1994 Pontiac Bonneville Owners Manual

Audio Systems (CONT.)

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NOTICE: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delco@ radio or other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone units.

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Setting the Clock For Stereo Radio: 1. With the ignition on, press “SET”. The “SET” indicator will appear on the digital display for five seconds.

2. While set is displayed, press and hold

“SEEK7’A until the correct minute appears on the display.

3. While set is displayed, press and hold

7 “SEEK” until the correct hour appears.

For Radios With Cassette or CD: I. Press and hold the “HR” or “MIN”

button until the hours or minutes begin to change on the time display. While the radio is in the time set mode, the colon in the display will blink.

2. Press the “HR” and “MIN” buttons

until the correct time appears.

TREB (Trebke): Slide this lever up to increase treble, or down to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, decrease the treble. BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass or down to decrease it. RCL: Press to alternate the display between the time and station frequency. To Preset Radio Stations: 1. Tune in to the desired station. 2. Press “SET”. The word “SET” will appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

3. While “SET’% displayed, press one of the four pushbuttons ( 1 , 3, 5 or 7). Three additional stations (2, 4 and 6) may be preset on each radio band by pairing pushbuttons: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press “SET”, and within five seconds

press any two side by side buttons (1 and 3, 3 and 5, or 5 and 7) at the same time.

3. The station can be tuned in when the same two buttons are pressed at the same time.

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AM/FM Stereo Radio The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the “AM” or “FM” radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other functions. Upper Knob (PWR/VOLUME) This knob does three things: 0 Rotate it to turn the system on and off.

Rotate it to control the volume. Press it to recall the station frequency when the radio is on.

Balance: The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the left/right speaker balance. Lower Knob (TUNE - AM/FM) This knob does two things: 0 Rotate it to tune in radio stations.

Press it to change between the “AM” or “FM” band.

Fade: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the front/rear speaker balance. v SEEKk Press to seek and stop on the next station higher (A) or lower (v) on the radio band.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

AM/FM Stereo Radios With Optional Features Your Pontiac may have an AM/FM radio equipped with a combination of optional features: 0 Graphic equalizer. 0 Cassette tape player. 0 Compact disc player. 0 THEFTLOCK@.

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The standard features on these radios operate identically. This section explains the standard features first, followed by an explanation of each optional feature.

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TUNE: Press lightly on the “TUNE” knob. It will spring out to make it easier to adjust. Turn the knob to tune in radio stations. You may push the knob back in when you are done. SEEK: Press to seek and stop on the next station higher (A) or lower (v) on the radio band. To Preset Radio Stations: You may preset up to 18 radio stations into memory - six on AM and twelve on FM. This is done by using the six pushbuttons, 1 through 6, on each radio band (AM, FM 1 and FM23. 1. Press “AMFM” to select the radio

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems AM/FM Stereo Radios With Optional Features (CONT.) Digital Display: Indicates information on time or radio frequency, the “AM” or “FM” radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. POWER: With the ignition on, push the “POWER” knob to turn the radio on or off. VOL (Volume): Turn the “VOL” knob clockwise to increase volume. Turn the “VOL” knob counterclockwise to decrease volume. AM/FM: Press “AM/FM” to select the AM, FM 1 or FM2 bands. The display will show which band you are on. If you press this button while a tape is playing, the tape will stop and the radio will return to the AM or FM band you were on last. RECALL: When the ignition is off. press “RECALL” to display the time. Each time you press “RECALL” with the radio on, it will switch the display back and forth between radio station and time.

using the “TUNE” knob or “SEEK” button.

3. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons

2. Tune the station you want to store

band you want to use.

(1, 2, 3,4, 5 or 6) until the display shows “SET”. The radio will mute until “SET” appears. After “SET” appears on the display, release the button. The station is now preset and will return whenever you press the button.

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4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of six AM,

six FMl and six FM2 stations.

BAL (Balance): Press lightly on the “BAL” knob. It will spring out to make it easier to adjust. Turn the knob to move the sound between the left and right speakers. You may push the knob back in when you are done. FADE: Press lightly on the “FADE” knob. It will spring out to make it easier to adjust. Turn the knob to the right to move the sound to the front speakers. Turn the knob to the left to move the sound to the rear speakers. You may push the knob back in when you are done. TREBLE: Slide the “TREBLE” lever to the right to increase treble or to the left to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, decrease the treble. BASS: Slide the “BASS” lever to the right to increase bass or to the left to decrease it.

Equalizer: Boost the bass, emphasize a voice in a song, brighten the treble - your equalizer gives you the freedom to adjust seven separate frequencies of sound to your individual taste. Move a lever up to emphasize a frequency, move it down to de-emphasize. Start with the levers in the middle position, then adjust each lever as you like.

To Play a Cassette Tape: With the radio turned on, insert a tape into the cassette door. The cassette symbol will appear in the upper left corner of the display. While the tape is playing, an arrow will appear next to the cassette symbol to indicate that the top (A) or bottom (v) is playing. Once the tape is playing, use the “VOL”, “BAL”, “FADE”, “TREBLE” and “BASS” or equalizer just as you would for the radio. Your tape player will automatically adjust the equalization for high bias (metal and Cr02) tapes.

Your tape player is designed to work best with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long In each side. Tapes longer than that may lot work well in this tape player. Cassette Player Control Features: TAPEIPLAY If you have a tape loaded md the radio is playing, press ‘TAPE/PLAY” to play your tape. To -eturn to the radio while a tape is playing, Jress “AMEM”. The cassette will remain ;afely inside the radio for future listening. PREV (Previous): Press “PREV” or ‘SEEK” v to search for the previous ;election on the tape. There must be a zap of at least four seconds between ;elections in order for the tape player to stop.

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REV (Reverse): Press “REV” to rapidly reverse a tape. Press “REV” again to play the tape. The radio will play while the tape is reversing. Use “SEEK” or the “TUNE’ knob to change the radio station during reverse. FWD (Forward): Press “FWD” to rapidly advance the tape. Press “FWD” again to play the tape. The radio will play while the tape is advancing. Use “SEEK” or the “TUNE” knob to change the radio station during forward. EJECT: Press eject to remove the cassette tape. “EJECT” will also operate with the ignition off.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems AM/FM Stereo Radios With Optional Features: (CONE) NEXT Press “NEXT” or “SEEK ’’A to search for the next selection on the tape. There must be a gap of at least four seconds between selections on the tape in order for the tape player to stop. PROG (Program): Press “PROG” to play the other side of the tape. Dolby@ B Noise Reduction: This audio system has available 10 Dolby@ B Noise Reduction to reduce background noise on Dolby@ encoded tapes. When playing a cassette tape, press [10 to reduce background noise on your tape. The Dolby@ symbol 10 will appear in the display. Dolby@ B Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby@ and the 00 symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

To PJay a Compact Disc: You may use full size or the smaller 8 cm (3.2 in.) compact discs. No adapter is required for the smaller compact discs. With the radio on, insert a disc with the label side up. The “CD” symbol will appear in the lower left corner of the display. Wait a few seconds and the disc should begin to play.

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If “ERR” (Error) appears in the display and the disc ejects, the disc cannot play temporarily. Check to see i f The disc is upside down. The disc is dirty, scratched or wet. There may be too much moisture in the air (wait about one hour and try again). The road may be too rough for the disc to play. The disc should play when the road is smoother.

PREV (Previous): While playing a compact disc, press “PREV” or to go to the beginning of the *‘SEEK” current track (if more than eight seconds have played). Press it again or hold it down to go to the previous tracks. The display will show the track number. NEXT While playing a compact disc, press “NEXT” or A “SEEK” to go to the next track. Press it again or hold it down to continue advancing through the tracks. RDM (Random): Press the “RDM” button to cause the CD player to play the tracks on the disc in random order. “RDM” will be displayed in the lower right corner of the display during random operation. Press “RDM” again to turn off the random feature. REV (Reverse): Press and hold “REV” to rapidly reverse the disc. The radio display will show the time into the track during fast reverse operation.

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Compact Disc Player Control Features: CD/PLAY If you have a disc loaded and the radio is playing, press “CDPLAY” to play your disc. The disc will begin playing from the track where it last stopped. To return to the radio while a disc is playing, press “AM/FM”. The disc will remain safely inside the radio for future listening. RECALL: Press “RECALL” to see which track is playing. Press it again (within five seconds) to display how long your selection has been playing.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems AM/FM Stereo Radios with Optional Features: (CONT) FWD (Forward): Press and hold “FWD” to rapidly advance the disc. The radio display will show the time into the track during fast forward operation. EJECT Press “EJECT” to remove the disc. The radio will play after the disc is ejected. “EJECT” will operate while the ignition is off. Radio THEFTLOCKB Feature The THEFTLOCK8 feature is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever the battery power is removed. The THEFTLOCKB feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature.

If THEFTLOCKB is activated, the THEFTLOCK8 light will flash when the ignition is turned off; your radio will not operate if stolen. When THEFTLOCK8 is activated, the radio will display “LOC” to indicate a locked condition anytime the battery power is removed. If your battery loses power for any reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code before it will operate (see “To Unlock THEFTLOCKB After a Power Loss” later in this section).

To Set the Secret Code: The instructions which follow explain how to enter your secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK8 system. It is recommended that you read through all nine steps before starting the procedure: 1. For your secret code, write down any number from 000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from the vehicle.

2. Turn the ignition to the “Accessory”

or the “Run” position.

3. Turn the radio off.

NOTE: If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over at step 4.

4. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. Hold them down until “---” shows on the display. Next you will use the secret code number which you have written down.

5. Press the “MIN” button and “000”

will appear on the display.

6. Press the “MIN” button again to make

the last two digits agree with your code.

7. Press the “HR” button to make the

first one or two digits agree with your code.

8. After you have confirmed that the

code matches the one you wrote down, press “AM/FM”. The display will show “rEP” to indicate that you need to repeat steps 5-7 to confirm your secret code.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Radio THEFTLOCK8 Feature (CONI) 9. Press “AMEM” and this time the

display will show “SEC”, indicating that your radio is secure,

The “THEFTLOCKO” indicator light located below the “TUNE” knob will flash when the ignition is off.

Anytime the THEFTLOCK8 is activated snd the battery power is removed, the radio will display “LOC”. To Unlock THEFTLOCKB After a Power Loss: Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. “LOC” will appear when the ignition

is on.

2. Press “MIN” and “000” will appear on

the display.

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3. Press the “MIN” button again to make

the last two digits agree with your codes.

4. Press the “HR’ button to make the

first one or two digits agree with your code.

5. After you have confirmed that the

code in the display matches the secret code you have written down, press “AMEM”. “SEC” will appear in the display indicating that the radio is now operable and secure. If the code entered to unlock THEFTLOCK8 is incorrect, the radio will remain locked. After eight unsuccessful attempts to unlock the radio, the display will show “InOP’ (inoperative).

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. Hold them down until “SEC” shows in the display. Press “MIN” and “000” will appear on the display. Press the “MIN’ button again to make the last two digits agree with your code. Press the “HR” button to make the first one or two digits agree with your code. After you have confirmed that the code on the display matches the secret code you previously set, press the ‘‘AMFM’’ button. The display will show “---” indicating that the radio is unsecured.

If the code entered is incorrect, “SEC” will appear in the display. The radio will remain secured until the correct code is entered.

At this point you will need to keep the ignition on for one hour before you may attempt to enter another code. After three unsuccessful attempts to unlock the radio, the display will show “InOP’ (inoperative). If you forget your code or cannot unlock the radio, contact your Pontiac dealer for assistance. To disable THEFTLOCKO, you simply follow these steps: 1. Turn the ignition to the “Accessory”

or “Run” position. 2. Turn the radio off.

Steering Wheel Controls For Audio System lome audio functions can be operated vith these controls: LM/FM: Press to select either the AM or ;M1 and FM2 radio bands. The band you elect will be displayed on the digital creen. The frequency of the station will le displayed, and if the station is in tereo, the stereo indicator will also be lisplayed.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems Steering Wheel Controls for Audio System (CONK) SEEK: Press to seek and stop on the next station higher (A) or lower (V) on the radio band. When listening to a cassette tape or compact disc, you can change to the previous or next selection by pressing the “SEEK” up or down arrow. RCL (Recall): When the radio is on, press to change between the clock and the radio station frequency displayed on the digital screen. When a CD is playing, press to change between the clock, track selection and elapsed time into the current selection. The display will automatically return to the clock.

