1995 Pontiac Grand Am Owners Manual

in a comfortable driving position.

Adjust the driver side outside mirror with the control lever on the driver’s door.

Power Remote Control Mirrors (Option)

A selector knob on the center console controls both outside rearview mirrors.

To adjust your passenger side mirror, sit in the driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for you.

Select the mirror you want to adjust by rotating the knob to the left or right. Adjust each mirror so that you can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.

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Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat.

Sunroof (Option)

Open the sunshade by hand when using the vent position. Press and release the rear of the switch and the sunroof will open to the vent pition. Press the rear of the switch again to open the glass panel and the sunshade. Press the front of the switch to stop the panel in any position.

Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them to the side. Your vehicle may also have a plastic extension which pulls out of the main visor to increase protection from glare. Visor Vanity Mirror Open the cover to expose the vanity mirror. 2-48

Press and hold the front of the switch to close the glass panel. The sunshade can only be closed by hand. The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if your Pontiac has an electrical failure.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to force the sunshade forward of the sliding glass panel. Damage will occur and the sunroof may not open or close properly.

Armrest Storage Compartment

Cup Holders

Pull up on the front edge of the armrest to open the armrest storage area for cassette tapes, gloves, etc.

The front doors, and the rear side panels on two-door models, provide space for holding a cup or soft drink.

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Passenger Side Cup HolderBtorage Area

Garment Hook

If your vehicle is has the optional rear reading lamps, push down on the tab marked with a coat hanger symbol to fold down the garment hook. Coin Holder Place your coins in the appropriate slots within the center console in front of the gearshift selector.

To access the cup holder and storage area, slide your finger in the groove and press the button located in the upper left corner of the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. Then pull the cup holder forward and down. To close the cup holder/storage area, push the cup holder up and to the left until it latches.

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Ashtray and Lighter Lift the cover to reveal the ashtray. To clean the ashtray, lift it out by pulling up on the snuffer.

You can also use this tray as a cup holder.

NOTICE: Don’t put papers and other things that burn into your ashtrays. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materials could set them on fire, causing damage.

To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.

NOTICE: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the lighter and the heating element.

Sunglasses Storage Place your sunglasses in the open area located above you in the overhead console.

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The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and

many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.

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The main components of your instrument panel are:

1. Fog Lamp Switch 2. Instrument Panel Intensity Control/ Interior Lamps

Switch 3. Side Vent 4. Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever 5. Hazard Warning Flashers Switch 6. Instrument Cluster 7. Windshield WipersNasher Stalk 8. Center Vent 9. Audio System 10. Side Vent 11. Side Window Defogger Vent

12. Glove Box 13. Climate Control System 14. AshtrayLighter 15. Gear Shift Lever 16. Rear Window Defogger (Option) 17. Ignition Switch 18. SRS - Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bag) 19. Horns 20. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever (Option) 21. Parking Brake Release Lever 22. Hood Release Handle 23. Fuse Panel

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Instrument Panel Clusters Your Pontiac is equipped with one of these instrument panel clusters, which includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages. Standard Cluster

Be sure to read about those that apply to the instrument panel cluster for your vehicle.

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Optional Cluster

h J X'

I W

BERVICE

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Trip Odometer

The trip odometer can tell you how far you have driven since you last reset it. To reset the trip odometer to 1 zero, the press right of the gage.

the~knob to

H H H B

n 140 I

,Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the U.S.) or kilometers (used in Canada). Tamper-Resistant Odometer Your Pontiac has a tamper-resistant odometer. If you see silver lines between the numbers, you’ll know that someone has probably tried to turn it back, so the numbers may not be true. You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the mileage total of the old odometer, then it must be. But if it can’t, then it’s set at zero and a label must be put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading when the new odometer was installed.

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Tachometer (Option)

-*

e--

RPM XlOOO

The tachometer shows your engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).

NOTICE: Do not run your engine at speeds in the red area, or engine damage may occur.

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights come on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you start the engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens. Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly -- and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.

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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 about 20 seconds, then it will flash for about 55 seconds. If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light will come on.

