1993 Pontiac Grand PRIX Owners Manual

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Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: Have your Pontiac in good shape for winter. Be sure your engine coolant mix is correct. Snow tires can help in loose snow, but they may give you less traction on ice than regular tires. If you do not expect to be driving in deep snow, but may have to travel over ice, you may not want to switch to snow tires at all.

Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into P (Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, always be sure to shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see the lndex under Shifting Into P (Park). When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of P (Park) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).

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“I

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

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Your Driving and the Road c

Drivjng on Snow or Ice Most ‘of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice betw,een your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip’’ an’d will need to be very careful. What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get “wet ice” when it’s about freezing (32”F, 0.C) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there.

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Whatever the condition-smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow-drive with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. Unless you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to brake very gently, too. (If you do have anti-lock, see the Index under Anti-Lock Brake System. This system improves your vehicle’s ability to make a hard stop on a slippery road.) Whether you have the anti-lock braking system or not, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. Without anti-lock brakes, if you feel your vehicle begin to slide, let up on the brakes a little. Push the brake pedal down steadily to get the most traction you can.

Remember, unless you have anti-lock, if you brake so hard that your wheels stop rolling, you’ll just slide. Brake so your wheels always keep rolling and you can still steer.

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

If You’re Caught in a Blizzard If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you h o w for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe:

Turn on your hazard warning flashers. Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow.

* Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you, If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats-anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.

A Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can

cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it was in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn’t collect there. Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help keep CO out.

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Your Driving and the Road

If You’re Stuck h Deep Snow This manual explains how to get the vehicle out of deep snow without damaging it. See the index under Rocking Your Vehicle.

If You’re Caught in a Blizzard (COW.)

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle and possibly for signaling later on with your headlights. Let the heater run for a while. Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half-hour or so until help comes.

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Towing a Trailer CAUTlON

A If you don’t use the correct

equipment and drive

properly, you can lose control whf you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well-or even at all You and your passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section.

Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section.

Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a 3.4L (VIN Code X) engine and a manual transaxle. Your Pontiac can tow a trailer if it is equipped with a 3.1L (VIN Code T) engine or a 3.4L (VIN Code X) engine and an automatic transaxle, and proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in Weight of the Trailer that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That’s the reason for this section. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of

these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. All of that means changes in:

Handling Durability Fuel economy

If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer If you do, here are some important points.

There are many different laws having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway control. Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

Your Driving and the Road

H You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer (CONT.) Then, during the first 500 miles (800 krn) that you tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. Three important considerations have to do with weight:

Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at:

Consumer Assistance Center Pontiac Division One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 8P7

The trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total capacity weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See the Index under Loading Your Vehicle for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for cold tires. You will find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door, or see the Index under Tire Loading. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle.

Hitches It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:

Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure

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Your Driving and the Road

If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer (CONT.)

to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle. (See the Index under Carbon Monoxide.) Dirt and water can, too. 4 The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame- mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.

Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly.

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake systems won’t work well, or at all. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have anti- lock brakes, don’t tap into your vehicle’s brake system if the trailer’s brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.

Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 1tPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be used with your vehicle. If everything checks out this far, then make the brake fluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But don’t use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing.

Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.

Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Your Driving and the Road

Driving with a Trailer (CONT.) Making Turns When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft sh’oulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance. Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lights will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.

When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. Your vehicle has bulb warning lights. When you plug trailer lights into your vehicle’s lighting system, its bulb warning lights may not let you know if one of your lights goes out. So, when you have trailer lights plugged in, be sure to check your vehicle and trailer lights from time to time to be sure they’re all working. Once you disconnect the trailer lights, the bulb warning lights again can tell you if one of your vehicle lights is out.

Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 k w h ) to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating. If you are towing a trailer and you have an automatic transaxle with Overdrive, it’s best to drive in D instead of (or as you need to, a lower gear). This will minimize heat build-up and extend the life of your transaxle.

Parking on Hills You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it: 1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t

shift into P (Park) yet.

2. Have someone place chocks under

the trailer wheels.

3. When the wheel chocks are in place,

release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.

4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then

apply your parking brake, and then shift to P (Park).

5. Release the regular brakes. When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold

the pedal down while you:

Start your engine; Shift into a gear; and Release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear

of the chocks.

4. Stop and have someone pick up and

store the choclts.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, belts, cooling system, and brake adjustment. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections before you start your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

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Notes

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Part 5 Problems on the Road

H e r e you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road .

Hazard Warning Flashers ................................................................................ 184 Jump Starting ................................................................................................... 185 Towing Your Pontiac ....................................................................................... 189 Engine Overheating ......................................................................................... 193 If a Tire Goes Flat ............................................................................................ 200 Changing a Flat Tire ........................................................................................ 200 Compact Spare Tire ......................................................................................... 207 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud. Ice or Snow .................................................. 208

Problems on the Road

Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lights will flash on and off.

Slide the switch up to make your front and rear turn signal lights flash on and off. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in.

To turn off the flashers, slide the switch down. When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn signals won’t work. Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.

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Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Pontiac. But please follow the steps here to do it safely. CAUTION

I * Batteries can hurt you. They b can be dangerous because: 0 lney contain acid that can burn you. * They contain gas that can explode or ignite. They contain enough electricity to burn you.

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If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things

To Jump Start Your Pontiac: 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have

a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.

If the other systerr, A t a 12-vali system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

Problems on the Road

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your Pentiac, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. CAUTION

You could be injured if the b vehicles roll. Set the parking brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic transaxle in P (Park) or a manual transaxle in N (Neutral).

3. Turn off the ignition on both

vehicles. Turn off all lights that aren’t needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both b’atteries. And it could save your radio!

4. Open the hoods and locate the

batteries.

1, CAUTION

II

If you leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered bv your warranty.

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ij Find the positive (+) and

negative

(-)

terminals on each battery. Your Pontiac has a remote positive (+) jump starting terminal. The terminal is on the same side of the engine compartment as your battery. You should always use the remote positive (+) terminal instead of the positive (+) terminal on your battery. To uncover the remote positive (+) terminal, lift the red plastic cap.

A

Using a match near a battery I

can cause battery ga

enougn

explode. People have been nurI doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if vou nccL more light. Be sure the ua water. You doll L IIGW to addware to the Delco Freedom@ battery installed in every new GM vehicle But if a battery has filler caps, b sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low,-add water to t care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present. Batte-ry fluid contains acid that burn you. Don’t get it on you. I you accidentally get it in your e or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.

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6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to

the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too.

Before you connect the cables, here are some things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too. P A / ITION

A Fans or other moving engine

parts can injure you badly.

Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engines are runnin-

Problems on the Road

12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Tale care that they don’t touch each other or any metal.

hl’l~ sbrfing (CONT.) 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal.

Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

8. Now connect the black negative

(-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) terminal.

Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.

9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches

(45 crn) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less.

10. Now start the vehicle with the good

battery and run the engine for a while.

1 1. Try to start the vehicle with the

dead battery.

If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

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Towing Your Pontiac Try to have a GM dealer or a professional towing service tow your Pontiac. The usual towing equipment is: (A) Sling-type tow truck (B) Wheel-lift tow truck (C) Car carrier If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it was factory-new by adding aftermarket items like fog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these instructions and illustrations may not be correct. Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning flashers.

When you call, tell the towing service:

That your vehicle cannot be towed from the front or rear with sling-type equipment. That your vehicle has front-wheel drive. The make, model, and year of your vehicle. Whether you can still move the shift lever. If there was an accident, what was damaged.

When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator know that this manual contains detailed towing instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them.

To help avoid injury to you or others:

* Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed. Never tow faster thar -3fe posted speeds. Never tow with damaged part not fully secured. Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the tow truck. Always use separate safety chains

hooks instead. '

Problems on the Road

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CAUTION * A vehicle can fall from a car I b carrier if it isn't properly scb,red. This can cause a collision, serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The vehicle should be tightly secured with chains or steel cables before it is transported. Don't use substitutes (ropes, leather straps, canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp e('- :s underneath the tou

hicle .

Towing from the Front- Vehicle Hook-up Before hooking up to a tow truck, be sure to read all the information on Towing Your Pontiac earlier in this section. 1. Attach T-hook chains into the side

slots in the cradle in front of the wheels, on both sides.

