat forward or rearward, pull up on the lever located under the front of the driver’s seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.

  • Page 16: Reclining Front Seatbacks

    6-Way Power Seat Controls (If Equipped) The power seat control is located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat. This control allows you to move the seat up, down, forward, or backward. It will also move the front or rear of the seat cushion up or down.
  • 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. Seatback Latches (2-Door Models) The front seatbacks fold forward to let people get into the back seat.

  • Page 19: Rear Seats

    Easy Entry Seat (2-Door Models) The right front seat of your vehicle makes it easy for people to get in and out of the rear seat. 1. Fold the right front seatback forward by lifting the seatback latch fully. 2. The seat will slide forward to allow someone to get into the rear seat area.

  • Page 20: Safety Belts: They're For Everyone

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

  • Page 21: Why Safety Belts Work

    You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between.
  • Page 22 Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-10...
  • Page 23 The person keeps going until stopped by something. or the instrument panel ... In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-11...

  • Page 24: Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

    or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. 1-12 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts...

  • Page 25: How To Wear Safety Belts Properly

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

  • Page 26: Driver Position

    Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats”...
  • Page 27 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. force to the strong pelvic bones.
  • Page 28 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4 Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. 1-16 Door Models) To move it down, squeeze the release button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing on the shoulder belt guide.
  • Page 29 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
  • Page 30 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. 1-18 CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
  • Page 31 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 32 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. 1-20 CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

  • Page 33: 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 34: 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 35 CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash.

  • Page 36: How The Air Bag System Works

    How the Air Bag System Works Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. 1-24 The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
  • Page 37 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.
  • Page 38 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. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.
  • Page 39 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 door.

  • Page 40: Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

    Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
  • Page 41 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. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
  • Page 42 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.

  • Page 43: Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides For Children And Small Adults

    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. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added...
  • Page 44 Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt: 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip. 1-32 2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt.
  • Page 45 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top. 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section.

  • Page 46: Lap Belt

    To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed.

  • Page 47: Infants And Young Children

    To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 48 CAUTION: People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. CAUTION: (Continued) 1-36 CAUTION: (Continued) For example, in a crash at only 25 mph...
  • Page 49 CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them.
  • Page 50 CAUTION: Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the...

  • Page 51: Restraint Systems For Children

    Restraint Systems for Children An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.
  • Page 52 A forward facing child seat (C E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T shaped or shelf 1-40 A booster seat (F improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some like shields.
  • Page 53 How do child restraints work? A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner.

  • Page 54: 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. General Motors, therefore, recommends that child restraints be secured in the rear seat including an infant riding in a rear facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward...

  • Page 55: Top Strap

    Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.

  • Page 56: Lower Anchorages And Top Tethers For Children (Latch System)

    Anchor the top strap to one of these anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself.
  • Page 57 1-45...
  • Page 58 With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint. 1-46 CAUTION: If a LATCH type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect a child sitting there. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed.

  • Page 59: Securing A Child Restraint In A Rear Outside Seat Position

    Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System 1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3.
  • Page 60 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. 1-48 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 61 4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

  • Page 62: Securing A Child Restraint In The Center Rear Seat Position

    Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position 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. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
  • Page 63 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 64: Securing A Child Restraint In The Right Front Seat Position

    Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: CAUTION: A child in a rear facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates.
  • Page 65 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the the retractor to set the lock. safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-53...
  • Page 66 1-54 6. 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.

  • Page 67: Older Children

    Older Children Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. What is the proper way to wear safety belts? If possible, an older child should wear a shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a...
  • Page 68 CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time. 1-56 What if a child is wearing a lap but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is...
  • Page 69 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 70: 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 71: Section 2 Features And Controls

    Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly and what to do if you have a problem.
  • Page 72 Windows CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.

  • Page 73: Manual Windows

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

  • Page 74: Keys

    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 75 One key is used for the ignition and all locks. When a new vehicle is delivered, the key has a coded key tag. This tag may be removed by your dealer before it is delivered. Each tag has a key code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys.

  • Page 76: Door Locks

    Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers especially children easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle won’t open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked.

