1997 Pontiac Grand PRIX Owners Manual

Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:

Know the b’est way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See th’e next part, “Freeway Driving.”) Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a Bight turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals.

4-20’

Freeway Driving

The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same

drive along-the entrance ramp, you should begin to - check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it's slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal.

Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules.

Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot. Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move slightly slower at night. When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the next exit. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may t’end to think you are going slower than you actually are. Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s work -- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part of the journey. Wear Comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in.

Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather Furecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route? Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system? Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?

4-22

Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? it Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a second, and you could crash and be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen. Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.

Hill and Mountain Roads

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

4-23

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill.

If you don’t shift down, your brakes could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let your engine assist your brakes OIJ downhill slope.

a,qteep I ,. +;‘ . .. ..:, 2-l:. <,r:. ,. . I .’ I ; .. . .,

.h.=;.

4-24

Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Always have your engine running and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill.

Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better. Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. As you go over the top of a hill, be alert, There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an acci’dent. You may see highway signs on mountain,s that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.

Winter Driving

Here are some tips for winter driving:

Have your Pontiac in good shape for winter. 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.

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. Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow -- drive with caution. If you have the Trac System, keep the system on. It will improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a slippery road. Even though your vehicle has this system, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to the road conditions. See “Trac System” in the Index. If you don’t have the Trac System, 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.

Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less tracti’on or “grip” and will weed 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

4-26

If You’re Caught in a Blizzard

Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ 11 want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index. 0 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 are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: 0 Turn on your hazard flashers.

4-27

Tie a sed cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you've been stopped by the snow. Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket 'aro'und 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.

Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly GO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. GO could overcome you and kill you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not know it is 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.

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful,

4-28

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the heater run for 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.

Loading Your Vehicle /@ OCCUPANTS

TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION

~-

RR.

VEHICLE CAP. WT.

TOTAL

LBS.

KG

FRT. CTR.

MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT

COLD TIRE

TIRE SIZE

XXX SPEED PRESSURE

RTG PSI/KPa

FRT. RR. SPA. IF TIRES ARE HOT, ADD 4PS1/28KPa SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label is on the inside of the trunk lid. The label tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important information about the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight you can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-installed options.

MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP DATE GVWR GAWR FRT GAWR RR

THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI- CABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehi’cle handles. These could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.

The other label is the Certification label, found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. If you do have a heavy load, spread it out. Don’t carry more than 167 pounds (75 kg) in your trunk.

NOTICE:

Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading. If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages or anything else -= they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you hav’e to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.

4-30

I

Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a trunk, put them as far forward as you can. Try to spread the weight evenly. Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats. Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle. When you carry something inside the ’ vehicle, secure it whenever you can. Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you need to.

Towing a Trailer

If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a brakes may not work well -- or even at all. You trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the and your passenger passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Ask your Pontiac dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.

4-31

NOTICE:

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 part, and see dealer for important information about towing a with trailer your vehicle.

your Pontiac

Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with 3800 (L67) supercharged engine. Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with proper 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 Droperly.

4-32

?‘hat’s me reason for this part. 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 sperate greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points:

relatively higher speeds and under

at

There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, 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 controls.

0

Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) 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. Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers (or no more than 55 mph (90 k d h ) ) to save wear on your vehicle’s parts.

Three important considerations have to do with weight: 0 the weight of the trailer,

the weight of the trailer tongue and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.

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:

Customer Assistance Center Pontiac Division, One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952

In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Weight sf 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 “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

4-33

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading Information label, found on the inside of the trunk lid, or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the ‘GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue, 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:

.,, .

Your vehicle may have nonmetallic, composite bumpers. The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for bitches. 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.

If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (€3). If you have a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (E). 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.

4-34

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 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 “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt and water can, too.

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 and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes Because you have 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.

4-35

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 an’d not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, 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 lamps and any trailer brakes are still working,

Following Bistance 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 bralung 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.

4-36

Making Turns

I NOTICE:

Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.

When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, 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 may need a different turn signal flasher andlor extra wiring. Check with your Pontiac dealer. The green arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps 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 a trailer lighting system into your vehicle’s lighting system, its bulb warning lights may not let you know if one of your lamps goes out. So, when you have a trailer lighting system plugged in, be sure to check your vehicle and trailer lamps from time to time to be sure they’re all working. Once you disconnect the trailer lamps, the bulb warning lights again can tell you if one of your vehicle lamps 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 d ) to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating. If you have Overdrive, you may want to drive in THIRD (3), instead of DRIVE (D),

4-37

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

PARK (P) 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 FARM (P).

5. Release the regular brakes.

4-38

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

0 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 chocks. 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, belt, 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.

@D NOTES

4-40

Section 5 Problems on the Road

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

5-2 5-2 5-3 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-1 3 5-13

How to Use Warning Flashers Other Types of Warning Devices Step-by-step Procedure for Jump Starting Information You Should Know Before Towing Towing Your Vehicle From the Front Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear If Your Engine is Overheating If Steam is Coming From Your Engine

5- 15 5- 17 5-23 5 -24 5-32 5-34 5-35 5-35

Cooling System How to Add Coolant What to do if a Tire Goes Flat How to Change a Flat Tire Where to Store the Flat Tire and Tools Information on the Compact Spare Tire If You’re Stuck in Sand, Mud, Snow or on Ice How to Rock Your Vehicle to Get Unstuck

Press the switch OB top of the steering column to make your front and rear turn signal lamps 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, press the switch again. When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn signals or brake lights 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.

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 lamps will flash on and off.

5-2

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 below to do it safely.

Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:

They contain acid that can burn you.

0 They contain gas that can explode or ignite. 0 They contain enough electricity to burn you. If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.

NOTICE:

Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your Pontiac pushing or pulling won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle.

by

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt

battery with a negative ground system. NOTICE:

If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

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 Pontiac, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. Put an automatic transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in NEUTRAL (N).

5-3

3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all

lamps that aren’t needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it could save your radio!

NOTICE:

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

An electric fan 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.

5-4

4. 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.

Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the Delco Freedom@ battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present. Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.

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 basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (-), or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too.

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts

5-5

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.

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.

5-6

It goes to a heavy, unpainted, metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.

12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent

electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal.

il

9.

10.

11.

Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) 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. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

A. Heavy Metal Engine Part B. Good Battery. C. Dead Battery

5-7

Towing Your Vehicle Try to have a Pontiac dealer or a professional towing service tow your vehicle. 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 with sling type equipment.

0 That your vehicle has front-wheel drive. 0 The make, model, and year of your vehicle. Whether you can still move the shift lever.

0 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.

5-8

To help avoid injury to you or others: 0 Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is

being towed. Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds. Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured. Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the tow truck. Always secure the vehicle on each side with separate safety chains when towing it. Never use J-hooks. Use T-hooks instead.

Don't have your vehicle towed on the front wheels, unless you must. If the vehicle must be towed on the front wheels, be sure to follow the speed and distance restrictions later in this section or your transaxle will be damaged. If these limitations must be exceeded, then the front wheels have to be supported on a dolly. Front Towing

,-., ., A vehicle can fall from a car carrier if it isnst" .,''.' ''. ........ adequately secured. 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 edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. Never use J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and suspension components.

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition turned to the OFF position. 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 NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake released.

Attach T-hook chains in the front brackets of the cradle, ow both sides.

These slots are to be used when loading and securing to car carrier equipment.

NOTICE:

Do not tow with sling-type equipment or fascidfog lamp damage will occur. Use wheel-lift or car carrier equipment, Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur €.om vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift equipment. To help avoid damage, raise the vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment. Do not attach winch cables or Jnhooks to suspension components when using car carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots.

5-10

Rear Towing A towing dolly must be used under the drive wheels when towing from the real:

Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of each lower control arm. Note: Take care not to damage speed sensor wires when attaching chains.

Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.

5-11

NOTICE:

Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the rear bumper fascia will be damaged. Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift equipment, To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly and raise the vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment. Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to suspension components when using car carrier equipment. Always use '6-books inserted in the T-hook slots.

5-12

Attach T-hook chains to the T-hook slots in the floor pan support rails, just ahead of the rear wheels, on both sides. These slots are to be used when loading and securing to car carrier equipment.

Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of both lateral arms. Please take care not to damage speed sensor wires or brake hoses when attaching chains

l.1 and T-hooks.

Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning light about a hot engine on your instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” and “Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light” in the Index. You also have a low coolant light on your instrument panel. Sed‘Low Coolant Light” in the Index.

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, 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

CAUTION: (Continued)

5-13

tnere is no sign of steam or coolant 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.

I NOTICE:

If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty.

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.

5-14

Idle for long periods in traffic.

* Tow a trailer. 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. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);

otherwise, shift to the highest gear while driving e- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).

If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can dnve. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 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 engine and get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see:

3100 Engine

3800 and 3800 Supercharged Engine

A. Coolant Recovery Tank B. Electric Engine Fans C. Radiator Pressure Cap

5-15

I An electric fan under the 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 the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.

The coolant level should be at or above the COLD mark on the overflow hose in the coolant recovery bottle. To check the coolant level remove the cap on the coolant recovery bottle. Make sure to check that the coolant level is up to the COLD fill level on the hose attached to the cap. 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.

i other engine

Heater and radiator hoses, a parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t 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 you drive the vehicle.

5-16

NOTICE:

Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.

_I

If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to see if the electric engine fans are running. If the engine is overheating and the key is on, both fans should be running. If they aren’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 the COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information.)

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 DEX-COOL antifreeze.

I NOTICE:

In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mix.

You can b’e burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the COLD mark, 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.

5-18

Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow 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 cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.

- . .

--:.

..

.A

5-19

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator

NOTICE:

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

hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise 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 pressureleft.

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push

down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.

1. You can remove the pressure cap when the cooling

system, including the pressure cap and upper radiator

5-20

[ON:

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.

3.1L V6 (VIN Code M): There are two bleed valves. One is located on the thermostat housing. The other is located on the thermostat bypass tube. 3800 V6 (VIN Code K) & 3800 V6' supercharged engine (VIN Code 1): There is one bleed valve. It is located on the thermostat housing.

4. Fill the 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 valves after the radiator is filled.

5. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine

and the compartment.

3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valve.

5-21

6. Then fill the coolant recovery tank. 7. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but

leave the 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.

5-22

If a Tire Goes Flat 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, and then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane. A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a slud and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get 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 a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

10. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the mows on the pressure cap line up like this.

11. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in the coolant recovery tank should be at the HOT mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark when the engine is cold.

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,

Ijury. The vehicle

Changing a tire can cause an 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:

1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). 3. Turn off the engine.

To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put blocks 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,

5-24

The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire.

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. Turn the center nut on the compact spare cover counterclockwise to remove it. Lift and remove the cover.

Pull the carpeted mat up from the floor of the trunk. Then lift and remove the cover.

Remove the spare tire.

5-25

Turn the nut holding the jack counterclockwise and remove it. Then remove the jack and wrench.

The tools you'll be using include the jack (A), extension and protectodguide (B) and wheel wrench (C).

5-26

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire

If there is a wheel cover, loosen the plastic nut caps with the wheel wrench. They won’t come off. Then, using the flat end of the wheel wrench, pry along the edge of the cover until it comes off. Be careful; the edges may be sharp. Don’t try to remove the cover with your bare hands.

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

1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts.

Don’t remove them yet.

2. Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the jack lift

head a few inches.

5-27

FRONT VEHICLE

/-

L?ONT VEHICLE

REAR EDGE OF FRONT WHEEL OPENING

For jacking at the vehicle's front location, put jack lift head about 6 inches (15 cm> from the rear edge of the front wheel opening or in between the two bolts as shown.

5-28

FRONT EDGE OF REAR WHEEL OPEN1 NG

For jacking at the vehicle's rear location, put jack lift head about 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the front edge of rear wheel opening or just behind off-set as shown. Put the compact spare tire near you.

Getting under a vehicle when it is j ked 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.

- - & CAUTION:

Raising your vehicle with the jack i positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.

3. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle

clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground for the spare tire to fit under the vehicle. Remove all wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.

4. Remove any rust or dirt

from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel.

Rust or dirt on the wheel, or 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

CAUTION: (Continued)

5-29

CAUTION: (Continued)

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 to, to get all the rust or dirt off.

Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident.

5. 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.

6. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.

7. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown.

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 new GM original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 100 Ib-ft (140 Nom).

’

NOTICE:

Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheeI nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification.

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

NOTICE:

Wheel 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.

5-31

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools

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 strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

After you’ve put the compact spare tire on your vehicle, you’ll need to store the flat tire in your trunk. Use the following procedure to secure the flat tire in the trunk.

5-32

When storing a full-size tire you must use the extension to help avoid wheel surface damage. Use extension and protector/guide located in foam holder. To store a full-size tire, place tire valve stem facing down then remove protectivelguide and attach retainer securely. When reinstalling compact spare put protective/guide back in foam holder. Store the cover as far forward as possible.

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools

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 equipmen.t could strike 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” in the Index. See the storage instructions label to replace your compact spare into your trunk properly. Be sure to calibrate your check tire pressure system after you replace your compact spare tire with a full-sized one. See “Check Tire Pressure Light” in the Index.

1. Retainer 2. Cover 3. Retainer

(Full Size Spare)

4. Tire 5. Nut 6. Jack 7. Wrench 8. Lock Nut Tool 9. Foam 10. Bolt Screw 11. Extension and

Protector/Guide

5-33

Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire 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 Ha). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 rnph (105 k d h ) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 krn), so YOU can finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. You must calibrate the Tire Pressure Monitor after installing or removing the compact spare. See “Driver Information Center - Controls and Displays” in the Index. 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.

NOTICE:

When the compact spare is installed, don’t take your vehicle through an automatic vehicle wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.

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

NOTICE:

Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using them can damage your vehicle and can damage the ‘chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your compact spare.

5-34

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 too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.

If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. And, the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an engine you’re compartment fire or other damage. When stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.

NOTICE:

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.

For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains” in the Index. Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle has the Trac System, you should turn the system off. (See “Trac System” in the Index.) Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, 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 “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

b NOTES

5-36

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care

Here you will find information about the care of your Pontiac. This section 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 part devoted to its appearance care.

6-2 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-7 6- 14 6-2 1 6-26 6-32 6-33 6-36 6-37 6-37 6-44 6-46

Doing Your Own Service Work What Kind of Fuel to Use Using Fuel in Foreign Countries Where to Put the Fuel and Filling the Tank Checking Things Under the Hood Checking Your Engine Oil Automatic Transaxle Fluid Engine Coolant Where to Fill the Windshield Washer Fluid Important Brake Information Information on Your Vehicle’s Battery Tips on Vehicle Storage Bulb Replacement Procedures Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement How and When to Check Tire Inflation

6-50 6-52 6-55 6-58

6-59 6-61 6-63 6-64 6-65 6-66 6-66 6-72 6-72 6-73 6-73

When it is Time to Buy New Tires Wheel Alignment Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle Care of the Safety Belts and Built-in Child Restraint Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle How to Clean Aluminum Wheels Underbody Maintenance Recommended Appearance Care Materials Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The Electrical System Fuses and Circuit Breakers Replacement Bulb Types for Your Vehicle Capacities and Specifications Air Conditioning Specifications Normal Replacement Parts

Service Your Pontiac dealer knows your vehicle be,st and wants you tu 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:

Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to do your own sewice work, see “Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index. You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work you perform, See “Maintenance Record” in the Index,

-.

Deleo

~~

Doing Your Own Service . hrk If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll want to get the groper Pontiac Service Manual. It tells you much more about how to service your Pontiac than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service and O’wner Publications” in the Index.

You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sumcient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task. Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and other fasteners. C‘English” and (‘metric” fasteners can be easily confused, If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.

6-2

Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check with your Pontiac dealer before adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle. Fuel The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number (VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel. (See “Vehicle Identification Number” in the Index.) If you have the 3800 engine (VIN Code K), use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. If you’re using fuel rated at the recommended 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.

If you have the 3800 Supercharged engine (VIN Code l), use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher. With the 3800 Supercharged engine, in an emergency, you may be able to use a lower octane -- as low as 87 -- if heavy knocking does not occur. If you are using 91 or higher octane unleaded gasoline and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet specifications ASTM D48 14 in the United States an’d CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system protection compared to other gasolines. Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91 (at least 89 for middle grade and 87 for regular). If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine.

To provide cleaner ais, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reforrnulate'd gasolines may be available in your area to help clean the air. General Motors recommends that you use these gasolines if they comply with the specifications described earlier.

NOTICE:

~~

Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't be covered under your warranty.

_ _ _ _ _ ~ ~

If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the underhood tune-up label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadlenyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your ernissicrn control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized Pontiac dealer €or service.

6-4

Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. 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 International Product Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Filling Your Tank

Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline.

6-5

If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.

~~

Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac” in the Index.

The cap is behind a hinged door on the left side of vour vehicle.

While refueling, hang the cap inside the fuel door.

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

6-6

When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right (clockwise) until you hear at least three clicks. Make sure you fully install the cap.

NOTICE:

If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit or have proper venting, and your fuel tank and emissions system might be damaged.

Checking Things Under the Hood

A CAUTION:

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.

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.

6-7

Hood Release

To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle. It is located at the lower left side of the vehicle, near the parking brake.

6-8

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

When you open the hood of the 3 100 engine, you’ll see:

A. Windshield Washer Fluid B. Radiator Fill Cap C. Remote Positive Terminal D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Engine Oil Fill Cap

E Engine Oil Dipstick G. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick H. Brake Fluid Reservoir I. Engine Coolant Reservoir J. Air Cleaner

6-9

When you open the hood of the 3800 engine, you’ll see:

A. Windshield Washer Fluid €3. Radiator Fill Cap C. Remote Positive Battery Terminal D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Engine Oil Dipstick 6-10

E Engine Oil Fill Cap G. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick H. Brake Fluid Reservoir I. Engine Coolant Reservoir J. Air Cleaner

-

When you open the hood of the 3800 Supercharged engine, you'll see:

.,,

: I:

A. Windshield Washer Fluid B. Radiator Fill Cap C. Remote Positive Battery Terminal D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Engine Oil Dipstick

F, Engine Oil Fill Cap G. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick H. Brake Fluid Reservoir I. Engine Coolant Reservoir J. Air Cleaner

6-11

Engine Oil

LOW OIL LEVEL

If the LOW OIL LEVEL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see “Low Oil Level Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.

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.

Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly. 3800 Supercharged Engine (If Equipped) Your Pontiac may have a 3800 Supercharged engine. The supercharger is a device which is designed to pump more air into the engine than it would normally use. This air mixed with fuel, creates increased engine power. Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven from an engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure is available at all driving conditions. The powertrain control module (PCM) works with a vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure required during specific driving conditions. When this increased pressure or boost is not desired, such as during idling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that the supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. All of these controls, working together provide high performance character and fuel efficiency in the 3800 Supercharged engine.

6-12

The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop near the front of the engine.

3100 Engine

3800 or 3800 Supercharged Engine

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.

6-13

Checking 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 down, and check the level.

3100 Engine

When to Add Oil If the oil is at or below the lower mark, then you’ll need to add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use, For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index. I NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.

3100 Engine

3800 or 3800 Supercharged Engine

Fill the oil level to the full mark. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.

What Kind of Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol.

If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has the Starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified for gasoline engines. You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in the following chart:

6-15

~

REClOMMENDED SA€ VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS

FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTIMI;, SELECf THE LOWEST SAL V!§COSITI WAD€ OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.

HOT

WEATHER

LOOK

FOR THIS SYMBOL

As shown in the chart, unless you have the 3800 engine, 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 20W-50.

SAE 1OW-30

COLD

WEATHER

6-16

DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED

Z O O E n g i g

As shown in the chart, if you have the 3800 engine, SAE 1OW-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than 60°F (16OC) before your next oil change. When it's very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS

FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST SAE VISCOSITY GNRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.

LOOK

FOR MIS SYMBOL

HOT

WEATHER c "F "C

+ 100 -

+ 38

+ 80 -

t 27

+ 6 0 -

t 16

+40 -

t 4

+20 -

0 -

- 7

- 18

SAE -

1OW-30

PREFERRED above 0°F (-18%)

I SAE 5W-30

COLD

WEATHER

W NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED 3800 or 3800 Supercharged Engine

6-17

NOTICE:

Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty.

GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle. If you are in an area where the temperature falls below -20°F (-29*C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Pontiac dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added.

6- 18

When to Change Engine Oil If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city maintenance schedule: 0 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).

This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing.

0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent

driving in stop-md-go traffic).

0 Most trips are through dusty areas.

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.

0 The vehicle is used for delivery s’ervice, police, taxi

or other commercial application,

Driving und’er these conditions causes engine oil to break down sooner, If any one of these is true €or your vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever occurs first. (See “Change Oil Indicator” in the Index.) If none of them is true, use the long triphighway maintenance schedule. Change th’e oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever occurs first, Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to break down slower. (See “Change Oil Indicator” in the Index.)

What to Do with Used Oil Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? 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. (See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.) 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 putting it in the trash, 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.

Air Cleaner To check or replace the air filter:

1. 2.

3.

Loosen the wing nut on the air duct. Lift up on the two clips located on top of the filter cover. Disconnect duct and reposition while removing the side cover. Pull out the filter. Be sure to install the air filter and install the cover tightly when you are finished.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter.

See “Sche

. .

1 M

ltenance Services” in the In’dex,

Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine