1994 Pontiac Grand Am Owners Manual

PONTIAC

Ij

IS34 GRAND A M OWNER'S MANUAL

7 Pontiac Grand Am

- - 1994 Owner’s Manual Table of Contents How to Use This Manual ............ 3 Seats & Restraint Systems ........... Features & Controls ............... 45 - - Comfort Controls & Audio Systems . I O I - Your Driving and the Road ......... 119 Problems on the Road ............. I47 Service & Appearance Care ........ I69 Maintenance Schedule ............ 223 Customer Assistance Information . . 243 Index ........................... Service Station Information . . Last Page

263 9

Includes ‘LReporting Safety Defects” on page 247.

introduction Part I Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9

Printed in USA

10260961 A

Second Edition . . ,

Important Notes About This Manual Please keep this manual in your Pontiac, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice.

Note to Canadian Owners For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux proprietaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en franc;ais chez votre concessionaire ou au DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T lC7.

Published by Pontiac Motor Division

General Motors Corporation

General Motors, GM and the GM Emblem, Pontiac, the Pontiac Emblem and the name Grand AM are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. The word Delco is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation.

Copyright 1993 General Motors Corporation, Pontiac Motor Division. All rights reserved.

How to Use This Manual

I t

I ‘ Using Your 1994 Pontiac Owner’s Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. This will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

There are nine parts with black-tabbed pages in this manual. Each part begins with a brief list of contents, so you can usually tell at a glance if that part contains the information you want.

You can bend the manual slightly to reveal the black tabs that help you find a part.

Part 1: Seats & Restraint Systems This part tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” (Air Bag) System. Part 2: Features & Controls This part,explains how to start and operate your Pontiac. Part 3: Comfort Controls & Audio Systems This part tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your sound system. Part 4: Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

Part 5: Problems on the Road This part tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating, etc. Part 6: Service & Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good. Part 7: Maintenance Schedule This part tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Part 8: Customer Assistance Information This part tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects’’ on page 247. Part 9: Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost ?very subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read. Service Station Information This is a quick reference of service information. You can find it on the last page of this manual.

3 . . .

How to Use This Manual Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box with gray background and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

You will also find a circle with a slash :hrough it in this book. This safety symbol means:

“Don’t,” “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

In the gray caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use yellow for cautions, blue for notices, and the words CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

These symbols have to do with your lights:

TURN SIGNALS

SEAT

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN

BELTS

POWER WINDOW

,\I/,

HIGH

FOG LAMPS

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

Here are some other symbols you may see:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

FUSE *

TEMP

ENGINE

These symbols are on some of your controls:

COOLANT F- -- (0)

WIPER Q WASHER wlNDSHIELDw

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

AIR CONDITIONING

RADIO VOLUME

WINDSHIELD

BRAKE

RADIATOR COOLANT

FUEL

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE -4

DEFROSTER

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER.

OR = =o $0

BEAM

VENTILATING ca

c.

FAN

TRUNK RELEASE

LIGHTER

(e) OIL &

SPEAKER b

TEMP

ANTILOCK BRAKE

Notes

Seats & Restraint Sys

Part I El terns

...

H e r 6 you'll find information about'the seats in your Po.ntiac, and how ti, us0 your-safety belts properly . You can also learn about some thi, ngs you should not dm o with safety belts .

I.

...... 8 Seats and Seat Controls ........................................ 5. afety Belts .......... ; ............................................. 12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ...................................... 17 Driver Positian ...................................................... 17 ............. 21 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....................... Air 'Bag Readiness Light .............................................. 22 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac ............................... 25 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................................... 25 Right Front. Passenger Position ......................................... 26 Rear Seat Passengers ................................................ 26 Center Passenger Position ............................................ 27 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Children .......................................................... 32 .......................................... Smaller Children and Babies 32 Child Restraints .................................................... 33 LargerChildren .................................................... 40 Safety Belt Extender ................................................ 42 Checking Your Restraint System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Replacing Safety Belts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 I a..

