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I Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Pontiac: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” 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.


:very year. Alcohol takes away three :hings that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:


Judgment Muscular Coordination 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.


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


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RESULT IN A BAC QF .05%


DRINKING THAT WILL IN THE TIME SHOWN


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 with 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 mi) 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.


100 120


140 160 180 200 Rnnv WEIGHT IN POUNDS


220 240


The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in some other countries it’s lower than that. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.


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 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 a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.


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Your Driving and the Road 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.


I Control of a Vehicle ou have three systems that make your 2hicle go where you want it to go. hey are the brakes, the steering and the xelerator. All three systems have to do teir work at the places where the tires teet the road. ometimes, as when you’re driving on IOW or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those mtrol systems than the tires and road an provide. That means you can lose mtrol of your vehicle.


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I ‘ Braking 3ralung action involves perception time md reaction time. %st, you have to decide to push on the )rake pedal. That’s perception time. rhen you have to bring up your foot md do it. That’s reaction time. 4verage reaction time is about 3/4 of a ;econd. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. 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 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. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it make take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.


mti-Lock Brakes (ABS) [our Pontiac has an advanced electronic lraking system that will help prevent kidding.


ABS INOP


This light on the instrument panel will go on when you start your vehicle. When you start your vehicle, or when you begin to drive away, you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise. And you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a 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-lack brake system warning light will stay on or flash.


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Your Driving and the Road


system is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, the “LOW TRAC” light will come on. See “Low Traction Light” in the Index. Traction Control System (Option: LT1 V8 Engine) 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 rear wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the rear brakes and reduces engine power (by closing the throttle and managing spark) to limit wheel spin. The “LOW TRAC” light will come on when your traction control system is limiting wheel spin. See “Low Traction Light” in the Index. You may feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. The traction control system may operate on dry roads under some conditions, and you may notice a reduction in acceleration when this happens. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration in a turn, or an abrupt upshift or downshift.


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.


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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 feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. When your anti-lock


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 light on the button should come on, and the “TCS OFF” warning light should go off. If your car is equipped with P245/50ZR16 tires, the traction control system will automatically turn off at speeds above 108 mph ( 173 km/h). (The “TCS OFF” warning light will not come on.) When the vehicle speed drops below 103 mph (165 km/h), the system will automatically turn on again.


TCS OFF


TRACTION


If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. (See “Cruise Control” in the Index.) The “TCS 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.


’he traction control system automatically omes on whenever you start your vehicle ’0 limit wheel spin, especially in lippery road conditions, you should lways leave the system on. But you can urn the traction control system off if you ver need to. (You should turn the system Iff if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand. mud, ice or snow. See “Rocking Your [ehicle” in the Index.) ’0 turn the system off, press the button .ear the center of the console behind the hift lever. The light on the button will ;o off, and the “TCS OFF” warning light Jill come on and stay on. If the traction ontrol system is limiting wheel spin {hen you press the button, the system


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[f 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.


Your Driving and the Road 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. Steering


Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort.


Steering Tips


Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” 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


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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. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the 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.


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 mce you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations xe always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.


3ff-Road Recovery fou may find sometime that your right aheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder (A) while you’re hiving. [f the level of the shoulder is only slightly )elow the pavement, recovery shbuld be Fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and :hen, if there is nothing in the way, steer $0 that your vehicle straddles the edge of he pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to 114 turn (B) until the:right kont tire contacts the pavement edge. rhen turn your steering wheel to go ;traight down the roadway.


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Steering in Emergencies rhere are times when steering can be .nore 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 :mergencies like these. First apply your )rakes. It is better to remove as much ;peed as you can from a possible :ollision. Then steer around the problem,


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. 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


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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. 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. 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 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.


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 skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.


A cornering skid is best handled by Easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. [f 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 bot 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. 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 recqgnize 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.


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Your Driving and the Road


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 examiqed regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness - the inability to see in dim light - and aren’t even aware of it.


Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlights can up only so much road ahead.


light


0 In remote areas, watch for animals. 0 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. You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. It can take a second or twQ, 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


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Dyz’ving ut Night


Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. Oqe 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. Don’t drink and drive. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlights behind you.


0 Since you can’t see as well, you may


need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.


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[t's wise to keep your wiping equipment .n good 'shape and keep your windshield washer tank fdled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they sh0.w signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when: strips of rubberstart :o separate from the ins'erts.


Driving too fast though largk wqkx puddles or even going through &-me car washes can cause problems, too.?l"he water m y affect your brakes. Tm, to avoid puddles. But if you can't, Wy to slow down before you hit them.


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Your Driving and the Road


Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule 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.)


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:


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. Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next section, “Freeway Driving.”)


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 raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. . . ,138


Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the comer is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.


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Your Driving and the Road 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 thnk 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 clohng 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 America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things you can check before a trip:


Wiper Blades: Are they m good shape?


0 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:


Have you checked all levels?


0 Lights: Are they all workmg? Are the


lenses clean?


0 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? 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?


Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you


Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?


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sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a second, and you could crash and be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen. Then here are some tips:


Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service, or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.


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.


Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transmission, and you can climb the hill better. In hilly terrain, you may want to switch to the “PERFORMANCE” mode for better performance. 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 you? own lane. 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. 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.


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Hill and Mountain Roads


Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain. 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. 0 Keep your vehicle in good shape.


Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work hard on mountain roads.


Your Driving and the Road


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.


Winter Driving


Here are some tips for winter driving:


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 vehicle. Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and 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.


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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.


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.


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’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.


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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.


Towing a Trailer


Your Driving and the Road 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 to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headlights. Let the heater run for awhile.


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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.


Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. 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, transmission, rear axle, 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. 0 There are many different laws, weight:


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.


0 Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.


0 Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.


(800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (SO h/h) and don’t make starts at full throttle. This heips your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. 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 of the .Trailer How heavy can a trailer safelyabe? It should never weigh more th& 1,500 pounds (680 kg) under nQrmal driving conditions. It should n&er weigh more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) when driven on long grades at high ambient temperatures. But even that can be too heavy.


Your Driving and the


Road


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: Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center 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 L1 H 8P7


. . .I46


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 vehlcle’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.


If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weight 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.


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:


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 later 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 your vehicle 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 If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes - and they must be adequate. 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 brake 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 as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.


Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector, 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 occasionally to be sure that the load is secure,. and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.


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.


147 ...


Your Driving and the Road 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.


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.


Making 7hms 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.


Thrn 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.


. . . I 4 8


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 and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating. If you are towing a trailer and you have an automatic transmission with Overdrive, you may prefer to drive in “D” instead of Overdrive (or, as you need to, a lower gear). Or, if you have a manual transmission with fifth (or sixth) gear and you are towing a trailer, it’s better not to use fifth (or sixth) gear. Just drive in fourth gear (fifth gear if you have a


six-speed manual transmission) or, as you need to, a lower gear.


If


Parking on Hills You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. 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, or into gear for a manual transmission.


2. Have someone place chxks under the


trailer wheels.


3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.


4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then


apply your parking brake, and then shift to “P” (Park), or “R” (Reverse) for a manual transmission. 5. Release the regular brakes.


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; 0 Shift into a gear; and 0 Release the parking brake.


2. Let up on the brake pedal. . 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear


of the chocks.


4. Stop and have someone pick up and


store the chocks.


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 transmission fluid (don't overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, 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.


149.. .


Notes


... 150


Part 5 Problems on the Road


Here you’ll find what to do tbout some problems that can )ccur on the road.


3azard Warning Flashers ............................................ ..................................................... lump Starting rowingYourVehicle ............................................... Engineoverheating ................................................ [faTireGoesFlat ................................................. [f You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow .............................


111


151 ...


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.


Press the button in to make your front and rear turn signal lights flash on and off. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn't in.


'0 turn off the flashers, pull out on the ollar. Vhen the hazard warning flashers are on, our turn signals won't work.


Ither Warning Devices F you carry reflective triangles, you can et one up at the side of the road about 00 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.


. . .152


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.


NOTICE: Ignoring these steps could result in costlj damage to your vehicle that wouidn”t be covered by your war- ranty. Trying to start your Pontiac by push- ing or pulling it could damage your yehicle, even if you have a manual tran’smission. And if you have an automatic transmission, it won’t start that way.


ro Jump Start Your Pontiac: 1. Cheik 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 system with. a negative ground, both


2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each


11


I1 ground connection you don’t want.


other. lt tney are, 11 COUIU cause a


You wouldn’t be able to start your Pontiac, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems.


3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lights that aren’t needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it‘could save your radio!


I NOTICE:


If you leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs woddn’t be covered by your warranty.


4. Open the hoods and locate the


batteries.


153 ...


Problems on the Road


Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery.


5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too.


. . .I54


6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to


the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.


I‘ 7. 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. But don’t use the junction block on your Pontiac.


8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative cable doesn’t go tathe dead battery. It goes to a heavy ’ unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.


155 ...


Problems on the Road


11.


12.


Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won't start after a few tries, it probably needs service. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don't touch each other or any other metal. A. Heavy Metal Engine Part B. Good Battery C. Dead Battery


I I


1 Towing Your Vehicle T. ry to have a GM dealer or a professional ,wing service tow your Pontiac. The tc sua1 towing equipment is a sling-type U! 4) or a wheel-lift (B) or car carrier (C) (1 )w truck. tc ' your vehicle has been changed or If hodified since it was factory-new by ac iding aftermarket items like fog lamps, xo skirting, or special tires and wheels, ac lese instructions and illustrations may tl nl ot be correct. 'efore you do anything, turn on the azard warning flashers. h,


9.


IO.


Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while.


. . .I56


When you call, tell the towing service:


That your vehicle cannot be towed from the front or rear with sling-type equipment. That your vehicle has rear-wheel drive. The make, model, and year of your vehicle. Whether you can still move the shift lever. If there was an accident, what was damaged.


When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator know that this manual contains detailed towing instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them.


;.


rl


157


I I .


Problems on the Road When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock for this. The transmission should be in “Neutral” and the parking brake released. Don’t have your vehicle towed on the rear wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle must be towed on the rear wheels, don’t go more than 35 mph (55 km/h) or farther than 50 miles (80 km) or your transmission will be damaged. If these limits must be exceeded, then the rear wheels have to be supported on a dolly.


. . .158


Front Towing Hook-Ups Attach T-hook chains to slots in frame rearward of front wheels on both sides.


NOTICE: Do not attach winch cables or “J” hooks to suspension components when using car carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots.


I I NOTICE:


Do not tow with sling-type equiment or fascia/fog light damage will occur. Use wheel lift or car carrier equip- ment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.


NOTICE: Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle-to-ground or vehicle-to-wheel-lift-equipment contact. To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly and raise vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.


Attach a separate safety chain around outboard end of each lower control arm.


~ T I C E :


I Take care not to damage the brake


pipes and hoses or the ABS sensor and wiring.


159 ...


Problems on the Road c


NOTICE:


Do not tow with sling-type equip- ment or rear bumper valance will be damaged. Use wheel lift or car carrier equip- ment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.


Rear Towing Hook-Ups Attach T-hook chains in front of rear wheels in bottom of frame rail on both sides.


NOTICE: Do not attach winch cables or “J” hooks to suspension components when using car carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slgts.


. . .160


Attach a separate safety chain around outboard end of the rear axle.


I NOTICE: I Take care not to damage the brake


pipes and cables.


If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine:


I NOTICE:


Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle-to-ground or vehicle-to-wheel-lift-equipment contact. To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly and raise vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.


Engine Overheating


You will find a coolant temperature gage on your Pontiac’s instrument panel. You may also find a low coolant warning light on your Pontiac instrument panel.


161 .


Problems on the Road


If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it


off.


2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the


highest fan speed and open the window as necessary.


3. Try to keep your engine under load


(in a drive gear where the engine runs slower).


Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see on the V6 engine: 1. Coolant recovery tank 2. Radiator pressure cap 3. Electric engine fan


If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about ten 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. If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine for two or three minutes while you’re parked, to see if the warning stops. But then, if you still have the warning, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND GET EVERYONE OUT OF THE VEHICLE until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.


If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly darhaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty.


If No Steam Is Coming from Your Engine: If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can gel a little too hot when you:


Climb a long hill on a hot day. Stop after high speed driving. 0 Idle for long periods in traffic. 0 Tow a trailer.


. . .I62


On the V8 engine you’ll see this: 1. Coolant recovery tank 2. Radiator pressure cap 3. Electric engine fans


If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. When it is cool, remove the coolant recovery tank cap and look at the dipstick. The coolant level should be at or above “FULL COLD.” If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.


NOTICE: Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.


If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric engine fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.


163..


Problems on the Road


How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above the “FULL COLD’ mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mix.)


. . ,164


When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or above the “FULL COLD’ mark, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.


NOTICE: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant.


2. Then keep turning the pressure cap,


but now push down as you tum it. Remove the pressure cap.


How to Add Coolant to the Radiator :3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine) I. You can remove the radiator pressure


cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don't pres: down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stor A hiss means there is still some pressure left.


165 ...


Problems on the Road


3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix,


up to the base of the filler neck.


4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to


“FULL COLD.”


5. Put the cap back on the coolant


recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.


. . .I66


6.


7.


Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan(s). By this time the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.


Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the pressure cap line up likl this.


How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine)


NOTICE: The LTl engine (Code P) has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged.


167 ...


Problems on the Road


2. Then keeb turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.


1. You can remove the radiator


pressure cap when the cooling system including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don? pres5 down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop A hiss means there is still some pressure left.


5. After the engine cools, open the air


bleed valves on the heater return hose and water pump inlet.


