2000 Pontiac Grand Am Owners Manual

The ALC system may also come on when driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather or a tunnel. This is normal.

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There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and nighttime operation of the DRL and the ALC systems so that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not affect the system. The DRL and ALC systems will only be affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer than this delay. To idle your vehicle with the ALC system off, set the parking brake while the ignition is off. Then start the vehicle. The ALC system will stay off until you release the parking brake. As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular headlamp system when you need it. Delayed Headlamps The delayed headlamps feature will continue to illuminate the headlamps for 20 seconds after the key is turned to OFF then the headlamps will automatically turn off. To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature, while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction lever end cap up one position and back to OFF.

Fog Lamps

The button for your fog lamps is located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel, beside the instrument panel intensity control.

When using the fog lamps, the ignition must be on as well as the parking lamps or the low-beam headlamps. Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. An indicator light on the button will glow when the fog lamps are on. Push the button again to turn the fog lamps off. The fog lamps will turn off whenever the high-beam headlamps are turned on. When the high beams are turned off, the fog lamps will come on again.

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Courtesy Lamp Control When the thumbwheel for the instrument panel intensity control is moved to the right, the dome lamp, the mirror reading lamps (if equipped) and the footwell lamps will turn on. Move the thumbwheel to the left, to turn the lamps off. Illuminated Entry/Exit System When you lift the driver’s door handle or open any door, the lamps inside your vehicle will go on. These lamps will fade out after about 10 seconds after all of the doors have been closed or when the ignition is turned to ON. These lamps will also go on when you press the trunk release, UNLOCK or the horn symbol button on the optional keyless entry system transmitter. The lamps inside your vehicle will stay on for about 10 seconds after your key is removed from the ignition to provide an illuminated exit.

Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Intensity Control

You can brighten or dim the instrument panel cluster lights by moving the thumbwheel to the right to increase intensity and to the left to decrease intensity. The thumbwheel is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.

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Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)

Three-Position Dome Lamp (If Equipped)

Press the switch on the lower front portion of the mirror to turn on the lamps. Press the other side of the switch to turn the lamps off.

The switch on this lamp has three positions. The ON position will turn on the light. The DOOR position will turn on the light whenever a door is opened or when the instrument panel intensity control thumbwheel is moved to the right. The OFF position will shut off the lamp completely, even when a door is opened.

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Trunk Lamp The trunk lamp comes on when you open your trunk. Battery Saver Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature designed to protect your vehicle’s battery. When any interior lamp (trunk, mirror reading lamps, footwell, dome lamp or glove box) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the battery saver system will automatically shut the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery. To reactivate the interior lamps, either: D Lift the driver’s door handle, or D open any door, or D press any keyless entry transmitter button

(if equipped), or

D press the power door lock switch, or D press the remote trunk release, or D turn the lamp that was left on to off then to on again.

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Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror

This mirror can be adjusted two ways. First, to adjust the height of the mirror, adjust the arm that connects the mirror to the windshield. Then adjust the angle of the mirror, by moving the mirror to a position that allows you to see out of the back window. To reduce glare from lights behind you, move the lever toward you to the night position. To return the mirror to the daytime position, move the lever away from you.

Manual Remote Control Mirror The outside rearview mirror should be adjusted so you can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. Adjust the driver’s side outside mirror with the control lever on the driver’s door. To adjust your passenger’s side mirror, sit in the driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for you. Power Remote Control Mirror (If Equipped)

Select the mirror you want to adjust by turning the knob to the left or right. Adjust each mirror so that you can see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. Turn the knob to the center to turn the remote control mirror off. 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.

This selector knob controls both outside rearview mirrors.

CAUTION:

A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

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Storage Compartments Glove Box Use the key to lock and unlock the glove box. To open, pull the glove box handle up. Center Console Storage Area The center console has two separate storage areas. The upper compartment, which is also the armrest, can be used to store maps, gloves, etc. To open, pull up on the driver’s side of the lid. Rear Seat Cupholder Pull down the door on the rear of the center console to use the rear seat cupholder. Convenience Net (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it just inside the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or quick starts and stops. The net isn’t for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the trunk as far forward as you can. You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when you’re not using it.