PRESET Press this to hear the radio stations that are set on your system. The radio display will show the preset number followed by the station frequency. VOL (Volume): Press A to increase volume. Press to lower the volume. PWR: Turns the unit on and off when the ignition is on.

Gain Control ;ome models have this control below the mdio system. To get more bass sound, move the .GAIN” control to adjust the amount of )ass.

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Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly is subject to reduced sound quality, ruining the cassette, or damaging the mechanism. Tape cassettes that are not properly stored in their plastic cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat may not operate properly and could cause premature failure of the tape player.

Understanding Radio Reception FM Stereo FM Stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. AM 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 also pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. To lower this noise, try reducing the treble level.

Your tape player should be cleaned after every 50 hours of use, as regular maintenance. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If the second cassette results in no improvement in sound quality, try cleaning the tape player. Cleaning may be done with a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette. This system uses a cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. It is normal for the cartridge to eject while cleaning. Insert the cassette at least 3 times to ensure thorough cleaning. A scrubbing action cleaning cassette is available through your Pontiac dealership. You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject. It may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always verify that the cassette tape is in good condition before obtaining service on your tape player. Please note that cassette tape adapter kits for portable CD players will not work in your cassette player. These adapter cassettes will be ejected by the radio.

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. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.

Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender.

5. Make the antenna go up and down by

turning the radio or ignition on and off.

6. Then repeat if necessary.

If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit and follow the instructions in the kit.

NOTICE: Don’t lubricate the power antenna. Lubrication could damage it.

NOTICE: Before entering an automatic car wash, turn off your radio to make the power antenna go down. This will prevent the mast from possibly getting damaged. If the antenna does not go down when you turn the radio off, it may be damaged or need to be cleaned. In either case, lower the antenna by hand by carefully pressing the antenna down.

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Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it’s cleaned from time to time. To Clean the Antenna Mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise

the antenna to full mast extension. 2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral

spirits or an equivalent solvent.

3. Wipe a cloth over the mast sections,

removing any dirt.

4. Wipe dry with a clean cloth before

retracting.

Notes

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Part 4 Driving and the Road

Your

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................................. Defensive Driving DrunkenDriving .................................................. 'Control of a Vehicle Bmking .. ...................................................... Anti-LackBrakes ................................................ SteeringTips .................................................... Steering in Emergencies ........................................... Passling ........................................................ DrivingatNight ................................................... I)rivin>g in the Rain ................................................. City Driving ...................................................... Freeway Driving .................................................. Before Leaving on a Long Trip ....................................... HillandMountainRoads ............................................ WhterDriving .................................................... Towing a Trailer ...................................................

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141 142 144 145 1 4 6 148 149 151 151 152 153 155 158

Your Driving and the Road

Defensive Driving

Drunken Driving

The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Pontiac: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts’’ in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly.

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 takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

Judgment

0 Muscular Coordination 0 Vision Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol - a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. About 20,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured.

Just how much alcohol is too much if a person plans to drive? Ideally, no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

How much alcohol is in the drink. The drinker’s body weight. The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

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RESULT IN A BAC OF O.O5O/o

IN THE TIME SHOWN

NUMBER OF DRINKS (as in picture)

3 HOURS

2 HOURS

1 HOUR

100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240

BODY WEIGHT IN POUNDS

rhe law in most U.S. states sets the legal to imit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada we’ve seen, it depends on how much he limit is 0.08 percent, and in some Ither countries it’s lower than that. The 3AC will be over 0.10 percent after three

alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.

six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as

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According to the American Medical Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up witk a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce ( 120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka. 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 slightly lower BAC level.

Your Driving and the Road

Drunken Driving (CONT.)

But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No mount of coffee or number of cold jhowers 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 a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone who has been drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

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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. That means you can lose control of your vehicle.

And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, .dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy

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Your Driving and the Road

ANTILOCK @) 1

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your Pontiac has an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent skidding.