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Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors and module, the wiring and the diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in the Index.

AIR BAG

You will see this light flash for a few seconds when you turn your ignition to RUN or START. Then the light should go out. This means the system is ready.

If the air bag readiness light doesn’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.

Charging System Light

The charging system light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. Then it should go out.

If it stays on when your engine is running, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

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Voltmeter (Option)

Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)

This light comes on when you need to shift to the next higher gear. See “Manual Transaxle” in the Index.

SHIFT

[-I

Brake System Warning Light

When your engine is not running, this gage shows the condition of your charging system. When your engine is not running, but the ignition is on (in the RUN position), the gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts. Readings between the red warning zones indicate the normal operating range. Readings in either red warning zone indicate a possible problem in the electrical system. Have your vehicle serviced immediately.

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BRAKE

Your Pontiac .’s hyc h-au llic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well.

If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.

This light should come on briefly as you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem. If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, or if the anti-lock brake system warning light is flashing, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” and “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light 1 With the anti-lock brake

svstem. this lirrht will come on when you start your engine and it will stay on for three seconds. That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

If the light flashes when you’re driving, you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there could be a problem w-ith your regular brakes. Pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. Have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

The brake system warning light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem.

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. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This light tells you that your engine coolant has overheated or your radiator cooling fan is not working.

If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your Pontiac needs service. If the light is on but not flashing and the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes.

If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn the engine off as soon as possible. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY! In “Problems on the Road”, this manual shows what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

b 280

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loo

r-r\

This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot! That reading means the same thing as It means that your engine coolant has overheated.

the warning light.

If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY! In “Problems on the Road”, this manual shows what to do. See “Engine Overheating’, in the Index. Low Coolant Warning Light

LOW

COOLANT

.J

If this light comes on and stays on, the vehicle should be promptly pulled off the road and the coolant level checked. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index. If there are visible signs of steam see “Engine Overheating” in the:Index before opening the hood.

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NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while the emission controls won’t work as well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working.

If it does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or it comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating that you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

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Oil Warning Light

If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that oil is not going through your engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated.

The engine could be low on oil, or could have some other oil problem. Have it fixed right away. The oil light could also come on in three other situations:

When the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the light will come on as a test to show you it is working, but the light will go out when you turn the ignition to START. If it doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may have a problem with the bulb. Have it fixed right away.

fuse or

0 Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the

light may blink on and off. This is normal.

0 If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a

moment. This is normal.

NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty.

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Check Oil Light

This light should come on briefly when you turn your ignition key to RUN.

If the light does not come on, have your vehicle serviced. If the light comes on and stays on after starting your vehicle, the oil level should be checked.

Prior to checking the oil level be sure your vehicle has been turned off for several minutes and is on a level surface. Check the oil level on the dipstick and bring it to the proper level. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. NOTE: A false CHECK OIL, light may be generated when parking on steep grades. The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level during the brief period between key on and engine crank. It does not monitor engine oil level when the engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is off for a only performed if the engine has been turned considerable period of time allowing the oil normally in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.

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Oil Pressure Gage

NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems Can be costly and is' nat covered by your warranty.

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in kPa. Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the red warning zone indicate the normal operating range. A reading in the red zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Have your vehicle serviced immediately.

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Fuel Gage

Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left, when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears E (Empty), you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with your fuel gage:

At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads F (Full).

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It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gage indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank. The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or speed up.

0 The gage doesn’t go back to E when you turn off the

ignition.

For your fuel tank capacity, see “Service Station Information” on the last page of this manual. Check Gages Light (Option)

CHECK GAGES

This light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, check your various gages to see if they are in the warning zones.

Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

In this section you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control systems and audio systems offered with your Pontiac. Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle. Climate Control System

Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section.

3f FAN: The left control knob sets the Fan speed.

To select the force of air you want, turn the knob. The fan is always running unless the mode control is moved to OFF. Temperature Control: The center control knob regulates the temperature of the air coming through the system. Mode Control: The right control knob changes the functions of your system.

With this system, you can control the ventilation and heating in your vehicle.

BI-LEVEL: Use on cool, but sunny days. This setting brings in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. The cool air is directed to the upper portion of your body through the instrument panel outlets, but slightly warmer air is directed through the heater ducts and defroster vents. At times this temperature difference may be more apparent than others.

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VENT Use when outside temperatures are mild,

and little heating or cooling is needed. Air flow is through the instrument panel outlets. Set the center control knob to the temperature desired.

HEATER: This setting brings heated air through

the heater ducts, and some through the windshield defroster vents. If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine block heater) and use it during cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “ C ) or lower, your heating system will more quickly provide heat because the engine coolant is already warmed. See “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.

9 BLEND: This setting divides air flow equally

between the heater ducts and the windshield defroster vents.

DEFROST This setting directs air through the

windshield defroster vents located on top of the instrument panel. Defogging Windows To defog the windshield, turn all three control knobs to the far right.

Air Conditioning System (Option) The air conditioner and heater work best if you keep your windows closed while using them. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section. Air Conditioning Your system has three air conditioner settings. Before using your air conditioner on very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the amount of work your air conditioner’s compressor will have to do, which should help fuel economy. MAX: Use for maximum cooling. This setting recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle so it maximizes your air conditioner’s performance and your vehicle’s fuel economy. A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting cools outside air and directs it through the instrument panel outlets.

BI-LEVEL: Use on cool, but sunny days. This

setting brings in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. The cool air is directed to the upper portion of your body through the instrument panel outlets, but slightly warmer air is directed through the heater ducts and defroster vents. At times this temperature difference may be more apparent than others.

Ventilation Use when outside temperatures are mild, and little heating or cooling is needed. Turn the right knob to VENT. Air flow is directed through the instrument panel outlets. Set the center knob to the temperature desired. Heating Turning the right control knob to HEATER and the center control knob clockwise will send heated air through the heater ducts toward your feet and the floor, and some through the defroster vents. VENT and HEATER are economical positions because the air conditioner compressor doesn’t run in these two settings. This reduces engine load, resulting in improved fuel economy. If either setting fails to keep you comfortable, or causes your windows to fog up, turn the right control knob to one of the air conditioning positions, or to DEFROST.

If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine block heater) and use it during cold weather, 0°F (- 18 O C) or lower, your heating system will more quickly provide heat because the engine coolant ‘is already warmed. See “Engine Coolant Heater” the Index. BLEND: This setting divides airflow equally between the heater ducts and the windshield defroster vents. Defrosting The DEFROST setting directs air through ‘the defroster vents located on top of the instrument panel. Defogging Windows with Air Conditioning System To defog the windshield, turn all three control knobs to the far right. To defog the side windows, turn the right control knob to BI-LEVEL and the fan control knob to HIGH. Aim the side vents toward the side windows. For increased air flow to the side vents, close the center vents.

2 2

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 heater or the air conditioning fan is running.

Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow, or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the fan control knob to the highest position 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.

Rear Window Defogger (Option)

The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the defogger switch. The indicator light will glow. If your vehicle is traveling under 45 mph (70 km/h), the rear window defogger will turn off automatically after about 10 minutes of use.

45 mph (70 km/h), the If your vehicle is traveling over defogger will operate continuously. You can h’rm the defogger off by turning off the ignition or pressing the switch again. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license across the defogger grid on the rear window.

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.

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Audio Systems The following pages describe the audio systems available for your Pontiac, and how to get the best performance from them. Please read about the system in your vehicle. Setting the Clock Radios with SEEK up and down arrow buttons: 1. With the ignition on and radio on or off, press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the digital display for five seconds.

2. Within five seconds, press the SEEK up arrow button until the correct minute appears on the display.

3. Press the SEEK down arrow button until the correct

hour appears on the display.

Radios with SEEK left and right arrow buttons (CD Player): 1. With the ignition on and the radio on or off, press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the digital display for five seconds.

2. Within five seconds, press the SEEK right arrow

button until the correct minute appears on the display.

3. Press and hold the SEEK left arrow button until the

correct hour appears on the display.

.. . .

i -

. .,.. , ' ..

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AM/FM Stereo Radio

I’

The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions.

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Playing the Radio PWRoVOL: With the ignition on, turn the upper knob clockwise to turn on the radio and increase volume. Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease the volume and to turn the radio off. RECALL: Press the upper knob to change between the clock and the radio station frequency display when the radio is on.

Finding a Station AM FM: Press the lower knob to change between the AM and FM bands (the digital display will display AM or FM, and if the station is in stereo, FM STEREO will be displayed). TUNE: Turn the lower knob clockwise or counterclockwise to tune in radio stations (the radio station frequency will be displayed on the digital display.) SEEK: Each time you press SEEK, you will tune in the next station higher or lower on the AM or FM radio band.

Presets: The four numbered pushbuttons can be used to preset up to 14 radio stations (seven AM and seven €34). 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET. The word SET will appear on the digital

display for five seconds.

3. While SET is displayed, press one of the four

pushbuttons. Whenever you press this button again, the preset station will be tuned in.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of four AM and four FM

stations.

Up to three additional stations on each band may be preset by “pairing” pushbuttons: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET, and within five seconds press any two adjacent pushbuttons at the same time. Whenever you press these two buttons again, the preset station will be tuned in.

Setting the Tone BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass or down to decrease it. TREB: Slide this lever up to increase treble or down to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble. Adjusting the Speakers BAL: The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the lefthight speaker balance. FADE: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance.

AM/FM Stereo Radio with Cassette Tape Player (Option)

TREBLE

BASS

VoL-OBAL

TUNE -0 FADE LO ~ P R O G - R C L

PAM-FM

The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions.

Playing the Radio VOL-BAL: With the ignition on, turn the upper knob clockwise to turn the radio on and to increase volume. Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease volume and to turn the radio off. PROG-RCL: Press the upper knob to change between the clock and the radio station frequency display when the radio is on. Press the knob to hear the other side tape while a cassette is playing.

of a

Finding a Station AM FM: Press the lower knob to change between the AM and FM bands (the digital display will display AM or F M , and if the station is in stereo, STEREO will be displayed). TUNE: Turn the lower knob clockwise or counterclockwise to tune in radio stations (the radio station frequency will be displayed on the digital display). SEEK: Each time you press SEEK, you will tune in the next station higher or lower on the AM or FM radio band.

PES&: The four pushbuttons below the digital display can be used to preset up to 14 radio stations (seven AM and seven EM). 1. 2.

Tune in the desired station. Press SET. The word SET will appear on the digital display for five seconds. While SET is displayed, press one of the four pushbuttons. Whenever you press this button again, the preset station will be tuned in. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of four AM and four FM stations.

3.

4.

Up to three additional stations on each band may be preset by “pairing” pushbuttons: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET, and within five seconds press any two adjacent pushbuttons at the same time. Whenever you press these two buttons again, the preset station will be tuned in.

Setting the Tone BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass or down to decrease it. TREBLE: Slide this lever up to increase treble or down to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble.

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the lefvright speaker balance. FADE: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the frondrear speaker balance.

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A W M Stereo Radio with Cassette Tape Player and Graphic Equalizer (Option)

TUNE 0 FADE

The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions.

Playing a Cassette Tape With the power on, insert a tape into the cassette door. Do not use tapes that are longer than 45 minutes on each side. When the left indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. When the right indicator mow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. Press the upper control knob to change sides of a cassette while it is playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of a tape. Fast Forward: To advance the tape rapidly, press the button with the arrow pointing in the direction the tape is playing. To stop fast forward, press the center eject button. Reverse: To reverse the tape rapidly, press the button with the arrow pointing in the opposite direction the tape is playing. To stop reverse, press the center eject button. Eject: To stop playing a tape, press the center button below the cassette. The cassette will be ejected, and the radio will begin playing.

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Playing the Radio VOL-BAL: With the ignition on, turn the upper knob clockwise to turn your audio system on and to increase the volume. Turn the knob counterclockwise to turn the volume down and to turn the system off. PROG-RCL: Press the upper knob to change between the clock and the radio station frequency display when the radio is on. Finding a Station AM FM: Press the lower knob to change between the AM and FM bands (the digital display will display AM or FM and if the station is in stereo). AMST: Press this button if you don’t want AM stereo, such as when a station is weak or noisy. Press again to return to AM stereo. TUNE: Turn the lower knob clockwise or counterclockwise to tune in radio stations (the radio station frequency will be displayed on the digital display). SEEK: Each time you press SEEK, you will tune in the next station higher or lower on the AM or FM radio band.

Presets: The four pushbuttons below the digital display can be used to preset up to 14 radio stations (seven AM and seven FM). 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET. The word SET will appear on the digital

display for five seconds.

3. While SET is displayed, press one of the four

pushbuttons. Whenever you press this button again, the preset station will be tuned in.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of four AM and four FM

stations.

Up to three additional stations on each band may be preset by “pairing” pushbuttons: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET, and within five seconds press any two adjacent pushbuttons at the same time. Whenever you press these two buttons again, the preset station will be tuned in.

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Setting the Tone Graphic Equalizer Controls: Boost the bass, emphasize a voice in a song, brighten the treble -- your equalizer allows you to adjust five .separate frequencies of sound to your individual taste. Move a lever up to emphasize a frequency, and move it down to de-emphasize a frequency. It’s best to begin with the levers in the middle position, then adjust each lever as you like. The 60 and 250 levers adjust the bass; 1K is midrange; and 3.5K and 10K control the treble.

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the lefdright speaker balance. FADE: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance.

Playing a Cassette Tape With the power on, insert a tape into the cassette door. Do not use tapes that are longer than 45 minutes on each side.

When the left indicator is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. When the right indicator arrow pointing down is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. Press the upper control knob to change sides of a cassette while it is playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of a tape. Fast Forward: Press the arrow button in the direction the tape is playing to advance the tape rapidly. Press again to play the tape. Reverse: Press the arrow button in the opposite direction the tape is playing to reverse the tape rapidly. Press again to play the tape. APS: Press the button to the recessed position and the FWD and REV buttons will function as a “music search,” stopping the cassette at the next or previous selection on the tape. STOP-EJECT: To stop playing a tape, press this button. The cassette will be partially ejected, and the radio will begin playing. CrO2: This button sets tape bias. When playing high bias chrome or metal tapes, press Cr02 to turn the feature on. When playing standard tapes, press again to turn the feature off.

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AM/FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player (Option)

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The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions.

Playing the Radio PWR: With the ignition on, press this button to turn your audio system on and off. VOL: Turn the upper knob clockwise to increase volume, and counterclockwise to decrease volume. MUTE: Press the upper knob to mute the radio or compact disc player. Press the knob again to listen. RCL: Press this button to alternate the digital display between the time, station and radio band.

Finding a Station BAND: Press the lower knob to change between the AM and FM bands (the digital display will display the band you select). TUNE: Turn the lower knob clockwise or counterclockwise to tune in radio stations (the radio station will be displayed on the digital display). SEEK: Each time you press SEEK, you will tune in the next station higher or lower on the AM, FM1 or FM2 radio band.

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Presets: The five numbered pushbuttons can be used to preset up to 15 radio stations (five AM and ten FM). The buttons have other uses when you are playing a compact disc. 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET. The word SET will appear on the digital

display for five seconds.

3. While SET is displayed, press one of the five

pushbuttons. Whenever you press this button again, the preset station will be tuned in.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of five AM and ten FM

stations.

Setting the Tone Graphic Equalizer Controls: Boost the bass, emphasize a voice in a song, brighten the treble -- your equalizer allows you to adjust five separate frequencies of sound to your individual taste. Move a lever up to emphasize a frequency, move it down to de-emphasize a frequency. It’s best to begin with the levers in the middle like. The 60 and position, then adjust each lever as you 250 levers adjust the bass; 1K is midrange; and 3.5K and 1 OK control the treble.

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the lefuright speaker balance. FADE: The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance.

Compact Disc Player Many of the controls for the radio also have functions for the compact disc player, as explained here. Don’t use mini-discs that are called singles. They won’t eject. Use only @&size compact discs. 1. Press PWR to turn the radio on. 2. Insert a disc part way into the slot, with the label side

up, The player will pull it in. In a few seconds, the disc should play.

If the disc comes back out and/or ERR appears on the display: 0 The disc may be upside down.

The disc may be dirty, scratched or wet. There may be too much moisture in the air (wait about one hour and try again).

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The player may be too hot, too cold or the road may be too rough for the disc to play. As soon as things get back to normal, the disc should play.

While a disc is playing, the CD indicator is displayed on the digital display, as is the clock. RCL: Press this button once to see what track is playing. Press again within five seconds to see how long that track has been playing. The track number also will be displayed when the volume is changed or a new track starts to play. COMP: Pressing this button makes soft and loud passages more equal in volume. Press again to resume normal play. RDM: Press to play tracks in random, rather then sequential, order. Press the button again to play the tracks sequentially. REV: Press and hold to reverse the disc rapidly. Release to resume playing. The counter reading will illuminate in the graphic display. FWD: Press and hold to advance the disc rapidly. Release to resume playing. The counter reading will illuminate in the graphic display.

PREV: Press to play a track again. If you keep pressing the PREV button, the disc will keep backing up to previous tracks. NEXT: Press when you want to hear the next track. If you keep pressing the NEXT button, the disc will keep advancing to other tracks.

When Finished with the Compact Disc Player If you press PWR or turn off the ignition, the disc will stay in the player and start again when you turn on the ignition or the PWR button. The disc will begin playing at the point where it had been stopped. ST-PL: Press to stop the disc player; the radio will play. Press again to play the disc (the player will start playing the disc where it had stopped earlier). EJCT Press to eject the disc; the radio will play. You can also eject the disc with the radio or ignition off. NOTE: As a safety feature, if the CD is left partway out of the slot, as when ejected, and the radio or ignition is turned off, the disc will be pulled back into the player. This will occur in thirty seconds. When the player is turned back on, the disc will start at track one.

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CD Player Theft Deterrent Feature Delco LOC II@ is an anti-theft feature for the compact disc player. It can be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally. If it is used, your player won’t be usable if it is ever stolen because it will go to LOC mode any time battery power is removed. It will also go to LOC mode any time power from the battery is turned off by the Battery Protection feature (see “Battery Rundown Protection” in the Index). Until an unlock code is entered, it will not turn on. The instructions below tell you how to enter a secret code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any reason, you must unlock the system with the secret code before the radio will turn on.

Setting the Anti-Theft System 1. Write down any six-digit number and keep it in a

safe place. This is your secret code.

2. Turn the ignition to the ACC or RUN position. 3. Press the PWR button to turn the radio off.

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4. Press station preset buttons 1 and 4 at the same time

and hold until “---” appears on the display. NOTE: You now have only 15 seconds between each of the following steps.

5. Press SET, and “000” will appear on the display. 6. Press the SEEK left or right arrow buttons until the

first digit of your code appears.

7. Turn the TUNE knob clockwise or counterclockwise

until the second and third digits of your code appear.

8. Press the BAND knob (“000” will appear again on

the display).

9. Press the SEEK left or right arrow button until the

fourth digit of your code appears.

10. Turn the TUNE knob clockwise or counterclockwise

until the fifth and sixth digits of your code appear. 11. Press the BAND knob (“rEP” will appear for five

seconds, then “000”).

12. Repeat steps 6- 11. This time SEC will appear,

indicating that Delco LOC II@ is set, and your audio system is secure.

Disabling the Anti-Theft System Enter your secret code by following these steps (you will have only 15 seconds between each step). 1.

Turn the ignition to the ACC or RUN position, and turn the radio off. Press station preset buttons 1 and 4 at the same time for five seconds. SEC will appear on the display, indicating the audio system is secure. Press SET, and “000’ will appear on the display. Press the SEEK left or right arrow button until the first digit of your code appears. Turn the TUNE knob clockwise or counterclockwise until the second and third digits of your code appear. Press the BAND knob (“000” will appear again on the display). Press the SEEK left or right arrow button until the fourth digit of your code appears. Turn the TUNE knob clockwise or counterclockwise until the fifth and sixth digits of your code appear.

2.

3. 4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9. Press the BAND knob. If the display shows “---,” the disabling sequence was successful. The numbers matched the user-selected code or the factory back-up code and the audio system is in the unsecured mode. If the display shows SEC, the disabling sequence was unsuccessful. The numbers did not match either of the codes and the audio system will remain in the secured mode. To Unlock the System After a Power Loss When battery power is reapplied to a secured audio system after a loss of power, the audio system will not turn on and LOC will appear on the digital display. You will need to unlock the Delco LOC 11” system. 1. Turn the ignition to the ACC or RUN position, and

turn the radio off.

2. Press SET, and “000” will appear on the display. 3. Follow steps 4-8 for disabling your anti-theft

system.

4. Press the BAND knob. The time will appear on the digital display if you are successful. If SEC appears, however, the numbers did not match, and your audio system is still locked.

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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.

Understanding Radio Reception FM Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles ( 16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can also pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. To lower this noise, try reducing the treble level. 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 harmful 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:

Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly.

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Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, mined cassette, 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. Your tape player should be cleaned every 50 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no sound quality, clean the tape player. Cleaning may be done with a scrubbing action non-abrasive cleaning cassette. This system uses a cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. It is normal for the cartridge to eject while cleaning. Insert the cassette at least three times to ensure a thorough cleaning. A scrubbing action cleaning cassette is available through your Pontiac dealership. You may use 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.

improvement in

Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge. Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender.

-+..

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NOTES

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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.

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

Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision

0 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. 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 lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things: 0 How much alcohol consumed 0 The drinker’s body weight 0 The amount of food that is consumed before and

during drinking The length of time it has 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 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1 - 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.

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woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a 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 drinks 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

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.

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.

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.

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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 btops. 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 elimiaate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better biaking 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 t&e longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

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Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your Pontiac has an advanced electronic braking system

that will help prevent a braking skid. 1 This light on the

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

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

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.

You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on

wheel speed and

controls braking pressure accordingly.

to get your foot up to the brake pedal. If you get too

you need

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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 separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at the wheels. rear Anti-lock Remember: doesn’t

the computer

to stop

is about

change

close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. To Use Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. 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.

Variable Effort Steering (Option) This steering system provides lighter steering effort for parking and at low vehicle speeds. Steering effort will increase at higher speeds for improved road feel. 4-8

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. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a tsuck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem. Your Pontiac can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then

steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.

The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.

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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.

y//

edge of paved surface

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

“Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually 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 traflic.

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.

0 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.)

0 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 lamps 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 and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. 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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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.

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.

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It

vehicle

You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. Keep your windshield and all the glass on your clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your 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.

Driving in the Rain

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

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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 your 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.

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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 lamps -- to help make you more visible to others.

0 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.

0 Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See

“Tires” in the Index.)

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City Driving

One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next 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. just before you start to When a light turns green, and move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

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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.

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is: Keep

The most important advice on freeway driving 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 miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the next exit. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance to think you are going at higher speeds, you may tend slower than you actually are. Befo’re 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 fiist 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. 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? Mups: Do you have up-to-date maps?

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Hill and Mountain Roads

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

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 Eess 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: 0 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.

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If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. 0 Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid

levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. 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. Drive in the highest gear possible. 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 hll, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident. You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.

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Winter Driving

Here are some tips for winter driving: a Have your Pontiac in good shape for winter. Be sure

your engine coolant mix is correct. You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your trunk.

Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.

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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. Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. Your anti-lock brakes improve your ability to make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index.

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

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If You’re Caught in a Blizzard

passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers. Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.

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

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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 horn the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until help comes.

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Follow these steps: 1. ‘Put the front wheels on a dolly.

NOTICE: Do not tow your Pontiac with the front wheels in contact with the ground, or the automatic transaxle could be damaged.

2. 3.

4.

5.

Set the parking brake. Turn the ignition key to OW to unlock the steering