1995 Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual

3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed. Ventilation For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through your vehicle. 1. Turn the air control knob to VENT. 2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable

setting.

3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.

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Defogging and Defrosting the Windshield 1. Turn the air control knob to DEFROST. 2. Turn the temperature control knob to the desired

setting.

3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed. Air Conditioner Controls (Option)

The air conditioning system uses the same controls as the heating system, except that the slir control knob has two extra settings, described below. For an explanation of all the controls, see “Heater Controls” earlier in this part.

MAX: Provides maximum cooling or quick cool-down on very hot days. This setting recirculates most of the air inside your vehicle. If it is used for long periods of time, the air may become dry. This setting directs air through the upper air vents. A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting cools outside air and directs it through the upper air vents. The air conditioner compressor operates in MAX, A/C, BI-LEVEL, BLEND and DEFROST when the outside the air conditioner temperature is above freezing. When is on, you may sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle’s engine speed and power. This is normal because the system is designed to cycle the compressor on and off to keep the desired cooling and help fuel economy. Cooling The air conditioner works best if you keep your windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows just long enough for the hot air to escape. 1. Turn the air control knob to A/C for normal cooling.

For faster cooling move the knob to MAX.

2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable

setting.

3. Move the fan cdfitrol knob to the desired speed.

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Rear Window Defogger (Option) ‘c

I NOTICE:

Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the switch to turn on the defogger. An indicator light will come on to remind you that the defogger is on. The defogger will turn off automaticaliy after about ten minutes of use. If you turn it on again, the defogger will operate for about five minutes only. You can also turn the defogger off by pressing the switch again. Do not attach agything like a temporary vehicle license or a decal acr0s.s the defogger grid on the rear window.

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Flow-Through Ventilation System Your Pontiac’s flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the blower fan is running.

Ventilation Tips 0 Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow, or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.

0 When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the fan control knob to the right for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle.

it if you acquaint yourself

Audio Systems Your Delco@ audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. But you will get the most enjoyment out of with it first. Find out what your Delco@systerh can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. If you have power door locks, your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP you can play your audio system even after See the Index under “Retained Accessory Power.” Setting the Clock The clock may be set with the ignition on or off. 1. Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears. 2. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute appears. NOTE: There will be a two second delay before the clock goes into the time-set mode, and the colon in the display will blink while in this mode’.

the ignition is off.

A m M Stereo Radios with Cassette Tape Player or Compact Disc Player If your Pontiac has a radio with either a cassette tape player, a compact disc player or a graphic equalizer, the instructions below will explain how to use the radio. For other features, see the instructions for the feature your radi.0 has. To Play the Radio Push POWER to turn the system on or off. VOLUME: Turn the VOLUME knob to adju.st the sound. RECALL: Press RECALL to recall the station being played or the clock display. You can also press RECALL to display the time when the ignition is off.

Finding a Station AM-FM: Press A” to get AM, FMI or F M ~ . The lighted display shows yout selection. TUNE: Press TUNE to release the knob. T u k the knob to choose radio stations. Push TUNE back in to store it when not tuning.

SEEK: Press SEEK or A and the radio will tune to the next lower or higher station and stay there. Preset: The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can preset up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FM1 and 6 FM2). 1. Press A" to choose AM, FM1 or FM2. 2. Tune in the station. 3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons until the

display shows SET. Whenever you press that button, the preset station will return.

Repeat these steps for each pushbutton.

Ir

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound between the right and left speakers. The middle position is a detent and balances the speakers. FADE: Press this knob so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound between the front and rear speakers. The middle position is a detent and balaqces the speakers. Push the knob back in when you're'not using it.

Setting the Tone BASS: Slide the lever to the right or left to increase or decrease the bass. The middle position is a detent. TREBLE: Slide the lever to the right or left or decrease the treble. The middle position If a station is weak and noisy, slide TREBLE to the left to reduce the noise.

to increase is a detent.

L

Setting the Tone Use the levers to set the bass, midrange and treble until you get the sound you want. The 40,100,250 and 625 levers adjust the bass. 1.6K is midrange, and 4K and 12K control the treble. We suggest setting the 1.6K lever in the middle position and then moving the other levers up or down until you get the amount of bass &d treble you like.