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Ashtray and Lighter (If Equipped) To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go.

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.

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.

You can also remove the cigarette lighter to plug in additional accessories. Be sure to follow the proper installation instructions that are included with any electrical accessory you install.

Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them to the side. Visor Vanity Mirror Lift the cover to expose the vanity mirror. Sunroof (If Equipped) Open the sunshade by hand when using the vent position. To use the vent position of the sunroof, push the switch back and release it. This is the express vent mode of the sunroof. To fully open the sunroof, push the switch back again and release. This is the express open mode of the sunroof and sunshade.

To close the sunroof, push the switch forward and hold it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if the switch is released during operation. If desired, you may close the sunshade by hand. The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if your vehicle 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.

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The Instrument Panel -Your Information System

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The main components of your instrument panel are:

A. Fog Lamp Switch B. Instrument Panel Intensity Control C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever D. Horn E. Instrument Cluster F. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever G. Ignition Switch H. Enhanced Traction System I. Hazard Switch

J. Audio System K. Climate Control System L. Cigarette Lighter M. Gear Shift Lever N. Cruise Control Switches (If Equipped) O. Steering Wheel Audio System (If Equipped) P. Tilt Wheel Lever Q. Hood Release Handle R. Fuse Panel

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Instrument Panel Cluster Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.

Automatic Transaxle Cluster Shown, Manual Transaxle Cluster and Canada Cluster Similar

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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 United States) or kilometers (used in Canada). Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer. The digital odometer will read 999,999 if someone tries to turn it back. 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.

Trip Odometer The trip odometer can tell you how far you have driven since you last reset it. The reset button is located next to the trip odometer. To reset the trip odometer to zero, press and hold the reset button for one to two seconds while the trip odometer is displayed. Also by pressing this button, for less than one second you can toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer.

Tachometer

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.

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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. Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is turned to ON 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 modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in the Index.

This light will come on when you start your vehicle, and it will flash for a few seconds. Then the light should go out. This means the system is ready.

If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.

CAUTION:

If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle, it means the air bag system may not be working properly. The air bags in your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle serviced right away if the air bag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle.

The air bag readiness light should flash for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

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Charging System Indicator Light

Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)

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

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

When the engine is running, the light should go out. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and you hear a chime, 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.

Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic 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 is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.

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United States

Canada

This light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. 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, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

CAUTION:

Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will also come on when you set your parking brake. The light 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.

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come on when you start your engine and it will stay on for three seconds. That’s normal.

If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the light comes 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 vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with your regular brakes. See “Brake System Warning Light” earlier in this section. The anti-lock brake system warning light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

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Enhanced Traction System Warning Light

With the Enhanced Traction System (ETS), this warning light should come on briefly as you start the engine. If the warning light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

If the warning light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, there may be a problem with your Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle may need service. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The Enhanced Traction System warning light may come on for the following reasons: D If you turn the system off by pressing the ETS button

located on the instrument panel above the audio system, the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again. The warning light should go off. (See “Enhanced Traction System” in the Index for more information.)

D The warning light will come on when you set your parking brake with the engine running, and it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If the system is turned on and the warning light stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means there’s a problem with the system.

D If the traction control system is affected by an

engine-related problem, the system will turn off and the warning light will come on.

If the Enhanced Traction System warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the system is turned on and the parking brake is fully released, your vehicle needs service.

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Enhanced Traction System Active Light

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

When your Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin, this light will come on. Slippery road conditions may exist if the Enhanced Traction System active light comes on, so adjust your driving accordingly.

The light will stay on for a few seconds after the Enhanced Traction System stops limiting wheel spin. This light will also come on when the anti-lock brake system is active. The Enhanced Traction System active light also comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when the system is active.

United States

Canada

This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes on and you hear a chime, your engine is too hot! It means that your engine coolant has overheated. The “Problems on the Road” section of this manual shows what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.

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Low Coolant Warning Light

This light comes on briefly when you turn your ignition on.

If this light comes on and stays on and you hear a chime, the vehicle should promptly be 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. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems.

This system is called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.

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NOTICE:

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

NOTICE:

Modifications made to the engine, transaxle, exhaust or fuel system of your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission controls and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: D Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been

detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.

D Light On Steady -- An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.

If the Light Is Flashing The following may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle: D Reducing vehicle speed. D Avoiding hard accelerations. D Avoiding steep uphill grades. D If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of

cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.

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If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your dealer or qualified service center for service.

If the Light Is On Steady You may be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following: Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle? If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off. Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water? If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

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Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see “Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.) This will be detected by the system and cause the light to turn on. If you experience one or more of these conditions, change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If none of the above steps have made the light turn off, have your dealer or qualified service center check the vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that may have developed.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs Some state/provincial and local governments have or may begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle registration.

Here are some things you need to know in order to help your vehicle pass an inspection: Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light is on or not working properly. Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if you have recently replaced your battery or if your battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical emission control systems during normal driving. This may take several days of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to prepare the vehicle for inspection.

Oil Pressure Light

If you have a low engine oil pressure problem, this light will stay on after you start your engine, or come on and you will hear a chime when you are driving.

This indicates that your engine is not receiving enough oil. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some other oil problem. Have it fixed immediately. 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 the engine is running. If it doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away.

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CAUTION:

Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.

NOTICE:

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

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Low Oil Light (If Equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with a 3400 V6 engine, then you will have a LOW OIL light on your instrument panel cluster.

This light will come on briefly when you start your vehicle. If the light stays on after starting your vehicle, or comes on and chimes while you are driving, your engine oil level should be checked. Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has been shut off for several minutes and is on a level surface. Check the oil level on your dipstick and bring it to the proper level. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. A false LOW OIL light may be generated when parking on steep grades. The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level during the brief period between when the key is on and the engine is cranking. It does not monitor engine oil level when the engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is only performed if the engine has been turned off for a considerable period of time allowing the oil normally in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.

 Change Oil Light

Security Light

The CHANGE OIL light should come on briefly as a bulb check when you start the engine. If the light doesn’t come on, have it serviced.

This light will come on when you turn the key to ON and will stay on until the vehicle starts.

If the CHANGE OIL light comes on and stays on after you start the engine, have the oil changed. For additional information, see “Engine Oil, When to Change” in the Index. To reset the Oil Life Monitor, see “Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.

If you’re driving and the security light comes on and remains on, your PasslockR system is not working properly. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock and you should see your dealer.

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Cruise Light (If Equipped)

Service Vehicle Soon Light

The CRUISE light comes on whenever you set your cruise control.

This light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition.

Low Washer Light

This light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition.

It will stay on, or come on and a chime will sound if it detects a problem on the vehicle, such as a DRL or an ALC malfunction. If this happens, see your dealer as soon as possible.

It will also stay on, or come on and a chime will sound, if the windshield washer fluid reservoir is less than one-third full.

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Fuel Gage

United States

Canada

Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left, when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears empty, the light will come on and you will hear a chime. 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: D At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before

the gage reads full.

D 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.

D The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or

speed up.

D The gage goes back to empty when you turn off

the ignition.

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Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

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

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Comfort Controls Climate Control System with Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Heating Defogging and Defrosting Windows Rear Window Defogger Ventilation System Audio Systems Setting the Clock for All Systems Except AM-FM Stereo AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player

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AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped) Remote Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped) Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped) Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) Understanding Radio Reception Tips About Your Audio System Care of Your Cassette Tape Player Care of Your Compact Discs Care of Your Compact Disc Player Fixed Mast Antenna

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Comfort Controls With this system, you can control the ventilation and heating in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section. Climate Control System with Air Conditioning

Fan Knob 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 fan knob is moved to OFF.

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Temperature Knob The center control knob regulates the temperature of the air coming through the system.

Mode Knob The right control knob changes the functions of your system. MAX: Use for maximum cooling. This setting recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle. It maximizes your air conditioner’s performance and your vehicle’s fuel economy. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this position when it is needed to help dry the air in the vehicle.

VENT: In this position most of the airflow comes through the instrument panel outlets. A small amount of air comes through the floor vents. Set the center control knob to the temperature desired.

BI-LEVEL: In this position the airflow comes through the instrument panel outlets and through the floor outlets. Set the center control knob to the temperature desired.

FLOOR: In this position most of the airflow

comes through the floor outlet. The rest of the air comes through the windshield and side window vents. Set the center control knob to the temperature desired.

DEFOG: This position divides the airflow

between the floor outlets and the windshield defroster vent. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this position when it is needed to help dry the air in the vehicle.

FRONT DEFROSTER: This position directs

most of the airflow through the window defroster vent. Some of the air goes to the floor outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this position when it is needed to help dry the air in the vehicle.

Air Conditioning Compressor Button Press A/C to operate the air conditioner compressor. The indicator light will glow when the button is pressed to indicate that the air conditioning system has been turned on. The fan knob must be set to a speed for the air conditioning to operate.

Air Conditioning 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. On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your vehicle to cool down, which should help fuel economy. On cool, but sunny days, the sun may warm your upper body, but your lower body may not be warm enough. You can use BI-LEVEL with the temperature knob in the middle and the A/C indicator light glowing. The system will bring in outside air and direct slightly warmer air to your lower body. For normal cooling on hot days, use VENT with the temperature knob in the blue area and the A/C indicator light glowing. The system will bring in outside air and cool it.

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Heating On cold days, use FLOOR with the temperature knob all the way in the red area. The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send it to the floor outlets. Your vehicle has heat ducts that are directed toward the rear seat. Keep the area under the front seats clear of obstructions so that the heated air can reach the rear seat passengers. If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use it to help your system provide warm air faster when it’s cold outside (0_F (-18_C) or lower). An engine coolant heater warms the coolant your engine and heating system use to provide heat. See “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.

Defogging and Defrosting Windows Your system has two settings for clearing the front and side windows. For each setting, adjust the temperature control as desired. To defrost the front window quickly, turn the temperature control knob all the way in the red area. Use FRONT DEFROST and adjust the fan to the highest speed. To warm passengers while keeping the front window clean, use DEFOG. Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger vents. The side window defogger vents are located on the outside of the side instrument panel vents. To defrost the side windows, turn the temperature control knob all the way in the red area. Use FLOOR and adjust the fan to the highest speed. To control fogging of the windows, turn the temperature control knob all the way in the red area. Use DEFOG and adjust the fan to the highest speed. To defog the side windows while using air conditioning, use BI-LEVEL and adjust the fan to the highest speed and press the A/C button so that the indicator light is glowing. For added airflow to the side windows aim the side vents toward the windows and close the center vents.

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Rear Window Defogger

The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window.

Press the defogger button. The indicator light will glow. The rear window defogger will turn itself off after about ten minutes after the first time the button is pressed, and after five minutes each additional time the button is pressed. You can turn the defogger off by pressing the button again or turning off the ignition. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license across the defogger grid on the rear window.

NOTICE:

Don’t use a razor blade or anything 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.

Ventilation System For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air through your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system. Your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning fan is running.

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Ventilation Tips D 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.

D When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the

mode knob to FLOOR and the fan to the highest speed 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.

D Keep the air path under the front seats clear

of objects. This helps air circulate throughout your vehicle.

Audio Systems Your audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your audio system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. Setting the Clock for All Systems Except AM-FM Stereo Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute appears. There will be a two-second delay before the clock goes into time-set mode, and the colon on the display will blink while in this mode.

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AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player

Playing the Radio POWER-VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Display the time with the ignition off by pressing this button. When the radio is playing, press this knob to recall the station frequency.

Finding a Station AM-FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display shows your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Push the knob back into its stored position when you’re not using it. SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to go to the next higher or lower station and stay there. PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2). Just: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM-FM to select the band. 3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons until SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that numbered button, the station you set will return.

5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.

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Setting the Tone BASS: Slide the lever to the right or left to increase or decrease bass. TREBLE: Slide the lever to the right or left to increase or decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble.

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn this knob to move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn this knob to move the sound to the front or rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. Push these knobs back into their stored positions when you’re not using them.

Playing a Cassette Tape Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are up to 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player.

While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE, BAL, BASS and TREB controls just as you do for the radio. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing. When the down indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. When the up arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of the tape. If E and a number appear on the radio display, the tape won’t play because of an error. D E10: The tape is tight and the player can’t turn

the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily, your tape may be damaged and should not be used in the player. Try a new tape to make sure your player is working properly.

D E11: The tape is broken. Try a new tape. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem.

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PREV (1): Press this button or the SEEK down arrow to search for the previous selection on the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for PREV or SEEK to work. The tape direction arrow blinks during PREV or SEEK operation. Press PREV or the SEEK down arrow to stop searching. The sound will mute during PREV or SEEK operation. NEXT (2): Press this button or the SEEK up arrow to search for the next selection on the tape. If you hold the button, the player will continue moving forward through the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for NEXT or SEEK to work. The tape direction arrow blinks during NEXT or SEEK operation. Press NEXT or the SEEK up arrow to stop searching. The sound will mute during NEXT or SEEK operation. PROG (3): Press this button to play the other side of the tape. D (4): Press this button to reduce background noise. Note that the double-D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

REV (5): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape reverses. You may select stations during REV operation by using SEEK or TUNE. FWD (6): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape. Press the button again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape advances. You may select stations during FWD operation by using SEEK or TUNE. AM-FM: Press this button to play the radio when a tape is in the player. TAPE/PLAY: Press this button to change to the tape function when the radio is on. The tape symbol with an arrow will appear on the display when the tape is active. To return to playing the radio, press the AM-FM button. EJECT: Press this button to remove the tape. The radio will play. EJECT may be activated with either the ignition or radio off. Cassettes may be loaded with the radio and ignition off if this button is pressed first.

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CLN: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See “Care of Your Cassette Tape Player” in the Index. After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to show the indicator was reset.

CD Adapter Kits It is possible to use a portable CD player adapter kit with your cassette tape player after activating the bypass feature on your tape player. To activate the bypass feature, use the following steps: 1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press and hold the TAPE/PLAY button for three

seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash for two seconds, indicating the feature is active.

4. Insert the adapter into the cassette slot. It will

power up the radio and begin playing.

This override routine will remain active until EJECT is pressed.

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AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped)

Playing the Radio POWER-VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock. If you press the knob when the ignition is off, the clock will show for a few seconds.

Finding a Station AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display shows your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Push the knob back into its stored position when you’re not using it. SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to go to the next higher or lower station and stay there. PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2). Just: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM-FM to select the band. 3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons until SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that numbered button, the station you set will return.

5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.

Setting the Tone EQUALIZER: A seven-band equalizer is part of your audio system. Slide the levers up to boost or down to reduce frequency range.

Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound to the front or rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. Push these knobs back into their stored positions when you’re not using them.

Playing a Compact Disc Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. If the ignition and the radio are on, the disc will begin playing. If you want to insert a disc when the ignition is off, first press EJECT.

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If you’re driving on a very rough road or if it’s very hot, the disc may not play and E (error) and a number may appear on the radio display. If the disc comes out, it could be that: D The disc is upside down. D It is dirty, scratched or wet. D The air is very humid. (If so, wait about an hour

and try again.)

If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem. PREV (1): Press this button or the SEEK down arrow to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold the button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving back through the disc. NEXT (2): Press this button or the SEEK up arrow to go to the start of the next track. If you hold the button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the disc.

RDM (3): Press this button to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. The display will show RDM. Press RDM again to turn off random play. REV (5): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time. FWD (6): Press and hold this button to quickly advance within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time. RECALL: Press this button to see what track is currently playing. Press RECALL again within five seconds to see how long the track has been playing. When a new track starts to play, the track number will also appear. Press RECALL a third time and the time of day will be displayed. AM/FM: Press this button to play the radio when a disc is playing. The disc will stop but remain in the player. CD/PLAY: Press this button to change to the disc function when the radio is on. EJECT: Press this button to remove the disc or stop the disc and switch to the radio. EJECT will work with the radio off.

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Remote Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)

Playing a Cassette Tape With this option, the remote single cassette player is mounted to the console. Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are up to 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player. With the radio on, insert a cassette tape. Once the tape is playing, use the control knobs for VOL, BAL, FADE, BASS and TREB just as you do for the radio. A lighted cassette symbol shows when a cassette tape is in the player. A lighted arrow will also appear and show the direction of play when a tape is active.

PREV (1): Press PREV or the SEEK down arrow to search for the previous selection. A minimum three-second blank gap is needed for the player to stop at the beginning of the selection. The tape direction arrow will blink during the SEEK operation and the sound will mute in this mode. NEXT (2): Press NEXT or the SEEK up arrow to search for the next selection. The tape direction arrow will blink during the SEEK operation and the sound will mute in this mode. (4): Press this button to reduce background tape noise (noise reduction is only available in the cassette mode). The double-D symbol will appear on the display. REV (5): Press this button to rapidly reverse the tape. The tape will rapidly reverse to the beginning of the cassette reel or until you press REV again. Use the SEEK button or the TUNE knob to play the radio during REV. The radio plays the last selected station. FWD (6): Press this button to rapidly advance the tape. The tape will rapidly advance to the end of the cassette reel or until you press FWD again. Use the SEEK button or the TUNE knob to play the radio during FWD. The radio plays the last selected station.

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PROG: Press this button on the remote cassette player to go from one side of the tape to the other. CD/PLAY: After a cassette tape and a CD have been inserted, press the CD/PLAY button to switch between the CD player and the cassette tape player. Both features cannot be played at the same time. EJECT: Press this button on the remote cassette player to remove the tape. EJECT can be used with either the ignition or radio off. Also, you must press EJECT before loading a cassette with the radio off to allow loading. CLN: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See “Care of Your Cassette Tape Player” in the Index. After you clean the player, press and hold RECALL on the radio and the EJECT button on the remote cassette at the same time for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to show the indicator was reset.

Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped) THEFTLOCKR is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is removed. The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is activated, your radio will not operate if stolen. When THEFTLOCK is activated, the radio will display LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery power is removed. If your battery loses power for any reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code before it will operate.

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Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature The instructions which follow explain how to enter your secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is recommended that you read through all nine steps before starting the procedure. If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4. 1. Write down any three or four-digit number from

000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from the vehicle.

2. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON. 3. Turn the radio off. 4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down until --- shows on the display. Next you will use the secret code number which you have written down.

5. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 6. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

7. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

8. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the

code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show REP to let you know that you need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your secret code.

9. Press AM-FM and this time the display will show

SEC to let you know that your radio is secure.

Note that with the ignition off, the THEFTLOCK LED indicator will flash, indicating a secured radio.

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Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display. 2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 3. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

4. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the

code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show SEC, indicating the radio is now operable and secure.

If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will appear on the display. You will have to wait an hour with the ignition on before you can try again. When you try again, you will only have three more chances (eight tries per chance) to enter the correct code before INOP appears. If you lose or forget your code, contact your dealer.

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Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down

until SEC shows on the display.

4. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 5. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

6. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

7. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the

code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show ---, indicating that the radio is no longer secured.

If the code entered is incorrect, SEC will appear on the display. The radio will remain secured until the correct code is entered. When battery power is removed and later applied to a secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and LOC will appear on the display. To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier in this section.

Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)

If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. SEEK: Press the up arrow to tune to the next radio station and the down arrow to tune to the previous radio station. If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, the player will advance with the up arrow and reverse with the down arrow.

AM-FM: Press this button to choose AM, FM1 or FM2. If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, it will stop and the radio will play. PRESET: Press this button to play a station you have programmed on the radio preset buttons. If a cassette tape is playing, press this button to play the other side of the tape. If a compact disc is playing, press this button to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. Press this button again to turn off random play. PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or compact disc when the radio is playing. MUTE: Press this button to silence the system. Press it again, or any other radio button, to turn on the sound. VOLUME: Press the up or down arrow to increase or decrease volume.

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Understanding Radio Reception

AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.

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. Tips About Your Audio System Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and 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: D Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. D Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably

and clearly.

NOTICE:

Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile 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, Delphi Delco Electronics radio or other systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone units.

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Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN to indicate that you have used your tape player for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If this message appears on the display, your cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to your tapes and player. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if it is the tape or the tape player at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. The recommended cleaning method for your cassette tape player is the use of a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended cleaning cassette is available through your dealership (GM Part No. 12344789).

When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because your unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the following steps. 1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press and hold the TAPE/PLAY button for three

seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash for two seconds.

4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette. 5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s

recommended cleaning time.

When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape detection feature is active again. You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended.

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After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to show the indicator was reset. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure 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.

Care of Your Compact Disc Player The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism. 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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Section 4 Your Driving and the Road

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.

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Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Enhanced Traction System Steering Off-Road Recovery Passing Loss of Control Driving at Night Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads

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City Driving Freeway Driving Before Leaving on a Long Trip Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads Winter Driving Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer Towing a Trailer (2.4L L4 Engine)

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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. Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task -- such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on the floor -- makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.)

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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: D Judgment D Muscular Coordination D Vision D 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, over 17,000 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 the leading 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: D The amount of alcohol consumed D The drinker’s body weight D The amount of food that is consumed before and

during drinking

D The length of time it has taken the drinker to

consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medical Association, a 180-lb. (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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Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a 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 United States 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 12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!

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.

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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.

CAUTION:

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious -- or even fatal -- collision if you drive after drinking. Please don’t drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you’re with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

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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. (Also see “Enhanced Traction System” in the Index.)

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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; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.

If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system, this warning light will stay on. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.

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The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions.

Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels.

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You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. Using Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies 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. Enhanced Traction System Your vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Traction System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power and may also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin.

This light will come on when your Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin. See “Enhanced Traction System Active Light” in the Index. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.

This light will also come on when the anti-lock brake system is working. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the enhanced traction system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may reengage the cruise control. (See “Cruise Control” in the Index.) The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you should use the lower gears only when necessary. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.

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When the system is on and the parking brake is fully released, this warning light will come on to let you know if there’s a problem.

See “Enhanced Traction System Warning Light” in the Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the Enhanced Traction System on. But you can turn the system off if you prefer.

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To turn the system on or off, press the ETS button on the the instrument panel. When you turn the system off, the Enhanced Traction System warning light will come on and stay on. If the Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin when you press the button to turn the system off, the warning light will come on -- but the system won’t turn off right away. It will wait until there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The Enhanced Traction System warning light should go off.

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 (If Equipped) 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. 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. Refer to “Enhanced Traction System” in the Index. 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.

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Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. (See “Braking in Emergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

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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.

Off-Road Recovery You may find 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 one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

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: D “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.

D 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 traffic.

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D 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.

D 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.

D 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.

D 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.)

D Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time

on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle.

D 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.

D 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 vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid.

If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System, or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your 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. D Drive defensively. D Don’t drink and drive.

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D Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the

glare from headlamps behind you.

D Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow

down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.

D Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your

headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.

D In remote areas, watch for animals. D If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place

and rest.

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.

You can be temporarily blinded by approaching headlamps. It 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 headlamps. Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. Remember that your 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 Rain and on Wet Roads

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 windshield wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid. 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.

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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.

CAUTION:

Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.

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 do not have 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. Driving Through Deep Standing Water

NOTICE:

If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly.