1993 Pontiac Grand PRIX Owners Manual

you want to see the next item in the sequence. When you have any of these services performed, be sure to reset the service reminder.

Control Buttons (CONT.) To Reset the Service Reminder: 1. Press SYSTEMS CHECK until the

service appears.

2. Press and hold RESET for one

second. The maximum recommended interval before the next service will be displayed.

You can reduce the interval by continuing to hold RESET. The interval will decrease by 500 miles (800 krn) for each second you hold the button. When it reaches 100 miles (160 km) , it will go back to the maximum. As you are driving, when less than 100 miles (160 km) remains until a recommended service, a message will be displayed when you start your engine. It will periodically flash on the screen until you reset it.

Calendar With the engine running, the day and date are displayed unless you select another function, such as average speed. MODE Press to display the following sequence: AWPM Hour Minute Month Day Year EnglisWMetric

Press MODE each time you want to see the next item in the sequence.

I os

To Reset the Calendar: 1. Press MODE until the function you

want to reset appears.

2. Press and hold SET. 3. Release SET when the function is

correct.

Repeat for each function you want to reset. If more than five seconds pass before you press SET or MODE, start the procedure again to continue making changes. To Choose English or Metric Units: 1, Using the tip of a ball point pen (or

something similar), press MODE seven times to cycle through the calendar functions.

2. Press SET to change from English to

metric units, or metric to English. This changes the units shown in the Driver Information Center and the Head-Up Display, if your vehicle has one.

Compass The compass shows the direction your vehicle is facing whenever the engine is running. For best accuracy, it should be calibrated:

Whenever it displays the message “CALIBRAT/COMPASS” Whenever it doesn’t seem to be showing the correct direction.

Mobile telephones, two-way radios, and other electronic devices can cause inaccurate compass readings if they are placed near the compass, and you may need to recalibrate the compass.

To Calibrate the Compass: 1. Drive to an open area, like a large empty parking lot. You need to be able to drive safely in circles. Be sure the place is not only free of other vehicles but also away from power lines or large metal buildings. 2. With the engine running and all

accessories off, press CAL. The word “CALIB” will appear.

3. Be sure there’s no traffic, then slowly drive in a circle. Don’t go faster than 5 mph (8 l d h ) , because the vehicle needs to stay level. The compass will orient itself.

4. When the compass is oriented, the

word “CALSET” will appear. Locate north and point the front of the vehicle at north.

5. Press NORTH. The words “N SET”

will appear. Your compass is now calibrated.

If you travel more than 500 miles (804 km) east or west, you can quickly recalibrate to compensate for variations in the earth’s magnetic field. Simply point the front of the vehicle at true north and press NORTH.

l o g . . .

Features & Controls

Head-Up Display (OPTION) If you have the optional Head-Up Display (HUD), you can see the speedometer reading, in English or metric units, displayed “through” the windshield. The HUD also shows: * Turn signal indicator lights. A high beam indicator symbol. A CHECK GAUGES message. (For low oil pressure, high coolant t.emperature, and high or low battery voltage.). A low fuel warning symbol.

HUD shows these lights when they are lit on the instrument panel. When you sit straight in your seat, the HUD image will appear slightly to the right. When the ignition key is turned to Run, all possible HUD images will! come on and look like this. Then the Head-Up Display will operate normally.

Although the HUD image appears to be near the front of the vehicle, do not use it as a parking aid. The HUD was not designed for that purpose. If you try to use it that way, such as in a parking lot, you may misjudge distance and run r,y, into something.

,A

A If you never look at your instrument panel, you rnL not see something important, si1 as a warning light. So be sure tc scan your displays and controls an th’e driving environment ju,st as xou n a car w- out UD. .:g:~$ I. A,..+- .- -. r A .-

- - .

_1

To adjust the HUD so you can see it properly: 1. Start your engine and slide the HUD

dimmer control (to the right of the steering wheel, below the wiper/ washer control) all the way to HI. The brightness of the HUD image is determined by whether the headlight switch is on or off, and where you have set the HUD dimmer control.

2. Adjust the seat, if necessary, before setting the height control. Slide the HUD image height control all the way toward you, raising the image as far as possible, Then slide the HUD image height control away from you so the image is as low as possible but in full view.

3. Slide the dimmer control toward OFF until the HUD image is no brighter than necessary. To turn the HUD off, slide the HUD dimmer control to OFF. If the sun comes out, or it becomes cloudy, or if you turn on your headlights, you may need to adjust the HUD’s brightness using the HUD dimmer control. Polarizing sunglasses could make the HUD image harder to see.

1 L bright, or too high in your If the HUD image is too field of view, it may take you more time to see things you need to see when it’s dark outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim and placed low in your field of view.

Features & Controls

Head-Up Display (CONT.) To switch the speedometer from English (conventional) to metric units, or back again, use the tip of a ball point pen (or something similar) to depress the MODE button on the Driver Information Center until ENGLISH or METRIC appears on the display. Release the MODE button and use the pen to depress the SET button below it to switch to the ,other unit of measure.

Care of the Head-Up Display Clean the inside of the windshield as needed to remove any dirt or film that reduces the sharpness or clarity of the HUD image. To Clean the HUD: Spray household glass cleaner on a soft, clean cloth. Wipe the HUD lens gently, then dry it. Do not spray cleaner directly on the lens, because the cleaner fluid could leak inside the unit if you do.

If You Can’t See the HUD Image When the Ignition is On:

Is anything covering the HUD unit? Is the HUD dimmer control close enough to HI? Is the HUD image adjusted to the proper height? Still no HUD image? Check the fuse in the CLUST position in the fuse panel. See the Index under Fuses G Circuit Breakers.

If the HUD Image is Not Clear:

It could be too bright. Move the HUD dimmer control closer to OFF. You may need to clean the windshield and HUD lens.

Your windshield is part of the HUD system. If you ever have to have a new windshield, be sure to get one designed for HUD. If you don’t, the HUD image may look blurred and out of focus.

Notes

114

Part 3

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

1 n this part you'll find out how to operate the comfort control systems and audio systems offered with your Pontiac . Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle .

Climate Control ....................................................................................................... 116 Setting the Clock ..................................................................................................... 120 AM/FM Stereo Radio .............................................................................................. 122 AM/FM Stereo Radio with Cassette Player ........................................................... 124 ETR AM/FM Stereo Radio with Cassette Player and Equalizer ........................... 126 AM/FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player ............................................................. 128 CD Player Anti-Theft Feature ................................................................................. 130 Steering Wheel Controls for Audio System 131 ............................................................ Gain Control ............................................................................................................ 132 133 Understanding Radio Reception ............................................................................. Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ......................................................................... 133 Care of Your Compact Discs ................................................................................... 134 134 Fixed Mast Antenna ................................................................................................ 135 Power Antenna Mast Care ......................................................................................

115

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Climate Control 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. OFF: Press to turn the blower off. Some air will still come from the outlets at the floor. Press any function button to turn the system on. Temperature Control Lever: This lever changes the temperature of the air coming through the system. The higher the lever setting, the warmer the air.

a: Selects the force of air you want.

Press 4 to lower the fan speed, b to raise it. Air Conditioning There are three air conditioning settings: MAX: Provides maximum cooling or quick cool-down on very hot days. This setting recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle, and it should not be used for long periods because the air may become too cold and dry.

A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting brings in outside air, cools it and directs it through the instrument panel outlets. B/L (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny days. This setting brings in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. The cool air is directed to the upper portion of your body through the instrument panel outlets, but most warmed air is directed through the heater ducts and a little to the defrost and side window vents. At times this temperature difference may be more apparent than others. On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the time your air conditioner’s compressor will have to run, which should help fuel economy.

setting directs 90% of the air

The through the defroster vents and the side window vents, and 10% to the floor.

Heating and Ventilation When you don’t need to cool the outside air, use these next settings. You can leave the air as it is or heat it. The air conditioner compressor doesn’t run in the VNT and HTR settings. This reduces the engine load, resulting in improved fuel economy (gas mileage). VNT (Vent): For mild outside temperatures, when little heating or cooling is needed, push VNT. Air flow is through the instrument panel outlets. Slide the temperature control lever to a comfortable level. HTR (Heater): When outside temperatures are cold, push HTR. This will send most of the heated air through the ducts near the floor. The rest will come out of the defroster vents and side window defogger vents.

Defogging and Defrosting There are two settings for clearing your windows. For each setting, adjust the temperature control as desired. The air conditioner compressor will run in these settings to remove moisture from the air when the temperature is above freezing.

\p

This setting allows half of the air to flow to the floor heater ducts, and half to go to the windshield and side window vents located in the windshield pillars. Use this setting to warm passengers while keeping the windshield clear.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Defogging and Defrosting (CONT.) To rapidly defrost the windshield, slide the temperature control lever all the way up and press the (j@ button. Adjust the fan to the highest speed.

Your vehicle is equipped with side window defogger vents located on the window pillar. For additional side window defogging, push the B/L button, set the fan control to HI and aim the side vents on the instrument panel to the side windows. For increased air flow to the side vents, close the center vents.

1 1 8

Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press to turn on. The defogger will turn off automatically after about 10 minutes of use. If you turn it on again, the defogger will operate for about five minutes only. You can also turn the defogger off by turning off the ignition or pressing again. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license across the defogger grid on the rear window.

button

the

NOTEE Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, yo could cut or damage the warmi grid, and the repairs would

II

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

Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow, or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work €ar better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.. When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, set the blower fan to the highest setting for a few moments b e h e driving off, This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. * Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Audio Sy&ms The following pges describe the audio systems available for your Pmtiac, and how to get t.he best performance from them. Please read about the system in your vehicle.

Before you add any sound equipment to1 vour vehide-lik tapeplayer, Cb radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio-b sure you can add what you want. If @I I you can, it's very important to do it properly. Added sound e'quipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle's engine, Delco* radio Io'r other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle's systems may interfere with the operatio: sound equipment that added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with yc dealel and be sure to check Federal m- covering mobile radio i telephone units. ., . . .. . .- .

s bl

120

Setting the Clock No matter which audio system you have in your vehicle, setting the clock is easy.

I Hearing damage from loud

noises 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 you radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it.

, To help avoid hearing loss or

damage: 1. Adjust the volume control to the

lowest setting.

2. Increase volume slowly until you

hear Cnmfortably ind clearly.

7 SEEK 1

For the AM/FM Stereo Radio (with or without Cassette Player): 1. With the radio off or on and the ignition on, press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

2. Within five seconds, press and hold

SEEK A until the correct minute appears on the display.

3. Press and hold VSEEK until the

correct hour appears on the display.

For the AM/FM Stereo Radio with Cassette Player and Equalizer: 1. With the radio off or on and the ignition on, press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

2. Within five seconds, press and hold

SEEK. untiI the correct minute appears on the display.

3. Press and hold 4SEEK until the

correct hour appears on the display.

For the AM/FM Stereo Radio with Compact Disc Player: 1. With the radio off or on and the ignition on, press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

2. Within five seconds, press and hold

SEEK until the correct minute appears on the display.

3. Press and hold TUNE until the

correct hour appears on the display

1 2 1

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

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

PWR-VOL (Power-Volume): Turn the upper knob to turn the radio on or off, or to adjust volume. Press it to change between the clock and the radio station frequency display when the radio is on. Press the knob to display the time when the ignition is off. The control ring behind the PWR-VOL knob adjusts the left/right speaker balance.

TUNE: This knob has two functions. Turn it to the left or right to tune in radio stations (the radio station frequency will be displayed on the digital screen). Press this h o b to change between the AM and FM bands. The control ring behind the TUNE knob adjusts the front/rear speaker balance.

TREB (Treble) : Slide this lever up to increase treble, or down to decrease it. BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass, or down to decrease it. SEEK: When you press SEEK A, you will tune in the next station higher on the radio band. When you press VSEEK, you’ll tune the next station lower.

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

3. The station can be tuned in when the same two pushbuttons are pressed at the same time.

To Preset Radio Stations: The four pushbuttons labeled 1-4 can be used to set up to 14 stations (seven AM and seven FM). 1. Use the lower knob (TUNE) to tune

in the station you want.

2. Press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed,

press one of the four pushbuttons. The station you selected will automatically be tuned whenever you press this button again.

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

and four FM stations.

Comfo'rt Controls & Audio Systems

BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass, or down to decrease it. SEEK: When you press SEEKA, you will tune in the next station higher on the radio band. When you press YSEEK, you'll tune in the next station lower. When you press SEEK A and V SEEK at the same time, the radio will scan the dial, pausing for a few seconds at each station. To select a station, press both buttons again. To Preset Radio Stations: The four pushbuttons can be used to preset up to 14 radio stations (seven AM and seven FM). 1. Use the lower knob (TUNE) to tune

in the station you want.

2. Press SET. The SET indicator will

appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed,

press one of the four pushbuttons. The station you selected will be automatically tuned whenever you press this button again.

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

and four FM stations.

AMFM Stereo Radio with Cassette Player The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM ~k FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. V'OIL-BAL (Volume-Balance): Turn the upper knob to turn the radio on or off, or to change volume. Press it to change between the clock and the radio statbn frequency display when the radio is on. Press the knob to display the time when the ignition is off.

The control ring behind the VOL-BAL knob adjusts the lefthight speaker balance. TUNE-FADE: This knob has two functions. Turn it to the left or right to tune in radio stations (the radio station frequency will be displayed on the digital screen). Press this knob to change between the AM and FM bands. The control ring behind the TUNE knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance. TREBLE: Slide this lever up to increase treble, or down to decrease it.

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

3. The station can be tuned in when the same two pushbuttons are pressed at the same time.

To Play a Cassette Tape: With the power on, insert a tape into the cassette door. Using tapes that are longer than 90 minutes (45 minutes on each side) is not recommended. When the right indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. When the left arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. To change sides of the tape, press the upper control h o b (VOL-BAL) while the cassette is playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of the tape.

Fast Forward: Press the button with the arrow pointing in the same direction that the tape is playing. To stop fast forward, press the STOP-EJECT button. Reverse: Press the button with the arrow pointing in the opposite direction that the tape is playing. To stop reverse, press the STOP-EJECT button. STOP-EJECT: To stop playing a tape, fully press this button. The cassette will be partially ejected, and the ra’dio will begin playing.

C,ornfort Controls & Audio Systems

€TR AMlFM Stereo Radio with Cassette Player and €qudizer The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. PWR (Power): Press to turn the system on or off. VOL (Volume): To increase volume, twist the upper knob to the right and hold it until the unit reaches the volume you want.

Then release the knob. To decrease volume, twist the knob to the left and release it. MUTE: Press the upper knob to temporarily silence the unit. Press again to restore the original volume. BAL (Balance): Twist the control behind the upper knob to adjust the left-right speaker balance. Release the knob when the balance is to your taste. TUNE: To tune radio stations, twist and hold the lower knob. Twisting to the right tunes stations higher on the band. Twisting to the left tunes stations lower on the band. Release the knob when the unit tunes the desired station.

m 126

BAND: Press the lower knob to select the AM, FMl, or FM2 band. Your radio has an AMAX-certified receiver. It can produce quality AM stereo sound and receive C-Quamm stereo broadcasts. AMAX reduces noise without reducing the high frequencies you need for the best sound. You don't have to do anything to your Delco/GM radio because AMAX is automatic. FADE: To adjust the front-rear speaker balance, twist and hold the control behind the lower knob. Twisting to the right moves the balance to the rear. Twisting to the left moves it to the front. RCL (Recall): Press to switch the display between the time and station frequency. SEEK: Press +SEEK to tune the next station lower on the radio band. Press SEEK,

to tune the next station higher.

Equalizer: To adjust the tone, slide the knobs until you get the sound you want. The 60 and 250 levers adjust the bass; 1I< is the midrange adjustment; 3.5K and 10K control the treble. To Preset Radio Stations: You can preselect up to 15 radio stations (five FM1, five FM2 and five AM) and tune to any of them by pushing a single button. Here's how. 1. Tune to a desired station with the

lower h o b . 2. Press SET. 3. Within about five seconds, press one

of the five numbered pushbuttons. The station you selected will be automatically tuned whenever you press this button again.

4. Repeat for up to four more stations on the same band, and up to five on each of the other bands. To Play a Cassette Tape: Your cassette tape player is designed to work best with tapes that play for 30 to 45 minutes per side. Tapes that run longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player.

This audio system has automatic 00 Dolby B NR@ to reduce background noise on Dolby encoded tapes. Dolby@ Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby@ and the 00 symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. With the unit on, press a cassette into the slot marked AUTO REVERSE, tape side first. An arrow above the word TAPE in the graphic display shows which side of the tape is playing. Adjust volume, balance, fade and tone as described earlier. Here are your other tape player controls: PROG (Program): Press to switch from one side of the tape to the other. The unit switches automatically at the end of a side. CrO,: Press to adjust the unit for high bias chrome or metal tapes. For standard bias tapes, press again to return to the factory-preset adjustment.

REV (Reverse): Press to rewind the tape rapidly. The tape will stop at the end, or when you press REV or PROG lightly. The radio will play while the tape is rewinding. FWD (Forward): Press to advance the tape rapidly. The tape will stop at the end, or when you press FWD or PROG lightly. The radio will play while the tape is advancing. PREV (Previous): Press to repeat a selection or passage. The tape will rewind and stop either at the first four- second quiet spot or when you press PREV again {or PROG) . NEXT: Press to advance to the next selection or passage. The tape will fast- forward and stop either at the first four- second quiet spot or when you press NEXT again (or PROG). ST-PL (Stop-Play): Press to stop the tape and switch to radio. Press again to stop the radio and resume the tape. EJECT: Press to remove the tape.

127 . = I

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Player The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. PWR (Power): Press t'o turn the unit on and off when the ignition is on. VOL (Volume}: Adjusts the volume up or down, and the bottom of the digital screen displays the setting. For a normal listening level preset at the factory, press the center of the switch.

128

TUNE: Press this switch to tune in higher frequencies and lower frequencies. SEEK: Press to tune automatically to the next station higher or lower on the band. BAL (Balance): Adjusts the left/right and front/rear speaker balance to your individual taste. When you change either adjustment, the bottom of the digital screen will display the point of balance you have selected. For the normal setting preset at the factory, press the left and right or front and rear buttons at the same time.

AM-FM: Press to select either the AM or FM radio band. The band you select will be displayed on the digital screen. Your radio has an AMAX-certified receiver. It can produce quality AM stereo sound and receive C-QuamB stereo broadcasts. AMAX reduces noise without reducing the high frequencies you need for the best sound. You don't have to do anything to your Delco/GM radio because AMAX is automatic. SCAN: Press to listen for a few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band; the scan will continue every few seconds until you press SCAN again to stop on a particular station. RCL (Recall): Press to change between the clock and the radio station frequency displayed on the digital screen.

0

EQUALIZER: To adjust the tone, slide the knobs until you get the sound you want. The 60 and 250 levers adjust the bass; 1IC is the midrange adjustment; 3.5IC and 1OIC control the treble. To Preset Radio Stations: The five pushbuttons in the lower right corner can be used to preset up to ten radio stations (five AM and five FM stations). The buttons have other uses when you are playing a compact disc. 1. Tune the digital display to the station

you want.

2. Press SET. The SET indicator will

appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed,

press one of the five pushbuttons. The station you selected will be automatically tuned whenever you press this button again.

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

and five FM stations.

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

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

If the disc comes back out:

The disc may be upside down. The disc may be dirty, scratched or wet. There may be too much moisture in the air (wait about one hour and try again). The player may be too hot, or the road may be too rough for the disc to play.

While a disc is playing, the CD indicator is displayed on the digital screen, as is the clock.

RCL (Recall): Press once to see which track is playing. Press again within five seconds to see how long your selection has been playing. The track number also will be displayed when the volume is changed or a new track starts to play. PREV (Previous): Press to play a track again. If you hold the PREV button, the disc will keep backing up to previous tracks. NEXT: Press when you want to hear the next track. If you hold the NEXT button, the disc will keep advancing to other tracks. REV (Reverse) : Press and hold to rapidly back up to a favorite passage. Release to resume playing. FF (Fast Forward): Press and hold to rapidly advance the disc. Release to resume playing. COMP (Compression) : Depressing this button makes soft and loud passages more equal in volume. Press again to resume normal play.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

AM/FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player (COIVT.) When Finished with the Compact Disc Player: If you press PWR or turn off the ignition, the disc will stay in the player and start again when you turn on the ignition or power switch. The disc will begin playing at the point where it had been stopped. ST/PL (Stop/Play): Press to stop the disc player; the radio will play. Press again to play the disc (the player will start playing the disc where it was stopped earlier).

CD Player Anti-Theft Feature Delco LOC I P is a security feature that can be used or ignored. If you ignore it, the radio will play normally. If you use it, your radio cannot be turned on if it is stolen. These instructions will tell you how to enter a secret code into the radio. Then, if battery power is lost for any reason, the secret code must be entered again before the radio can be turned on. To Set: 1. Write down any 6-digit number and keep it in a safe place. This is your secret code.

2. Turn the ignition on. 3. Press the PWR button to turn the

radio off.

4. Press the PREV and FF buttons at

( 6

the same time and hold until '' shows on the display. --- You now have only 15 seconds between each of the following steps.

5. Press SET and 000 appears on the

display.

6. Depress SEEK until the first digit of

your code appears.

7. Depress SCAN until the second and

third digits of your code appear.

8. Press AM-FM (000 appears). 9. Depress SEEK until the fourth digit

of your code appears.

10. Depress SCAN until the fifth and sixth digits of your code appear.

11. Press AM-FM (rEP will appear for

five seconds, then 000).

12. Repeat steps 6 through 10. Then press the AM-FM button again. SEC will appear, indicating that Delco LOC I P is set, and your radio is secure. If " " appears, the steps were not successful and you must repeat the entire procedure.

---

To Disable the Anti-Theft System: Enter your secret code by following these steps (you will have only 15 seconds between each step). 1. Turn the ignition on and the radio off, then press the PREV and FF buttons of the station presets. SEC will appear, showing the radio is secure.

2. Press SET and 000 appears on the

display.

3. Depress SEEK until the first digit of

your secret code appears.

4. Depress SCAN until the second and

third digits of your code appear.

5. Press AM-FM (000 will appear on

the display).

6. Depress SEEK until the fourth digit

of your code appears.

7. Depress SCAN until the fifth and sixth digits of your code appear.

ii

8. Press AM-FM. If the display shows " the radio is unsecured and --- will play again. If the display shows SEC, the steps were not successful and the numbers did not match the secret code.

If you lose or forget your code, see your dealer. If you lose battery power, when the battery is reconnected, the radio will not turn on and LOC will appear. Follow steps 1-8 for disabling your system, but the time will appear if you are successful. If SEC appears, the numbers did not match and your unit is still locked.

Steering Wheel Controk for Audio System (omow Some audio functions can be operated with these controls: 4ON/OFFb: Press ON t'o turn the system on. Press OFF to turn it off. TUNE Press an up or down arrow on TUNE to tune the radio to stations higher or lower on the AM or FM band. STOP PLAY: Press to play the radio when a cassette is playing. Press again to play the cassette when the radio is on. BAL (Balance): Press +BAL or BAL) to adjust your speaker balance to the left or right.

...

131

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Gain Control Some models have this control on the driver's door, beneath the power window controls, in the storage area. Move the GAIN control to adjust the amount of bass.

Steering Wheel Controls for Asrdjo Sysfem (CONT.) AMflM: Press to select either the AM or FM radio band. The band you select will be displayed on the digital screen. The frequency of the station will be -displayed, and if the station is in stereo, the STEREO indicator will also be displayed. MUTE: Press to silence your audio system temporarily. Press MUTE again to play your system normally again. l ON/OFF: Turns the unit on and off when the ignition is on. to FADE: Press +FADE or FADE, adjust your speaker balar ce forward or rearward.

VOL (Volume): Press A to increase volume. Press 7 to lower the volume. SEEK: Each time you press a right or left arrow on SEEK, you will tune in the next station up or down the AM or FM radio band. When listening to a cassette tape or compact disc, you can change to the previous or next selection by pressing the SEEK right or left arrow. PRE-SET Press this to hear the radio stations that are set on your system.

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

AM Stereo Your Delco@ system may be able to receive C-Quam@ stereo broadcasts. Many AM stations around the country use C-Quam@ to produce stereo, though some do not. C-Quam@ is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc. If your Delco@ system can get C-Quam@ signals, your stereo indicator light will come on when you are receiving it.

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a ltnown good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player (CONT.) Clean your tape player with a wiping- action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with it. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.

Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender.

Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it's cleaned from time to time. To Clean the Antenna Mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to

raise the antenna to full mast extension.

2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral

spirits or equivalent solvent.

3. Wipe cloth over the mast sections,

removing any dirt.

4. Wipe dry with clean cloth before

retracting.

5. Make the antenna go up and down by

turning the radio or ignition on and Off.

6. Then repeat if necessary. NOTICE

If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit and follow the instructions in the kit.

Notes

H e r e you'^ find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We've also included many other useful tips on driving.

Your Driving and the Road

Part 4

- ..... .........- 138 Road Signs ............................................................................................... Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Drunken Driving . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Control of a Vehicle Braking ................................................................................................................. 146 Anti-Lock Brakes .... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ... . ... . . ... ...... .. ... . . . .. 147 152 Steering Tips ........................................................................................................ Steering Emergencies. .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... ... . . . . . . . . .. . ...... . . ... . . 153 Passing.. . . . . . , . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . 154 Driving at Night .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ... . .. 157 Driving in the Rain . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . .. .. . .... . . . . . . , .. .... . .... . 159 ,. . ............ 162 Driving Fog, Mist and Haze ............................................ City Drlvmg.. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Freeway Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Driving a Long Distance ......................................................................................... 166 Hill and Mountain Roads ........................................................................................ 168 Parlcing on Hills .... ..... . ..... . .. ... ... . .. ... .. . .. ....... ... . . ... , . . .. . ... .... . . ... . . . ... . ... . . . ... . ... . .... .. . ..... . . 169 Winter Driving .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . ... . . .. . ..... ... . . . . . . ,. .. . . ... .. . . . .. .. 171 Towing a Trailer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . 174

. . . . .

.....................

Your Driving and the Road

Roadsigns The road signs you see everywhere are coded by color, shape and symbols. It’s a good idea to know these codes so that you can quickly grasp the basic meaning or intent of the sign even before you have a chance to read it.

STOP

DO NOT ENTER

WRONG

WAY

RR ADVANCE NARROW CROSSING ZONE

BRIDGE

NO PASSING

Color of Road Signs Red means Stop. It may also indicate that some movement is not allowed. Examples are Do Not Enter, Wrong Way, or No Parking.

Yellow indicates a general warning. Slow down and be careful when you see a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad crossing ahead, a no passing zone, or some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid line painted on the road means Don’t Cross.

I . .

Green is used to guide the driver. Green signs may indicate upcoming freeway exits or show the direction you should turn to reach a particular place.

Blue signs with white letters show motorists’ services.

HOSPITAL

INFORMATION

STOP]

LOW

SHOULDER

WORKERS

AHEAD

FLAGGER AHEAD

Orange indicates road construction or maintenance. You'll want to slow down when you see an orange sign, as part of the road may be closed off or torn up. And there may be workers and maintenance vehicles around, too.

Shape of Road Signs The shape of the sign will tell you something, too. An octagonal (eight-sided) sign means Stop. It is always red with white letters.

A diamond-shaped sign is a warning of something ahead-for example, a curve, steep hill, soft shoulder, or a narrow bridge.

CANOEING

SWIMMING

Brown signs point out recreation areas or points of historic or cultural interest.

A triangle, pointed downward, indicates Yield. It assigns the right of way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection.

A triangular sign also is used on two- lane roads to indicate a No Passing Zone. This sign will be on the left side of the roadway.

Your Driving and the Road

KEEP RIGHT

LEFT OR THROUGH

RIGHT TURN

ONLY

Rectangular (square or oblong) signs show speed limits, parking regulations, give directions, and such information as distances to cities.

Symbols on Road Signs There are many international road signs in use today.

NO u TURN

NO

PARKING

NO

BICYCLES

The basic message of many of these signs is in pictures or graphic symbols. A picture within a circle with a diagonal line across it shows what not to do.

Traffic Lights We’re all familiar with traffic lights or stop lights. Often green arrows are being used in the lights for improved traffic control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that traffic in one or more lanes can move or make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean “go no matter what.” You’ll still need to proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and sometimes to other vehicles. Some traffic lights also use red arrows to signify that you must stop before turning on red.

I I

REVERSIBLE LANE ON MULTILANE ROADWAY

NO PASSING ZONE

Many city roads and expressways, and even bridges, use reversible-lane traffic control during rush hours. A red X light above a lane means no driving in that lane at that time. A green arrow means you may drive in that lane. Look for the signs posted to warn drivers what hours and days these systems are in effect.

Pavement Markings Pavement markings add to traffic signs and signals. They give information to drivers without taking attention from the roadway. A solid yellow line on your side of the road or lane means Don’t Cross.

Your Own Signals Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not only more polite, it’s safer to let other drivers know what you are doing. And in some places the law requires driver signals. Turn and Lane Change Signals: Always signal when you plan to turn or change lanes. If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm straight out for a left turn, down for slow or about- to-stop, and up for a right turn. Slowing Down: If time allows, tap the brake pedal once or twice in advance of slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you. Disabled: Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicle is disabled or is a hazard. See the Index under Hazard Warning Flashers.

Traffic Officer The traffic police officer is also a source of important information. The officer’s signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other signs say. The next section discusses some of the road conditions you may encounter.

141

Yolur Driving and the Road

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Pontiac: Buckle up. (See the Index under Safety Belts.) 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. Expect children to dash out from behind parked cars, often followed by other children. Expect occupants in parked cars to open doors into traffic. Watch for movement in parked cars- someone may be about to open a door.

142

Expect other drivers to run stop signs when you are on a through street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not have to use the brake, but if you do, you will be ready. If you’re driving through a shopping center parking lot where there are well- marked lanes, directional arrows, and designated parking areas, expect some drivers to ignore all these markings and dash straight toward one part of the lot. Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you must give way to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way. 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. Here’s a final bit of information about defensive driving. The most dangerous time for driving in the U.S. is very early on Sunday morning. In fact, GM Research studies show that the most and the least dangerous times for driving, every week, fall on the same day. That day is Sunday. The most dangerous time is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about 134 times more dangerous! That leads to the next section.

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 takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision

Police records show that half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol-a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. Over 25,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured.

Just how much alcohol is too much if a person plans to drive? Ideally, no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be 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 Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

How much alcohol is in the drink. The drinker’s body weight. The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinlung. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medi’cal Association, a 180-pound [82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 mi) 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 ll/z ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka. It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 rnl 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 slightly lower BAC level.

Your Driving and the Road

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 an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, 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.

Drunken Driving (CONT.) The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in. some other countries it’s lower than that. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour), 144

Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research

P

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.

“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 a higher 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. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone whc has been drinking-driver or passenger-is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that

the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

L A U I I U N A Drinking and then driving is 3 very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious-or even fatal-accident 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.

I L

Your Driving and the Road

. .-

Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting your left foot rest lightly on the brake pedal while driving.

8raking 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 lun/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. 146

~~

~~

And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes. Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overwork the braking system with poor driving habits. 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.

‘Riding” your brakes can :ause them to overheat to t point that they won’t work well. You might not be able to stop your vehicle in time to avoid an accident. If you “ride” your brakes, they will get so hot they will require a lot of pedal force to slow you &-- Avoid “riding” the brake-.

wears them out much faster. You would need costly brake replacement much sooner than normal, and it also

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.

”)- 2.’; 253 .,,& 35 ,,.7.. d:$ ,=;.;>,: ?$: /P

I’

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) (OPTION) If your Pontiac has this system, it has an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent skidding. If you have an anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake pedal will say so.

Your Driving and the Road

Anti-lock Brakes (CONT.) And this light on the instrument panel will go on when you start your vehicle. When you start your vehicle and begin to drive away you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a little while this is going on. This is the ABS system testing itself. If you have your foot on the brake pedal, this check won't happen until the vehicle goes about 4 mph (6 ltm/h) or until you take your foot off the brake pedal. After an ABS stop, you may hear a clicking noise the next time the vehicle goes about 4 mph (6 l t d h ) .

m a .

148

If there's a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system warning light will stay on or flash. See the Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.

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. The computer separately works the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels. 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.

I

You can steer around the obstacle while To Use Anti-Lock Don’t pump the braking hard. As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You also may hear a cliclting noise as you accelerate after a hard stop.

Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your braltes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes.

Disc Brake Wear Indicators Your Pontiac has four-wheel disc braltes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high- pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go, or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).

A The brake wear warnin& sound means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, That could lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

Your Driving and the Road

Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.

Brake Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then-very carefully-make a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km) , so your brakes will adjust properly.

Disc Brake Wear Indicators (COWT.)

NOTICE Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort.

Braking In Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. If you have anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. However, if you don’t have anti-lock, your first reaction-to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it down-may be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can’t respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic. If you don’t have anti-lock, use a “squeeze” braking technique. This will

give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. In an emergency you will probably want to “squeeze” the brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. This will help you retain steering control. (If you do have anti-lock, it’s different: see the Index under Anti-Lock Brake System.) In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

151

Your Driving and the Road

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.

152

to do their

Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems- steering and braking-have work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much at those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you’re steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems-steering and acceleration- can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Let up on the brake or 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. When you drive into a curve at night, it’s harder to see the road ahead of you because it bends away from the straight beams of your lights. This is one good reason to drive slower.

,'here are times when steering can be more e-- :tive than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car sudderdy pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked

tops right in front of you. You these problems by braking-if op in time. But sometimes there isn't room. That's the vasive action-steering le problem. .tiac can perform very well in like these. First apply your tut, unless you have anti-lock, ;h to lock your wheels. It is memove as much speed as you

Steering There are more effe

Depending on your speed, this can be rather violent for an unprepared driver. This is one of the reasons driving experts recommend that you use your safety belts and keep both hands on the steering wheel. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times.

can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. You must then be prepared to steer back to your original lane and then brake to a controlled stop.

1 5 3 m .

Your Driving and the Road

Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to ‘/4 turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway. If the shoulder appears to be about four inches (100 mm) or more below the pavement, this difference can cause 154

problems. If there is not enough room to pull entirely onto the shoulder and stop, then follow the same procedures. But if the right front tire scrubs against the side of the pavement, do not steer more sharply. With too much steering angle, the vehicle may jump back onto the road with so much steering input that it crosses over into the oncoming traffic before you can bring it back under control. Instead, ease off again on the accelerator and steering input, straddle the pavement once more, then try again.

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

“Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time.

When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.

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 tdpass (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. If you suspect that the driver of the vehicle you want to pass isn’t aware of your presence, tap the horn a couple of times before passing. Or, you can use flash-to-pass. See the Index under Flash-to-Pass. 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.

Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is .) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle. Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right.

Your Driving and the Road

LOSS of‘ Control