Towing Your P onfiac (c0N;T.j When your vehicle is being towed!, have the ignition key off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Do not use the vehicle's steering column lock for this. The transaxle should be in N [Neutral) and the parking brake re1,eased. Don't have your vehicle towed on the front wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle must be towed on the front wheels, don't go more than 35 mph (56 km/h) or farther than 50 miles (80 km) or your transaxle will be damaged. If these limits must be exceeded, then the front wheels have to be supported on a dolly.

2. Attach a separate safety chain around

the outboard end of each lower control arm.

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2. Attach a separate safety chain around

the outboard end of each lower control arm.

Problems on the Road

Towing from the Rear- Vehicle Hook-up Before hoolring up to a tow truck, be sure to read all the information on Towing Your Polttiac earlier in this section. I. ;Qttach T-hook chains on both sides in the slotted holes in the bottom of the floor pan support rails just ahead of the rear wheels,

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Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the rear bumper valance will be damaged. Use wheel-lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel strans.

Install a towing dolly beneath the wheels that would be on the ground during the tow. This will increase clearance between the wheel-lift equipment and the underbody of the towed vehicle. This will help to avoid damaging a vehicle during a tow over rough surfaces.

Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage or the warning light about a hot engine on your Pontiac's instrument panel. You may also find a low coolant warning light on your Pontiac's instrument panel.

If Steam is Coming from Your Engine:

- b engine can burn you badly, L Steam from an overheated

even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam DP eoolant before opening the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. YOU or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is COOL

If No Steam is Coming from Your Engine: If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: Climb a long hill on a hot day. Stop after high speed driving. Idle for long periods in traffic. Tow a trailer.

Problems on the Road

Engine Overheafing ICONT.) If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or SO: 1. Turn off your air conditioner. 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the

highest fan speed and open the window as necessary.

3. Try to keep your engine under load

(in a drive gear where the engine runs slower).

If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about ten minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive normally. If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.

If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine for two or three minutes while you’re parked, to see if the warning stops. But then, if you still have the warning, TURN OFF THE ENGINEANDGETEVERYONEOUT OF THE IrEp3[1CLE until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get servioe help right away.

Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: (A) Coolant recovery tank (B) Radiator pressure cap (C) Electric engine fan If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.

a An electric fan under the

L L hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric engine fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service. How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank: If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See the Index under Engine Coolant for more information about the proper coolant mix.)

A Adding only plain water to

your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mix. With plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mix of clean water and a proper antifreeze.

cold weather, water can free- d crack the engine, radiatnr ater core and other parts.

The coolant level should be at or above the COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system.

CAUTION A Heater and radiator hoses,

and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’$ run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before I vou drive the vehicle.

Problems on the Road

A Steam and scalding liquids L from a hot cooling system dm b.,,v out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap-even a little-they can come out at high speed. Never turn the pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator pressure cap tu cool if you ever have to turn the pressure-cap.

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator:

Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow the procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged.

You can be burned i f p ~ l spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will bum if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hat engine.

When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or above COLD, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there's one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.

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1. You can remove the radiator pressure

cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.)

If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.

I CAUTION I A You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine p a La. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valve or valves. 3.1L V6 (VIN Code T): There are two bleed valves. They are located on the thermostat housing and the thermostat bypass tube.

Problems on the Road

6. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to

the COLD mark.

4. Fill the radiator with the proper mix,

up to the base of the filler neck.

If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close the valve(s) after the radiator is filled. 5. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant

from the engine compartment.

€ngh Overheating (cow.)

3.4L V6 (VIN Code X): There are two bleed valves. They are located on the thermostat housing and the heater inlet pipe.

1 918

I . .

7. Put the cap back on the coolant

recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.

8. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fans.

9. By this time the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.

10. Then replace the pressure cap. Be

sure the arrows on the pressure cap line up like this

11. Check the coolant recovery tank.

The coolant level should be at HOT when the engine is hot and at COLD when the engine is cold.

I S S . . .

Problems on the Road

It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane.

A rear blowout, particularly cm a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove pur bot from the accelerator pedal. G,et the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer, Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible. If your tire goes flat, the next se’ction shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

. I .

2010

Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.

A Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off

the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:

(Continued)

I

CAUTION

(Continued) 1. Set the parking brake firmly.

2. Put the shift lever in P (Park) 3. Shift a manual transaxle to

1 (First) or R (Reverse).

4. Turn off the engine. To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put chocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one being changed. That would be the tire on the other side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.

P====

The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire. The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. 1. Pull the carpeting from the floor of

the trunk.

3. Turn the wheel wrench retainer nut

located under the tire cover counterclockwise to remove the wheel wrench.

2. Turn the center retainer bolt on the

compact spare tire housing countercloclwise to remove it, then lift the tire cover.

201

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Problems on the Road

Changing a Flat Tire (CONT.) 4. Remove the wing nut securing the compact spare tire and spacer by turning it countercloclnvise. Then lift off the spacer and remove the spare tire.

5. Remove the bolt securing the jack by

turning it countercloclwise. Then remove the jack.

6. If you have this wheel cover, remove

it by loosening the plastic nut caps with the wheel wrench. They won't come off. Then pry along the edge of the wheel cover until it comes off.

7. If your vehicle has wheel nut caps, remove them using the wheel nut wrench.

m .

2 0 2

9. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts. Don't remove them yet.

10. Attach the socket end of the wheel wrench to the jack. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the jack head a few inches.

8. If your vehicle has optional alloy wheels, each wheel may have one wheel locknut in place of a standard wheel nut. A special wheel lock key (removal tool) and instructions are provided with your vehicle. Attach the wheel lock key to the socket of your wheel wrench. Remove the locking wheel nut by turning it counterclockwise. Do not use an impact wrench. Store the key in the foam sleeve beside the spare tire.

203

Problems on the Road

Changing a Hat Tire (CONT.) 11. Position the jack under the vehicle and raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch in the vehicle’s frame nearest the flat tire. Put the compact spare tire near you. LAU f I V N

Getting under a vehicle when L it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported. only by a jack.

12. Raise the vehicle by rotating the

wheel wrench cloclwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is emugh morn for the spare tire to fit.

13. R’ernove all the u7heel nuts and take

off the flat tire.

~~

I Kaising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicl, to fall off the jack. Be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your vehick

Rust or dirt on the wheel, or b on the parts to which it is

fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need t rust or dirt

;et all

14. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces or spare wheel. Place the spare on the wheel mounting surface.

15. Replace the wheel nuts with the

rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.

16. Lower the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench countercloclwise. Lower the jack completely.

, Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, i 3

luts might come loose. Your wheel

.Id fall off, causing a seril

accident.

2 0 5

Problems on the Road

Changing a Flat Tire (CONT.) 17. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a

criss-cross sequence as shown.

11 CAUTION 'I

Don't try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare tire. It won't fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

18. Store the flat tire as far forward in the trunk as possible. Store the jack and wheel wrench in their compartment in the trunk.

I m e e l covers won't fit on your

compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get the right kind. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 100 pound-feet (140 Nmm).

Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strilce someone. Store all these in the proper place.

The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as you can. See Compact Spare Tire later in this section.

N U I IL‘t Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using them will damage your vehicle and destroy the chains too. Don’t use tire chai

Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 1tPa). The compact spare is made to go up to 3,000 miles (5 000 lm), so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it’s best to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in case you need it again. Your anti-lock brake system warning light may come on when you are driving with a compact spare. See the Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.

take your compact spare through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compac spare can get caught on the r That can damage the tire and wheel, and ma your vehicle

Don’t use your compact spare on some other vehicle. And don’t mix your compact spare or wheel with other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare and its wheel together.

Problems on the Road

if You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.

CAUTION

If you let your tires spin at b high speed, they can explode llyu you or others could be injured. And, the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an engine compartment fire or other damage. When you’re stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t spin the wheels above 35 mph (56 h / h ) as shown on the speedometer.

Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle.

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out: First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear (or with a manual transaxle, between First or Second gear and Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. If that doesn’t get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see the Index under Towing Your Pontiac.