Seats & Restraint Systems

Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you about the seats-how to adjust them-and about reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat

also

Move the control lever under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

Manual 4- Way Adjustable Seai (omoN) There are two levers at the front of the seat. The left lever adjusts the seat forward and back. The right lever adjusts the angle of the front of the seat. To Adjust the Seat’s Forward and Rearward Movement: Lift the left lever up and adjust the seat forward or back. Then release the lever and try to move the seat to be certain that it is locked in place. To Raise or Lower the Front of the Seat: Lift the right lever, and lean forward or backward.

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Power Seat Controls (OPTION) To adjust the power seat on some models: Front Control: Raise the front of the seat by holding the switch up. Lower the front of the seat by holding the switch down. Center Control: Move the seat forward or back by holding the control to the front or back. Move the seat higher by holding the control up. Lower the seat by holding the control down. Rear Control: Raise the rear of the seat by holding the switch up. Lower the rear of the seat by holding the switch down.

Manual Lumbar Support Turn the knob on the side of the driver’s seat clockwise to increase support to the lower back. Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease the support.

Manual Reclining Seatback To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat and move the seatback where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to an upright position. Don’t have a seatback reclined, however, if your vehicle is moving.

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Seats & Restraint Systems

Manual Reclining Seafback (CONT.)

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Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some vehicles and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

Easy-Entry Seat (TWO-DOOR MODELS) The right front seat of your vehicle makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat. When you tilt the right front seatback fully forward, the whole seat will slide forward. After someone gets into the rear seat area, move the right front seatback to its original position. Then move the seat rearward until it locks.

To get out, again tilt the seatback fully forward.

Split Fold-Down Rear Seat (OPTION) To Open: Pull forward on the seat tab. To Close: Push the seatback up to its original position. Push the seatback solidly up against the back plate to ensure the inertial latch will hook and lock securely during sudden stops.

Front Seatback Latches (TWO-DOOR MODELS) The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. Your seatback will move back and forth freely, unless you come to a sudden stop. Then it will lock into place. There’s one time the front seats may not fold without some help from you. That’s if your vehicle is parked going down a fairly steep hill. To fold a front seatback forward, push the seatback toward the rear seat as you lift this latch. Then the seatback will fold forward. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly.

Seats & Restraint Systems

Safety Belts: They’re For Everyone

This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System, or “air bag” system.

This figure lights up as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Warning Light” in the Index.) In many states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.

You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. For example, if the 'bike is going 10 mph ( 1 6 km/h), so is the child.

When the bike hits the black, it stops. But the child keeps going!

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose! it's just a seat on wheels.

.. , . .. * .i. , iii' :: -$,!

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Seats & Restraint Systems

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

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Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers

Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you’re

wearing a safety belt or not. But you can easily unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

or the instrument panel ...

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

Seats & Restraint Systems

Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never

drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers (CONT.) Q: Why don’t they just put in air bags so people won’t have to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags, or Supplemental Restraint Systems, are in some vehicles today and will be in more of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only -- so they work with safety belts, not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

Safety Belt Warning Light When the key is turned to “Run” or “Start”, a chime will come on for about eight seconds to remind people to fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled. The safety belt light will also come on and stay on for 20 seconds, then it will flash for an additional 55 seconds. If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light will come on.

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I r m

I Driver Position ’his section describes the driver’s zstraint system.

First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position.

Vehicles First Sold In Canada

Was your Pontiac first sold, when new, in Canada? (If it was, a sticker on the driver’s door will say “conforms to all applicable Canada motor vehicle ...” etc.) If so, then the rest of Part 1 does not apply to your vehicle. To leai-n how to use your safety belts, please read the “Owner’s Manual Safety Belt Supplement”. It comes with every new Pontiac first sold in Canada.

1 How To Wear Safety Belts Properly Idults his section is only for people of adult ze. e aware that there are special things to now about safety belts and children. And lere are different rules for smaller ddren and babies. If a child will be ding in your Pontiac, see “Children” tcated later in this section. Follow those des for everyone’s protection.