. . .168


4. Fill with the proper mix. Add coolant


until you see a steady stream of coolant coming from the bleed valves.


5. Close the bleed valves.


i. Continue to fill the radiator up to the ’. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from


base of the filler neck.


the engine and compartment.


I. Start the engine and allow it to run in idle for approximately four minutes. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator will be lower. Add more of the proper mix through the filler neck until the level reaches the bdse of the filler neck.


169 ...


Problems on the Road


9. Shut the engine off and replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up like this.


0. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to


the proper level.


;or a complete drain, flush and refill, see ‘our Pontiac dealer or a Pontiac Firebird Iervice Manual. To purchase a service nanual, see “Service Publications’’ in he Index.


. . .I70


If a Tire Goes Flat


[t’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 ;ire, it’s much more likely to leak out jlowly. But if you should ever have a ‘blowout,” here are a few tips about what :o expect and what to do: [fa front tire fails, the flat tire will create 3 drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane. A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a slud and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible. [f a tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.


Changing a FIat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving s’lowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.


The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire. The equipment you’ll need is in the rear area. First you must remove the clcse-out panel. See “Close-Out Panel” in the Index. On convertible models, you must also remove the trunk access panel. It’s at the upper back of the trunk. Turn the two screw knobs under the trunk edge a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove lhe panel. Find the plastic screw heads in the trim ?anel over the spare tire. Use a coin or a tey to turn the screw heads until the slots mint front and back. Lift the trim panel md move it out of the way.


171 ...


Problems on the Road If you have speakers in the trim panel, you will have to disconnect the speaker wire before completely removing the trim panel.


:o remove the jack and wheel wrench, Dosen and remove the bolt and remove he plastic cover.


Remove the wing nut and adapter and pull out the spare.


. . .172


Start with thejack (A) and wheel wrench (B).


The jack has a bolt at the end. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack bolt. Turn the wheel wrench to the right to raise the lift head a little.


If your wheel has a bolt-on center cap, loosen the plastic caps using the wheel wrench.


173 ...


Problems on the Road


:hen pry off the center cap with the vheel wrench.


Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet.


[f your vehicle has optional alloy wheels, :ach wheel may have one locknut in place If the standard wheel nut. A special wheel lock key (removal tool) and .nstructions are located in the center :onsole. Attach the wheel lock key to the socket of the wheel wrench. Remove the locking wheel nut by turning :ounterclockwise.


. .174


Stay away from the moldings or fender flanges to avoid damaging them.


'osition the jack under the vehicle. There ; a notch in the vehicle's rocker flange n the coupe model. Raise the jack head ntil it fits firmly into the notch nearest le flat tire. In convertible models, place the jack in similar location.


Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the-vehicle to fall off the jack. Be sure to:' fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your vehicle.


175 ...


Problems on the Road


taise the vehicle by rotating the wheel wench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far mough off the ground so there is enough 'oom for the spare tire to fit.


temove all the wheel nuts and take off he flat tire.


. .I76


Remove: any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. Place the spare on the wheel mounting surface.


Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub. against the hub.


,ewer the vehicle by rotating the wheel vrench counterclockwise. Lower t&e jack ompletely.


-4'


-I


L:


177 ...


Problems on the Road


righten the wheel nuts firmly in a :riss-cross sequence as shown.


m’t try to put a center cap on your mpact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the nter cap in the rear area until you have : flat tire repaired or replaced.


NOTICE: Center caps won’t fit on your compact spare. If you try to put a center cap on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.


. .I78


Replace the jack, wheel wrench and flat tire using the storage instructions. When you replace the trim panel, be sure to tuck it under the weatherstrip. 1. Trim Panel 2. Bolt 3. Cover 4. Jack 5. Wing Nut 6. Adapter 7. Compact Spare Tire 8. Full-Size Tire 9. Carpet Flap 10. Tire Storage Bolt 11. Trunk Access Panel (Convertible Only)


12. Knob


179 ...


1


NOTICE: Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using them will damage your vehicle and destroy the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your compact spare.


H Z f You’re Stuck: Zn Sand, Mud, Zce or Snow


What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. The method known as “rocking” can hell you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.


Problems on the Road


NOTICE: If the compact spare is used as a rear tire, do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h). Damage to the rear axle may occur if the compact spare is driven faster than 50 mph (80 km/h). This speed limitation does not apply when the compact spare is used as a front tire.


NOTICE: Don’t take your compact spare through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.


Don’t use your compact spare on some other vehicle. And don’t mix your compact spare or wheel with other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare and its wheel together.


Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare 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. The compact spare is made to perform well at posted speed limits for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it’s best to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you can.

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