Playing a Cassette Tape Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player. A cassette symbol will appear in the upper left corner of the display whenever a tape is inserted. The longer side with the tape visible goes in first. If you hear nothing or hear just a garbled sound, it may not be in squarely. Press EJECT to remove the tape and start over. Once the tape is playing, use VOLUME, FADE, TREBLE and BASS just as you do for the radio. The arrows show which side of the tape is playing. Your tape player will automatically adjust the equalization for high bias (metal and Cr02) tapes. PREV (Previous): Press this button or SEEK a selection again. For PREV to work properly, your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection. The radio will not play during this operation. NEXT Press this button or SEEK A to hear the next selection (instead of waiting until the current selection is finished.)

to play

-2."

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For NEXT to work properly, your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection. The radio will not play during this operation. FWD (Forward): Press this button to rapidly advance to another part of the tape. Press PROG or FWD again to stop it. The radio will play during this operation. REV (Reverse): Press this button to rapidly rewind the tape. Press PROG or REV again to stop it. The radio will play during this operation.

To Play the Next Selection The radio will not play during this operation. PROG (Program): Press this button to switch from one side of the tape to the other or to stop the tape from searching.

Noise Reduction 00 Press this button to reduce background noise. This symbol will appear in the display. Dolby@ B Noise Reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the 00 symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

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To Stop the Tape Player

Turn the power off or turn the ignition key off. The cassette stays in the player and will resume playing at the point where it stopped. Press A” to stop playing the cassette and switch to the radio. Press TAPE-PLAY to restart the cassette at the point where it stopped. Press EJECT to remove the cassette or stop the cassette and switch to radio. EJECT will work with the ignition or radio off. Press EJECT to load a cassette when the radio is off.

NOTE: This radio has a “broken tape” feature that will eject broken or misfed tapes. Because of this feature, CD changers that plug into the tape deck will not work in this system. Diagnostic Tape Error Indicator When the cassette player detects a problem with the cassette tape either just after it is loaded or while it is playing, it will attempt to work around the epor. If the tape player cannot continue to play the cassette, it will eject it and switch to the radio mode.

If E and a number appears in the radio display, an error has occurred and the cassette or compact disc will not play temporarily. If the error occurred while trying the following conditions may have caused the error: 1. The cassette tape is tight and the cassette player

to play a cassette tape,

cannot turn the hubs of the cassette tape.

2. E10 may be displayed.

Hold the cassette with the open end down and try turning right hub counter clockwise with a pencil.

0 Flip the tape over and repeat same procedure. If the hubs do not turn easily, your cassette tape may be damaged and should not be used

in the cassette player. Try a new tape to make sure that your cassette player is working properly.

If the cassette tape is broken, Ell may be displayed.

Check to see if your tape is broken. Try a new cassette tape.

of

This feature may not work well with certain types adaptors for add-on CD players. If there is not tension on the reels of the cassette player, it will sense that the adaptor is a broken tape and eject it. CLN (Clean): If this message appears on the display when you insert your cassette tape, your cassette player needs to be cleaned. It will still play cassette tapes, but it should be cleaned to prevent damage to your cassette tapes and the cassette tape player. See “Care,of Your Cassette Tape Player” in the Index. After you: have cleaned the cassette tape player, press and hold the EJECT button for 5 seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display “---” to show that the clean feature has been reset.

‘It

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1

With the audio system on, insert a disc into the slot with the label side up. CD will appear on the display and track 1 will begin to play. If the disc comes back out and ERR appears on the display, it could be that:

The disc is upside down. It is dirty, scratched or wet. There’s too much moisture in the air. If so wait about an hour and try it again. You are driving on a very rough road. The temperature is too hot or too cold.

If you are driving on a very rough road, the disc may not play and ERR may appear on the display. The disc should start playing when the road gets smoother. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be corrected, write down the error message and provide it when you have it serviced.

To Play a Compact Disc Your CD player will play the smaller 8 cm (3.2 inch) compact discs. No adapter is required for the smaller CD’s.

If you press and hold this button or press it more than once, the disc will advance further. REV (Reverse): Press and hold this button to rapidly return to a passage. Release it to play the passage. The radio will play during this operation and the display will show elapsed time. FWD (Forward): Press and hold this button to quickly advance within a track. Release it to resume playing. The radio will play during this operation. RDM (Random): Press this button to hear a random selection of tracks. Press it again to turn off random Play. To Stop the Disc Player

Turn the power off or turn the ignition key off. The disc stays in the player and will resume playing at the point where it stopped.

0 Press A" to stop playing the disc and switch to radio. Press CD/PLAY to restart the disc at the point, where it stopped. Press EJECT to eject the disc or stop the disc and switch to radio. EJECT will work with the ignition or radio off. Press EJECT to load a disc when the audio system is off.

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the disc is inserted.

RECALL: Press this button to see what track is playing. Press it again within five seconds to see how long it has been playing. The track number also appears when PREV (Previous): Press this button or SEEK the current track again. If you press and hold this button, or press once, the disc will return to previous tracks. NEXT Press this button or SEEK A to hear the next track now (instead of waiting until the present track is finished).

it more than

to hear

THEFTLOCK THEF’iZOCK is a security feature for the cassette tape and compact disc player. It can be used or ignored. If igriored, the system functions normally. If it is used, your system won’t be usable if it’s ever stolen. When the system is active, the indicator light will flash while the ignition is off. Setting Your Security Code The instructions below tell you how to enter a security code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any reason, you must enter the security code again before the system will turn on. 1. Write down any number from 000 to 1999 and keep

it in a safe place.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or RUN

position.

3. Turn the radio off. 4. Press and hold pushbuttons 1 and 4 together until

“- - -” shows on the display. You are now ready to enter your security code. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds between steps.

,’

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5. Press MIN and “000” will appear on the display. 6. Press MIN again and hold until the last two digits of

your code appear. Release the button.

7. Press H R until the fist one or two digits of your

code appears.

8. Press A” “rEP” will appear on the display. 9. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for verification. 10. Press A” SEC.will appear on the display. This

means that your audio system is secured.

Shutting Off the Theft-Deterrent Feature If your audio system is secured (SEC shows on the display) and you wish to disable it, enter yoiu security code as .follows, pausing no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. Make sure the audio system is

off. The time will show on the display.

2. Press pushbuttons 1 and 4 together until SEC shows

on the display.

3. Press MIN “000” will appear on the display. 4. Press MIN again and hold until the last two digits of

your code appear. Release the button.

‘,

\.

5.

6.

Press HR until the first one or two digits of your code appear. Press A” If “- - -” shows, you have shut off the theft-deterrent feature. If SEC shbws, your audio system is still secured.

Note: If you lose or forget your security code, see your dealer for assistance. Unlocking the Audio System “after a Power Failure If power is disrupted io the audio system whiie in the SEC mode, the unit will not work &nd LOC will show on the display whenever the ignition is on. To unlock the unit: 1. Press MIN “OW’ will appear on the display. 2. Press MIN again and hold until the iast two digits of

your code appear. Release the button.

3. Press HR until the first one or two digits of your

code appear.

4. Press AM/FM. SEC will appear on the display and the unit will work. If LOC shows, the numbers did not hatch and the unit is still locked.

How to Change Your Security Code You can change your security code by following these steps: 1. Using your old code, follow the directions given

under “Shutting Off the Theft-Deterrent Feature.’’ 2. Repeat directions of .“Setting Your Security Code”

with your new security code.

Understanding Radio Reception FM Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound. But FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (1 6 to 65 km). And, tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go.

.i‘

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 pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.

&&

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AM Stereo This means the Delco@ system can receive C-QUAM@ stereo broadcasts. Many AM stations around the country use C-QUAM’ to produce stereo, though some do not. (C-QUAM@ is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.) If your Delco@ system can get C-QUAM@, your STEREO light will come on when you’re receiving it. Tips about your Audio System Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and h a u l to your hearing. Take precautions by adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it. To help avoid hearing loss or damage: 0 Adjust tbe volume control to the lowest setting. 9 Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably

and clearly.