Seats & Restraint Systems

‘

automatic Lap-Shoulder 3elt ’his safety belt is called “automatic” lecause you don’t have to buckle up vhen you get into your vehicle.

md you don’t have to unbuckle when ou get out. J1 ust get into your vehicle. Then close and Ick the door. Adjust the seat (to see how, ee “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up traight. SI

’he lap belt should be worn as low on the ips as possible. In a crash, this applies xce to the strong pelvic bones. And ou’d be less likely to slide under the lap elt. If you slid under it, the belt would pply force at your abdomen. This could ause serious or even fatal injuries. The houlder belt should go over the shoulder nd across the chest. These parts of the ody are best able to take belt restraining xces.

. . . 18

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden ;top or a crash. [t’s possible that an automatic belt could keep you from fully opening a door. That :an happen if the door was slammed shut very hard. Just close the door all the way, ;hen slowly open it. If that doesn’t fix it, :hen your Pontiac needs service. We hope you’ll always keep your mtomatic belt buckled. However, you nay need to unbuckle it in an emergency.

To unbuckle the automatic belt, just push the button on the buckle.

To reattach the automatic belt: 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see

“Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the

belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

Seats & Restraint Systems

automatic Lap-Shoulder 3elt (CONT.) 3: What’s wrong with this? k The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t

give nearly as much protection this way.

Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

place.

Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The shoulder belt is worn under the

arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

This section explains the driver’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), commonly referred to as an air bag. Here are the most important things to know:

Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The belt is twisted across the body.

21 ...

Seats & Restraint Systems

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) (CONE)

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AIR BAG

9ir Bag Readiness Light :here is an air bag readiness light on the nstrument panel, which shows “Air Bag” ’he system checks for electrical nalfunctions, and the light tells you if here is a problem. lou will see this light flash for a few seconds when you turn your ignition to ‘Run” or “Start.” Then the light should g )ut, which means the system is ready. Remember, if the air bag readiness light ioesn’t come on when you start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.

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How The Air Bag System Works Where is the air bag? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

When is an air bag expected to inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will only inflate if the velocity of the impact is above the designed threshold level. When impacting straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for most GM vehicles is between 9 and 15 mph (14 and 23 km/h). However, this velocity threshold depends on the vehicle design and may be several miles-per-hour faster or slower. In addition, this threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object such as a parked car which will move and deform on impact. The air bag is also not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts where the inflation would provide no occupant protection benefit. In any particular crash, the determination of whether ‘the air bag should have inflated cannot be based solely on the level of damage on the vehicle(s), Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and the vehicle’s deceleration, of which vehicle damage is only one indication. Repair cost is not a good indicator of whether an air bag should have deployed.

What makes an air bag inflate? In a frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system triggers a chemical reaction of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the cloth bag. The inflator, cloth bag, and related hardware are all part of the air bag inklator module packed inside the steering wheel. How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel. The air bag supplements the protektion provided by safety belts. Air.bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not provide protection in many types of collisions, including rollovers and rear and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belt protection in moderate to severe frontal and near-frontal :ollisions.

Seats & Restraint Systems How The Air Bag System Works (CONT) What will you see after an air bag inflation? After the air bag has inflated, it will then quickly deflate, This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize that the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub may be hot for a short time, but the portion of the bag that comes into contact with you will not be hot to the touch. There will be small amounts of smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bag. The air bag will not impede the driver’s vision or ability to steer the vehicle, nor will it hinder the occupants from exiting the vehicle. 0 The air bag is designed to inflate only

once. After it inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include the air bag module and possibly other parts. The service manual has information about the need to replace other parts.

... 24

Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system if the air bag deploys during a crash. The module records information about the readiness .of the system, which sensors activated the deployment, and whether the driver’s safety belt was in use. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

Is the smoke from an air bag inflation harmful? The particles emitted during air bag inflation are not harmful to most people. Some people with respiratory ailments may experience difficulty breathing if they’stay in the vehicle with the windows closed’after air bag inflation. So, if your air bag inflates, you and any passengers should exit the vehicle if and when it is safe’to do so. If you or your passengers can’t get out of the vehicle, try to get fresh air by opening a window, turning on the fan, or opening a door.