  • Page 77: Programmable Automatic Door Locks

    Power Door Locks With the power door locks, you can unlock or lock all of the doors on your vehicle from the driver’s or front passenger’s door lock switch. Push the top of the switch to unlock all of the doors. Push the bottom of the switch to lock all the doors.
  • Page 78 One of the four operating modes may be selected and programmed by the driver on vehicles with a manual transaxle: Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). The doors will remain locked unless manually unlocked or the lock button is pressed.

  • Page 79: Delayed Locking

    Delayed Locking This feature will allow the driver to delay the actual locking of the vehicle. This feature will not operate if the key is left in the ignition. See “Anti Protection” later in this section. When LOCK on the driver’s power door lock switch is pressed, with the key removed from the ignition and the driver’s door open, three chimes will be heard.

  • Page 80: Leaving Your Vehicle

    The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on, do the following: 1. Unlock the door from the inside. 2.

  • Page 81: Remote Keyless Entry System

    Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

  • Page 82: Operation

    Operation The following functions are available with the keyless entry system: LOCK: All doors will automatically lock when the LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. The interior lamps will turn off after all of the doors are closed. If all of the doors are closed, the parking lamps will flash twice and the horn will chirp to indicate locking has occurred.

  • Page 83: Battery Replacement

    Radio Personalization Your vehicle can store different radio preset stations and other settings depending on which remote keyless entry transmitter is used to unlock the doors. The radio will recall all the stored settings associated with that transmitter. Any radio setting changes will be assigned to the transmitter last used to unlock the doors.
  • Page 84 To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter: 1. Use a thin coin to separate the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter. 2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces down.

  • Page 85: Remote Trunk Release

    CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid:...

  • Page 86: Remote Trunk Release Lockout

    Remote Trunk Release Lockout (If Equipped) Your remote trunk release may be equipped with a lockout feature to help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk when the vehicle is left unattended. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch.

  • Page 87: Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit

    NOTICE: The trunk release handle was not designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. Improper use of the trunk release handle could damage it. There is a glow dark trunk release handle located inside the trunk on the trunk latch.

  • Page 88: Parking Lots

    Parking Lots Even if you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your key? If possible, park in a busy, well Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk or glove box.

  • Page 89: Ignition Positions

    New Vehicle “Break In” NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: Don’t drive at any one speed slow for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full throttle starts.

  • Page 90: Starting Your Engine

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

  • Page 91: Manual Transaxle

    Manual Transaxle The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down safety feature. 1.

  • Page 92: Engine Coolant Heater (Option)

    Engine Coolant Heater (Option) 3400 V6 Engine In very cold weather, 0 _ F ( 18 _ C) or colder, the engine 2.4L L4 Engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm up.

  • Page 93: Automatic Transaxle Operation

    To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. On the 2.4L L4 engine the engine coolant heater cord is located in front of the engine coolant surge tank. On the 3400 V6 engine the engine coolant heater cord is located near the engine air cleaner/filter.
  • Page 94 PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set.
  • Page 95 NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. CAUTION: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing”...
  • Page 96 THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): When driving on hilly, winding roads. When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears.

  • Page 97: Manual Transaxle Operation

    FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
  • Page 98 SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2).

  • Page 99: Parking Brake

    Shift Speeds CAUTION: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Don’t shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped) If you have a manual transaxle, you may have a SHIFT light.
  • Page 100 To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake handle up until you can press the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake handle all the way down. NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat.
  • Page 101 Hold in the button on the handle. Push the handle all the way toward the front of the vehicle. 3. Turn the ignition key to OFF. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
  • Page 102 Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle) 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 103: Parking Over Things That Burn

    Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal (Manual Transaxle Models Only) Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release the clutch.

  • Page 104: Engine Exhaust

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

  • Page 105: Tilt Wheel

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

  • Page 106: Turn And Lane Change Signals

    Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever The lever on the left side of the steering column includes the following: Turn and Lane Change Signals Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer Parking Lamps and Headlamps Control Switch 2-36 Turn and Lane Change Signals The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions.

  • Page 107: Lamps On Reminder

    Headlamps The headlamp control is on the turn signal/multifunction lever. Turn the headlamp control to this symbol to turn on the following: Parking Lamps Sidemarker Lamps Taillamps License Plate Lamps Instrument Panel Lights Turn the headlamp control to this symbol to turn on the following: Headlamps Parking Lamps...

  • Page 108: Windshield Wipers

    Flash-to-Pass This feature lets you use your high signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward you until the high beam headlamps come on, then release the lever to turn them off. Windshield Wipers You control the windshield wipers by moving the lever with the wiper symbol on it up or down.

  • Page 109: Windshield Washer

    Windshield Washer To wash your windshield, push in the button at the end of the stalk until the washers begin. CAUTION: In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.
  • Page 110 The cruise control will turn off if any of the following occur: The brakes are applied, the clutch pedal is applied (manual transaxle), the parking brake is applied, or the brake system warning light is on. CAUTION: Cruise control can be dangerous where you can’t drive safely at a steady speed.
  • Page 111 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 press the cruise control RES ACCEL button for about half a second.
  • Page 112 Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: Push the SET COAST button until you reach the lower speed you want, then release it. To slow down in very small amounts, push the SET COAST button for less than half a second.

  • Page 113: Daytime Running Lamps

    Exterior Lamps Headlamps See “Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever” in the Index. Daytime Running Lamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset.

  • Page 114: Automatic Light Control (Alc)

    Automatic Light Control (ALC) When it is dark enough outside, your Automatic Light Control (ALC) will turn on your headlamps at the normal brightness along with other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim. Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the top of the instrument panel under the defroster grill, so be sure it is not covered which will cause the ALC system...

  • Page 115: Fog Lamps

    Delayed Headlamps The delayed headlamps feature will continue to illuminate the headlamps for 20 seconds after the key is turned to OFF, then the headlamps will automatically turn off. To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction lever up one position and then back to AUTO.

  • Page 116: Interior Lamps

    Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Intensity Control You can brighten or dim the instrument panel cluster lights by moving the thumbwheel to the right to increase intensity and to the left to decrease intensity. The thumbwheel is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.

  • Page 117: Battery Saver

    Mirror Reading Lamps Press the switch next to each lamp to turn them on and off. Three-Position Dome Lamp (If Equipped) The switch on this lamp has three positions. The ON position will turn on the light. The DOOR position will turn on the light whenever a door is opened or when the instrument panel intensity control thumbwheel is moved to the right.

  • Page 118: Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror

    Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror This mirror can be adjusted two ways. First, to adjust the height of the mirror, adjust the arm that connects the mirror to the windshield. Then adjust the angle of the mirror, by moving the mirror to a position that allows you to see out of the back window.

  • Page 119: Storage Compartments

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

  • Page 120: Ashtray And Cigarette Lighter

    Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped) To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go. NOTICE: Don’t put papers and other things that burn into your ashtrays. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materials could set them on fire, causing damage.

  • Page 121: Sunroof (Option)

    Sunroof (Option) If your vehicle has a sunroof, the switch is located on the headliner between the sun visors. The sunroof will only operate when the ignition is in ON. The sunroof can be opened to a vent position or it can be express opened all the way.
  • Page 122 The Instrument Panel Your Information System 2-52...
  • Page 123 The main components of your instrument panel are the following: A. Fog Lamp Switch B. Instrument Panel Intensity Control C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever D. Horn E. Instrument Panel Cluster F. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever G. Ignition Switch H. Enhanced Traction System I.

  • Page 124: 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. Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it.

  • Page 125: Speedometer And Odometer

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

  • Page 126: Safety Belt Reminder Light

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

  • Page 127: Air Bag Readiness Light

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

  • Page 128: Brake System Warning Light

    Charging System Indicator Light The charging system indicator light will come on when you turn on the ignition, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. When the engine is running, the light should go out. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and you hear a chime, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
  • Page 129 United States This light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem. If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully.

  • Page 130: Enhanced Traction System Warning Light

    Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti system, the light will come on when your engine is started and may stay on for several three seconds. That’s normal. If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the light comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off.

  • Page 131: Enhanced Traction System Active Light

    The warning light will come on when you set your parking brake with the engine running, and it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If the system is turned on and the warning light stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means there’s a problem with the system.

  • Page 132: Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

    Engine Coolant Temperature Gage United States This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes on and you hear a chime, your engine is too hot! It means that your engine coolant has overheated. The “Problems on the Road”...

  • Page 133: Malfunction Indicator Lamp

    Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This system is called OBD II (On Board Diagnostics Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
  • Page 134 This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: Light Flashing A misfire condition has been...
  • Page 135 Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water? If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off. Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.

  • Page 136: Oil Pressure Light

    Oil Pressure Light If you have a low engine oil pressure problem, this light will stay on after you start your engine, or come on and you will hear a chime when you are driving. This indicates that your engine is not receiving enough oil.
  • Page 137 Low Oil Light (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with a 3400 V6 engine, then you will have a LOW OIL light on your instrument panel cluster. This light will come on briefly when you start your vehicle. If the light stays on after starting your vehicle, or comes on and chimes while you are driving, your engine oil level should be checked.

  • Page 138: Security Light

    Security Light This light will come on when you turn the key to ON and will stay on until the vehicle starts. If you’re driving and the security light comes on and remains on, your Passlock system is not working properly.

  • Page 139: Fuel Gage

    Fuel Gage United States Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left, when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears empty, the light will come on and you will hear a chime. You still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon.

  • Page 140: Section 3 Comfort Controls And Audio Systems

    Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle. Comfort Controls Climate Control System with Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Heating...

  • Page 141: Comfort Controls

    Comfort Controls With this system, you can control the ventilation and heating in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow through ventilation system described later in this section. Climate Control System with Air Conditioning Fan Knob The left knob regulates the fan speed. To select the force of air you want, turn the knob.

  • Page 142: Air Conditioning

    DEFOG: This position divides the airflow between the floor outlets and the windshield defroster vent. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this position when it is needed to help dry the air in the vehicle. FRONT DEFROSTER: This position directs most of the airflow through the window defroster vent.

  • Page 143: Defogging And Defrosting Windows

    Heating On cold days, use FLOOR with the temperature knob all the way in the red area. The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send it to the floor outlets. Your vehicle has heat ducts that are directed toward the rear seat.

  • Page 144: Ventilation System

    Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the defogger button. The indicator light will glow. The rear window defogger will turn itself off after about ten minutes after the first time the button is pressed, and after five minutes each additional time the button is pressed.

  • Page 145: Setting The Clock

    Ventilation Tips Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction, such as leaves. The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the mode knob to FLOOR and the fan to the highest speed for a few moments before driving off.

  • Page 146: Am-Fm Stereo With Cassette Tape Player

    AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player 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, to recall if the tape player is active, or to display the clock.
  • Page 147 PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2) by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM FM to select the band. 3.
  • Page 148 Adjusting the Speakers BALANCE: Press and release AUDIO until BAL appears on the display. Then press and hold the up arrow to move the sound to the right speakers or the down arrow to move the sound to the left speakers. “R” and a number will appear on the display when the sound is balanced toward the right speakers.
  • Page 149 If the player detects a tight or broken tape, ERR (error) will appear on the display and the player will eject the tape. The radio will go back to playing the last station selected. If you want to insert a tape when the ignition is off, first press the eject button or the RCL knob.
  • Page 150 RPT (6): Press this button once to hear a selection over again. RPT will appear on the display. The current selection will continue to repeat. RPT will flash on the display while the cassette player is searching for the start of the selection. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for RPT to work.
  • Page 151 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon AM Stereo RDS with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer, included are eight high performance speakers and a powerful eight channel amplifier.
  • Page 152 SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to go to the next higher or lower station and stay there. The sound will mute while seeking. The radio will seek to stations with a strong signal only. 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.
  • Page 153 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 or MID, turn the SELECT knob clockwise to increase bass.
  • Page 154 RDS is always on. RDS features are only available for use on FM stations which broadcast RDS information. The RDS features of your radio rely upon receiving specific RDS information from these stations. These features will only work when the RDS information is available.
  • Page 155 A new group of words will appear on the display. Once the complete message has been displayed, INFO will disappear from the display until another new message is received. The old message can be displayed by pressing the INFO button until a new message is received or a different station is tuned to.
  • Page 156 ALERT!: This type of announcement warns of national or local emergencies. You will not be able to turn off alert announcements. ALERT! appears on the display when an alert announcement plays. When an alert announcement comes on the tuned radio station, you will hear it, even if the volume is muted or a cassette tape or compact disc is playing.
  • Page 157 Inserting a CD with the radio off and the ignition on will start auto play. 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 158 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 159 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. 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 160 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 161 Using RDS Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS is a system that sends data along with the audio of the FM station you are currently tuned to. You can use RDS to display program information and to control your radio.
  • Page 162 When a traffic announcement comes on the tuned radio station or a related network station, you will hear it, even if the volume is muted or a compact disc or cassette tape is playing. If the compact disc player or cassette tape player was being used, the compact disc or cassette will stay in the player and resume play at the point where it stopped.
  • Page 163 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) by performing the following steps: 1. Press AM FM to select FM1 or FM2. 2.
  • Page 164 Playing a Cassette Tape Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are up to 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player.
  • Page 165 (2): Press this button to play the other side of the tape. (4): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape reverses. You may select stations during REV operation by using TUNE.
  • Page 166 CLEAN PLAYER: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See “Care of Your Cassette Tape Player” in the Index. After you clean the player, press and hold eject for five seconds to reset the CLEAN PLAYER indicator.
  • Page 167 (4): Press and hold this button to reverse quickly within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time. EQ: Press EQ to select the desired preset equalization setting while playing a compact disc.

  • Page 168: Personal Choice Radio Controls

    Radio Calibration Your audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If CALIBRATE appears on the display it means that your radio has not been configured properly for your vehicle and must be returned to the dealership for service. Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped) With this feature, your vehicle will recall the latest radio...

  • Page 169: Audio Steering Wheel Controls

    Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. SEEK: Press the up arrow to tune to the next radio station and the down arrow to tune to the previous radio station.

  • Page 170: 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 171: 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 172 If your vehicle is equipped with the AM FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System and Programmable Equalization: 1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press and hold the CD TAPE button for five seconds. READY will appear on the display for five seconds.

  • Page 173: Fixed Mast Antenna

    Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.

  • Page 174: Section 4 Your Driving And The Road

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

  • Page 175: 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 176: 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 177 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 178 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 179: 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 180: 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 181 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 and continue braking. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels.

  • Page 182: Enhanced Traction System

    Remember: Anti lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 183 The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you should use the lower gears only when necessary. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. When the system is on and the parking brake is fully released, this warning light...

  • Page 184: Power 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. Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped) This steering system provides lighter steering effort for parking and at low vehicle speeds.

  • Page 185: 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 186: 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 187 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 188: 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 189: Driving At Night

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

  • Page 190: 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 191 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 192: Driving Through Deep Standing Water

    CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.

  • Page 193: Driving Through Flowing Water

    Driving Through Flowing Water CAUTION: Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. If you try to drive through flowing water, as you might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can be carried away. As little as six inches of flowing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.

  • Page 194: Freeway Driving

    Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross country trip.

  • Page 195: 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. such as after a day’s...

  • Page 196: Highway Hypnosis

    Here are some things you can check before a trip: Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble...

  • Page 197: Hill And Mountain Roads

    Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain. 4-24 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.

  • Page 198: Winter Driving

    CAUTION: Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill.

  • Page 199: Driving On Snow Or Ice

    Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction.
  • Page 200 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 201: If You're Caught In A Blizzard

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

  • Page 202: Recreational Vehicle Towing

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

  • Page 203: Towing Your Vehicle From The Front

    Towing Your Vehicle from the Front There are two ways to tow your vehicle from the front. To tow your vehicle with a dolly, follow these steps: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly. 2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P) for automatic transaxle and NEUTRAL for a manual transaxle.

  • Page 204: Towing Your Vehicle From The Rear

    4. To prevent your battery from draining while towing, remove the following fuses from the left side instrument panel fuse block: “WIPER,” “PCM ACC” and “IPC/BFC ACC.” See “Instrument Panel Fuse Block Driver’s Side” in the Index for the location of these fuses. 5.

  • Page 205: Loading Your Vehicle

    Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire Loading Information label found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle.
  • Page 206 CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash.

  • Page 207: Towing A Trailer

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

  • Page 208: If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

    And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Pontiac GMC Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33172 Detroit, MI 48232...

  • Page 209: Weight Of The Trailer Tongue

    Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle.

  • Page 210: Driving With A Trailer

    Hitches It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for hitches.

  • Page 211: Following Distance

    Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working.

  • Page 212: Turn Signals When Towing A Trailer

    Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.

  • Page 213: Maintenance When Trailer Towing

    4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake and shift into PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle or REVERSE (R) for a manual transaxle. 5. Release the regular brakes. When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1.

  • Page 214: Section 5 Problems On The Road

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

  • Page 215: Hazard Warning Flashers

    Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. Press the button on the instrument panel to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off.

  • Page 216: 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 follow the steps here to do it safely. CAUTION: Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: They contain acid that can burn you.
  • Page 217 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12 battery with a negative ground system. NOTICE: If the other system isn’t a 12 volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other.
  • Page 218 CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelco installed in every new GM vehicle.
  • Page 219 7. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. 8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
  • Page 220 Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery. 10.

  • Page 221: Towing Your Vehicle

    To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative ( heavy, unpainted metal engine part on the vehicle that had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative ( the negative ( ) terminal on the vehicle with good battery.

  • Page 222: If No 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. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.

  • Page 223: Cooling System

    If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive normally. If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
  • Page 224 CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.

  • Page 225: How To Add Coolant To The Coolant Surge 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 226 CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning.
  • Page 227 NOTICE: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. So use the recommended coolant. 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 228 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and 3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper remove it. mixture, to the FULL COLD mark. 5-15...
  • Page 229 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower.

  • Page 230: If A Tire Goes Flat

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

  • Page 231: 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 232: Removing The Spare Tire And Tools

    Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. 1. Pull the carpeting from the floor of the trunk. 2. Turn the center retainer nut on the compact spare tire cover counterclockwise to remove it. Lift and remove the cover.

  • Page 233: Removing The Flat Tire And Installing The Spare Tire

    The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B). 5-20 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Remove the wheel nut caps (you may need to use the wheel wrench to loosen and remove them, if your fingers do not fit into this small area).
  • Page 234 3. Position the jack and raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch in the vehicle’s frame nearest the flat tire. Put the compact spare tire near you. CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous.
  • Page 235 4. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit underneath the wheel well. 5. Remove all of the wheel nuts. 6.
  • Page 236 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 compact spare tire. 9. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel.
  • Page 237 11. 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 238: Storing The Flat Tire And Tools

    Storing the Flat 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. Storing the flat tire in the compact spare tire compartment.

  • Page 239: Storing The Spare Tire And Tools

    Storing the Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. The compact spare is for temporary use only.

  • Page 240: 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 241: Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out

    If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.

  • Page 242: Section 6 Service And Appearance Care

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

  • Page 243: 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 244: Adding Equipment To The Outside Of Your Vehicle

    CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task.
  • Page 245 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 246: Fuels In Foreign Countries

    NOTICE: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. 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.
  • Page 247 While refueling, hang the cap inside the fuel door. To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right. CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned.

  • Page 248: Filling A Portable Fuel Container

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

  • Page 249: 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 250 2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and slide the secondary hood release to the right. 3. Lift the hood, release the hood prop rod from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly.

  • Page 251: Engine Compartment Overview

    Engine Compartment Overview When you open the hood on the 2.4L L4 engine, you’ll see the following: A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank B. Engine Oil Fill Cap C. Engine Oil Dipstick 6-10 D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Brake Fluid Reservoir F.
  • Page 252 When you open the hood on the 3400 V6 engine, you’ll see the following: A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir C. Engine Oil Fill Cap D. Engine Oil Dipstick E. Brake Fluid Reservoir F. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter G.

  • Page 253: Checking Engine Oil

    Engine Oil If the LOW OIL light appears on the instrument panel, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. 3400 V6 Engine Only For more information, see LOW OIL light in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
  • Page 254 The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on the 2.4L L4 engine is located at the rear of the engine. The dipstick on the 3400 V6 engine is located at the front of the engine, behind the fan. See “Engine Compartment Overview”...

  • Page 255: When To Add Engine Oil

    3400 V6 Engine shown, 2.4L L4 Engine similar 6-14 When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind.
  • Page 256 2.4L L4 Engine The 2.4L L4 engine oil fill cap is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment on the engine. 3400 V6 Engine The 3400 V6 engine oil fill cap is on the front of the engine, behind the radiator. See “Engine Compartment Overview”...

  • Page 257: 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 258: When To Change Engine Oil

    As in the chart shown previously, SAE 5W your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W going 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 259: What To Do With Used Oil

    How to Reset the Change Oil Light After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset. With the ignition key to ON (engine not running), push the RESET button located in the driver’s side instrument panel fuse block. The CHANGE OIL light will start to flash, press and hold the RESET button again.

  • Page 260: Automatic Transaxle Fluid

    Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires.

  • Page 261: Manual Transaxle Fluid

    NOTICE: We recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON III, because fluid with that label is made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON III is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. Manual Transaxle Fluid It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.

  • Page 262: Engine Coolant

    How to Check and Add Fluid You do not need to check the fluid level unless you suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take the cap off. If the fluid reaches the top of the reservoir, the fluid level is correct. It isn’t a good idea to top off your clutch fluid.

  • Page 263: What To Use

    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 264: Checking Coolant

    Checking Coolant The coolant surge tank is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. CAUTION: Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.

  • Page 265: Power Steering Fluid

    Adding Coolant If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the engine is cool. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.

  • Page 266: 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 267 The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment towards the front of the vehicle. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until the tank is full.

  • Page 268: Brake Fluid

    Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index. It is filled with 3 brake fluid. There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down.
  • Page 269 United States When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”...

  • Page 270: Brake Pedal Travel

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

  • Page 271: Replacing Brake System Parts

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

  • Page 272: Bulb Replacement

    Vehicle Storage If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative ( the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. CAUTION: Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode.
  • Page 273 Headlamps 1. Lift up on the two retaining clips which secure the headlamp assembly. 6-32 2. Lift the headlamp assembly forward, out of the mounting bracket. 3. Turn the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise sixth of a turn and pull out the bulb assembly. 4.

  • Page 274: Center High-Mounted Stoplamp

    Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement 1. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to the removal procedure earlier in this section. 2. Turn the bulb assembly retainer and pull out the bulb. 3. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness. 4.
  • Page 275 Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamp Bulb Replacement 1. Disconnect the cargo net in the trunk. 2. Pull back the trunk trim. 6-34 3. Remove the four wing nut bolts which fasten the taillamp lens to the vehicle. 4. Carefully remove the taillamp lens from the body and avoid scratching the paint or dropping it.

  • Page 276: 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. Here’s how to remove the wiper blade: 1.
  • Page 277 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 278: Inflation -- Tire Pressure

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

  • Page 279: Tire Inspection And Rotation

    Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
  • Page 280 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 281: Buying New Tires

    Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire Loading Information label. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec number.

  • Page 282: Uniform Tire Quality Grading

    Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by treadwear, traction and temperature performance.

  • Page 283: Wheel Replacement

    Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
  • Page 284 CAUTION: Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured.

  • Page 285: Tire Chains

    Tire Chains NOTICE: If your vehicle has P225/50R16 size tires, don’t use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because there’s not enough clearance. Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on your vehicle and tire size combination and road conditions.

  • Page 286: 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 287: Special Fabric Cleaning Problems

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

  • Page 288: Cleaning Interior Plastic Components

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

  • Page 289: Cleaning The Outside Of The Windshield And Wiper Blades

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

  • Page 290: Cleaning The Outside Of Your Vehicle

    Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.

  • Page 291: 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 292: 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 293: Gm Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

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

  • Page 294: Engine Identification

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

  • Page 295: Electrical System

    Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should.
  • Page 296 Instrument Panel Fuse Block Driver’s Side Fuse Usage WIPER Windshield Wiper Motor, Washer Pump TRUNK Trunk Release Relay/Motor, REL/RADIO Audio Amplifier TURN LPS Turn Signal Lamps Fuse Usage PWR MIRROR Power Mirrors AIR BAG Air Bags BFC BATT Body Computer (BFC) PCM ACC DR LOCK Door Lock Motors...
  • Page 297 Instrument Panel Fuse Block Passenger’s Side 6-56 Fuse Usage INST LPS Interior Lamp Dimming CRUISE Steering Wheel Cruise Control SW LPS Switch Lamps CRUISE SW Steering Wheel Cruise Control Switches HVAC HVAC Blower Motor BLOWER CRUISE Cruise Control FOG LPS Fog Lamps INT LPS Interior Courtesy Lamps...
  • Page 298 Engine Compartment Fuse Block The engine compartment fuse block is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the battery. Maxifuses Usage Ignition Switch Right Electrical Center Lamps, Radio, Body Function Control Module, Interior Lamps Left Electrical Center Lamps, Hazard Lamps, Body Function Control Module, Cluster, Climate Control System...
  • Page 299 Maxifuses Usage Anti Lock Brakes Ignition Switch Not Used Left Electrical Center Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk Release, Audio Amplifier, Remote Lock Control Cooling Fan #1 Mini Relays Usage Rear Defog Not Used Not Used Cooling Fan #1 HVAC Blower (Climate Control) Cooling Fan #2 Cooling Fan Micro Relays...

  • Page 300: Replacement Bulbs

    Minifuses Usage Back Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock Horn Powertrain Control Module Parking Lamps Climate Control System, Air Conditioning Canister Vent Valve, Exhaust Oxygen Sensors Fuel Pump, Injectors Generator Right Headlamp Left Headlamp Cooling Fan #2 HVAC Blower (Climate Control ) Not Used Cooling Fan #2 Ground Fuse Puller for Mini Fuses...

  • Page 301: Capacities And Specifications

    Capacities and Specifications Capacities All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in this manual. Engine Crankcase 2.4L L4 Engine ....3400 V6 Engine .

  • Page 302: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

    Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 2.4L L4 ......3400 V6 ......Engine Oil Filter 2.4L L4 .

  • Page 303: Section 7 Maintenance Schedule

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

  • Page 304: 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 305: 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 306: 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 307: Scheduled Maintenance

    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 308: Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance

    Scheduled Maintenance Engine Oil 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 usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 12,500 miles (20 000 km) since your last oil change.
  • Page 309 Scheduled Maintenance...
  • Page 310 Scheduled Maintenance...
  • Page 311 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 312 Scheduled Maintenance 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.
  • Page 313 Scheduled Maintenance 52,500 Miles (87 500 km) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 314 Scheduled Maintenance 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 315 Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) Inspect spark plug wires (except 2.4L Code T L4 engine). An Emission Control Service. Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: –...

  • Page 316: At Least Once A Month

    Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed in this part are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Part D.

  • Page 317: 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. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
  • Page 318 Hydraulic Clutch System Check Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See “Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once. At Least Once a Year Key Lock Cylinders Service Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D.
  • Page 319 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 320 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 321: Engine Cooling 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 322: Brake System Inspection

    Brake System Inspection (Except GT Series) Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks.
  • Page 323 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 324 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Key Lock Multi Purpose Lubricant, Cylinders Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). 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 Category LB or GC Release Pawl 7-22...

  • Page 325: 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 326 Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-24...
  • Page 327 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 328: 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 329: Customer Satisfaction Procedure

    All of these elements combine to make your driving experience an enjoyable one and are discussed in greater detail in your owner’s manual. Pontiac is focusing on the changing needs of our customers and is committed to giving you an exceptional level of customer care throughout your ownership experience.
  • Page 330 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 331: Customer Assistance For Text Telephone

    (TTY users in Canada can dial 1 Customer Assistance Offices Pontiac encourages customers to call the toll-free number free telephone for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to Pontiac, the letter should be addressed to Pontiac’s Customer Assistance Center. United States Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center P.O.
  • Page 332 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 Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S.

  • Page 333: Gm Mobility Program For Persons With Disabilities

    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 334: 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 335: 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 336: Transportation Options

    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 337: Additional Program Information

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

  • Page 338: Reporting Safety Defects To The Canadian Government

    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 339: 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 33172 Detroit, MI 48232-5172 In Canada, please call us at 1 or 1 7854 (French).
  • Page 340 2001 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 341 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.

This manual is also suitable for:

Grandam 2001

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