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This light on the instrument panel will go on when you start your vehicle. When you start your vehicle and begin to drive away, you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise. And you may even notice that your brake pedal moves 2 little while this is going on. This is the ABS system testing itself. If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system warning light will stay on. See “Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.

Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you: You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels. The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions.

I

You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: Anti-lock doesn‘t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal. 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. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes.

To Use Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear a motor or clicking noise during a hard stop, but this is normal. Traction Control System (OPTION) Your vehicle may have a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power (by shutting off fuel injectors and managing spark) to limit wheel spin. You may feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. If your vehicle is in Cruise Control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the Cruise Control will auto~natically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the Cruise Control back on. (See “Cruise Control” in the Index.)

The “TRACTION OFF” warning light will come on when you turn the traction control system off. When the system is on, this light will come on to let you know if there’s a problem with your traction control system. See “Traction Control System Warning Light” in’the Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the traction control system off if you ever need to. (You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck i n sand. mud, ice or

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Steering

Your Driving and the Road Traction Control System (OPTION) (CONI) snow. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in the Index.) To turn the system off, press the “TRACTION CONTROL” button. The “TRACTION OFF” warning light will come on and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the system won’t turn off right away. It will wait until there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The “TRACTION OFF” warning light should go off. Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

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 your vehicle is equipped with this option, you have a variable effort steering system that eases steering effort at speeds less than 20 mph (32 km/h). This is particularly useful when parking your vehicle. Steering Tips

Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface; the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have traction control and the system is on, adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control.

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What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.

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. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem.

Your Pontiac can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the-steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.

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Your Driving and the Road

Passing

The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple’ maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing:

“Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time.

Off-Road Recovery

You may find sometime 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 slight1 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. You can turn the steering wheel up to 1/4 turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

146

Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. 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. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to

cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again’and wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is.) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle.

0 Don’t overtake a slowly moving

vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn.

0 If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right. Loss of Control

Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three zontrol 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. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible.

The three types of skids correspond to your Pontiac’s three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skic€-.too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerato? pedal. If you have the traction control system, remember: It helps avoid only the, acceleration skid. If you do not have traction control$ or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs.

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Your Driving and the Road Skidding (CONI) Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues -- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid.

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. 0 Drive defensively. 0 Don’t drink and drive.

Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlights behind you.

Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlights can light up only so much road ahead. In remote areas, watch for animals. If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.

Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old. What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on glare from headlights, but they also make a lot of things invisible.

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You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. 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 headlights), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. Remember that your headlights light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your headlights should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness -- the inability to see in dim light -- and aren’t even aware of it.

....

rn Driving in the Rain Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to ;ee. Even if your Windshield wiper blades Lre in good shape, a heavy rain can make t harder to see road signs and traffic ;ignals, pavement markings, the edge of :he road, and even people walking. [t’s wise to keep your wiping equi*rnent :n good shape and keep your wihhield washer tank filled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show ;ips of streaking or missing are& on the windshield, or when strips of rubher start to separate from the inserts.

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Your Driving and the Road

Driving in the Rain (CONX)

Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.

. . 150

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires haven’t much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and

*aindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, ;here could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher ;peeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast ule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Some Other Rainy Weather Tips

Turn on your low-beam headlights -- not just your parking lights -- to help make you more visible to others. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See “Tires” in the Index.)

Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next section, “Freeway Driving.”) Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check bcith ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

city Driving

One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: o 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.

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Freeway Driving ..;;. Mile for mile, freeways (also calked thruways, parkways, expresswaysi:. turnpikes, or superhighways) are. @e safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most important advice on frwway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane 0n.a freeway as a passing lane. At the entrance there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive

151 ...

Your Driving and the Road H Freeway Driving (CONK) along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the.posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot. Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move slightly slower at night. When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit do not, under any

circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the next exit. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. Before Leaving on a Long Trip

Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s work -- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in. Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. 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

,.. 152

America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things you can check before a trip: 0 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the

reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?

0 Wiper Blades: Are they in good

shape?

0 Fuel. Engine Oil. Other Fluids: Have

you checked all levels?

0 Lights: Are they all working? Are the

lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? 0 Weather Forecasts: What’s the

weather outlook along your route? Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system? Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?

Your Driving and the Road

Hill and Mountain Roads (CONK)

0 Know how to go down hills. The most

important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill.

0 As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident.

0 You may see highway signs on

mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.

Know how to go uphill. Shift down to “3” (Third). This will help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better. Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.

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0

Have your Pontiac in good shape for winter. Be sure your engine coolant mix is correct. You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your trunk.

Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. 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. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.

Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be very careful.

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Your Driving and the Road Driving on Snow or Ice (CONT.) 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; OOC) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there. Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow -- drive with caution. If you have traction control, keep the system on. It will improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a slippery road. Even though your vehicle has a traction control system, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to the road conditions. See “Traction Control System” in the Index. If you don’t have the traction control system, accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more.

Your anti-lock brakes improve your ability to make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-lock” in the Index. 0 Allow greater following distance on

any slippery road. Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until you hit a spot that’s covered with ice. On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas where the sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees, behind buildings, or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not to brake while you’re actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

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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. Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow.

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery io restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headlights. Let, the heater run for awhile. Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until help comes.

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Your Driving and the Road If You’re Stuck in Deep Snow This manual explains how to get the vehicle out of deep snow without damaging it. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in the Index.

Towing a Trailer

NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section, and see your Pontiac dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.

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Your Pontiac can tow a trailer if it is equipped with proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That’s the reason for this section. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.

If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer If you do, here are some important points.

There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you'll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. Consider using a sway control. (You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.) Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 1000 miles ( 1600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

0 Obey speed limit restrictions when

towing a trailer. Don't drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers (or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h)) to save wear on your vehicle's parts.

Three important considerations have to do with weight: Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. 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:

Customer Assistance Center Pontiac Division One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952

In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada Limited, Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L 1 H 8P7.

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Your Driving and the Road

If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, thc trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a “weight-distributing” hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total capacity weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

... 160

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle. 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: 0 Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes iater when you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt and water can, too.

The bumpers on yaur vehicfe are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.

Safety Chains You should always attach chains- between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of.the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do both brakes systems won’t work well, or at all. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical Eonnector, lights, 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. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionakky to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.

, .

Your Driving and the Road Driving with a Trailer (CONT.)

Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Passing You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

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Making Turns When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lights will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop. When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.

Your vehicle has bulb warning lights. When you plug trailer lights into your vehicle’s lighting system, its bulb warning lights may not let you know if one of your lights goes out. So, when you have trailer lights plugged in, be sure to check your vehicle and trailer lights from time to time to be sure they’re all working. Once you disconnect the trailer lights, the bulb warning lights again can tell you if one of your vehicle lights is out.

Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down to “D” (Drive) and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.

Parking on Hills You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could

Parking on Hills You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it: 1.

Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into “P” (Park) yet. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake, and then shift to “F”’ (Park). Release the regular brakes.

2.

3.

4.

5.

When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1.

Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: 0 Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

0 Release the parking brake. Let up on the brake pedal. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

2. 3.

4.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, belt(s), cooling system, and brake adjustment, Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections before. you start your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

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Notes

1 4 4

Problems on the

Part. 5

H e r e you'^^ find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road .

Hazard Warning Flashers ............................................ Jump Starting ..................................................... TowingYourPontiac ............................................... EngineOverheating ................................................ Air Inflator System ................................................. If a Tire Goes Flat ................................................. ChangingaFlatTire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CompactSpare .................................................... If You're Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . ......................

1;66 167 170 k76 182 182 183 191 192

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Problems on the Road

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 lights will flash on and off.

’ress the button in to make your front and ear turn signal lights flash on and off. Lour hazard warning flashers work no natter what position your key is in, and :ven if the key isn’t in.

To turn off the flashers, pull out on the :ollar. When the hazard warning flashers ire on, your turn signals won’t work.

Other Warning Devices :f you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet ( 100 m) behind your vehicle.

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Jump Starting

If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Pontiac. But please follow the steps below to do it safely.

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NOTICE: Remember that ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your Pontiac by pushing or pulling it won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle.

To Jump Start Your Pontiac:

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have

a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.

NOTICE: If the other system isn’t a 12-volt