NOTICE: vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile Before you add any sound equipment to your 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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Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always verify that the cassette tape is in good condition and that the tape player before obtaining service on your tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned with every 50 hours of use to provide optimum performance. Your radio may display “Cln” to indicate that your have used your tape player for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, regardless of when the tape player was last cleaned, try playing a different 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.

is clean

Proper tape player cleaning should be done with a scrubbing action, nonabrasive cleaner cassette. This is a wet-type cleaning system that uses a cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. To properly clean your tape player, follow the instructions with the cleaning cassette. If you use this type of cleaner, the radio may display an error and eject the cartridge. This is normal and is the result of an added feature in the tape player that detects broken tapes. If an error occurs, you will need to insert the cleaning cassette at least three times to thoroughly clean the tape player. 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. A scrubbing action cleaner is available through your dealer (GM Part No. 12344600). Note: Tape adapter kits for portable CD players will not work in your cassette player. These adapters will cause the radio to display an error message and the adapter cassette will be ejected.

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_-

Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs-cafefully. 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 ftom 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 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.

it out by hand. If the

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Power Antenna Mast Care Your optional 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. 2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or

equivalent solvent.

3. Wipe the cloth over the mast sections, removing any

dlrt.

4. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. 5. Make the antenna go up and down by turning the

radio off and on.

6. Then repeat if necessary.

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.

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.

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-

Steering Wheel Touch Controls (Option)

VOL (Volume): Press the up or down arrows to increase or decrease volume. PLAY: Press to play the CD or cassette instead of the radio. MUTE: Press to silence the system. Press again to turn on the sound. SEEK: Press the up or down arrows to tune to the next or previous radio station. If a tape or compact disc is playing, the player will advance or rewind. PRESET Press to play a station you have programmed on the radio preset buttons. AMIFM: Press to choose AM, FM1 or FM2. If a tape or compact disc is playing, it will stop and the radio will

You can control certain audio system functions using the play. buttons on your steering wheel.

Section 4 Your Driving and the Road

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.

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Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving.

I

Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

The obvious way to solve this highway safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. But what if people do? How much is “too much” if the driver plans to drive? It’s a think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

iot less than many might

Judgment Muscular Coordination

0 Vision

Attentiveness

Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, some 18,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured. Many adults -- by some estimates, nearly half the adult population -- choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, it’s against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological and developmental reasons for these laws.

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How much alcohol consumed The drinker’s body weight

0 The amount of food that is consumed before and

during drinking The length of time it’s taken the drinker to consume the alcohol

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 of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.

rnl) glasses

man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In a growing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, the limit is 0.08 percent. In some other countries it’s even lower. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the U.S. is 0.04 percent. 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 d r i n k s them. But 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 a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is twelve times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is twenty-five times greater!

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It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90’ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level. There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a lower relative percentage of body water than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a

The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. 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, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord or heart. This means that when anyone who has been drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, that person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the person had not been drinking.

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Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. 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.

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.

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 may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

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

This light on the instrument panel will come on briefly when you start your vehicle.

INOP

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-lock brake system warning light will stay on or flash. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light’’ in the Index.

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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.

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.

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.

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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 fiont 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 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 engine 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.

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If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction When this warning light is on, the system will not liinit control system begins to lirinit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise corn-01. (See “Ci-uise Control” in the Index.)

wheel spin. Adiust your driving accordingly The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery mad 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 youi. vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

TCS OFF

When the system is on, the TCS OFF warning 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.

’

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1

,!

To turn the system off, press the button located on the center of the console behind the shift lever (Automatic Transmission) or in ffont of the shift boot (Manual Trans’Mss-ion). The light on the bu@on will go off, and the TCS OFF wmiqg light will come on and stay on. If the traction control 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.lonier 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, aqd the TCS QFF 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 (174 km/h). (The TCS OFF warning light will not come on.) When the vehicle speed drops below 1p3 mph (166 km/h) the system will automaticaUy borne on agdn.

Automatic Transmission

TRACTION @

Manual Transmission

TRACTION CONTROL

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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 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. 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.

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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.

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pin 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.

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 slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. 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.

OFF

5’ LEFT APPROX.

QUARTER TURN

SLOW DOWN

edge of paved surface

then goes

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, 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: 0 “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 traflic 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.

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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.

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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. If you have the traction control system, helps avoid only the acceleration skid.

remember: It

foot off the

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 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 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 brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid.

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I

Driving at Night

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

Drive defensively.

a Don’t drink and drive.

Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps 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 headlamps, but they also make a lot of things invisible.

Driving in the Rain

are faced

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 with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with rnisaimed headlamps), 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 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 ydur headlamps light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your to pick out dimly eyes moving; that way, it’s easier lighted objects. Just as your headlamps 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.

the inside of the glass

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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 see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. . It’s wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep yoqr windshield washer tank filled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

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.

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. 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 0 Turn on your low-beam headlamps -- 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.)

, .

4-19

a

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 part, “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 both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be ruqping 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.

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Freeway Driving

Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes, or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on 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 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 m i s s 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.

. .

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Here are some things you can check before a trip:

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

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 America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.

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Hill and Mountain Roads

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

0 Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently.

0 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.

Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain.

. C? . i . ‘j

4-23

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work hard on mountain roads.

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 your 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 wam 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.

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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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.

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 O F ; 0 O C) 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.

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to make a

Your anti-lock brakes improve your ability 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.

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

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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 warrn. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be care€ul.

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 headlamps. 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 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.

little as possible. Preserve the

Loading Your Vehicle

TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION

VEHICLE CAP. WT.

FRT. CTR.

RR.

TOTAL

LBS.

MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT COLD TIRE PRESSURE SIZE

TIRE

SPEED

XXX

PSI/KPa RTG

FRT. RR. SPA. IF TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PS1/28KPa SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL

\INFORMATION

Two labels on your vehicle show how much ‘weight it ’ may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label found on the driver’s door tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important information about the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options.

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i MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP

DATE GVWR GAWR FRT

THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI- CABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.

GAWR RR

And, if you do a heavy load, you should spread it out. Don’t carry more than 100 pounds (45 kg) in your rear area.

The other label is the Certification label, found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.

If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages or anything else -- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.

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Towing a Trailer

I 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 part, and see your Pontiac dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.

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Your car 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 part. 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 resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.

to wind

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points. 0 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 (1 600 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? 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. 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 1,500 pounds (680 kg) under normal driving conditions. It should never weigh more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) when driven on long grades at high ambient temperatures. 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: 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 LlH 8P7.

the total capacity

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

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.

If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a “wdght-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 recommended pressure for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Certifiidtion 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, including the weight of the trailer tongue.

Hitclids It’s imbortant 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 my 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 and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never .allow safety chains to drag on the 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 instal, 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.

ground.

the vehicle you are

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 the feel of to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that 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 (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand.to be sure thg 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 lamps and any trailer brakes are still working.

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Foliawing 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 Hoid the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the l e k To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Making Turns

NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.

When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. 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 lamps 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.

lower gear before you start

Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a 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 driving in THIRD (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 (drive in FIFTH if you have a six-speed manual transmission) or, as you need to, a lower gear.

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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

PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission. 2. Have someone place chocks 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 PARK (P), or REVERSE (R) for a manual transmission. 5. Release the regular brakes.

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When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down

while you:

Start your engine;

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 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 tight.

you find them

are

Section 5 Problems on the Road

Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers

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.

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To turn off the flashers, pull out on the collar.

When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn signals won’t work.

Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. 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 costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Qying to start your Pontiac by pushing or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you have,a manual transmission. And if you have an automatic transmission, it won’t start that way.

To Jump Start Your Pontiac; 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt

battery with a negative ground system.

NOTICE:

I If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a

negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

2.

jumper cables

Get the vehicles close enough so the can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your Pontiac, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. 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!

3.

I NOTICE: I If you leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. I 4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.

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

each battery.

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6. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or

missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to 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.

7. 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.

8. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the

positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terrnind if the vehicle has one. But don’t use the junction block on your Pontiac.

9. 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 to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.

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5-5

10.

11.

12.

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. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

13. 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

Towing Your Car

If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it was factory-new by adding aftermarket items like fog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these instructions and illustrations may not be correct. Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning flashers. When you call, tell the towing service:

Try to have a GM dealer or a professional towing service tow your Pontiac. The usual towing equipment is a sling-type (A) or a wheel-lift (B) or car carrier (C) tow truck.

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 instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them.

towing

5-7

.

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 car’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.

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Front Towing Hook-Ups

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.

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

NOTICE: Do not tow with sling-type equipment or fascidfog light damage will occur. Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.

5-11

NOTICE: Take care not to damage the brake pipes and hoses or the ABS sensor and wiring.

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 vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.

towing dolly and raise

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

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 garrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted,in the T-hook slots.

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

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I NOTICE:

Take care not to damage the brake pipes and cables.

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.

5-15

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