1996 Pontiac Grand Am Owners Manual

The 1996 Pontiac Grand Am Owner’s Manual

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and comfort conkols and how to operate your

This section explains how to start and operate your Pontiac.

This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation audio system.

Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

Seats and Restraint Systems ............................................................. Features and Controls .................................................................. This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... Your Driving and the Road ............................................................... ProblemsontheRoad .................................................................. Service and Appearance Care ............................................................ 6-1 M a i n t e n a n c e s c h e d u l e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 7-1 Customer Assistance Information ........................................................ 8-1 Index ................................................................................

This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-9.

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or

Here the manual tells you how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good.

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants

’ overheated engine, etc.

to use.

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Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

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GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name @and Am are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest infomation at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” fur Pontiac Division whenever it appears in 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.

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Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 102731.97 B First Edition ii

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We support voluntary technician certification.

FASij ! .

C E R T I F I E D

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriktaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en frangais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7

‘Copyright General Motors Corporation 1995 All Rights Reserved

How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receiv’e their new vehicle. If you do this, it 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. Index ’A good place to look for swhat you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols A’’* You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you ab’out things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

%d;=y.”

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

’

In the 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.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

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Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find thes'e notices:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle,

. . I n the notic'e 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 darnage. When you read other manuals, you rnight see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in differefit colors or in different words. You'll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

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

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

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

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BAllERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

FLAME

EXPLODE BAllERY

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

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

Op

AIR BAG p\

TURN

SIGNALS e PARKING pf

LAMPS

WINDOW DEFOGGER

$0

VENTILATING FAN

DAYTIME * RUNNING ' '

LAMPS *

FOG LAMPS

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

BRAKE

Here are some other symbols you may see:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

- rd

ENGINE k

COOLANT TEMP

FUSE

LIGHTER m (0) HORN )tr SPEAKER b (e)

il'

FUEL

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

NOTES

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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Pontiac and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them -- and also about reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Seats

A CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuLse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

the vehicle is

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.

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Manual Lumbar Support (Option).

Power Seat Controls (Option)

Turn the knob on the right front of the driver’s seat cushion clo’ckwise or counterclockwise to adjust support for the lower back.

To adjust the power seat on some models: FRONT CONTROL (A): Raise the front of the seat by hblding the switch up. Lower the front of holding the switch down.

the seat by

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CENTER CONTROL (B): 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 (C): Raise the rear of the seat by holding the switch up. Lower the rear of the seat by holding the switch down.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

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.

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Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be.against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a ‘crash you could go into it, receiving neck OF other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt c&ld go up over your abdomen. The belt forces wouldl be there, not at your .pelvic bones. This could’ cause seri’ous For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

internal injuries.

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But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

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Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models 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.

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Seatback Latches (2-Door Models)

The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat. To fold a front seat forward, lift the seatback latch. When you return the seatback to its original position, the seatback will lock.

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Easy Entry Seat (2-Door Models)

Rear Seats Folding the Rear Seat (Option)

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11 an easy entry rlgnr rronr seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearwa‘rd on an easy entry seat to be sure it is locked.

The right front seat of your vehicle makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat.

Tilt the right front seatback Completely forward and whole seat will slide forward. Move the right front seatback to its original position after someone gets into the rear seat area. Then move the seat rearward until it locks. Tilt the seatback completely forward again to get out.

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TO open, pull forward on the seat tab. To close, push the seatback up to its original. position. Push the seatback completely up against the back plate to ensure that the latch will, hook.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety b’elts properly, It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system.

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A CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

to

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says 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!

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Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Put someone on it.

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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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L or the instrument panel ...

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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.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask Aboutsafety Belts -- and the Answers

A:

Q.:

A:

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident’if I’m wearing a safety belt? You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can 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. If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts? Air bags are in many vehicles. today and will be in most 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.

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 h/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are specid things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different d e s for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Pontiac, see the part of this manual called “Childrin.’’ Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restrakt systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the drives’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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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.

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If the belt stops before it reachqs the buckle, tilt the latch 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder b’elt. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. 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 to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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 to the s h n g 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. Thlese parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or crash.

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (&Door Models) Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that

is right for you.

To move it down, squeeze the release button and move the adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where try to move it down without squeezing the release button to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your sh'oulder.

you want it,

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@ What's wrong with this?

You 'can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which,could increase injury. The shoulder belt. should fit against your 'body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loge. It won't give nearly

as much protection this way.

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&.’ What’s wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

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You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your beat into the buckle nearest you.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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I You can b me seriously injured if you wear th shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt woulld apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arrn. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

..

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@ What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn't have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

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Your Pontiac has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if

you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you

have an air bag, Wearing your safety b’elt during a crash helps reduce‘your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it, The air bag is only a “supplemental restraint.?’ That is, it works with s8afety belts but doesn’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or Everyone in your vehicle, including the driver,

not there’s an air bag for that person.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system.

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Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If ‘you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for an air bag inflation - .Ex, in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even ?k with an air bag. The driver should sit as far back p3 $% as possible while still maintaining control of the

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vehicle.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

AIR BAG

The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

An inflating air bag can-seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the right front passenger’s safety belt.’

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Mow the Air Bag System Works

The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

Where is the air bag? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

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- I Don’t put anything on, or attach anything to, the steering wheel or instrument panel. Also, don’t put anything (such as pets or objects) between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. If something is between an occupant and an air bag, it could-affect the

performance of the air bag -- or worse, it could

cause injury.

When should an air bag inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threkhold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your

vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because 6f what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle ,of the impact and the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage is only one indication of this. What makes an air bag inflate? In a frontal or near-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 air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules packed inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frond, collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. The air bag supplements the protection 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 help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side hpacts, prirndy because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags should never be regarded as a n m g more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe fbntal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an ais bag inflates? After the air bag Mates, it quickly deflates, This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the.air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time. The part of the bag that comes into contact with you may be warm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from’ vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation will not prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor will it stop people from leaving the vehicle. 1-24

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma,or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.

The air bags ,are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If y0u don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash, A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual €or your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

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Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. 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.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac Air bags affect 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 Grand Am Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications’’ in the Index.

NOTICE:

If you damage the cover for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, they may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag covers.

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For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

to be

is to protect the The best way to protect the fetus 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. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this section. Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that wbelted 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.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap’ portion should be worn as low as possible, b’elow the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

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Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lapshoulder' Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here's how to wear one 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.

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

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.

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force to 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. A CAUTION:

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoul’der belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck gnd head. There is one guide for each outside passehger position in the rear seat. To. provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how and use the safetv belt:

to install a comfort guide

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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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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, position and release the safety belt as

described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions’’ earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder,

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Lap Belt

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 Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto'the clip. Rotate the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed. Center Passenger Position

from the guides.

When you sit in the 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.

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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. Smaller Children and Babies

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child9s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child% abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. so, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

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 to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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-

heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 124b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-1b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible

Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a crash. During a crash a baby will become so

,. CAUTION: (Continued)

Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a 'vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow thle 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, b'ut 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. .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. Never put a rear-faciig child restraint in the front passenger seat, Here's wkv:

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A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger's air bag inflates. This is because the back of SI rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. Or, secure the child restraint in the rear seat.

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,

Top Strap

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. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

it should be

If your child restraint has a top strap, 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.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

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3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. 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,

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

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.

b 1-39

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.

4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructiom will show you how.

1-40 -

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.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure 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.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing.a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger's air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.

you'll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

bag, always move the seat as before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See "Seats" in the Index.)

far back as. it will go

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here's why:

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.

- A-

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4. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions

. - will show you how.

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1-41

c

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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.

1-42

Larger Children

6. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while

you push down on the child restraint.

7. 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.

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.

1-43

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

Never do this. Here two children are ,wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

e.’ 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 sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is 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.

. 1-44

-

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

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.

1-45

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If 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 s’evere crash, hen you need new belts. 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. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this siction.

to fasten, your

Safety Belt Extender you If the vehicle’s ‘safety belt will fasten around you, should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough 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 lsng enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made t’o fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Sys’tems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see ’ anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rin apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, gc . .I new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) 1-46

NOTES

1-47

NOTES

1-48

Section 2 Features and Controls

Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition bey is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

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One key is used for the igdtion, the doors and all other locks.

If you need a new key, go to your Pontiac dealer for the correct key code. Remember to carry &e pre-cut emergency key which Pontiac sends after delivery. h an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program at 1-8'00-ROADSIDD 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 vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys.

When a new Grand Am is delivered, the dealer removes the tags firom the keys, and gives them to the first owner. Each tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the tags in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you'll be able to have new ones made easily using these tags.

Door Locks --

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especially children

Unlocked doors can be dangerous. can easily Passengers open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t.open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, you can use your key in the door lock. You can also use the Keyless Entry System if your vehicle has this option.

From the inside, you can lock the door by sliding the locking lever rearward. To unlock the door, slide the locking lever forward. The lock control will show orange when in position.

the unlock

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Power Door Locks

With power door locks, you can lock dr unlock all the doors of your vehicle from the driver or front passenger door lock switch.

. ,

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On four-door models, slide the lock lever on each rear door to lock or unlock that door.

Automatic Door Locks Just close your doors and turn on the ignition. If you have an autom’atic transaxle, all of the doors will lock when you move your shift lever out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). I€ you havg: a manual transaxle, all of the doors will lock when the vehicle reaches about 8 mph (13 lqn/h). If someone needs to get out while the vehicle is running, have that person use the manual or power lock. When the door is closed again, it will lock automatically when you move your shift lever out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If you have a manual transaxle, the doors will lock when the vehicle reaches about 8 mph (1 3 km/h). All doors will automatically unlock when the key is turned to the OFF position. If you don’t want the doors to automatically unlock when the key is turned to the OW position, you can remove the DR UNLK fuse from the vehicle fuse block. For fuse location, see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index.

2-4

Rear Door Security Lock

Your Pontiac is equipped with rear door kecurity locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside. To use one of these locks:

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. . 1. Use a key to move the lolck all the way up." 2. Close the door. 3. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. 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. 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. 1. To cancel the rear door jock, unlock the door fiom

the inside and open the door from the outside. 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. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your key, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door.

Keyless Entry System If your Pontiac has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from up to 38 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 intederence, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Should interference to this system occur, try this:

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. Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.

0 See your Pontiac dealer OF a qualified twhnicim 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 any time the opened trunk symbol is pressed if the ignition is OFF. If the ignition is on, the trunk will unlock if the automatic tramaxle is in NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P). On vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle, the parking brake must be set.

Replacing the Battery in the Remote Keyless Entry 1. Pop the cover off by inserting a coin or similar

object in the slot between the covers, and then twisting.

2. Lift the front cover off, bottom half first.

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, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once the new trans’mitter is coded, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only two transmitters matched to it. Batterv Retdacement Under norma we, the batteries in your key chain transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the batteries are weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the batteries.

3. Remove and replace the two batteries. Use two Duracell@ batteries, type DL-2016 or equivalent.

4. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the

cover is on tightly, so water won’t get in.

5. Check the transmitter operation.

Trunk 4 CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk’ lid:

Make sure all windows are shut.

0 l b r n the fan on your h’eating or cooling

system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls’’ in the Index. If you have ai: outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

2-8

Trunk Lock To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert one of the keys to the vehicle and turn the trunk Remote Trunk Release

lock cylinder.

The remote trunk release handle is located on the floor near the left side of the driver’s seat in front of the fuel door release. Pull upward on the remote release handle to release the trunk lid. Make sure the override feature is not activated.

Trunk Security Override

The remote trunk release is equipped with an override feature to help prevent unauthorized entry into the trunk when leaving the vehicle unattended. The switch is located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted to the trunk lid latch.

To turn the override feature on, slide the switch all the way to the right. To turn the override. feature off, slide the switch all the way to the left. When the override is on, the mechanical remote trunk release will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk lid can still be opened with the key. This lockout feature is only available on vehicles that do not have the Keyless Entry System.

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 an If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s 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.

2-9

If you par^ in a lot where someone will be wawung 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? Put your valuables in a storage area, l i e your trunk or glove box, Lock the glove box, Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

e Then take the door key with you. Passlock TM Your venicle 1s equipped with the Passlock theft-deterrent system. Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system ,is armed once the key is‘removed from the ignition.

Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used, fuel is disabled. During normal operation, the THEFT SYS light will go off after the engine is started. In the unlikely event that the engine stalls and the THEFT SYS light flashes, wait trying to restart the until the light stops flashing b’efose engine. Remember to release the key from the START position as soon as the engine starts. If after several tries the vehicle still does not start, the vehicle may need service. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). See your Pontiac dealer for service. If the THEFT SYS light comes on while the engine is running, a problem has been detected and the system may need service. See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Bontiac Roadsi4e Assistance Program at 1-8OO-RBADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743.

New Vehicle.“Break-In”

Ignition Switch

NOTICE:

Your modern 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.ful1-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. Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information.

With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to five positions. ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things like the radio and windshield wipers when the off. To use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you. Your steering wheel will stay locked.

engine is

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LOCK (B): Before you pur: the key into the ignition switch, the switch is in LOCK. It’s also the only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition and transaxle (on automatic models). OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel, ignition, and transaxle (on automatic models), but does not send electrical 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 (D): This position is where the key 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 to operate your electrical power accessories, and to display some instrument panel warning lights. START (E): This position starts your 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.

2-12

On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the key to LOCK will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while the vehicle is moving.

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.

Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)

The key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the key release button is used. To remove the key, turn the key to the OFF position. While pressing the key release button, tufn the key to the LOCK position. Pull the key straight out. Starting Your Engine Engines stast 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 moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

NOTICE:

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.

Manual transaxle The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N). Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t stat? if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that’s a safety feature.

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Starting Your 2.4 Liter Engine 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.

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 vehcle 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:

NOTICE:

H’olding 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 acc,elerator pedal all the way to the

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 engine 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 Vehicle” in the Index.

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Starting Your 3.1 Liter Engine 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.

2. 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 up to 15 seconds, This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

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 engine 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 Vehicle” in the Index.

Engine Coolant Heater (Option)

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3.1L Engine In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

2.4L Engine

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To use the coolant heater: 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

1 A CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical ,shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. 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$he coolarit heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact yo" Pontiac dealer in the area where you'll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

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Automatic Transaxle Operation Your Grand Am may be.equipped with a four-speed automatic transaxle. The shift lever is located on the console between the seats.

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

There are seven different positions for the shift lever on the four-speed autom&ic transaxle.

ID1

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to, If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle.won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See &‘Shifting Into PARK,(P)” in the Index, Tf you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a the Index.

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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 brakes 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 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 (I?)” later in this section. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

into PARK (P) -- as you

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

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 (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on. the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

NOTICE:

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see “If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.

Damage to your transaxle caused’by shifting ‘out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for- normal driving with the four-speed automatic transaxle. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: 0 Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your

accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

The transaxle will automatically shift down to the next gear and provide more power. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

0 When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting

between gears.

0 When going down a steep hill,

SECOND (2) and FIRST (1): These positions provide second and first gear performance. When downshifting from AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or THIRD (3) into SECOND (2), the transaxle will operate in second gear at vehicle speeds greater than 20 mph (32 km/h) and in first gear at vehicle speeds less than 20 mph (32 km/h).

NOTICE:

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Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (41 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (88 kdh), or you can damage your transaxle. Use THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) as much as possible, Don% shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 rnph (109 kmh), or you can damage your engine.

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Manual Transaxle

This is your shift pattern.

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Hi

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Here’s how to operate your transaxle: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (1)’ put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N) and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1). SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop let up on the accelerator pedal and press the