NOTICE: If you damage the cover for the driver’s air bag, it may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag on the steering wheel. Do not open or break the air bag cover.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac The air bag affects how your Pontiac should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. .You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your Pontiac dealer and the 1994 Grand Am Service Manual have informati-on about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

25.

Seats & Restraint Systems

I Right Front Passenger

Position

:he right front passenger’s safety belt vorks the same way as the driver’s safety )elt. See “Driver Position”, earlier in this )art.

Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight. Move your seat far enough forward that your feet touch the part of the car that is called the “toeboard” (A). That way you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt in a crash.

I Rear Seat Passengers

It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

U

I Center Passenger Position .ap Belt our vehicle has a rear bench seat and )meone can sit in the center position.

When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able 10 unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you :ver had to.

Seats & Restraint Systems

Pear Seat Outside Dassenger Positions

,ap-Shoulder Belt ’he positions next to the windows have sp-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear me properly.

1, Pick up the latch plate and pull the

belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle

until it clicks.

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

... 28

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (CONT.) 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force tc the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

29 ...

Seats & Restraint Systems

4. To unlatch the belt, just push the

button on the buckle.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. The comfort guides pull the shoulder belts away from the neck and head.

There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. You will find them tucked in between the seatback and the interior body, about half-way down the edge of the seatback. Here is how you should install the comfort guides on the shoulder belts: 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between

the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip.

2. Slide the guide under and past the

belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

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I

To remove and store the comfort guides, just perform these steps in reverse order. Squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Rotate the guide and clipkward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed.

Rear Safety Belf Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults (CONK) 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and

it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

4. Buckle the belt around the child, and make sure that both the lap belt and the shoulder belt are secured properly. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. See “Safety Belts, Rear Seat Passengers” in the Index.

. . : .

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Seats & Restraint Systems

Smaller Children and Babies

Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

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Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat unless the child is an infant and you’re the only adult in the vehicle. In that case, you might want to secure the restraint in the front seat where you can keep an eye on the baby. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

1 Child Restraints

Be sure to follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that.

Top Strap If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiac dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. For cars first sold in Canada, child restraints with a top strap must be anchored according to Canadian Law.

33 ...

Seats & Restraint Systems Top Strap (CONI) Your dealer can obtain the hardware kit and install it for you, or you may install it yourself using the instructions provided in the kit. Use the tether hardware kit available from the dealer. The hardware and installation instructions were specifically designed for this vehicle.

If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

4.

Securing a Child Restrainl in a Rear Outside Position fou’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See he earlier section about the top strap if he child restraint has one.

3.

Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Pick up the latch plate, and run the la1 and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

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5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the

shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position When you secure a child restraint in a center seating position, you’ll be using tht lap belt. See the earlier section about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

Seats & Restraint Systems

f. rusn ana pull the child restraint In different directions to be sure it is secure. If the child restraint isn’t secure, turn the latch plate over and buckle it again. Then see if it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different place in the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice about how to attach the child restraint properly.

unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through

or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position (CONT.) 1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt.

2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow

the instructions for the child restraint. 3. Secure the child in the child restraint

as the instructions say.

iecuring a Child Restraint n the Right Front Seat o use a child restraint here, you will eed a special infant/child seat attaching elt and the hardware that goes with it. ee the earlier section about the top strap ' the child restraint has one.

Your dealer can get these and install the hardware for you. It's free. The special belt is GM Part No. 12340286. Your dealer can find the correct hardware in the accessory section of the GM Parts Catalog.

Seats & Restraint Systems

II

2. Snap one hook of the infadchild seat

attaching belt near the floor at the door side of the seat.

3. Put the belt’s special latch plate into

the vehicle’s safety belt buckle.

Securing a Chi/d Restraint in the Right Front Seat (CONK) Once the special hardware is installed, please follow the instructions with it and these steps: 1. Unbuckle the automatic lap-shoulder

belt by pushing the button on the buckle. It will stay on the door, ready to be rebuckled for use by adults or older children.

... 38

4. You can make the belt longer by

tilting the buckle and pulling it along the belt.

8. Put the hook on the free end through

the slot in the latch plate.

5. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow

the instructions for the child restraint. 6. Secure the child in the child restraint

as the instructions say.

7. Run the belt through or around the child restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

9. To make it tight, pull the belt while

you push down on the child restraint. If the belt won't stay tight, switch it end for end.

1O.Push and pull

the child restraint in

different directions to be sure it is secure.

To Remove the InfantKhild Seat Restraint: 1. Push the button on the safety belt

buckle and remove the special latch plate. Leave the latch plate on the special belt.

3 9 . 0 .

Seats & Restraint Systems

Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat (CONT.) 2. Push the spring on the hook near the

door and remove the special belt.

3. Put the belt away in a safe place in .

your vehicle, so it won’t fly around in a crash and injure someone.

4. Remember to reattach the automatic belt again, once the child restraint is removed. Be sure it isn’t twisted.

P,

Larger Children Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly.

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.

. . .40

Q: What if a child is wearing a

lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? A: Move the child toward the center of

the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that .in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt i s still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index.

41. .

Seats & Restraint Systems Larger Children (CONT.) Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage. If you see anything that might keep a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. The automatic lap-shoulder belt has plenty of extra length built in, so it will fasten around almost all people. But if a safetybelt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat’you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choos’e. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the .seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

. . .42

Replacing Safety Belts After a .

Crash

[f you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts . For passenger sedans, if you ever see a label on a right front safety belt that says to replace the belt, be sure to do so. Then the new belt will be there to help protect you in an accident. You would see this label on the belt near the’latch plate. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special part of the safety belt that goes through the seat’to the adjuster may need to be- replaced.

Q: What's wrong with this? A: The belt is torn. Torn or frayed belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

...44

...

d e l e you can learn about the many tandard and optional features on our Pontiac. and information on tarting. shifting and braking . Also !xplained are the instrument panel nd the warning systems that tell you ’ everything is working properly .. ind what to do if you have a problem .

Part 2 Features & Controls

Keys ..... ....................................................... 46 DoorLocks ........................................................ 47 Keyless Entry System ............................................... 50 GloveBox ........................................................ 54 Ignitionswitch ..................................................... 55 StartingYourEngine ................................................ 56 Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block Heater) ............................ 58 Shifting the Automatic Transaxle ...................................... 59 Shifting the Five-Speed Manual Transaxle ............................... 64 ParkingBrake ...................................................... 66 Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transaxle) ................................ 67 Windows ......................................................... 72 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ....................................... 73 CruiseControl ..................................................... 74 Lightcontrols ..................................................... 77 Battery Rundown Protection .......................................... 80 Windshield Wipers .................................................. 81 ................................................. 82 Windshield Washer Mirrors ........................................................... 82 SunVisors ........................................................ 84 Instrumentpanel ................................................... 88 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................................... 93 45.0.

Features & Controls

Keys

.46

The ignition keys are for the ignition only. The door keys are for the doors and all’

other locks. When a new Grand Am is delivered, the dealer removes the plugs from the door keys, and gives them to the first owner. The ignition keys don’t have plugs. Your Pontiac Dealer has the bar code for your ignition key. Each plug has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using these plugs.

Door Locks

If you need a new ignition key, go to your Pontiac Dealer for the correct key code. In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program at 1 -800-ROADSIm or 1-800-762-3743.

NOTICE: Your Pontiac has a number of new features that can help prevent theft, therefore you can .have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehic.le to get in. So be sure you have extra keys.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle: From the Outside: Use your door key.

,.

Features & Controls

Door Locks (CONI)

From the Inside: To lock the door, slide the locking lever rearward. To unlock the door, slide the locking lever forward.

Power Door Locks With power door locks, you can lock or unlock all the doors of your vehicle from the driver or front passenger door lock switch. On four-door models, the lever on each rear door works only that door’s lock. It won’t lock (or unlock) all of the doors- that’s a safety feature.

... 48

Automatic Door Locks Just close your doors and turn on the ignition. All of your doors will lock when you move your shift lever out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Each time you close your doors and turn on the ignition, the doors will lock automatically. If someone needs to get out while the vehicle is running, have that person use the manual or power lock. If the shift lever is NOT in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) when the opened door is closed, all doors will be locked when the door is closed. If the shift lever is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) when the opened door is closed, all doors will be locked when you shift out of PARK (P). Automatic Door Unlock When you turn the ignition off, all doors will automatically unlock. If you want to disable the automatic unlock feature, remove the Automatic Door Unlock fuse from the fuseblock (See Index under “Fuses & Circuit Breakers”). Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door.

Illuminated EPttrylExit System

When you lift the outside handle of either front door or open a rear door, the lights inside your vehicle will go on. These lights will go off after about 40 seconds (4 secQnds if the ignition was recently turned off). If the ignition has been off for less than two minutes, the lights inside your vehicle will stay on for 15 seconds when your key is removed from the ignition switch to provide an illuminated exit. When interior lights go off they will fade out like in a movie theatre.

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

y.

Rear Door Security Locks

Your Pontiac is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside. To use one of these locks: 1. Use a key to move the lock all the

way up.

2. Close the door. 3. Do the same thing to the other rear

door lock.

Features & Controls

Rear Door Security Locks (CONT.)

2. Then open the door from the outside. If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and older children’know how these security locks work, and how to cancel the locks. To Cancel the Rear Door Lock: 1. Unlock the door from the inside and

open the door from the outside.

... 50

2. Use a key to move the lock all the way

down.

3. Do the same for the other rear door. The rear door locks will now work normally.

Keyless Entry System

If your Pontiac has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the key chain transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your Keyless Entry System operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Should interference to this system occur, try this: 0 Check to determine if battery

replacement is necessary. See the instructions on battery replacement. Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. This product has a maximum range.

0 Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. See your Pontiac dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. Operation The driver’s door will unlock automatically when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed twice quickly, all doors will unlock. All the doors will lock when DOOR is pressed. The trunk will unlock anytime the opened trunk symbol is pressed if the ignition is off. If the ignition is ON, the trunk will unlock if the transaxle is in NETURAL (N) or PARK (P).

Press DOOR or UNLOCK to illuminate the interior lights. The lights will then go off after 40 seconds or when the ignition is turned on (See “Illuminated Entry/Exit System” in the Index). Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each key chain transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, the remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once the new transmitter is coded, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. You can match a transmitter to as many different vehicles as you own, provided they are equipped with exactly the same model system. (General Motors offers several different models of these systems on their vehicles.) Each vehicle can have only two transmitters matched to it. See your dealer to match transmitters to another vehicle.

3attery Replacement Jnder normal use, the batteries in your ey chain transmitter should last about NO years. ‘ou can tell the batteries are weak i.f the -ansmitter won’t work at the normal mge in any location. If you have to get lose to your vehicle before the -ansmitter works, it’s probably time to hange the batteries.

51 ...

Features & Controls Battery Replacement (CONK) To Replace Batteries in the Remote Keyless Entry: 1. Remove the screw from back cover. 2. Lift the front cover off, bottom half

first.

3. Remove and replace the two batteries

(2016).

4. Reassemble the transmitter. 5. Check the transmitter operation.

Tailgate Caution

. . 52

Theft

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your Pontiac has a number of theft deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you walk away from your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your key out also locks your transaxle. And remember to lock the doors. Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

1 Parking Lots

If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle? e Put your valuables in a storage area,

like your trunk or glove box.

e Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

0 Then take the door key with you.

rn Trunk Lock To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the door key and turn the trunk lock cylinder.

rn Remote Trunk Release Pull upward on the remote release.handle, located on the floor near the left side of the driver's seat, to release the trui& lid. Make sure the lockout feature is not activated.

53...

Features & Controls

New Vehicle “Break-In”

Glove Box

Use the door key to lock and unlock the glove box. To open, pull the glove box handle toward you.

NOTICE: Your modem Pontiac doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (804 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this “breaking-in” guideline every time you get new brake linings.

Remote Trunk Release (CONT.)

Lockout Feature: The remote trunk release is equipped wit1 a lockout feature to help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk when leaving the vehicle unattended. The switch is located on the inside of the trun lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch. To turn the lockout on, slide the switch a1 the way to the right. To turn the lockout off, slide the switch all the way to the lefi When the lockout is on, the mechanical remote trunk release will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk lid can still be opened with the key. 54

. .

power to any accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle. A warning’chime will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition. RUN: An “on” position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the RUN position when the engine is running. But ‘even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN io operate your electrical power accessories, and to display some instrument panel warning lights. START: Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to RUN for normal driving. Note that even if the engine is not running, ‘the positions ACCESSORY and RUN are “on” positions that allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.

LOCK

ACCESSORY

I Ignition Switch- Vith the ignition key in the ignition witch, you can turn the switch ‘to five ositions: ,CCESSORE An “on” position in lhich you can operate some of your lectrical power accessories. Press in the ;nition switch as you turn the top of it )ward you. ,OCK: The only position in which you !n remove the key. This locks your :cering wheel, ignition and transaxle ~n automatic models). IFF: Unlocks the steering wheel, ;nition, and transaxle (on’ automatic todels), but.does not send electrical

Key Release Button ‘MANUAL TRANSAXLE) The ignition key cannot be removed from he ignition unless.the key release button s used. ro Remwe the Key: rum the key to the OFF position. Press he key release button while turning the Ley from OFF to LOCK. Keeping your inger on the button, pull the key straight )Ut.

s a . . .

Features & Controls Key Release Button (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) (CONT.)

NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all the.way in. If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

Starting Your Engine Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter or number for your engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel. (See ”Vehicle Identification Number” in the Index.) Follow the proper steps to start the engine. Automatic transaxle Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already

.EUTRAL (N) only.

Manual transaxle Hold the clutch pedal to the floor, then shift your gear selector to neutral while starting the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that’s a safety feature. Both Transaxles To Start Your 2.3 Liter EnEine (Codes 3. D or A): 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal,

turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.

2. If it doesn’t start right away, and if the weather is very cold (below -20” F, or -29” C), push the accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the way down while you turn the key to “Start.” Do this until the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of the key.

3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in “Start”.for about three seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. If the car starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal about one-quarter of the way down for five or six seconds.

NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the fuel injection system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Pontiac” in the Index.

To Start Your V6 Engine (Code M): 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal,

turn your ignition key to “Start.” When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

NOTICE: Holding your key in “Start” for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.

. If your engine won’t start (or starts but

then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in “Start” for about three seconds. If the car starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

Features & Controls Bofh Transaxles (CONT.)

NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the fuel injection system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Pontiac” in the Index.

Driving Through Deep Standing Water

NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly.

I Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block Heater) (OPTION)

[n very cold weather, 0°F (- 18°C) or ;older, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel zconomy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged. in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. To Use the Coolant Heater: 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the

electrical cord.

... 58

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded

1 10-volt outlet.

NOTICE: After you’ve used the coolant heater, be sure to store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the weather, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact a Pontiac dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

Shifting the Automatic Transaxle (3 or 4 Speeds)

Your Grand Am may be equipped with a three speed automatic or a four speed automatic transaxle. The shift lever is located on the console between the seats. There are six different positions for the shift lever on the three speed automatic and four speed automatic transaxles. While PARK (P), REVERSE (R) and NEUTRAL (N) operate identically for both transaxles, the forward gear positions represent different geariirg and operation. See “Forward Gears (Three Speed)’’ or “Forward Gears (Four Speed)” later in this section.

Three Speed Park Reverse Neutral Drive Second First

Four Speed Park Reverse Neutral Overdrive D Third Second

5 9 . 0 .

Features & Controls

Park PARK (P): This locks your front wheels [t’s the best position to use when you sta your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

Three Speed Automatic

Four Speed Automatic

... 60

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Pontiac has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the RUN position. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) - as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” later in this section.

I Reverse

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE only after your vehicle is stopped.

Neutral NEUTRAL (N): In this position,,your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL when your vehicle is Geing towed.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see “If You’re