Notes

Notes

H e r e you will find information about the care of your Pontiac . This part begins with service and fuel information. and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels . There is also technical information about your vehicle. and a section devoted to its appearance care .

Part 6 Service & Appearance Care

Service .............................................................................................................. 212 Fuel .................................................................................................................... 213 Hood Release .................................................................................................... 216 Engine Oil ........................................................................................................ 220 Air Cleaner ....................................................................................................... 224 Transaxle Fluid ................................................................................................ 225 Engine Coolant ................................................................................................ 230 Power Steering Fluid ....................................................................................... 233 Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................................................ 233 Brakes .......... .......................... ........................................................................... 234 Battery ................................................................................................ .... .......... 236 Bulb Replacement ............................................................................................ 236 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ............................................................ 252 Loading Your Vehicle ...................................................................................... 252 Tires .................................................................................................................. 254 Appearance Care .............................................................................................. 261 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............................................................. 268 Add-on Electrical Equipment ......................................................................... 269 Fuses & Circuit Breakers ................................................................................ 270 Capacities & Specifications ............................................................................. 276 Fluids & Lubricants ......................................................................................... 278 Replacement Bulbs ................................................................... .......- ............... 280 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ....................................................... 284

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Service & Appearance Care

Senrice Your Pontiac dealer Imows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks.

Doing Your Own Sewke Work If you want to do mrne of yo,ur awn service work, you’ll want to get the proper Pontiac Service Manual. It tens to servke you much more about ~ Q W your Pentiac than this manual caul. To order the proper service manual, see the Index under Seruice Publications. You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and th,e date of m y service work you perform. See the In&x under Maintenance RGCQT~.

You can be injured if you try ,= to do senrice work on a bl,icle without knowing enough about it, * Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, and the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task. Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. “hglish” and “metric” fasteners can be easily confused. If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.

If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem. Fuel Capacity: 16.5 U.S. Gallons (62 L) . Use unleaded fuel only.

What about gasoline with blending materials that contain oxygen, such as MTBE or alcohol?

MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is no more than 15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle. Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel that is no more than 10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle. Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol.

Fuel that is more than 5% methanol is bad for your vehicl Don’t use it. It can corrode me parts in your fuel system and a damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. And ev 5% or less, there must be “cosolvents” and corrosion

Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. It should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the U.S. and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels should have the proper additives, so you should not have to add anything to the fuel. In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be sure you get the right kind of gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED” right on the pump. And only unleaded nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler neck. Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive.

Service 4S Appearance Care

Gasolines for Cleaner Air Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system. That helps keep your engine in tune and your emission control system working properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air. Many gasolines are now blended with materials called oxygenates. General Motors recommends that you use gasolines with these blending materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. By doing so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide levels.

In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially designed to reduce vehicle emissions. General Motors recommends that you use reformulated gasoline. By doing so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the country that have high ozone levels. You should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates, and if they have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.

Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada, unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode, and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

...

2 1 4

To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving. You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) .

General Motors of Canada Ltd. International Export Sales P.O. Box 828 Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7N1, Canada

Filling Your Tank The cap is behind a hinged door on the While refueling, hang the cap inside the left side of your vehicle.

fuel door.

Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violel--;

and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re nea gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames, and srn materials away from gasolint

ng

To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (countercloclnvise) .

gou get gasoline on you

and then something ignites it,

you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if

I open the fuel filler cap too

quicltly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more iiltely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any “hiss>, noise to stop. Tllen “-: cap all the way.

- I

When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until you hear a clicking noise.

Service & Appearance Care

Filling Your Tank (CONI-.)

Checking Things Under the

If you need a new cap, be

The following sections tell you how to check fluids, lubricants and important parts underhood.

Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle.

= = = 216

I

Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the secondary hood release. Lift the hood.

CAUTION

A An electric fan under the

hood can start up and injure

you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

I CAUTION

A Things that burn can get on

hot engine parts and start a

fire. These include liquids like gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.

Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.

I-

Service & Appearance Care

3.IL V6 Engine (CODE T) When you open the hood, you’ll see: 1. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 2. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick 3. Brake Fluid Reservoir 4. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir 5. Battery 6. Air Cleaner 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap 8. Engine Oil Dipstick 9. Radiator Pressure Cap 10. Engine Coolant Reservoir

W6118

21%

d

Twin Dual Cam (DOHC) 3.4L V6 h g n e (CODE x) When you open the hood, you’ll see: 1. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 2. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick

(if equipped)

3. Brake Fluid Reservoir 4. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir

(if equipped)

5. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir 6. Battery 7. Air Cleaner 8. Engine Oil Fill Cap 9. Engine Oil Dipstick IO. Radiator Pressure Cap 11. Engine Coolant Reservoir

Service & Appearance Care

Eagine Oil It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. To Check Engine Oil: Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip lower.

3.1 L V6: Checking Engine Oil

When to Add Oil: If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see the Index under Capacities and Specifications.

Twin Dual Cam 3.4L V6: Checking Engine Oil

3.1 L V6: Adding Engine Oil

Don’t add too much oil. If y

Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.

Twin Dual Cam 3.4L V6: Adding Engine

What Kind of Oil to Use Look for Three Things:

SG “SG” must be on the oil container, either by itself or combined with other quality designations, such as “SG/CC,” “SG/CD,” “SF, SG, CC,” etc. These letters show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of quality.

u use oils that don’t have th ” designation, you can caus

221

Service & Appearance Care

For best fuel economy and cold startin select the lowest SAE viscosity grade oil for the expected temperature range.

Wbat Kind of Oil to Use (CONT.) SAE 5W-30 As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going to be 0°F (-18°C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50.

. . I

2 2 2

Energy Conserving I1 Oils with these words on the container will help you save fuel.

This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil containers to help you select the correct oil. You should look for this on the oil container, and use only those oils that display the logo. GM Goodwrench@ Oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the requirements for your vehicle. Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Pontiac dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added.

IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C). DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR RADE,OIL NOT RECOMMEN

When to Change Engine Oil See if any one of these is true for you:

Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 l a ) . It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km). The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic). You tow a trailer often. Most trips are through dusty places.

If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months-whichever comes first. See the Index under Oil Change Indicator.

If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months-whichever comes first. Change the filter at the first oil change and at every other oil change after that. If you have the STE, you have an oil change indicator in the Driver Information Center. See the Index under Driver Information Center. Engine Block Heater An engine block heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder. If your vehicle has this option, see the Index under Engine Block Heater.

What to Do with Used Oil CAUTION

Used engine oil contains things that have caused skin callcer in laboratory animals. Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing used engine oil.

Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil by pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.

223

Service & Appearance Care

If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage i Always have the air cleaner place when you’re driv

To Check or Replace: 1. Remove the four screws and pull off

the cover.

Air Cleaner Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter and the PCV filter. See the Index under Scheduled Maintenance Services.

CAUTlON 1 L the air cleaner off can cause A Operating the engine with ywu or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air clearier off.

2. Remove the air cleaner filter. 3. Be sure to install the air cleaner filter

and replace the cover tightly.

NOTICE 00 much or too little fluid mage your transaxle. Too n mean that some of the flu Id come out and fall on ho ine parts, starting a fi

Automatic Transaxle Fluid When to Check and Change: A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change your fluid. See the Index under Scheduled Maintenance Services. How to Check: Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at a Pontiac dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.

225 . .

Service & Appearance Care

To Check the Fluid Level:

Park your vehicle on a level place. Place the shift lever in P (Park) with the parking brake applied. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in P (Park). Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid (CONT.) Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic-especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer.

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C). Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 l a ) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's colder than 50°F ( 10°C), you may have to drive longer.

Then, Without Shutting Off the Engine, Follow These Steps: 1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with

a clean rag or paper towel.

2. Push it back in all the way, wait three

seconds and then pull it back out again.

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched area.

4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the dipstick back in all the way.

3.1 L V6: Checking Automatic Transaxle Fluid

Twin Dual Cam 3.4L V6: Checking Automatic Transaxle Fluid

How to Add Transaxle Fluid: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use. See the Index under Fluids G Lubricants. If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the fluid level into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less than a pint (0.5L). Don't overfill. We recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRONQ-IIE, because fluids with that label are made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRONB-IIE is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under How to Check. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way.

3.1 L V 6 Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid