1993 PONTIAC Sunbird

OWNER'S MANUAL 1993 Owner’s Manual v~7 Pontiac Sunbird Table of Contents

V Part 1 Seats & Safety Belts ...... s Part 2 Features & Controls ...... 45 c Part 3 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems . .103 r Part 4 Your Driving and the Road ...... I17 Part 5 Problems on the Road ...... 157 I Pert e Service tk Appearance Care ...... 18s I e Part 7 Maintenance Schedule ...... 253

Part 8 Customer Assistance Information . . .275 Includes “Reporting Safety Defects”on page 280 Parts Index as e Service Station Information. . . .Last Page

Printed in USA 10202156 A FirstEdition Important Notes About this Manual Please keep this manual in your Pontiac, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. This manual includes the latest informationat the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without furthernotice.

Note to Canadian Owners For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motorsof Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division whenever it appears in this manual. For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual Am proprietaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en francais chez votre concessionaire ou au DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 Bonhill Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7.

Published by Pontiac Division The word Pontiac, the Pontiac emblem and the General Motors Corporation name Sunbird are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. The word Delco is a registered trademark of the General Motors Corporation.

0Copyright 1992 General Motors Corporation, Pontiac Division. All rights reserved. How to Use this Manual

Part 5: Problems on the Road This part tellsyou what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating. l- Part 6: Service & Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good. Part 7: Maintenance Schedule Using bur 1993 Pontiac Owner’s This part tells you when to perform Manual Part 1: Seats and Safety Belts vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Many people read their owner’s manual This part tells you how to use your seats from beginning to end when they first and safety belts properly. Part 8: Customer Assistance Information receive their new vehicle. This will help Part 2: Features & Controls you learn about the features and controls This part tells you how to contact for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll This part explains how to start and Pontiac for assistance and how to get find that pictures and words work operate your Pontiac. service publications. It also gives you together to explain things quickly. Part 3: Comfort Controls & Audio information on Reporting Safey Dejects. There are nine parts with color-tabbed Systems Part 9: Index pages in this manual. Each part begins This part tellsyou how to adjust the Here’s an alphabetical listingof almost with a brief listof contents, so you can ventilation and comfort controls and every subject in this manual. You can usually tell at a glance if that part how to operate your audio system. use it to quickly find something you contains the informationyou want. Part 4: Your Driving and the Road want to read. You can bend the manual slightly to Here you’ll find helpful information and Service Station Information reveal the color tabs that help you find a tips about the road and how to drive part. This is a quick referenceof service under different conditions. information. You can find it on the last page of this manual.

3 .I. How to Use this Manual

Safely Warnings and Symbols Vehicle Damage Warnings You will find a numberof safety You will also find a red circle with a Also, in this book you will find these cautions in this book. We use yellow slash through it in this book. This safety blue notices: and the word CAUTION to tell you symbol means: about things that could hurtyou if you I NOTICE I were to ignore the warning. I Don’t These mean there is something that Don’t do this could damage your vehicle. bAU 1 lU1V Don’t let this happen These mean there is something I 8 In the blue notice area, we tell you - L that could hurt you or other about something that can damage your people. vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it In the yellow caution area, we tell you could be costly. But the notice will tell what the hazard is. Then we tellyou you what to do to help avoid the what to do to help avoid or reduce the damage. hazard. Please read these cautions.If When you read other manuals, you you don’t, you or others could behurt. might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors orin different words. In this manual, we’ve used the familiar words and colors that Pontiac has used for years. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same colors, and the words CAUTION or NOTICE. m.. 4 Vehicle Symbols These are someof the symbols you will These symbols are important for you These symbols have to do with your find on your vehicle. For example, these and your passengers whenever your lights: symbols are used on an original battery: vehicle is driven:

Master Lighting Switch Caution Possible Injury A Fasten Safety Belts 4 ‘I Turn Signal Direction Protect Eyes by Shielding Door LocWUnlock @ Hazard Warning Flashers Caustic Battery Acid Could Cause Burns Headlight High Beam

Avoid Sparks or Flames Parking Lights Spark or Flame Could pf Explode Battery Fog Lights $0 5 ... How to Use this Manual

Vehicle Symbols (CONTJ These symbols are on some of your These symbols are used on warning and Here are some other symbols you may controls: indicator lights: see:

rc Windshield Wipers Engine Coolant .chcccI Fuse Temperature Trunk Release Windshield Washer Battery Charging System

Windshield Defroster Fuel Lighter

Horn Rear Window Defogger Engine Oil Pressure

Speaker Ventilating Fan Brake

Hood Release Power Window Anti-Lock Brakes

mm. 6 7 ...

Part 1 L Seats & Safety 6elts

HereYOU’II find information about Seats and Seat Controls ...... 10 the seats in your Pontiac andhow to SafetyBelts ...... 13 use your safety belts properly. You How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ...... 18 can also learn aboutsome things Driver Position ...... 19 you should not do with safety belts. Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ...... 23 Right Front Passenger Position ...... 23 Rear Seat Passengers ...... 24 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...... 26 CenterPassenger Position ...... 28 Children ...... 29 Smaller Children and Babies ...... 30 Child Restraints ...... 31 LargerChildren ...... 38 SafetyBeltExtender ...... 40 Replacing Safety Belts After a Crash...... 41 Seats & Safety Belts

Seats and Seat Controls Manual Front Seat Reclining Front Seatback This section tells you about the seats- To adjust the seatback, liftthe lever on how to adjust them-and also about the outer sideof the seat and move the reclining seatbacks and head restraints. You can lose control of the seatback to whereyou want it. Release vehicle if you try to adjust a the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up manual driver’s seat while the on the lever and the seat willgo to an vehicle is moving. The sudden upright position. movement could startle and Don’t have a seatback reclined, confuse you, or make you push a however, if your vehicle is moving. pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seatonly when the vehicle is not moving.

Move the lever under the front seat to unlock it. Slide the seatto where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

10 Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some II 1 Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be vehicles and adjustable on others. Slide dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job an adjustable head restraint up or down wnen you’re reclined like this. so that the top of the restraint is closest The shoulder beltcan’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. to the top of your ears. Instead, it will be in frontof you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving This position reduces the chanceof a neck or other injuries. neck injury in a crash. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt couldgo up over your On some models, the head restraints tilt abdomen. The belt forces wouldbe there, not at your pelvic bones. This could forward and rearward also. cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well backin the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

11 Seats tS Safety 6elts

Front Seatback Latches Easy-Entry Seat DOOR MODELS) I CAUTION (2-DOOR MODELS) The right front seat of your vehicle I In 2-door Pontiacs, the front seatback makes it easy to get in and outof the * If an easy-entry right front folds forward to let people get into the rear seat. 1 seatisn’t locked, it can move. back seat. Your seatback will move back When you push down on the rear latch llA a sudden stop or crash, the and forth freely, unless you come to a and tilt the right front seatback fully person sitting there could be sudden stop. Then it will lock in place. forward, the whole seat will slide injured. After you’ve used it, be forward. sure to push rearward on an easy- There’s one time the seatbackmay not entry seat to be sure it is locked. fold without some help from you. That’s After someone gets into the rear seat if your vehicle is parked going down a area, move the right front seatback to fairly steep hill. its original position. Thenmove the To fold a front seatback forward, push seat rearward until it locks. the seatback toward the rear as you lift To get out, again tilt the seatback fully this latch. Then the seatback will fold forward, forward. The latch must be downfor the seat to work properly.

12 Split hld-Down Rear Seat Safety Belts: (OPTION) For Everyone I To Open: Tlzey’re Don’t let anyone ride where This part of the manual tellsyou how to Pull forward on the seat tab. they can’t wear a s&ty belt use safety belts properly. It also tells you Aproperly. If you are in a crash and To Close: some things you should not do with you’re not wearing a safkty belt, Push the seatback upto its original safety belts. your injuries can bemuch worse. position. You can hit things inside the Push seatback solidly up against the vehicle or be ejected hmit. You back plate to ensure inertial latch will can be seriously injured or killed. hook. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are htened properly too.

13I‘ Seats & Safety 6elts

ISafety Belts: (Cont.) You never know if you'll be in a crash. After 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, They're For Everyone If you do have a crash, you don't know the facts are clear. In most crashes This figure lights up whenyou turn the if it will be a bad one. buckling up doesmatter. . . a lot! key to Run or Start when your safety belt isn't buckled, and you'll hear a A few crashes are very mild. In them, chime, too. It's the reminder to buckle you won't get hurt even if you're not up. In many states and Canadian buckled up. And some crashes can be so provinces, the law says to wear safety serious, like being hitby a train, that belts. Here's why: They work. even buckled up a person wouldn't survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could be badly hurt or lulled.

... 14 .. . . Why Safety Be/tsWork 2. When the bike hits the block, it 3. Take the simplest "car." Suppose When you ride in or on anything, you stops. But the child keeps going! it's just a seat on wheels. go as fast as it goes. 1 .For example, if the bike is going 10 mph (16 km/h), so is the child.

75 ... Seats & Safety 6elts

x2010,I

Why Safety Belts Work (CONV 5. Get it up to speed. Then stop the 6. The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real 4. Put someone on it. “car.” The rider doesn’t stop. vehicle, it could be the windshield.. .

%. %. With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s L m x20 why safety belts make such good sense. 7. or the instrument panel. .. 1 8. or the safety belts!

..a 16 Here Are Questions ManyPeople Ask About Safety Belts- Q: Why don’t they just put in air Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never and the Answers bags so people won’t have to wear drive far from home,why should I Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle safety belts? wear safety belts? after an accident if I’m wearinga A: ‘Air bags,’’ or Supplemental A: You may be an excellent driver, but safety belt? Inflatable Restraint systems,are in if you’re in an accident-even one A: You could be-whether you’re some vehicles today and willbe in that isn’t your fault-you and your wearing a safety beltor not. But you more of them in the future. But they passengers can be hurt. Being a goo0 can easily unbuckle a safety belt, are supplemental systems only-so driver doesn’t protect you from even if you’re upside down. And they work with safety belts, not things beyond your control, such as your chance of being conscious instead of them. Every “air bag” bad drivers. during and after an accident,so you system ever offered forsale has Most accidents occurwithin 25 can unbuckle and get out, is much required the use of safety belts. Even miles (40 km) of home. And the greater if you are belted. if you’re in a vehicle that has “air greatest numberof serious injuries bags,” you still have to buckle up to and deaths occur at speeds of less get the most protection. That’strue than 40 mph (65 km/h). not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other Safety belts are for everyone. collisions. Seats & Safety 6elts

Saety Belt Warning Light When the key is turned toRun or Start, Properly-Adults a chime will come on for about eight A If your safety belt light ever This section is only for people of adult seconds to remind peopleto fasten their 1 comeson or stays onafter the size. safety belts, unless the driver’s safety front doors are closed and the belt is buckled. driver’s belt is buckled, have your I CAUTIUN vehicle fixed. The safety belt light willalso come on There are special things to and stay on for about a minute. If the If you don’t, you might not have know about safety belts and driver’s belt is buckled, neither the the protection you’d need in a children. And there are different chime nor the light will come on. crash. I rules for babies and smaller I children. If a child will be riding -1 -1 in your Pontiac, see the I& under Children and Safe@ Beh. Eollow those rules for everyone’s

I First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. .I.18 %hides First Sold in Canada Driver Position Automa& Lap-ShouMer Belt Was your Pontiac first sold, when new, This section describesthe driver’s This safety belt is called “automatic” in Canada? (If it was, a sticker on the restraint system. because you don’t have to buckle up driver’s door will say “conforms to all when you get into your vehicle. applicable Canada motor vehicle., . ” etc.) If SO, then the rest of Rrt 1 does not apply to your vehicle. To learn how to use your safety belts, please read the Owner’s Manual Safety Belt Supplement. It comes with every new Pontiac first sold in Canada.

IS Seats & Safety 6elts

Automatic LapShoulder Belt (CONI) The lap belt should be wornas low on It’s possible that an automatic belt could And you don’t have tounbuckle when the hips as possible. In a crash, this keep you from fully openinga door. you get out. applies force to the strong pelvic bones. That can happen if the door was And you’d be less likely to slide under slammed shut very hard. Just close the Just get into your vehicle. Then close the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt door all the way, then slowly open it. If and lock the door. Adjust the seatso you would apply force at your abdomen. that doesn’t fix it, then your Pontiac can sit up straight. (To see how, see the This could cause serious or even fatal needs service. Index under Seat Controls. ) injuries. The shoulder belt should go We hope you’ll always keep your over the shoulder and across the chest. automatic belt buckled. However, you These parts of the body are best able to may need to unbuckle it in an take belt restraining forces. emergency. The safety belt locks if there’sa sudden stop or a crash.

20 To unbuckle the automatic belt, just To Reattach the Automatic Belt: Q: What's wrong with this? push the button on the buckle. 1. Close and lock the door. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up won't give nearly as much protection straight. To see how, see the Index this way. under Seat Controls. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don't let it get I A You can be seriously hurt if twisted. -A your shoulder belt is too 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle loose. In a crash you would move until it clicks. forward too much, which could significantly increase injury, The shoulder belt should fit against your body. Seats & Safety 6elts

lufomatic Lap-Shoulder Belt :oNT.) Q: What’s wrong with this? Q: What’s wrong with this? 1: What’s wrong with this? A: The shoulder belt is worn under the A: The belt is twisted across the body. L:The belt is buckled in the wrong arm. It should be worn over the place. shoulder at all times. GAUTI”N

’I’ You can be seriously injured I P L by a twisted belt. In a crash, You can be seriously injured if You can be seriously injuredif you wouldn’t have the full widthof A your belt is buckled in the you wear the shoulder belt the belt to take impact forces.If a wrong place like this. In a crash, under your arm. In a crash, your belt is twisted, make it straight so the belt would go up over your body would move too far forward, it can work properly, or ask your abdomen. The belt forces would which would increase the chance dealer to fix it. be there, not at the pelvic bones. of head and neck injury. Also,the This could cause serious internal belt would apply too much force to injuries. Always buckle your belt the ribs, which aren’t as strong as into the buckle nearest you. shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

... 22 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy The right front passenger’s safety belt Adjust the seat so you can sit up Safety belts work for everyone, works the sameway as the driver’s straight. To see how, see the Im&x including pregnant women. Like all safety belt. See the Idaunder Driver under Seat Controls. Move your seat far occupants, they are more likely to be Position. enough forward that your feet touchthe seriously injured if they don’t wear part of the vehicle thatis called the safety belts. “toeboard” (A). That way you’d be less likely to slide under thelap belt in a A pregnant woman should weara lap- crash. shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

8.8 Seats & Safety 6elts

Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat Here’s How to Wear One Properly: passengers to buckleup! Accident The positions next to the windows have 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the statistics show that unbelted people in lap-shoulder belts. belt across you. Don’t let it get the rear seat are hurt more often in twisted. crashes than those whoare wearing 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle safety belts. until it clicks. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

888 24 X1126

If the belt stops before it reaches the 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down The lap part of the belt should be worn buckle, tilt the latch plate andkeep on the buckle endof the belt asyou low and snug on the hips,just touching pulling until you can buckleit. pull up on the shoulderpart. the thighs. In a crash, this applies force If the belt is not long enough, see the to the strong pelvic bones.And you’d be Index under Safety Belt Extender. less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply Make sure the release buttonon the force at your abdomen.This could cause buckle faces upward or outward so you serious or even fatal injuries. The would be able to unbuckle it quickly if shoulder belt shouldgo over the you ever had to. shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

25 Seats & Safety 6elts I 1

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Rear Safety BeltComfort Guides Positions (CONT) To unlatch thebelt, just push the button for Children and Small Adults The safety belt locks if there’sa sudden on the buckle. Your vehicle may be equipped with rear stop or a crash. shoulder belt comfort guides. This feature will provide added comfort for children, who have outgrown child restraints, and for small adults. If your You can be seriously hurt if vehicle does not have comfort guides, your shoulder belt is too you may ask your dealer to order and loose. In a crash you would move install them for you. The comfort guides forward too much, which could pull the shoulder belts away from the increase injury. The shoulder belt neck and head. rshould fit against yourbody.

26 b e

I

There is one guide for each outside 2. Slide the guide under and past the belt3. Be sure that the beltis not twisted passenger position in the rear seat. You The elastic cord must be under the and it lies flat. The elastic cord must will find them tucked in between the belt. Then, place the guide over the be under the belt and the guide on seat back and the interior body, about belt, and insert the two edgesof the top. half-way down the edge of the seat belt into the slotsof the guide. back. Here is how you should install the comfort guides on the shoulder belts: 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seat back and the interior body to remove theguide from its storage clip.

27 Seats & Safety 6elts

Rear Safety BeltCornforl Guides Center Passengerhsition for Chiden and Small Adults To remove and store the comfort guides, If your vehicle has a rear bench seat, (CONI) just perform these stepsin reverse order. someone can sit in the center position. 4. Buckle the belt around the child, and Squeeze the belt edges togetherso that When you sit in the center seating make sure that both the lap belt and you can take them out from the guides. position, you have a lap safety belt, the shoulder belt are secured Pull the guideupward to expose its which has no retractor. properly. Make sure that the shoulder storage clip, and then slide theguide belt crosses the shoulder.See the onto the clip. Rotate the guide andclip Index under Safety Belts. inward and in between the seat back and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed. P

~ Children

~ To make the belt longer, tilt the latch Ta make the belt shorter, pull its free Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! i plate and pull it along the belt. end as shown until the belt is snug. That includes infantsand all children Buckle, position and release it the same smaller than adult size. In fact, the law way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder in every state and Canadianprovince belt. says children up to some age mustbe restrained while in a vehicle. If the belt isn't long enough, see the Index under Safety Belt &tender. Make sure the release buttonon the buckle faces upward or outward so you would be able to unbuckleit quickly if you ever had to.

29 ... Seats & Safety 6elts

Smaller Children and Babies L -X11 Smaller children and babies A shouldalways berestrained in Neverhold babya in your (Continued) a child or infant restraint. The arms while riding in a vehicle. Secure thebaby in an infant instructions for the restraint will A baby doesn’t weigh-much-until 1 restraint. say whether it is the right type and a crash. During a crash a baby will size for your child. A very young become so heavy you can’t hold it. child’s hip bones areso small that For example, in a crash at only a regular belt might not staylow 25 mph (40 Wh), a E-pound on the hips, as it should. Instead, (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly the belt will likely be over the become a 240-pound (ll0 kg) force child’s abdomen. In a crash the on your arms. The baby would be belt would apply force right on the almost impossible to hold. child’s abdomen, which could (Continued} causeserious or fatalinjuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint. Ib I ... I 30 p Child Restraints Where to Putthe Restraint Be sure to follow the instructions for the Accident statistics show that childrenare restraint. You may find these safer if they are restrained in the rear instructions on the restraint itself orin a rather than the front seat. We at General Top Strap booklet, or both. These restraints use Motors therefore recommend thatyou If your child restraint hasa top strap, it the belt system in your vehicle, but the put your child restraint inthe rear seat should be anchored. If you have a child also has to be secured within the unless the child is an infant and you’re convertible, don’t use a restraint like that restraint to help reduce the chance of the only adult in the vehicle.In that in your vehicle because the topstrap personal injury. The instructions that case, you might want to secure the anchor cannot be installed properly. You come with the infantor child restraint restraint in the front seat where you can shouldn’t use this type of restraint will show you how to do that. keep an eye on the baby. without anchoring the top strap. Wherever you install it, be sure to If your vehicle isnot a convertible and secure the child restraint properly. you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiacdealer to put one in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealercan tell you An unsecured child restraint how to do it. L can move around in a collision VI sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle-even when no child is in it.

31 Seats & Safety 6elts

Securing a Child Restraint ina Rear Outside Position 1. Put the restraint on the seat.Follow 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. the instructions for the child release button faces upward or See the earlier section about the top restraint. outward, so you’ll be able toun- strap if the child restraint has one. 2. Secure the childin the child restraint buckle it quickly if you ever need to. as the instructions say. 3. Pull out thevehicle’s safety belt and run the lap part through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will showyou how. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the beltif needed. See if the shoulder belt would goin front of the child’s faceor neck. If so, put it behind the child restraint. Securing a Child Restraint in the 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the 6. Push and pull the child restraint in Center Rear Seat Position shoulder belt whileyou push down different directions to be sure it is When you secure a child restraintin a on the child restraint. secure. center seating position, you’ll be using To remove the child restraint,just the lap belt. See the earlier section unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let about the top strap if the child restraint it go back all the way. The safety belt has one. will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

33 Seats & Safety 6elts

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position(CONT) 4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through 7. Push and pull the child restraintin 1. Make the belt as longas possible by or around the restraint.The child different directions to be sure it is tilting the latch plate and pullingit restraint instructions will show you secure. If the child restraint isn’t along the belt. how. secure, turn the latch plate over and 2. Put the restrainton the seat. Follow 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the buckle it again. Then see if it is the instructions for the child release button faces upwardor out- secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint restraint. ward, so you’ll be able to unbuckle it in a different place inthe vehicle and quickly if you ever need to. contact the child restraint maker for 3. Secure the childin the child restraint their advice. as the instructions say. 6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child To remove the child restraint,just restraint. unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adultor larger child passenger.

... 34 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Your dealer can get these and install the To use a child restraint here,you will lardware for you. It’s free. The special Don’t use the special need a special infadchild seat attaching Atis GM Part No. 12340286. Your infantkhild seat attaching belt and the hardware that goes withit. jealer can find the correct hardware in hardware in another vehicle. If you See the Index under Top Strap if the he accessory section of the GM hrts do, it may not work well and the child restraint has one. Zatalog. child may not be protected properly in a crash. The special hardware is for your vehicle only. Also, don’t use the special belt for anything but securing a child restraint in the right front seat. If an adult or older child uses it, the belt won’t provide protection and may even increase injury ina crash.

35 Seats & Safety 6elts

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat(CONT.) 2. Snap one hookof the infantkhild seat 3. Put the belt’s special latch plate into Once the special hardware is installed, attaching belt near the floor at the the vehicle’s safety belt buckle. please follow the instructions with it, door side of the seat. and these steps: 1. Unbuckle the automatic lap-shoulder belt by pushing the button on the buckle. It will stay on the door, ready to be rebuckled for useby adults or older children.

I.. 36 4. You canmake the belt longer by 8. Put the hook on the free end through 9. To make it tight, pull the belt while tilting the buckle and pulling it along the slot in the latch plate. you push down on the child the belt. restraint. If the belt won't stay tight, 5. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow switch it end for end. the instructions for the child 10. Push and pull the child restraint in restraint. different directions to besure it is 6. Secure the child in the child restraint secure. as the instructions say. 7. Run the belt through or around the child restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

37 Seats & Safety 6elts

To Remove the /nfanWChi/d Seat lager Children Restmint 2. Push the spring onthe hook near the Children whohave outgrown child 1. Push the button on the safety belt door and remove the special belt. restraints should wear the vehicle’s buckle and removethe special latch 3. Put the beltaway in a safe placein safety belts. If you have the choice,a plate. Leave the latch plate on the your vehicle, so it won’t fly around in child should sitnext to a window so the special belt. a crash and injure someone. child can weara lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restrainta shoulder 4. Remember to reattach the automatic belt can provide. belt again, once the child restraintis removed. Be sure it isn’t twisted. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.

m.. 38 CAUTION Children who aren’t buckled up can 1Q: What if a childis wearing a lap strike other people who are. Never do this. shoulder belt, but thechild is so A Here two childrenare wearing small that the shoulder beltis very the same belt. The belt can’t close to the child’s faceor neck? properly spread the impact forces. A: Move the child toward the centerof In a crash, the two children can be the vehicle, but besure that the crushed together and seriously shoulder belt is still on the child’s injured. A belt must be used by shoulder, so that in a crash the only one person ata time. child’s upper body would havethe restraint that belts provide. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that hasonly a lap belt.

39 larger Children (CONK) Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten Now and then, make sure all your belts, around you, you should use it. The buckles, latch plates, retractors, lANever do this. automatic lap-shoulder belt has plentyof anchorages and reminder systems are -Here a child is sitting in a seat extra length built in, so it will fasten working properly. Look for any loose that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the around almost all people. parts or damage. If you see anything that shoulder part is behind the child. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to might keep a restraint system from If the child wears the belt in this fasten, your dealer will order you an doing its job, have it repaired. way, in a crash the child might extender. It’s free. When you go in to slide under the belt. The belt’s order it, take the heaviest coatyou will force would then be applied right wear, so the extender will be long on the child’s abdomen. That could enough for you. The extender will be cause serious or fatal iniuries. just for you, and just for the seatin your I vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else useit, and use it only for Wherever the child sits, the lap portion the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just of the belt should be worn low and snug attach it to the regular safety belt. on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

..I 40 Replacing Safety BeitsAfter a Crash Q: What’s wrong with this? If you’ve had a crash, doyou need new A: The belt is torn. belts? After a very minor collision, nothing I CAUTION may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn Torn or frayed belts may not protect you in crash. They during a more severe crash, then you a Acan apart under impact forces. need new belts. rip If a belt is tom or frayed, get a If belts are cutor damaged, replace new one right away. them. Collision damage also may mean you will have to have safety beltparts, like the retractor, replaced or anchorage locations repaired-even if the belt wasn’t being used at the timeof the collision. Notes Notes Notes

.a. 44 d . Part 2 ...-n .'% Features & Controls

Keys ...... 46 Locks ...... 47 GloveBox ...... 50 I Ignitionswitch ...... 51 StartingYourEngine ...... 53 Hereyou can learn about the Engine Block Heater ...... 55 many standard and optional features Shifting the Transaxle ...... 56 on your Pontiac. and information on ParkingBrake ...... 63 starting. shifting and braking. Also ShiftingIntoPark ...... 64 explained arethe instrument panel Windows ...... 67 and the warning systems that tell Turn SignaUHeadlight Beam Lever ...... 69 you if everything is working properly- CruiseControl ...... 70 and what to do if you have a Lightcontrols ...... 74 problem. Windshield Wipers ...... 78 Windshield Washer ...... 80 Mirrors ...... 81 Storage Compartments...... 83 Ashtrays and Lighter ...... 84 Sunroof ...... 85 InstrumentPanel ...... 89 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ...... 92 Features & Controls

Keys The ignition keys are for the ignition When a new Pontiac is delivered, the only. dealer removes the plugs from the keys, and gives them to the first owner. ' A >aving young children in a Each plug has a code on it that tells your I - Ybhiclewith the ignition key dealer or a qualified locksmith how to is dangerous for many reasons. A make extra keys. Keep the plugs in a child or others could be badly safe place. If you lose your keys, you'll injured or even klled. be able to have new ones made easily They could operate power using these plugs. windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with young I Your Pontiac has a number of new children. features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble The door keys are for the doors and all getting into your vehicle if you ever other locks. lock your keys inside.You may even have to damage your vehicle toin. get So be sure you have extra keys.

46 Door Locks I

/r\ Unlocked doors can be There are several ways to lock and From the Inside: I unlock your vehicle. L dangerous. To lock the door, pull the sliding Passengers-especially children- From the Outside: locking lever backward. can easily open the doors and fall Use your door key. You can lock or To unlock the door, push the sliding out. When a door is locked, the unlock all of the doors by holding the lever forward. inside handle won’t open it. key in the turned position for afew Outsiders can easily enter through seconds. an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear I safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle. Features & Controls

Automatic Door locks Just close your doors and turn on the Power Door Locks ignition. If you have an automatic You can lock or unlock all doors of your On 2-door models, push the switch transaxle, all of the doors will lock vehicle from the driveror passenger down to lock your doors and up to when you move your shift lever out of door lock switch. unlock them. P (Park) or N (Neutral). If you have a On 4-door models, push the front manual transaxle, allof the doors will portion of the switch to lock your doors. lock when the vehicle goes about 8 mph Push the rear portionof the switch to (13 km/h). Each time you close your unlock your doors. doors and turn on the ignition, the doors The lever on each rear door works only will lock automatically only once. If that door’s lock. It won’t lock (or someone needs to get out while the unlock) all of the doors-that’s a safety vehicle is running,have that person use feature. the manual or power lock. When the door is closed again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the manualor power lock to lock the door again. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door. ... 48 r

Illuminated Entrgc/Exit System Trunk lock Remote Trunk Release (OPTION) When you lift the handleof either front To unlock the trunk from the outside, Pull upward on the remote release door, the lights inside your vehicle will insert the door key and turn it. handle, located on the floornear the left go on. These lights will go off after side of the driver’s seat, to releasethe about 40 seconds, or when the ignition trunk lid. is turned on. If the ignition has been off for less than two minutes, the lights inside your vehicle will stay on for about four seconds to provide an illuminated exit.

4s mma Features & Controls

A Theft I Vehicle theft is big business, especially Remote Trunk Release (CONT.) Glove BOX Lock (CONVERTIBLE) in some cities. Although your Pontiac Lockout Feature: Use the door key to lock and unlock the has a numberof theft-deterrent features, The remote trunk release is equipped glove box. To open, pinch the handle. we know that nothing we put on it can with a lockout feature to help prevent make it impossible to steal. However, unauthorized entry into the trunk when there are ways you can help. the vehicle is unattended. The switch is Key in the Ignition: If you walk away located on the insideof the trunk lid, from your vehicle with the keys inside, mounted to the trunk lid latch. it’s an easy target for joy ridersor To turn the lockouton, slide the switch professional thieves-so don’t do it. all the way to the right. To turn the When you park your Pontiac and open lockout off, slide the switch all theway the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime to the left. reminding you to remove your key from When the lockout is on, the mechanical the ignition and take it with you. Always remote trunk release will not release the do this. Your steering wheel will be trunk lid. However, the trunk lid can locked, and so will your ignition. If you still be opened with thekey. have an automatic transaxle,tahng your key out also locks your transaxle.And remember to lock the doors.

30 New Vehicle “Break-In” Parking at Night: Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your lgniiion Switch vehicle. Remember to keep your With the ignition keyin the ignition switch, valuables out of sight. Put them ina you can turn the switch to five positions: storage area, or take them with you. Accessory: An “on” position in which Parking Lots: If you park in a lot where you can operate your electrical power someone will be watching your vehicle, accessories. Press in the ignition switch it’s best to lock it up and take your keys. as you turn the top of it toward you. But what if you have to leave your Lock: The only position in whichyou ignition key? What if you have to leave can remove the key. This locks your something valuable in your vehicle? steering wheel, ignition and transaxle. Put your valuables in a storage area, Off: Unlocks the steering wheel, like your trunkor glove box. Use the ignition and transaxle, but does not send ~ remote trunk release lockout feature, if electrical power toany accessories. Use so equipped. See Remote Trunk this position if your vehicle mustbe Release earlier in this section. pushed or towed, but never try to push- Lock the glove box. start your vehicle. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’sdoor Lock all the doors except the driver’s. when the ignition is off and the key is in Then take the door key with you. the ignition.

51 I.. Features & Controls

Ignition Switch(CONI:) Key Release Lever I CAUTION Run: An “on” position to which the (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) I switch returns after you start your The ignition key cannot be removed On manual transaxle vehicles, engine and release the switch. The from the ignition unless thekey release turning the key to Lock will switch stays in the Run position when lever is used. lock the steering column and result the engine is running. But even when To Remove the Key: in a loss of ability to steer the the engine is not running, you can use vehicle. This could cause a Run to operate your electrical power Turn the key to the Off position. Press collision. If you need to turn the accessories, and to display some instru- the key release lever while turning the engine off while the vehicle is ment panel warning lights. key from Off to Lock. Keeping your moving, turn the key only to Off. finger on the lever, pull the key straight Don’t move the key release lever Start: Starts the engine. When the out. engine starts, release the key. The while the vehicle is moving. ignition switch will return to Run for normal driving. Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions Accessory and Run are “on” positions that allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.

52 rn Starting Your Engine Automatic Transaxle Engines start differently. The 8th digit of 1. Move your shift lever to P (Park) or If your key seems stuck in Lock your Vehicle Identification Number N (Neutral). Your engine won’t start and you can’t turn it, be sure it is (VIN) shows the code letter or number in any other position-that’s a safety all the way in. If it is, then turn the for your engine. You will find the VIN feature. To restart when you’re steering wheel left and right while at the top leftof your instrument panel. already moving, use N (Neutral) you turn the key hard. But turn the (See the Index under &hick only. key only with your hand. Using a ZdentijicationNumber. ) Follow the tool to force it could break the key proper steps to start the engine. or the ignition switch. If noneof this works, then your vehicle needs Don’t try to shift to P (Park) if service. your Pontiac is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to P (Park) only when your

53 Features & Controls

Manual Tmnsaxle Both Tmnsaxles 1. Shift your gear selector toN (Neutral) 2. Don’t push the accelerator pedal 4. If your engine won’t start(or starts and hold the clutch pedal to thefloor before starting your engine.In some but then stops), it could be flooded while starting the engine.Your other vehicles you might need to do with too much gasoline. Try pushing vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal this, but because of your vehicle’s your accelerator pedalall the way to is not all the way down-that’s a computer systems, you don’t. the floorand holding it there as you safety feature. 3. Turn your ignition key to Start. hold the key in Start for about three When the engine starts, let goof the seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly key. The idle speed willgo down as but then stops again, do the same your engine gets warm. thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Holding your key in Start for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.

54 Driving Through DeepStanding Engine Block Heater(OPTION) Water In very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or Your engine is designed to work colder, the engine block heater can help. with the electronics in your You’ll -get easier starting and better fuel vehicle. If you add electrical parts If you drive too quickly through economy during engine warm-up. or accessories, you could change deep puddles or standing water, To Use the Block Heater: the way the fuel injection system water can come in through your 1. Turn off the engine. operates. Before adding electrical engine’s air intake and badly 2. Open the hood and unwrapthe equipment, check with your dealer. damage your engine. Ifyou can’t electrical cord. If you don’t, your engine might not avoid deep puddles or standing perform properly. water, drive through them very 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded If you ever have to have your slowly. 110-volt outlet. vehicle towed, see the part ofthis manual that tells how to do it 4 without damaging your vehicle. See the Index under Towhg Your Pontiac.

55 Features & Controls I

hgine Block Heater (CONI:) Shifting the After you’ve used the block heater Automatic Transaxle be sure to store the cord as it was Your automatic transaxle hasa shift lever Plugging the cord into an located on the console between the seats. ungrounded outlet could cause before, to keep it away from an electrical shock. Also, the moving engine parts. If you don’t, There are several different positions for wrong kind of extension cord it could be damaged. your shift lever. In this manual, these could overheat and cause a fire. I are referred to by the commonly used symbols in the right column below: You could be seriously injured. How long should you keep the block Plug the cord into a properly heater plugged in? The answer depends Park P grounded three-prong 110-volt on the weather, the kindof oil you have, Reverse R outlet. If the cord won’t reach, 1 5 and some other things. Instead of trying Neutral N a heavy-duty three-prong extension to list everythingD here, we ask that you Drive cord rated for at least 15 amps. contact a Pontiac dealer in the area Second 2 where you’ll be parking your vehicle. First 1 The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

..I ‘56 Park Ensure the shift lever is fully inP (Park) P (Park): This locks your front wheels. It is dangerous to get out of range before starting the engine. Your It’s the best position to use when you b your vehicle ifthe shift lever Pontiac has a brake-transaxle shift start your engine because your vehicle is not filly in P (Park) with the interlock. You have to fully apply your can’t move easily. parking brake Myset. Your regular brakes before you can shift from vehicle can 1-011. P (Park) when the ignition key is in the Don’t leaveyour vehicle when the Run position. If you cannot shift out of engine is running unless you have P (Park), ease pressure on the shift to. If you have left the engine lever-push the shift lever all the way running, the vehicle can move into P (Park) and also release the shift suddenly. You or others could be lever button on floor shift console injured. To be sure your vehicle models as you maintain brake won’t move, when you’re on fairly application. Then move the shift lever level ground, always set your into the gear you wish. (Press the shift parking brake and move the shift lever button before moving the shift lever to P (Park). See theIdex lever.) See the Index under Shifting Out under Sh$irrg into P (Park). If you of P (Park). are parking on a hill, also see the Index under Parking on Hills. Features & Controls

Reverse Neutral R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. N (Neutral): In this position, your Shifting out of P (Park) or engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. A N (Neutral) while your engine To restart when you’re already moving, is “racing” (running at high speed) use N (Neutral) only. Also, use Shifting to R (Reverse) while your is dangerous. Unless your foot is N (Neutral) when your vehicle is being firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle is moving forward could towed. damage your transaxle. Shift to vehicle could move very rapidly. R (Reverse) only after your vehicle You could lose control and hit has stopped. people or objects. Don’t shift out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) while your engine is racing. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see the Index under Ij’ You ’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.

... 58 Forward Gears

...... ~ , . . " .. . "I , .. ~, D (Drive): This position is for normal Damage to your transaxle caused driving. by shifting out of P (Park) or. 2 (Second Gear): This position gives N (Neutral) with the engine racing you more power but lower fuel isn't covered by your warranty.. economy. You can use 2 on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but thenyou would also want to use your brakes off and on.

5s Features & Controls

Forward Gears (CONT.) 1 (First Gear): This position gives you 3.lL V6 Engine: even more power (but lower fuel If your front wheels can’t rotate, Maximum engine speed is limited to economy) than2. You can use it on very don’t try to drive. This might protect driveline components from steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If happen if you were stuck in very improper operation. the selector lever is putin 1, the deep sand or mud or were up transaxle won’t shift intofirst gear until against a solid object. You could the vehicle is going slowly enough. damage your transaxle. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your

brakes or shift into P (Park) to I

hold your vehicle in position on _, (i ’

mm. 60 1 3 5

2 4 R

IShifting the5-Speed This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to 3,4 and 5 (Third, Fourth and Fifth Manual Transaxle operate your transaxle: Gears): Shift into 3,4 and 5 the same There are seven different positions: 1 (First Gear): Press the clutch pedal way you do for 2. Slowly let up on the N Neutral and shift into 1. Then, slowly let up on clutch pedal as you press the accelerator 1 FirstGear the clutch pedal as you press the pedal. 2 SecondGear accelerator pedal. To Stop: Let up on the accelerator pedal 3 ThirdGear and press the brake pedal. Just before 4 FourthGear You can shift into1 when you’re going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal 5 FifthGear and the brake pedal, andshift to R Reverse come to a complete stopand it’s hard to shift into 1, put the shift lever in N (Neutral). N (Neutral) and let up on the clutch. N (Neutral): Use this position when Press the clutch pedal back down. Then you start or idle your engine. shift into 1. R (Reverse): To back up, press down 2 (Second Gear): Press the clutch pedal the clutch pedal and shift intoR (Reverse). as you let up on the accelerator pedal Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while and shift into 2. Then, slowly let up on pressing the acceleratorpedal. the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. 61 ~~ Features tS Controls

Shifting the 5-Speed Shift light (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) Shift Speeds (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) If you have a manual transaxle, you have This chart shows when to shift to the Manual Transaxle (Cant.) a SHIFT light. This light will show you next higher gear for best fuel economy. when to shift to the next higher gear for Acceleration Shift Speeds: best fuel economy. Ist to 2nd 17 mph (27 h/h) Shift toR (Reverse) only after your When this light comes on, you can shift 2nd to 3rd 30 mph (48 h/h) vehicle is stopped. Shifting to to the next higher gear if weather, road R (Reverse) while your vehicle is and traffic conditions let you. For the 3rd to 4th 39 mph (63 km/h) moving could damage your transaxle. best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and 4th to 5th 45 mph (72 h/h) shift when the light comeson. If your speed drops below 20 mph Also, use R (Reverse), along with the While you accelerate, it is normal for (32 km/h), or if the engine is not parlung brake, for parking your vehicle. the light to go on and off if you quickly running smoothly, you should downshift change the position of the accelerator. to the next lower gear.You may have to Ignore the SHIFT light when you downshift two or more gears to keep the downshift. engine running smoothly or for good performance.

..I 62 .

I Parking Brake ‘I The parking brake lever is located To Release the Parking Brake: I Tfvouskip more than one A between the bucket seats. Hold the brake pedal down. Pull the o-~rwhen you downshift, you To Set the Parking Brake: parking brake lever up until you can i lose control of your vehicle. press the release button. Hold the And you could injure yourself or Hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever.If the release button in asyou move the brake others. Don’t shift from 5 to 2, or lever all the way down. 4 to 1. ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.

Driving with the parking brakeon can cause your rearbrakes to If you skip more thanone gear overheat. You may have to replace when you downshift, or if you race them, and you could also damage 1 theengine when you downshift, other parts of your vehicle. , you can damage the clutch or 1 transad If You are on a Hill: See the Index under Parking on Hills. That section shows how to turn your front wheels.

63 Features & Controls

Shining IntoP (Park) I (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) eaving bur Vehicle With the 2. Move the shift lever into theP (Park) hgine Running position like this: Hold in the button 1U7U"TIC TRANSAXLE) It is dangerous to get outof on the lever, and push the lever all your vehicle if the shift lever the way toward the front of your is not fully in P (Park) with the vehicle. It is dangerous to leave your parking brake firmly set. Your 3. Move the ignition key to Lock. vehicle with the engine vehicle can roll. A 4. Remove the key and take it with you. running. Your vehicle could move I"If you have left the engine running, If you can walk away from your suddenly if the shift lever is not the vehicle can move suddenly. vehicle with the ignitionkey in your fully in P (Park) with the parking You or others could be injured.To hand, your vehicle is in P (Park). brake firmly set. And, if you leave be sure your vehicle won't move, the vehicle with the engine when you're on fairly level ground, running, it could overheat and even use the steps that follow. Ifyou are catch fire. You or others could be parking on a hill, also see the injured. Don't leave your vehicle Index under Parking on Hills. with the engine running unless you r have to. 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and setthe parking brake. mmm 64 Shining Out of P (Park) If you have to leave your vehicle with (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) If you ever hold the brake pedaldown the engine running, be sure your vehicle Your Pontiac has a brake-transaxle shift but still can’t shift out of P (Park), try is in P (Park) and your parking brake is interlock. You have to fully apply your this: firmly set before you leaveit. After regular brakes before you can shift from 1. Turn the key to Off. you’ve moved the shift lever into the P (Park) when the ignition is in the Run position. See the Idaunder Automatic 2. Apply and hold the brake until the P (Park) position, hold the regular brake end of Step 4. pedal down. Then, see if you can move Transaxle. the shift lever away fromP (Park) If you cannot shift outof P (Park), ease 3. Shift to N (Neutral). without first pushing the button. pressure on the shift lever-push the 4. Start the vehicle and thenshift to the If you can, it means that the shift lever shift lever all the way into P (Park) and drive gear you want. wasn’t fully locked into P (Park). also release the shift lever button on 5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you floor shift console modelsas you can. maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into thegear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.)

65 Features & Controls

Engine Exhaust I CAUTION Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. Parking Your Vehicle Parking Over Things That Burn You might have exhaust comingin if (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) Your exhaust system sounds Before you get out of your vehicle, put strange or different. your manual transaxle inR (Reverse) A Things that can burn could Your vehicle getsrusty underneath. and firmly apply the parking brake. -touch hot exhaust parrs under Your vehicle was damaged in a If you are parking on a hill, see the your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park collision. Index under Parking on Hills. over papers, leaves, dry grass or Your vehicle was damaged when other things that can burn. driving over high points on the road or over road debris. Repairs weren’t done correctly. Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modified improperly. If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and Have it fixed immediately. Running Your Engine While You’reParked (AuToMATIc TRANSAXLE) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But ifyou ever have to, here are some things to know. Windows On a vehicle with manual windows,use the window crank to open and close Idling the engine with the air system control OFF could allow dangerous each window. A exhaust into your vehicle(see the earlier CAUTION under Engine Exhaust). Also, idling in a closed-in place canlet deadly carbon monoxide(CO) into your vehicle evenif the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place thiscan happen is a garage. Exhaust-with CO-can come in easily. NEVER park in a garage with the engine running. Another closed-in place canbe a blizzard. (See the Index under BZizzard.) It can be dangerous to get outof your vehicle if the shift lever notis fully in P (kk) with the par- brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unlessyou have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others,could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’reon Enirly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). If you are parking on a hill, also see the Index under Parking on Hills. .-3.1 - Features & Controls

I Power Windows (omoN) Horn Tilt Steering Wheel(omoiy) With power windows, switches on the You can sound the horn by pressing the A tilt steering wheel allows you to center console control eachof the horn symbol on your steering wheel. adjust the steering wheel before you windows when the ignition is on. In drive. You can also raise it to the highest addition, in 4-door models, each rear level to give your legs more room when passenger door has a control switch for you exit and enter the vehicle. its own window. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering The driver's window switch has an Auto wheel and pull the lever. Move the Down feature. The driver's window can steering wheel to a comfortable level, be opened a small amountby pushing then release the lever to lock the wheel the switch forward for less than one in place. second. When the switch is held for more than one second and released, the window will go down all the way. To stop the window while it is lowering, briefly press the switch forwardor rearward, then release. To raise the window, press and hold the switch rearward. Turn Signall Tim Signal and LaneChange Headlight BeamLever Indicator To signal a lane change, just raise or The turn signal has two upward (for lower the lever until thegreen arrow The lever on the left sideof the steeri starts to flash. Hold it there until you column includes your: Right) and two downward (forLeft) positions. These positions allowyou to complete your lane change.The lever Turn Signal and Lane Change signal a turn or a lane change. will return by itself when you release it. Indicator To signal a turn, move the lever all the As you signal a turn or a lane change, if Headlight High-Low Beam Change way up or down. When theturn is the arrows don't flash butjust stay on, a Cruise Control (Option) finished, the lever will return signal bulb may be burned out and other automatically. drivers won't see your turn signal. A green arrow on the instrument panel If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help will flash in the directionof the turn or avoid an accident. If the green arrows lane change. don't go on at all when yousignal a turn, check the fuse (see theIndex under Fuses & Circuit Breakers) and for burned-out bulbs.

69 I.. Features & Controls

1 Cruise Control (OPTION) b Set Cruise Control With cruise control, you can maintain a .Move the cruise control switch to speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or ON. more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). If you leave your cruise A control switch ON when When you apply your brakes, or the you’re not using cruise, you might clutch pedal, the cruise control shuts hit a button and go into cruise off. when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control switch OFF’ until you want to use it.

.Get up to the speed you want.

70 To Resume a Set Speed 3. Push in the SET button at the endof Suppose you set your cruise control at a the lever and releaseit. desired speed and thenyou apply the If you hold the switch at 4. Take your foot off the accelerator brake or clutch pedal. This, of course, R&W"E/ACCEL longer shuts off the cruise control. But you -than half a second, the vehicle will pedal. don't need to resetit. Once you're going keep going faster until you release about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you the switch or apply the brake or can move the cruise control switch from clutch pedal. You could be startled ON to RESUME/ACCEL for about and even lose control. So unless half a second. you want to go hter, don't hold You'll go right back up to your chosen the switch at RESUME/ACCEL. speed and stay there. ~- Features & Controls

To Increase Speed While Using To Reduce Speed While Using Cwke Control Here’s the second way to go to a higher Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed: There are two ways to reduce your speed. Here’s the first: Move the cruise switch from ON to speed while using cruise control: 1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to the RESUME/ACCEL. Hold it there Push in the button at the endof the higher speed. until you get up to the speedyou want, lever until you reach the lower speed 2. Push the button at the endof the and then release the switch. you want, then release it. lever, then releasethe button and the To increase your speed in very small To slow down in very small amounts, accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise amounts, move the switch to push the button for less thanhalf a at the higher speed. RESUME/ACCEL for less than half a second. Each timeyou do this, you’ll second and then releaseit. Each time go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower. you do this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.

88I Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control on Hills To Get Outof Cruise Control Using Cruise Control How well your cruise control will work There are several ways to turn off the Use the accelerator pedal to increase on hills depends upon yourspeed, load, cruise control: your speed. When you take your footoff and the steepness of the hills. When Step lightly on the brake pedal, or the pedal, your vehicle will slow down going up steep hills, youmay have to push the clutch pedal, if you havea to the cruise control speedyou set step on the accelerator pedal to maintain manual transaxle; OR earlier. your speed. When going downhill,you may have to brake or shift to a lower Move the cruise switch to OF". gear to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brakeor clutch Tu Erase Cruise Speed Memory pedal takes you out of cruise control. When you turn off the cruise control or Many drivers find this to be too much the ignition, your cruise control set trouble and don't usecruise control on speed memory is erased. steep hills.

73 ... PJ2039 Operation of lights Light Controls Although your vehicle's lighting system Parking Lights: Headlights: (headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, side marker lamps and tail lamps) meets Push the switch to turn on: Push the switch to turn on: PC -'6-' I' all applicable federal lighting Parking Lights 'Headlights requirements, certain states and Side Marker Lights Parking Lights provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special Taillights Side Marker Lights Taillights attention before you operate these Instrument Panel Lights lamps. For example, some jurisdictions Instrument Panel Lights Pull the switch to turn off the lights. may require that you operate your lower Pull the switch toturn off the lights. beam lamps with fog lamps at all times, or that headlamps be turned on whenever you must use your windshield wipers. In addition, most jurisdictions prohibit driving solely with parking lamps, especially at dawnor dusk. It is recommended that you check with your own state or provincial highway authority for applicable lighting regulations. 74 I'

Lights On Reminder Headlight Doors (GT MODEL) If you open the driver's door while The headlight doors are designed to If You Need to Open the Headlight leaving the lightson, you will hear a open when you turn on the headlights. Doors Manually: warning chime. To close them, turn the headlights off. If the headlight doors do not open The headlight doors should be left open automatically, you can open them when driving in icy or snowy conditions yourself. to prevent the doors from freezing shut 1. Open the hood. in a closed position. You should also leave the headlight doors open when you 2. The retractor knobs are located on wash your vehicle, to help clean the the front panel above and behind headlights. each headlight. Turn these clockwise until the headlight doors are fully open. The effort needed to turn each knob will increase as thedoor opens.

75 Features & Controls

Daflime Running Lights (DRL) Daytime Running Lights Indicator Light(CANADA ONLY) (CANADA ONLY) lights will come on. When youturn off If your vehicle was first sold, when new, The Canadian federal government has the headlights, the exterior lights will go in Canada, you will have this light on decided that Daytime Running Lights out and the high beams will change to the instrument panel. It goes on (DRL) are a useful feature, in that DRL the reduced brightness of DRL again. whenever the Daytime Running Lights can make your vehicle more visible to Or, if you have fog lights, the exterior are on. pedestrians and other drivers during lights will go out and thefog lights will daylight hours. DRL are required on come on when youturn off the new vehicles sold in Canada. headlights. The high beam headlights will come on The DRL indicator light on the at reduced brightness (or,if you have instrument panel will go on whenever fog lights, they will come on) in daylight the DRL are on. This light means that when: only the DRL are on. When you turn on The ignition is on your exterior lights, this light will go out. Of course, you may still turn on the The headlight switch is off, and headlights any time you need to. The parking brake is released. To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, When you turn on your headlights, the set the parking brake. The DRLwill stay DRL will switch off and the exterior off until you release the parking brake.

I.. 76 i B LPJPOA Headlight High-Low Beam Interior Courtesy Lights Instrument Panel Intensity Changer If your vehicle is not equipped with fog Control To change the headlights from low beam lights, you have a switch labeledINT You can brighten or dim the instrument to high or high to low, pull theturn (Interior). Slide it up to turn on the panel lights by sliding the INT (Interior) signal lever all the way toward you. interior courtesy lights. control up or down. Then release it. If your vehicle is equipped with fog When the high beams areon, a blue lights, you can turn on the interior light on the instrument panel also will courtesy lights by sliding the instrument be on. panel intensity control allthe way up.

77 Features & Controls I

Dome fight Bulb Change Fog fights (omonr) Windshield Wipers It may not be obvious how to change Use your fog lights for better vision in You control the windshield wipersby your dome light bulb. Here’s how: foggy or misty conditions. sliding the switch markedWIPERS up Grasp the center front and center rear The fog light switchis located below the or down. portion of the housing and squeeze instrument panel intensity control. For a Single Wiper Cycle: firmly but gently. The housing should Press the MIST switch. Hold it there pop off. To turn fog lights on, push the switch up. Push the switch down toturn them until the wipersstart, then let go. The If this doesn’t work, you may need to Off. wipers will stop after one cycle. For use a small, flat-head screwdriver under When using fog lights, the parking lights more cycles, hold theMIST switch the side of the housing unit to helppry it down longer. off. and/or low beam headlights must beon. Fog lights will go off whenever the highFor Steady Wiper Cycles: beam headlights come on. When the Slide theWIPERS switch to eitherLO high beams go off, the fog lights will or HI, depending on the wiper speed come on again. you want. To Turn Wipers OR Slide the switch toOFF.

78 Controlled-Cyde Windshield CAUTION Wipes (omorv) Heavy snow or ice can overload your If your vehicle has controlled-cycle Damaged wiper blades may wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them windshield wipers, you can set the A prevent you from seeing well until the motor cools. Clear away snow wiper speed for a long or short delay e~~ughto drive safely. To mid or ice to preventan overload. between wipes. This can bevery useful damage, be sure fo clear ice and in light rain or snow. snow from the wiper blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the Slide the switchto DELAY and adjust it windshield, carefully loosen or to choose the delay you want. The thaw them. If your blades do closer to Lo, the shorter thedelay time become damaged, get new blades between wiper cycles. or blade inserts. For fast, steady cycles, slide the switch to HI. You can also press MIST for a single wiper cycle.

7s Windshield Washer CAUTION Standard Wipers: Controlled-Cycle Windshield Wipers: I I To wash your windshield, push the If you have controlled-cycle windshield Driving without washerfluid button one time. Whenyou release the wipers, after each wash cycle ends the A can be dangerous.A bad button the washers will stop, but the wipers will resume thedelay speed you mud splash can block your vision. wipers will keep going inLo until you were using before. If you had no speed You could collide with another slide the switch toOFF. selected, the wipers will stop. vehicle. Check your washer fluid level often. In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warm. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the wind- shield, blocking your vision.

BO When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s Inside Manual DayINight ;onvex outside Mirror instructions for adding water. Reawiew Mirror OPTION) ‘I Don’t mix water with ready-to- To reduce glare from lights behind you, lour right side mirror is convex. A use washer fluid. Water can move the lever towardyou to the night :onvex mirror’s surface is curved so you cause the solution to freeze and position. :an see more from the driver’sseat. damage your washer fluidtank and other partsof the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean If you aren’t used to a convex as well as washer fluid. Lmirror, you can hit another Fill your washer fluid tank only vehicle. A convex mirror can make 34 full when it’s very cold. This things (like other vehicles) look allows for expansion, which farther away than they really are. If could damage thetank if it is you cut too sharply intothe right completely full. lane, you could hit a vehicle on Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your right. Check your inside your windshield washer. It can mirror or glance over your damage your washer system and shoulder before changinglanes. paint. I I’ Features EL Controls

Manual Aqust Mirror Remote Control Mirror(omoN1 Sun Visors The outside rearview mirror should be The driver side outside mirror shouldbe To block out glare, you can swing down adjusted so you can just see the side of adjusted with the control leveron the the visors. You can also swing them to your vehicle when you are sitting in a driver’s door so that you just see the the side. comfortable driving position. side of your vehicle whenyou are sitting Adjust the driver side outsidemirror in a comfortable driving position. with the control lever on the driver’s door. To adjust your passenger side mirror,sit in the driver’s seat and havea passenger adjust the mirror for you. PJ2010 Visor Vanity Mirrors Center Console Compartment Center Console (SE AND GT MODELS) (OPTION) Mini-Compartment To uncover the visor vanity mirrors, lift To Open: This compartment can be used to store up the mirror covers. Pull the lift lever up and the lid back. small articles. To open, pull up the lid. To Close: Push the lid down until it clicks.

83 Features & Controls I

CUP Holders (2-DOOR MODELS) Ashtrays and Lighter Cup holders have been built into the To use the lighter, just push it in all the To clean the center console ashtray, pull door trim of your vehicle, near the front way and let go. When it’s ready, it will up on the snuffer. of both the driver and the passenger pop back out by itself. doors. Don’t put papers and other things Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in that burn into your ashtrays. If you with your hand while it is heating. do, cigarettes or other smoking If you do, it won’t be able to back materials could set them on fire, away from the heating element causing damage. when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the lighter and the heating element.

B4 Sunroof (omoN) The sunroof includes a glass panel that To Open the Sunroof: To Remove the Sunroof Glass Fanel: opens for ventilation andis completely Pull down on the latch release handle 1. With the sunroof open, press up on removable, and an air deflector that and then pushit forward until the glass the glass releasetab, located inside assures a smooth flowof air. panel locks into place. the latch release handle. 2. Lift the panelup and out. The air deflector will automatically pop up.

85 Features & Controls

Sunroof (CONI) 3. Store the glass panel in the special 4. If you have the optional fold-down storage bag in the trunk. rear seat, secure the storage bag containing the glass panelto the I I GAUIIVN trunk anchors, using the straps VehlCk is moving. Trying to provided. remove the sunroof panel while the If the sunroof panel is not vehicle is moving could cause an stored properly, it could be accident. The panel could fall into thrown about the vehicle in a crash the vehicle and cause you to lose or sudden maneuver. People in the control, or it could fly off and vehicle could be injured. strike another vehicle. You or Whenever you store the sunroof others could be injured. Remm panel in the vehicle, always be sure the sunroof panel only when the that it is stored securely in the vehicle is parked. special storage bag in the trunk. I I

To Install the Sunroof Glass Panel: 1 . Center the glass panel upright on the glass while lowering thepaiel. Do A An improperly installed weatherstrip. Then line up the hinges not force a hinge if it binds in a slot. sunroof panel may fall into or on the panel with the slots in the roof Reposition the glass panel andstart tly off the vehicle. You or others opening. again. Finally, push the glass release could be injured. After installing tab, engage the latch with the striker the sunroof panel, always check and close the panel. that it is firmly attachedby pushing up on the underside of the panel.

87 Features & Controls P P R

i

PJ205: The Instrument Panel- %ur information System 3. Instrument Cluster 12. Ashtray Your instrument panel is designed tolet 4. Ignition Switch 13. Parking Brake Lever you know at a glance how your vehicle 5. Wiper/Washer Controls and Rear 14. Gearshift Lever is running. You’ll know how fast you’re Window Defogger going, how much fuel you’re using,and 15. Lighter many other things you’ll need to drive 6. Audio System 16. Hazard Warning Flashers safely and economically. 7. Center Vent 17. Horn The main componentsof your 8. Side Vents 18. Fuse Panel instrument panel are: 9. Glove Box 1 9. Hood Release Light Controls 1. IO. Climate Controls 20. Side Vents 2. Turn SignaUHeadlight Beam Lever 1 1, Audio System Features & Controls

STANDARD CLUSTER

J 2133 Instrument Panel Clusters Speedometer and Odometer Tamper Resisfant Odomefer Your Pontiac is equipped with oneof Your speedometer letsyou see your Your Pontiac has a tamper resistant these instrument panel clusters, which speed in both miles per hour (mph)and odometer. If you see silver lines include indicator warning lights and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your between the numbers, you'll know that gages that are explained on the odometer showshow far your vehicle someone has probably triedto turn it following pages. Be sure to read about has been driven, in either miles (used in back, so the numbers may not be true. those that apply to the instrument panel the U.S.) or kilometers (used in cluster for your vehicle. Canada). 135

Trip Odometer(OPTION) Tachometer (omon!) You may wonder what happens if your The trip odometer can tellyou how far The tachometer displays the engine vehicle needs a new odometer installed. your vehicle has been driven sinceyou speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). If the new one can be set to the mileage last set the trip odometer to zero. total of the old odometer, then it must To set the trip odometer to zero, press NOTICE I be. But if it can’t, then it’s set at zero the knob to the right of it. and a label must be put on the driver’s Do not operate the engine with.k!-- door to show the old mileage reading tachometer in the sedarea, or when the new odometer was installed. rengine damage may occur. 91 === Features & Controls

’ninl Warning L;ights, Gages and Indicators Fuel Gage This section describes the warning lights Gages can indicate whenthere may be When the ignition is on, your fuel gage you about how much fuel you have and gages thatmay be on your vehicle. or is a problem withone of your tells vehicle’s functions. Often gages and left. When the indicatornears (Empty), The pictures will helpyou locate them. E warning lights work togetherto let you you still have a little fuel left, butyou Warning lights and gages can signal that know when there’s aproblem withyour should get more soon. something is wrong before it becomes vehicle. Hem four things that some owners serious enough to cause an expensive are ask about. Noneof these show a repair or replacement. Paying attention When one of the warning lights comes problem with your fuel gage: to your warning lights and gages could on and stays on when youare driving, or when one of the gages showsthere also save you or others from injury. At the gas station,the gas pump shuts may be a problem, checkthe section off before the gage readsF (Full). Warning lights go on when there may be that tells you what to do about it. Please or is a problem withone of your follow the manual’s advice. Waiting to It takes a little more or less fuel tofill vehicle’s functions. As you will see in do repairs can be costly-and even up than the gage indicated.For the details on the nextfew pages, some dangerous. So please get to know your example, the gage may have indicated warning lights comeon briefly when warning lights and gages. They’re a big the tank was half full, but it actually you turn the ignition key just to let you help. took a little more or lessthan half the know they’re working. If youare tank‘s capacity to fd the tank. Eamiliar with this section, you should not be alarmed whenthis happens. Engine Coolant Temperature Low Coolant Warning Light The gage moves alittle when you turn Gage (3. If,V6 ENGINQ a corner or speed up. With the ignition in the Run position, If this light comes onand stays on, your The gage doesn’t go backto E when this gage shows the engine coolant system is low on coolmt and the engine you turn off the ignition. temperature. may overheat. See the Index under Engine Coolant and have your vehicle If the gagepainter moves inta the red For your fuel tank capacity, see Sewice serviced as soon as you can. Station I.omtionon the last pageof area, your engine is too hot! It means this manual. that your engine coolanthas overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY! In Problems on theRoad, this manual shows what to do. See the Idex under Engine Overheating.

93 Features & Controls

Oil Pressure Gage (opTlonr) Oil Warning Light The oil pressure gage shows the engine If you have a problem with your oil, this oil pressure in psi (pounds per square A Don’t keep driving if the oil light may stay on after you start your inch) when the engine is running. -pessure is low. If you do, engine, or come on whenyou are Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in your engine can becomeso hot that driving. This indicates that oil is not kPa. Oil pressure may vary with engine it catches fire.You or others could going through your engine quickly speed, outside temperature and oil be burned. Check your oil as soon enough to keep it lubricated. The engine viscosity, but readings above the red as possible and have your vehicle could be low on oil, or could have some warning zone indicate the normal serviced. other oil problem. Have it fixed right operating range. away. A reading in the red zonemay be caused by a dangerously low oil level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Have Damage to your engine from your vehicle serviced immediately. neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your I warranty. Check Oil Light Charging System Light The oil light could also comeon in three (2.OL 4-CYLINDER ENGINE) The charging system light willcome on other situations: This light should come on briefly while briefly when you turn on the ignition, When the ignitionis on but the engine you are starting your engine. If the light and the engine is not running, as a is not running, the light will come on doesn’t come on, have it repaired. If the check to show you it is working. Then it as a test to show you it is working, but light comes on while starting and stays should go out. If it stays on, or comes the light willgo out when you turn the on, your engine oil level should be on while you are driving, you may have ignition toStart. If it doesn’t come on checked. Check your oil level (be sure a problem with the electrical charging with the ignition on, you may have a your vehicle is on a level surface), and system. It could indicate thatyou have a problem with the fuseor bulb. Have it bring the engine oil up to theproper loose generator drive belt,or another fixed right away. level, if necessary. See the Idaunder electrical problem. Have it checked Engine Oil. right away. Driving while this light is on Sometimes when the engineis idling could drain your battery. at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal. If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn of€ all If you make a hard stop, the lightmay your accessories, such as the radio and come on for a moment. This is air conditioner. normal. Features & Controls

Voltmeter (OPTlON) Brake System Warning Light When your engine is not running, but Your Pontiac’s hydraulic brake system is This light will also comeon when you the ignition is on (in the Run position), divided into two parts.If one part isn’t set your parking brake, and will stay on the gage shows your battery’s stateof working, the other part can still work if your parking brake doesn’t release charge in DC volts. When the engine is and stop you. For good braking, though, fully. If it stays on after your parking running, the gage showsthe condition of you need both parts working well. If the brake is fully released, it means you the charging system. Readings between warning light goes on, there could be a have a brake problem. the red warning zones indicate the brake problem. Have your brake system If the light comes on while driving,pull normal operating range. inspected right away. off the road and stop carefully.You may Readings in either red warning zone This light should come onas you start notice that the pedal is harder to push. indicate a possible problemin the the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. electrical system. Have your vehicle have it fixed so it will be readyto warn It may take longer to stop. If the light is serviced immediately. you if there’s a problem. still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See the Idaunder Towing Your Pontiac.)

96 I CAUTION Antidock BlakeSystem Warning Light see Brake System Warning Light earlier ’ Your brake system may not be With anti-lock, this light willgo on in this part. - working properly if the brake when you start your engine and may stay If the anti-lock brake system warning warning light is on. Driving with on for five secondsor so. That’s normal. light ever flashes, your anti-lock brake the brake warning light on can lead If the light doesn’t comeon, have it system is still working butneeds to an accident. If the light is still fixed so it will be ready to warn you if service. on after you’ve pulled off the road there is a problem. and stopped carefully, have the the light stays or comes on when vehicle towed for service. If on you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the key off. Then start the engine to reset the system. If the light stillstays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your Pontiac needs service. Unless the regular brake systemwarning light is also on, you will still have brakes, but not anti-lock brakes.If the regular brake system warning light is also on, Features & Controls

Shift Light(MANUAL TRANSAXLE) Malfunction IndicatorLamp This light comes on when you need to (Check EngineLight) shift to the next higher gear. See the A computer monitors operation of your If you keep driving your vehicle Index under Manual Transaxle. fuel, ignition and emission control with this light on, after a while the systems. This light should come on emission controls won’t work as when the ignition ison, but the engine well, your fuel economy won’t be is not running, as a checkto show you it as good and your engine may not is working. If it does not comeon at all, run as smoothly. This could lead to have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or costly repairs not coveredby your it comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating thatyou have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

m.. 98 c Check Gauges Lbhf This light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, check your various gages to see if they are in the warning zones. Notes 101 .’ Notes

. I09 ., . ,

Part 3 Comfort Controls &

..... Audio Systems

1n this part you’ll find out how to Climate Control System ...... 104 operate the comfort control systems Air Conditioning System ...... 105 and audio systems offered with your Settingtheclock ...... 109 Pontiac. Be sure to read about the AM/FM Stereo Radio ...... -109 particular system supplied with your Cassette Tape Player ...... 110 vehicle Compact Disc Player...... 111 . Understanding Radio Reception ...... 113 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ...... 113 Care of Your Compact Discs ...... 114 FixedMastAntenna ...... 114

103 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Climate Control System With this system, you can control the VENT Use when the outside DEF (Defrost): This setting directs ventilation and heating in your vehicle. temperature is mild, and little heating or most air through the windshield Your vehicle also has the flow-through cooling is needed. Air flow is through defroster vents, and some through the ventilation system described later in this the instrument panel outlets. Set the heater ducts. lower lever to the temperature desired. section. Defogging Windows Lever Controls: The upper lever B/L (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny To defog the windshield, slide both changes the functionsof your system. days. This setting brings in the outside The lower lever changes the temperature air, but directs it in two ways.The cool levers to the far right and move the fan of the air coming through the system. air is directed to the upper portion of control lever to HI. your body through the instrument panel outlets, but slightly warmer air is directed : Turns the system on and sets the through the heater ducts and defroster fan3f speed. To select the force of air you vents. At times this temperature difference want, move the lever. Move the lever to may be more apparent than others. OFF to turn off the system. HTR (Heater): This setting brings heated air through the heater ducts, and some through the windshield defroster vents.

104 B/L (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny days. This setting brings in the outside I Air Conditioning air, but directs it in two ways. The cool Air Conditioning System air is directed to the upperportion of (OPTION) The upper lever has threeair your body through the instrument panel he air conditioner and heater work conditioner settings. On very hot days, outlets, but slightly warmer air is est if you keep your windows closed open the windows long enough to let hotdirected through the heater ducts and lhile using them. Your vehicle also has inside air escape. This reduces the defroster vents. At times this le flow-through ventilation system amount of work your air conditioner's temperature differencemay be more escribed later in this section. compressor will have to do, which apparent than others. should help fuel economy. mer Controls: The upper lever The air conditioner compressor operates hanges the functions of your system. MAX (Maximum): Use for maximum in all A/C positions, and in DEF 'he lower lever changes the temperature cooling. This setting recirculates much (Defrost) when the outside temperature of the air inside your vehicle so it f the air coming through the system. is higher than about40°F (4.5"C). maximizes your air conditioner's : Sets the fan speed. To select the performance and your vehicle's fuel Ventilation 8 economy. xce of air you want: move the lever. Slide the upper lever toVENT. Air flow 'he fan is always running unless the NORM (Normal): Use for normal is through the instrument paneloutlets. pper lever is moved to OFF. cooling on hot days. This setting cools Set the lower lever tothe temperature outside air and directs it through the desired. instrument panel outlets.

105 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

PJ4001 Heating Defogging Windows with Sliding the upper leverto HTR (Heater) Air Conditioning System To Defog the Side Windows: and the lower lever tothe right will send To Defog the Windshield: Set the upper lever toB/L (Bi-Level) heated air through the heater ducts, and and the fan control to HI. Aim the side some through the defroster vents. Slide both levers to the far right and move the fan control lever to HI. vents toward the side windows. You can The air conditioner compressor doesn't close the center vents for increased air run in the VENT and HTR settings. flow to the sides. This reduces engine load, resulting in improved fuel economy. If either setting fails to keep you comfortable, or causes your windows to fog up, slide the upper lever to one of the A/C positions, or to DEF (Defrost). Defrosting The DEF setting directs most air through the defroster vents, and some through the heater ducts.

I.. '106 I Rear Window Defogger(omorv) Flow-Through Ventilation System The rear window defogger uses a Your Pontiac’s flow-through ventilation warming grid to remove fog from the Don’t use a razor blade or something system supplies outside air into the rear window. Push the @ button up else sharp on the inside of the rear vehicle when it is moving. Outside air window. If you do, you could cut will also enter the vehicle when the to turn on the defogger. The defogger or damage the warming grid, and heater or the air conditioning fan is will turn off automatically after about 10 the repairs wouldn’t be coveredby running. minutes of use. If you turn it on again, your warranty. the defogger will operate for about five minutes only. You can also turn the defogger off by pushing the button down or by turning off the ignition. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license across the defogger grid on the rear window.

107 ... Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

I Audio Systems The following pages describe the audio systems available for your Pontiac, how and to get the best performance from them. Please read about the system in your vehicle.

Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle-like a tape player, C I radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio-be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important todo it properly. Added sound equipment Flow-Through ventilation System may interfere with the operationof your vehicle’s engine, Delco@ radioor (CONI) other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systemsmg Ventilation Tips interfere withthe operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly. Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow, or any other obstruction So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer mu c ;un (such as leaves). The heater and check federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone units. defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. When you enter a vehiclein cold A Hearing damage from loudnoise is almost undetectable untilit is too weather, turn the blower fan to HI for ’ late. Your hearing can adapt to highervolumes of sound. Sound that a few moments before driving off. ~t;t;msnormal can be loud and harmful your to hearing. Take precautions by This helps clear the intake ductsof adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your snow and moisture, and reduces the hearing adapts toit. chance of fogging the inside of your windows. To help avoid hearing loss or damage: Keep the air path under the front seats 1. Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. clear of objects. This helps air to 2. Increase volume slowly untilyou hear comfortably and clearly. circulate throughout your vehicle. m.. 108 TUNE: Press the leftof this button to manually tune in radio stations lower on :

'~ap~,*wgss.~~~~~~~? iiii1. b FM band.

. .. . ,. ,, ,il , , . v . , :...e. .".., . .,." ., . AM/FM: Press this button to change ,., ,.~.,.l.:,T...-.;., . . .,. . ..., . .'. - PJ40t2 PJ4013 between the AM and FM bands. I BAL (Balance): Adjusts the leftkight Setting the Clock 1MFM Stereo Radio and fronthear speaker balance to your ~ No matter which audio system you have rhe digital display indicates information individual taste. When you change ' in your vehicle, setting the clock is easy. )n time or radio station frequency, the either adjustment, the bottomof the 1. With the ignition on and the radio on 4M or FM radio band, whether the digital screen will display the pointof or off, press SET. The SET indicator tation is in stereo, and other radio balance you have selected. For the will appear on the digital screen for unctions. normal setting preset at the factory, five seconds. INIOFF': Press to turn the radioon and press the centerof the balance control. 2. You must begin to set the clock tothe )ff when your ignition is on. TREB (Treble): Press the left of this correct hour and minute during those iOL (Volume): Press the left of this button to decrease treble,or the right to five seconds by depressing the SEEK utton to decrease the volume,or the increase it. For the normal setting preset and SCAN buttons. For some radios ight to increase it. The volume level at the factory, press the centerof the SEEK will set the hour, for othersit vill be displayed on the screen. button. sets the minute. For some radios, BASS: Press the leftof this button to SCAN will set the hour, for othersit decrease bass, or the right to increaseit. sets the minute. For the normal setting preset atthe factory, press the center of the button. IO9 ... Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

AM/FM Stereo Radio(CONT.) SCAN: Press to listen for a few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band; the scan will continue everyfew

seconds untilyou press SCAN again to .... stop on a particular station. .. PJ301B I SEEK: Each time you press SEEK, you Cassette Tape Player(OPTION) will tune in the next station on the AM Press ON/OFF to turn the radio on. REIYT (Repeat): Press this button to or FM radio band. Then push a cassette into the cassette repeat the selection just played. (There To Preset Radio Stations: door (the tape side goes in first).Do not must be at least a three-second gap The five pushbuttons under the digital use tapes that are longer than45 minutes between selections on the tape.) display can be used to preset up to10 on each side. PROG (Program): Press to change the radio stations (five AM and five FM FWD (Fast Forward): Press to advance side of tape being played. When the radio stations). the tape rapidly; press again to play. arrow pointing up is lighted, the 1 . Tune in the desired station. REV (Reverse): Press to reverse the selections listed on the top side of the tape rapidly; press again toplay. tape are played. Whenthe arrow 2. Press SET. The SET indicator will pointing down is lighted, selections appear on the digital screen for five SEEK: Press to light this button.When listed on the bottom sideof the tape are seconds. the light is on, the FWD and REV played. The tape player automatically 3. While the SET indicator is displayed, buttons will function as a “music begins playing the other side when it press one of the five pushbuttons. search,’’ stopping the tape at the next reaches the endof the taDe. Whenever you press this button again, selection on the tape. (There must be at the preset station will betuned in. least a three-second gap between selections on the tape.) 4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of five AM and five FM stations.

... I10 Compact Disc Player(opTIoN) This audio system has automatic Many of the controls for the radio also There may be too much moisture in Dolby B NR@to reduce background have functions for the compact disc the air (wait about one hour andtry @-_ noise on Dolby@ encoded tapes. Dolby@ player, as explained here. again). Noise Reduction is manufactured under Don’t use mini-discs that are called The player may be too hot, or the road license from Dolby Laboratories singles. They won’t eject. Use only full- may be too rough for the disc to play. Licensing Corporation. Dolby@ and size compact discs. As soon as things get back to normal, the CO symbol are trademarks of the disc shouldplay. Dolby Laboratories Licensing 1. Press the ON/OFF button to turn on Corporation. the power. While a disc is playing, theCD 2. Insert a disc part-way into the slot, indicator is displayedon the digital CrO,: This button sets tape bias. When screen on the CD player. playing high-bias chromeor metal tapes, with the label side up. The player press the button toturn the button light will pull it in. Within a few seconds, RCL (Recall): Press this button once to on. When playing standard tapes, press the disc should play. see which track is playing. Press again again to turn the light off. If the disc comes back out and/orErr to see how long your selection has been appears on the display: playing. The track number will be EJCT (Eject): Press to have the cassette displayed when the volume is changed tape ejected (the radio will then play). The disc may be upside down. or a new track starts to play. The EJCT button will function even if The disc may be dirty, scratched or the ignition is off. SCAN: Press this button to sample ten wet. seconds of each track. Press again to stop scanning.

111 II.. Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Compact Disc Player (conrx) ATRAKk Press CI'RAK to play a When Finished with the Compact EJCT (Eject): Press to eject the disc; track again. Press it more than once to Disc Player: the radio will play. The disc willstart at play earlier tracks. Press TRAK, and If you press the ON/OFF button or turn track one when you reinsert it. The release to go to the next selection before off the ignition, the disc will stay in the EJCT button will function even when the current selection has ended. Pressit player and start again when you turn on the ignition is off. more than once to advance to higher the ignition or power switch. The disc tracks. will begin playing at the point where it COMP (Compression): Pressing this had stopped earlier. button makes soft and loud passages STOP Press to stop the disc player; the more equal in volume. Press again to radio will play. Press again to play the resume normal play. disc (the player will start playing the disc where it was stopped earlier). STOP will appear in the CD player display when this function is selected. Understanding Radio Reception Care of bur Cassette Tape I FM Stereo AM Player FM Stereo will give you the bestsound, The range for mostAM stations is A tape player thatis not cleaned but FM signals will reach only about10 greater than forFM, especially at night. regularly can cause reduced sound to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings The longer range, however, cancause quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged or hills can interfere with FM signals, stations to interfere with each other.AM mechanism. Cassette tapes should be causing the soundto come and go. can also pick up noise from things like stored in their cases away from storms and power lines. To lower this contaminants, direct sunlight, and noise, try reducing thetreble level. extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may Stereo not operate properlyor cause failure of AM the tape player. Your Delco@ system maybe able to receive C-Quam@ stereo broadcasts. Your tape player should be cleaned Many AM stations aroundthe country regularly each month or after every 15 use C-Quam@ to produce stereo, though hours of use. If you notice a reduction in some do not. C-Quam@is a registered sound quality, try a known good cassette trademark of Motorola, Inc. If your to see if the tapeor the tape player is at Delco@ system can getC-Quam@ fault. If this other cassette has no signals, your stereo indicator light will improvement in sound quality, clean the come on when you are receiving it. tape player. 113 ... Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Care of Your Cassette Tape Care of Your Compact Discs I Fixed Mast Antenna Player (CONT.) Handle discs carefully. Store them in The fixed mast antenna can withstand Clean your tape player with a wiping- their original casesor other protective most car washes without being action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, cases and away from direct sunlightand damaged. If the mast should ever and follow the directions provided with dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, become slightly bent,you can straighten it. dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, Cassettes are subject to wear and the neutral detergent solution and clean it, as it might be by vandals, you should sound quality may degrade over time. wiping from the center to the edge. replace it. Always make sure that the cassette tape Be sure never to touch the signal surface Check every once in a while to be sure is in good condition beforeyou have when handling discs. Pick up discsby the mast is still tightened tothe fender. your tape player serviced. grasping the outer edgesor the edge of the hole and the outer edge. otes Notes

888 116 L a

Your Driving and the Road

HereYOU’II find information about RoadSigns ...... 118 driving on differentkinds of roads Defensive Driving ...... 122 and in varying weather conditions. DrunkenDriving ...... 123 We’ve also included many other Control of a Vehicle ...... 125 useful tips ondriving . Braking ...... 126 Anti-Lock Brakes ...... 128 SteeringTips ...... 132 Steering in Emergencies ...... 133 Passing ...... 134 DrivingatNight ...... 137 Driving in the Rain ...... 139 Driving in Fog. Mist and Haze ...... 142 CityDriving ...... 143 Freeway Driving ...... 144 Driving a Long Distance ...... 146 HillandMountainRoads ...... 148 ParkingonHills ...... 149 Winter Driving ...... 151 TowingaTrailer ...... 155 117 ... Your Driving and the Road

I

DO NOT WRONG RR ADVANCENARROWPASSING NO ENTER WAYZONE BRIDGECROSSING Color of Road Signs Yellow indicates a general warning. Red means Stop. It may also indicate Slow down and be careful when yousee Road Signs that some movementis not allowed. a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad The road signs you see everywhere are Examples are Do Not Enter and Wrong crossing ahead, a no passing zone,or coded by color and shape. It’s a good Way. some other potentially dangerous idea to know these codes so that you can situation. Likewise, a yellow solid line quickly grasp the basic meaningor painted on the road meansDon’t Cross. intent of the sign even before you have a chance to read it.

HOSPITAL INFORMATION Green is used to guide the driver. Green Blue signs with white letters show signs may indicate upcoming freeway motorists’ services. exits or show the direction you should turn to reach a particular place.

8..I* 118 LOW WORKERS FIAGGER SHOULDER AHEAD AHEAD AHEADSHOULDER

Orange indicates road construction or Shape of Road Signs A diamond-shaped sign is a warning of ’ maintenance. You’ll want to slow down The shape of the sign will tellyou something ahead-for example, a curve, when you see an orange sign,as part of something, too. steep hill, soft shoulder, or a narrow bridge. the road may be closedoff or torn up. An octagonal (eight-sided) sign means And there may be workers and Stop. It is always red with white letters. maintenance vehicles around, too.

c ..

L YIELD

CANOEING SWIMMING Brown signs point out recreation areas A triangle, pointed downward, indicates A triangular sign also is used on two- or points of historic or cultural interest. Yield. It assigns the right of way to . lane roads to indicatea No Passing traffic on certain approaches to an Zone. This sign will be on the left side intersection. of the roadway. 11s . Your Driving and the Road

KEEP LEFT OR RIGHT TURN RIGHT THROUGH ONLY Shape of Road Signs(CONT.) Symbols on Road Signs Traffic lights Rectangular (square or oblong) signs There are many international road signs We’re all familiar with traffic lights or show speed limits, parking regulations, in use today. stop lights. Often green arrows are being give directions and such information as used in the lights for improved traffic distances to cities. control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that traffic in one or more lanes canmove or make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean “gono matter what.” You’ll still need to proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and sometimes to other vehicles. Some traffic lights also use red arrows to signify that you must stop before turning on red.

NO U NO NO TURN PARKING BICYCLES The basic message of many of these signs is in pictures or graphic symbols. A picture within a circle with a diagonal line across it shows whatnot to do. ... 120 bur Own Sgnals. Drivers signal to others,too. It’s not only more polite, it’s safeto let other drivers know what you are doing. And in some places thelaw requires driver signals. REVERSIBLE LANE ON MULTILANE ROADWAY NO PASSING ZONE Turn and Lane Change Signals: Always signal when you plan to turn or Pavement Markings change lanes. Many city roads and expressways, and Pavement markings add to traffic signs If necessary, you can use hand signals even bridges, use reversible-lane traffic and signals. They give information to out the window: Left arm straight out control during rush hours.A red X light drivers without taking attention fromthe for a left down for slow or about- roadway. A solid yellow line on your turn, above a lane meansno driving in that to-stop, and up for a rightturn. lane at that time.A green arrow means side of the road or lane means Don’t you may drive in that lane.Look for the Cross. Slowing Down: If time allows, tap the signs posted to warn drivers whathours brake pedal once or twicein advance of and days these systemsare in effect. slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you. Disabled: Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicleis disabled or isa hazard. See the Indm under Hazard Warning Flashers. TMkOflicer The traffic police officeris also a source of important information.The officer’s signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other signs say. The next section discusses someof the road conditions you may encounter. I21 888 Your Driving and the Road

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about Expect other drivers torun stop signs distance. It’s the best defensive driving driving is: Drive defensively. when you are on a through street. Be maneuver, in both city and rural Please start with a very important safety ready to brakeif necessary as you go driving. You never know when the device in your Pontiac: Buckle up. (See through intersections. You may not have vehicle in frontof you is going to brake the Idaunder Safety Belts.) to use the brake, butif you do, you will or turn suddenly. be ready. Defensive driving really means “be Here’s a final bit of information about ready for anything.” On city streets, If you’re driving through a shopping defensive driving. The most dangerous rural roads, or freeways, it means center parking lot where thereare well- time for driving in theU.S. is very early “always expect the unexpected.” marked lanes, directional arrows, and on Sunday morning. In fact, GM designated parking areas, expect some Research studies show that the most and Assume that pedestriansor other drivers drivers to ignore all these markings and the least dangerous times for driving, are going to be careless and make dash straight towardone part of the lot. every week, fall on the same day. That mistakes. Anticipate what they might day is Sunday. The most dangerous time do. Be ready for their mistakes. Pedestrians can be careless.Watch for them. In general, you must give way to is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The Expect children to dash out from behindpedestrians even if you know you have safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to parked cars, often followedby other the right of way. 11 a.m. Driving the same distanceon a children. Expect occupants in parked Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more cars to open doors into traffic. Watch for Rear-end collisions are about the most dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about movement in parked cars-someone preventable of accidents. Yet they are 134 times more dangerous! common. Allow enough following may be about to opena door, That leads to the next section. m.. 122 Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with Just how much alcohol istoo much if a drinking and driving is a national person plans to drive? Ideally, no one According to the American Medical tragedy. It’s the number one contributor should drink alcohol and then drive. But Assaciatim, a 180-pound (82 kg) person to the highway death toll, claiming if one does, then what’s “too much”? It who drinks three l2-ounce (355 ml) thousands of victims every year. can be a lot less than many might think. bottles of beer in an hour will end up Alcohal takes away three things that Although it depends on each personand with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The anyone needs to drive a vehicle: situation, here is some general person would reach thesame J3AC by information on the problem. ml) 0 Judgment drinking three 4-ounce(120 glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each Muscular Coordination The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon had 1% ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like Vision four things: whiskey, gin or vodka. Police records show that halfof all How much alcohol is in the drink. It’s the mount of alcohol that counts. motor vehicle-related deaths involve For example, if the same persondrank alcohol-a driver, a passenger or The drinker’s body weight. three double martinis (3 ounces or someone else, suchas a pedestrian, had The amount of food that is consumed 90 nil of liquor each) withinan hour, been drinking. In most cases, these before and during drinking. the person’s BAC would be close to deaths are the resultof someone who 0 The length of time it has taken the 0.12 percent. A personwho consumes was drinking and driving. Over25,000 drinker to consume thealcohol. food just before or during drinking will motor vehicle-related deaths occur each have a slightly lowerBAC level. year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured. Your Driving and the Road

3 HOURS

NUMBEF; shows that the driving skillsof many OF DRINK people are impaired at a BAG (as in picture) approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at Fk4C levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increasessharply for driverswho have aMC of O.05 percent or above. A driver with aBAG level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one I 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 Dmken Driving (CONXI percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a The law in most U.S. states sets the Of course, as we've seen, it depends on level of percent, the chancesare the drinks, 0.15 legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In how much alcoholis in and twenty-five times greater! And, the Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in how quickly the persondrinks them. body takes about an hour to rid itself of some other countriesit's lower than But it's very important to keep in mind the alcohol in one drink.No amount of that. The BAC will be over0.10 percent that the ability todrive is afkcted well coffee or number of cold showerswill after three to six drinks (in one hour). below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research speed that up. I4l@4 Control of a Vehicle n “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. he chance Of a crash itselfis higher for You have three systems that make your What if there’s an emergency, a need to lrinking drivers. vehicle go where you want it to go. take sudden action, as whena child They are the brakes, thesteeringand the darts into the street?A person with a NUI IUIV accelerator. All three systems have todo higher BAC might not be able to react their work at the places where thetires quickly enough to avoid the collision. A Drinking and then driving is I meetthe road. h very dangerous. Your reflexes, There’s something else about drinking perceptions, and judgment will be Sometimes, as when you’re driving on and driving that many people don’t affected by even a small amount of snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of know. Medical research shows that alcohol. You could have a those control systems than the tires and alcohol in a person’s system can make serious-or even fatal-accident if road can provide. That means you can crash injuries worse. That’s especially you drive after drinking. Please lose control of your vehicle. true for brain, spinal cord and heart don’t drink and drive or ride with a I injuries. That means thatif anyone who driver who has been drinking. has been drinking-driver or Ride home ina cab; or if you’re passenger-is in a crash, the chanceof with a group, designate a driver being killed or permanently disabledis who will notdrink. higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that Your Driving and the Road

. .. Braking Braking action involvesperception time And, of course, actual stopping Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting your and reaction time. distances vary greatly with the surface left foot rest lightly on the brakepedal First, you have to decide to pushon the of the road (whether it’s pavementor while driving. brake pedal. That’s perception time. gravel); the condition of the road (wet, Then you have to bring up your foot and dry, icy); tire tread; and the conditionof do it. That’s reaction time. your brakes. Average reaction time is about % of a Most drivers treat their brakes with second. But that’s only an average. It care. Some, however, overwork the might be less with onedriver and as braking system with poor driving habits. long as two or three seconds or more Avoid needless heavy braking. Some with another. Age, physical condition, people drive in spurts-heavy alertness, coordination and eyesight all acceleration followed by heavy play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and braking-rather than keeping pace frustration. But even in % of a second, a with traffic. This is a mistake. Your vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) brakes may not have time to cool travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a between hard stops. Your brakes will lot of distance in an emergency, so wear out much faster if youdo a lot of keeping enough space between your heavy braking. vehicle and others is important.

126 1 CAUTION NOTICE I If your engine ever stops whileyou’re “Riding” your brakes can “Riding” the brakes wears them driving, brake normally but don’t cause them to overheat to the out much faster. You would need pump your brakes. If you do, the pedr point that they won’t work well. costly brake replacement much may get harder to push down.If your You might not be able to stop your sooner than normal, and it also engine stops, you will still have some vehicle in time to avoid an reduces fuel economy. power brake assist. But you will use it accident. If you “ride” your when you brake. Once the power brakes, they will get so hot they If assist is used up, itmay take longer to will require a lot of pedal force to ’you keep pace withthe traffic and a1 Uow realistic following distances, you stop and the brake pedal will be slow you down. Avoid “riding” the rill eliminate a lot of unnecessary harder to push. brakes. w b:raking. That means better braking and longer1- brake life.

127 Your Driving and the Road

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your Pontiac has an advanced electronic After an ABS stop, you may hear a Iere’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say braking system that will help prevent clicking noise thenext time the vehicle ne road is wet. You’re driving safely. skidding. goes about 4 mph (6 km/h). luddenly an animaljumps out in front This light on the instrument panel will If there’s a problem with the anti-lock If you. go on when you start your vehicle. brake system, the anti-lock brake system lou slam on the brakes. Here’s what When you start your vehicle and begin warning light will stay on or flash. Lappens with ABS. to drive away you may hear a See the Index under Anti-Lock Brake i computer senses that wheels are momentary motor or clicking noise and System Warning Light. lowing down. The computer separately you may even notice that your brake vorks the brakes at each front wheel pedal moves a little while this is going .nd at the rear wheels. on. This is the ABS system testing itself. :he anti-lock system can change the If you have your foot on the brake pedal, rake pressure faster thanany driver this check won’t happen until the vehicle :ould. The computer is programmed to goes about 4 mph (6 km/h) or until you nake the most of available tire and road take your foot off the brake pedal. :onditions. x3008 Disc Brake Wear Indicators Your Pontiac has frontdisc brakes and You can steer around the obstacle while To Use Anti-Lock: rear drum brakes. Disc brake padshave braking hard. As you brake, your Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the built-in wear indicators that makea computer keeps receiving updates on brake pedal down andlet anti-lock work high-pitched warning sound when the wheel speed and controls braking for you. When you start your vehicle brake pads are worn and new pads are pressure accordingly. and begin todrive away, you may notice needed. The soundmay come and go or that your brake pedal movesa little be heard all the time your vehicleis while this is going on. A brief moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly). Anti-lock doesn’t change the mechanical noise is normal. This is the ABS system testing itself. You also may time you need to get your foot hear a clicking noise as you accelerate CAUTION up to the brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of after a hard stop. A The brake wear warning you, you won’t have time to apply -sound means that sooner or your brakes if that vehicle suddenly later your brakes won’t work well. slows or stops. Always leave enough That could lead to an accident. room up ahead to stop, even though When you hear the brake wear you have anti-lock brakes. warning sound, have your vehicle serviced. Your Driving andthe Road

Disc Brake Wear Indicators Rear Drum Brakes Brake Pedal Travel (CONX) Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear See your dealer if the brakepedal does indicators, butif you ever hear a rear not return to normal height, orif there brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This Continuing to drive with worn-out linings inspected. Also, the rear brake could be a sign of brake trouble. brake pads brake c V drums should be removed and inspected brake repair. each time the tiresare removed for rotation or changing. When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear Some driving conditionsor climates brakes inspected, too. may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first appliedor lightly Brake linings should always be replaced applied. This does not mean something as complete axle sets. is wrong with your brakes.

... 130 Brake Adjustment Braking In Emergencies Power Steering Every time you make a moderate brake Use your anti-lock braking system when If you lose power steering assist because stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If you need to. With anti-lock, you can the engine stopsor the system fails to you rarely make a moderateor heavier steer and brake at the same time.In function, you can steer but it will take stop, then your brakes might not adjust many emergencies, steering can help much more effort. correctly. If you drive in that way, you more than even the very best then-very carefully-make a few braking. moderate brake stops about every1,OOO miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly. If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.

131 Your Driving andthe Road

Steering Tips-Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a While you’re in a curve, speed is the If you need to reduce your speed as you reasonable speed. one factor you can control. approach a curve, do it beforeyou enter A lot of the “driver lost control” Suppose you’re steering through a sharp the curve, while your front wheels are accidents mentioned on the news happen curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. straight ahead. on curves. Here’s why: Those two controlsystems-steering Try to adjust yourspeed so you can Experienced driver or beginner, each of and acceleration-can overwhelm those “drive” through the curve. Maintain a us is subject to the same lawsof physics places where the tires meet the road and reasonable, steady speed. Wait to when driving on curves. The traction of make you lose control. accelerate untilyou are out of the curve, the tires against the road surface makes What should you do if this ever and then accelerate gently into the it possible for the vehicle to change its happens? Let up on the accelerator straightaway. path when you turn the front wheels.If pedal, steer the vehicle the way you When you drive into a curve at night, there’s no traction, inertia will keepthe want it to go, and slow down. it’s harder to see the road aheadof you vehicle going in the samedirection. If Speed limit signs near curveswarn that because it bends away from the straight you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on you should adjust your speed. Of beams of your lights. This is one good wet ice, you’ll understand this. course, the posted speeds are based on reason to drive slower. The traction you can get in a curve good weather and road conditions. depends on the conditionof your tires Under less favorable conditions you’ll and the road surface, the angle at which want to go slower. the curve is banked, and your speed. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you Steering in Emergencies are holding the steering wheelat he Off-Road Recovery There are times when steering can be recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, You may find sometime that your right more effective than braking. For you can turn it a full 180 degrees very wheels have droppedoff the edgeof a example, you come over a hill and find a quickly without removing either hand. road onto the shoulder while you’re truck stopped in your lane, or a car But you have to act fast, steer quickly, driving. suddenly pulls out from nowhere, ora and just as quickly straighten the wheel If the level ofthe shoulderis only child darts out from between parked once you have avoided the object. You slightly below the pavement, recovery cars and stops right in frontof you. You must then be prepared to steer back to should be fairly easy. Ease off the can avoid these problemsby braking-if your original lane and then brake toa accelerator and then, ifthere is nothing you can stop in time. But sometimes you controlled stop. in the way, steer so thatyour vehicle can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time Depending on your speed, this can be straddles the edgeof the pavement. You for evasive action-steering around the rather violent for an unprepared driver. can turn the steering wheel up to ?A turn problem. This is one of the reasons driving until the right fronttire contacts the Your Pontiac can perform very well in experts recommend that you use your pavement edge. Then turn your steering emergencies like these. First apply your safety belts and keep both hands on the wheel to go straight down the roadway. brakes. It is better to remove asmuch steering wheel. If the shoulder appears to be about four speed as you can from a possible The fact that such emergency situations inches (100 mm) or more below the collision. Then steer around the are always possible is a good reason to pavement, this difference can cause problem, to the leftor right depending practice defensive driving at all times. problems. If there is not enough room to on the space available. 133 Your Driving andthe Road

Off-Road Recovery (conv Passing pull entirely onto the shoulder and stop, The driver of a vehicle about to pass So here are some tips for passing: then follow the same procedures. Butif another on a two-lane highway waits for “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, the right front tire scrubs against the just the right moment, accelerates, to the sides, and to crossroads for side of the pavement,do not steer more moves around the vehicle ahead, then situations that might affect your sharply. With too much steering angle, goes back into the right lane again. A passing patterns. If you have any doub the vehicle may jump back onto the road simple maneuver? whatsoever about making a successful with so much steering input thatit Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle pass, wait for a better time. crosses over into the oncoming traffic on a two-lane highwayis a potentially Watch for traffic signs, pavement before you can bring it back under dangerous move, since the passing markings, and lines. If you can see a control. Instead, ease off again on the vehicle occupies the same laneas sign up ahead that might indicatea accelerator and steering input, straddle oncorning traffic for several seconds. A turn or an intersection, delay your the pavement once more, thentry again. miscalculation, an error in judgment, or pass. A broken center line usually a brief surrender to frustration or anger indicates it’s all right to pass can suddenly put the passing driver face (providing the road ahead is clear). to face with the worstof all traffic Never cross a solid line on your side accidents-the head-on collision. of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

... 134 If you suspect that the driver of the clear to pass, you will have a “running see its front in your inside mirror, vehicle you want to pass isn’t aware of start” that more than makes up for the activate your right lane change signal your presence, tap the horn a couple distance you would lose by dropping and move back into the rightlane. r of times before passing. back. And if something happens to (Remember that your right outside Do not get too close to the vehicle you cause you to cancel your pass,you mirror is convex. The vehicleyou just want to pass while you’re awaiting an need only slow down and drop back passed may seem to be further away opportunity. For one thing, following again and wait for another opportunity. from you than it really is.) too closely reduces your area of If other cars are lined up to passa Try not to pass more thanone vehicle vision, especially if you’re following a slow vehicle, wait yourturn. But take at a time on two-lane roads. larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have care that someone isn’t trying to pass Reconsider before passing the next adequate space if the vehicle ahead you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a vehicle. Remember to glance over Don’t overtake a slowly moving reasonable distance. your shoulder and check the blind vehicle too rapidly. Even though the When it looks likea chance to pass is spot. brake lights are not flashing, it may be coming up, start to accelerate but stay Check your mirrors, glance over your slowing down or starting to turn. in the right lane and don’t get too shoulder, and start your left lane If you’re being passed, makeit easy close. Time your move so ,you will be change signal before moving outof the for the followingdriver to get ahead of increasing speed as the time comes to right lane to pass. Whenyou are far you. Perhaps you can ease a little to move into the other lane. If the way is enough ahead of the passed vehicle to the right.

135 I.. Your Driving and the Road

Loss of Control Skidding Let’s review what driving experts say In a skid, a driver can lose controlof a corner on a wet, snow- or ice-covered about what happens when thethree the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid road), ease your foot off the accelerator control systems (brakes, steering and most skids by taking reasonable care pedal as soon as you feel the vehicle acceleration) don’t have enough friction suited to existing conditions,and by not start to slide. Quickly steer theway you where the tires meet the road to do what“overdriving” those conditions. But want the vehicle to go. If you start the driver has asked. skids are always possible. steering quickly enough, your vehicle In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep The three types of skids correspondto will straighten out. As it does, straighten trying to steer and constantly seek an your Pontiac’s three control systems. In the front wheels. escape routeor area of less danger. the braking skid your wheels aren’t Of course, traction is reduced when rolling. In the steering or cornering water, snow, ice, gravel, or other skid, too much speed or steering in a material is on the road. For safety, you’ll curve causes tires to slip and lose want to slow down and adjust your cornering force. And in the acceleration driving to these conditions. It is skid too much throttle causes the drivingimportant to slow down on slippery wheels to spin. surfaces because stopping distance will A cornering skid and an acceleration be longer and vehicle control more skid are best handled by easing your limited. foot off the accelerator pedal.If your While driving on a surface with reduced vehicle starts to slide (as whenyou turn traction, try your best to avoid sudden 136 ‘I

F

Driving at Night steering, acceleration, or braking Night driving is more dangerous than Since you can’t see as well, you may (including engine brakingby shifting to day driving. One reasonis that some need to slow down and keepmore a lower gear). Any sudden changes drivers are likely to be impaired-by space between you and other vehicles. could cause the tires to slide.You may alcohol or drugs, with night vision It’s hard to tell howfast the vehicle not realize the surface is slippery until problems, or by fatigue. ahead is going just by looking at its your vehicle is skidding. Learn to Here are some tips on night driving. taillights. recognize warning clues-such as Slow down, especially on higher enough water, ice or packed snow on Drive defensively. Remember, this is the most dangerous time. speed roads. Your headlights can light the road to make a “mirrored up only so much road ahead. Don’t drink and drive. (See theIndex surface”-and slow down when you In remote areas, watch foranimals. have any doubt. under Drunken Driving for more on this problem.) If you’re tired, pull off the road in a Remember: Any anti-lock braking system safe place andrest. (ABS) helps avoid only the braking Adjust your inside rearview mirror to skid. Steer theway you want to go. reduce the glare from headlights behind you.

137 ’ ’ Your Driving andthe Road

Night Vision High Beams No one can see as well at night as in the shielded from that glaremay adjust If the vehicle approaching you has its daytime. But as we get older these more quickly to darkness back on the high beams on, signal by flicking yours differences increase. A 50-year-old road. But be sure to remove your to high and then back to low beam. This driver may require at least twice as sunglasses before you leave the service is the usual signal to lower the headlight much light to see the same thing at nightarea. beams. If the other driver still doesn’t as a 20-year-old. You can be temporarily blindedby lower the beams, resist the temptation to What you do in the daytime canalso approaching lights. It can takea second put your high beams on. This only affect your night vision. For example, if or two, or even several seconds, for your makes two half-blinded drivers. you spend the day in bright sunshine you eyes to readjust to thedark. When you On a freeway, use your high beams only are wise to wear sunglasses.Your eyes are faced with severe glare (as froma in remote areas where you won’t impair will have less trouble adjusting to night. driver who doesn’t lower the high approaching drivers. In some places, But if you’re driving, don’t wear beams, or a vehicle with misaimed like cities, using high beams is illegal. sunglasses at night.They may cut down headlights), slow down a little. Avoid When you follow another vehicle ona on glarefrom headlights, but they also staring directly into the approaching freeway or highway, use low beams.. make a lot of things invisible that should lights. If there is a line of opposing True, most vehicles now have day-night remain visible-such as parked cars, traffic, make occasional glances over the mirrors that enable the driver to reduce obstacles, pedestrians, or even trains line of headlights to make certain that glare. But outside mirrors are notof this blocking railway crossings. You may one of the vehicles isn’t starting to move type and highbeams from behind can want to put on your sunglasses after you into your lane. Onceyou are past the bother the driver ahead. have pulled into a brightly-lighted bright lights, give your eyes time to service or refreshment area. Eyes readjust before resuming speed. aaa I38 A Few MOE NiMt Dniving Driving in the Rain Suggestions Remember that your headlights light up Rain and wet roads can mean driving Keep your windshield andall the glass hr less of a roadway when you are in a trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, on your vehicle clean-inside and out. turn or curve. accelerate or turn as well because your Glare at nightis made much wow by Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dirt on the glass. Even the insideof the easier to pickout dimly lighted objects. dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have glass can build up afilm caused by dust. much tread left, you’ll get even less Just as your headlights should be traction. Tobacco smoke also makes inside glass checked regularly forproper aim, so surfaces very filmyand can be a vision should your eyesbe examined regularly. It’s always wise to go slower and be hazard if it’s left there. Some drivers suffer from night cautious if rain starts to M1 while you Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and blindness-the inability to see in dim are driving. The surface may get wet flash more than clean glass would, light-and aren’t even aware of it. suddenly when your reflexesare tuned making the pupils of your eyes contract for driving ondry pavement. repeatedly. You might even want tokeep The heavier the rain, the harder it is to a cloth and some glass cleaner in your see. Even ifyour windshield wiper vehicle if you need to clean your glass blades are in good shape, a heavy rain frequently. can rnake it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people Your Driving and the Road I

Driving in the Rain (CONT) CAUTION walking. Road spray can often be worse Driving too fast through large water A I for vision than rain, especially ifit puddles or even going through some car Wet brakes can cause comes from a dirty road. washes can cause problems, too. The - accidents.They won’t work So it is wise to keep your wiping water may affect your brakes. Try to well in a quick stop and may cause equipment in good shape and keep your avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to pulling to one side. You could lose windshield washer tank filled. Replace slow down beforeyou hit them. control of the vehicle. your windshield wiper inserts when they After driving through a large show signs of streaking or missing areas puddle of water or a car wash, on the windshield, or when strips of apply your brake pedal lightly until rubber start to separate from the inserts. your brakes work normally.

.I. 140 Hydroplaning Some Other Rainy WeatherTips Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But Turn on your headlights-not just your water can build up under your tires that it can if your tires haven’t much treador parking lights-to help make you more they can actually ride on the water. This if the pressure in oneor more is low. It visible to others. can happen if the road is wet enough can happen if a lot of wateris standing Look for hard-to-see vehicles coming and you’re going fast enough. When on the road. If you can see reflections from behind. You may want to use your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little from trees, telephone poles,or other your headlights even in daytime if it’s or no contact with the road. vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the raining hard. You might not be aware of hydroplaning. water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. Besides slowing down, allow some You could drive along for some time extra following distance. And be without realizing your tires aren’tin Hydroplaning usually happensat higher especially careful when you pass constant contact with the road.You speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast another vehicle. Allow yourself more could find out the hard way:when you rule about hydroplaning. The best clear room ahead, and be prepared to have to slow, turn, move out to pass-or advice is to slow down when it is have your view restricted by road if you get hit bya gustof wind. You could raining, and be careful. spray. If the road spray is so heavy you suddenly find yourself out of control. are actually blinded, drop back. Don’t pass until conditions improve. Going more slowly is better than having an accident. Use your defogger if it helps. Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See the Idex under Rres.) 141 Your Driving and the Road

Tips on Driving in Fog Everybody then has a better chance to If you get caught in fog, turn your

, avoid hitting the vehicle ahead. , headlights on low beam, even in Driving in Fog, Mist andHaze A patch of dense fog may extend only daytime. You’ll see-and be seen- for a few feet (meters) or for miles better. Use your fog lights if your Fog can occur with high humidityor vehicle has them. heavy frost. It can be so mild thatyou (kilometers); you can’t really tell while can see through it for several hundred you’re in it. You can only treat the Don’t use your high beams. The light feet (meters). Or it might be so thick situation with extreme care. will bounce off the water droplets that that you can see only a few feet (meters) One common fog condition-sometimes make up fog and reflect back at you. ahead. It may come suddenly to an called mist or ground fog-can happen Use your defogger. In high humidity, otherwise clear road. And it can be a in weather that seems perfect, especially even a light buildup of moisture on the major hazard. at night or in the early morning in valley inside of the glass will cut down on your When you drive into a fog patch, your and low, marshy areas. You can be already limited visibility. Run your visibility will be reduced quickly.The suddenly enveloped in thick, wet haze windshield wipers and washer biggest dangers are striking the vehicle that may even coat your windshield. You occasionally. Moisture can build up on ahead or being struckby the one can often spot these fog patchesor mist the outside glass, and what seems to be behind. Try to “read” the fog density layers with your headlights. But fog may actually be moisture on the down the road. If the vehicle ahead sometimes they can be waiting for you outside of your windshield. starts to become less clear or, at night,if as you come over a hill or dip into a Treat dense fog as an emergency. Try to the taillights are harder to see, the fog is shallow valley. Start your windshield find a place to pull off the road. Of probably thickening. Slow down to give wipers and washer to help clear course you want to respect another’s traffic behind you a chance to slow accumulated road dirt. Slow down property, but you might need to put down. carefully. mmm 142 City Driving- something between you and moving One of the biggest problems with city Treat a green lightas a warning vehicles-space, trees, telephone poles, streets is the amount of traffic on them. signal. A traffic lightis there because a private driveway, anything that You’ll want to watch out for what the the corner is busy enough to need it. removes you from other traffic. other drivers are doing and pay attention When a light turns green, and just If visibility is near zero andyou must to traffic signals. before you start to move, check both stop but are unsure whetheryou are Here are ways to increase your safety in ways for vehicles that have not cleared away from the road, turn your lights on, city driving: the intersectionor may be running the red light. start your hazard warning flashers, and Know the best way to get to whereyou sound your horn at intervalsor when are going. Try not to drive around Obey all posted speed limits. But you hear approaching traffic. trying to pick out a familiar streetor remember that they are for ideal road, Pass other vehicles in fog only if you landmark. Get a citymap and plan weather and visibility conditions. You can see far enough aheadto pass safely. your trip into an unknownpart of the may need to drive below the posted Even then, be prepared to delay your city just as you would for a cross- limit in bad weather or when visibility pass if you suspect the fog is worse up country trip. is especially poor. ahead. If other vehicles try to passyou, Try to use the freeways thatrim and Pull to the right (withcare) and stop make it easy for them. crisscross most large cities. You’ll save clear of intersections when you see or time and energy. (See the next section, hear emergency vehicles. Freeway Driving.) Your Driving and the Road

Freeway Driving Entering the Freeway Driving on the Freeway Mile for mile, freeways (also called At the entrance thereis usually a ramp Once you are on the freeway, adjust thruways, parkways, expressways, that leads to thefreeway. If you have a your speed to the posted limitor to the turnpikes, or superhighways) are the clear view of the freeway as you drive prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the safest of all roads. But they have their along the entrance ramp, you should right lane unless you want to pass. If own special rules. begin to check traffic. Try to determine you are on a two-lane freeway, treat the The most important advice on freeway where you expect to blend with the flow. right lane as the slow lane and the left driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep If traffic is light,you may have no lane as the passing lane. to the right. Drive at the same speed problem. But if it is heavy, find a gap as If you are on a three-lane freeway, treat most of the other drivers are driving. you move along the entering lane and the right lane as the slower-speed Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a time your approach. Try to merge into through lane, the middle lane as the smooth traffc flow. Treat the left lane the gap at close to the prevailing speed. higher-speed through lane, and the left on a freeway as a passing lane. Switch on yourturn signal, check your lane as the passing lane. rearview mirrors as you move along, and glance over your shoulder as often Before changing lanes, check your as necessary. Try to blend smoothly rearview mirrors. Then use yourturn with the traffc flow. signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot, I Leaving the Freeway If you are moving from an outside to a When you want to leave the freeway, extra time and flash your brake lights(in center lane on a freeway having more move to the properlane well in advance. addition to yourturn signal) as extra I than two lanes, make sure another Dashing across lanes at the last minute warning that you are about to slow vehicle isn't about to move into the sameis dangerous. If you miss your exit do down and exit. spot. Look at the vehicles two lanes not, under any circumstances, stop and The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes over and watch for telltale signs: turn back up. Drive on to the next exit. quite sharply. The exit speedis usually signals flashing, an increase in speed, or At each exit pointis a deceleration lane. posted. Reduce your speed according to moving toward the edge of the lane. Be Ideally it should be long enough for you your speedometer, not to your sense of prepared to delay your move. to enter it at freeway speed (after motion. After driving forany distance at Once you are moving on the freeway, signaling, of course) and then do your higher speeds, you may tend to think make certain you allow a reasonable braking before moving onto the exit you are going slower than you actually following distance. Expect to move ramp. Unfortunately, not all deceleration are. For example, 40 mph (65 h/h) slightly slower at night. lanes are long enough-some are too might seem like only20 mph (30 km/h). short for all the braking. Decide when Obviously, this could lead toserious to start braking. If you must brake on trouble on a ramp designed for20 mph the through lane, and if there is traffic (30 km/h)! close behind you, you can allow alittle

145 Your Driving andthe Road

Driving a Long Distance Before Leaving ona Long Trip Although most longtrips today are Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well Here are some thingsyou can check made on freeways, there are still many rested. If you must start when you’re not before a trip: made on regular highways. fresh-such as after a day’s work-don’t Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the Long-distance driving on freeways and plan to make too many miles that first reservoir full? Are all windows clean regular highways is the same in some part of the journey. Wear comfortable inside and outside? ways. The trip has to be planned and the clothing and shoes you can easily drive Wiper Blades: Are they in good vehicle prepared, you drive at higher- in. shape? than-city speeds, and there are longer Is your vehicle ready fora long trip? If Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: turns behind the wheel. You’ll enjoy you keep it serviced and maintained,it’s Have you checked all levels? your trip moreif you and your vehicle ready to go. If it needs service, have it Lights: Are they all working? Are the are in good shape. Here are some tips done before starting out. Of course, lenses clean? for a successful long trip. you’ll find experienced and able service Tires: They are vitally important to a experts in Pontiac dealerships all across safe, trouble-free trip.Is the tread North America. They’ll be ready and good enough for long-distance willing to helpif you need it. driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather Forecasts: 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? 4146 On the Road Highway Hypnosis Unless you are the only driver, it is Is there actually such a condition as Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road good to share the driving task with “highway hypnosis”? Oris it just plain ahead and to the sides. Check your others. Limit turns behind the wheel to falling asleep at the wheel? Call it rearviewmirrors frequently and your I about 100 miles (160 km) or two hours highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or instruments from time to time.This at a sitting. Then, either change drivers whatever. can help you avoid a fixed stare. or stop for some refreshment like coffee, There is something about an easy stretch Wear good sunglasses in bright light. tea or soft drinks and some limbering of road with the same scenery, along Glare can cause drowsiness. Butdon’t up. But do stop and move around. Eat with the hum of the tires on the road, wear sunglasses at night. They will lightly along the way. Heavier meals the drone of the engine, and the rushof drastically reduce your overall vision tend to make some people sleepy. the wind against the vehicle that can at the very timeyou need all the On two-lane highwaysor undivided make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to seeing power you have. multilane highways that do not have you! If it does, your vehicle can leave If you get sleepy, pull offthe road into controlled access, you’ll want to watch the road in less than a second, and you a rest, service, or parking area and for some situations not usually found on could crash and be injured. take a nap, get some exercise,or both. freeways. Examples are: stop signs and What can you do about highway For safety, treat drowsiness onthe signals, shopping centers with direct hypnosis? First, be aware that it can highway as an emergency. access to the highway, no passing zones happen. and school zones, vehicles turning left As in any driving situation, keep pace and right off the road, pedestrians, Then here are some tips: with traffic andallow adequate cyclists, parked vehicles, and even Make sure your vehicleis well following distances. animals. ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. 147 Your Driving and the Road

If you don’t shift down, your - brakes could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You Hili and Mountain Roads would then have poor braking or Driving on steep hills or mountains is even none going down a hill. You Know how to go uphill. You may want different from drivingin flat or rolling could crash. Shift down to let your to shift downto a lower gear. The terrain. If you drive regularly in steep engine assist your brakes ona lower gears help cool your engine and country, or if you’re planning to visit steep downhill slope. transaxle, and you can climb thehill there, here are some tips that can make better. your trips safer and more enjoyable. Stay in your own lane when driving on Keep your vehicle in good shape. two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Check all fluid levels and also the Don’t swing wide or cut across the brakes, tires, cooling system and Coasting downhill in center of the road. Driveat speeds that transaxle. These parts can work hard L N (Neutral) or with the let you stay in your own lane. That on mountain roads. lgnition off is dangerous. Your way, you won’t be surprised by a Know how to go down hills. The most brakes will have to do all the work vehicle coming toward youin the important thing to know is this: let of slowing down. They could get same lane. your engine do some of the slowing so hot that they wouldn’t work It takes longer to pass another vehicle down. Don’t make your brakes do it well. You could crash. Always when you’re going uphill. You’ll want all. Shift to a lower gear when you go have your engine running and your to leave extra room to pass. Ifa down a steep or long hill. That way, vehicle in gear whe vehicle is passing you and doesn’t have you will slow down without excessive enough room, slow down to make it use of your brakes. easier for the other vehicle to getby. 148 parking on Hills

As you go over the top of a hill, be Hills andmountains mean spectacular - Parking- Downhill alert. There could be somethingin scenery. But please be careful where YOU T~~ your wheels to theright. your lane, like a stalled car or an stop if you decide to look at theview or You don't have to your tires against accident. take pictures. Look for pull-offs or jam parking areas provided for scenic the curb, if there is a curb. A gentle You may see highway signs on contact is all you need. mountains that warn of special viewing. problems. Examples are long grades, Another part of this manual tells how to passing or no passing zones, a falling use your parking brake (see theIndex rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert under Parking Brake). But on a to these and take appropriate action. mountain or steep hill, you can do one Winter driving can present special more thing, You can turn your front problems. See the Index under Winter wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling Driving. downhill or out into traffic. Here's how :

149 Your Driving and the Road

Parking on Hills(CONT.) Parking Uphill If you're going uphill on a one-way If there is no curb when you're parking If there is a curb,turn your wheels to street and you're parking on the left uphill, turn the wheels to the right. the left if the curb is at the right sideof side, your wheels should point to the If there is no curb when you're parking your vehicle. right. uphill on the left sideof a one-way street, your wheels should be turned to the left.

I.. 150 Torque Lock (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) If you are parking ona hill and you Winter Driving don’t shift your transaxle intoP (Park) Here are some tips for winter driving: You may want to put winter properly, the weight of the vehicle may Have your Pontiac in good shape for emergency suppliesin your trunk or put too much force on the parking pawl winter. Be sure your engine coolant rear area. in the transaxle. You may find it difficult mix is correct. Include an ice scraper,a small brush or to pull the shift lever out of P (Park). Snow tires can help in loosesnow, but broom, a supply of windshield washer This is called “torque lock.” To prevent they may give you less traction on ice fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, torque lock, always be sure to shift into than regular tires. If you do not expect a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, P (Park) properly before you leave the to be driving in deep snow, but may and a couple of reflective warning driver’s seat. To find out how, see the have to travel over ice, you may not triangles. And, if you will be driving Index under Shifting Into P (Park). want to switch to snow tires atall. under severe conditions, include a small When you are ready to drive, movethe bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a shift lever out of P (Park) before you couple of burlap bags to help provide release the parking brake. traction. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle. If torque lock does occur, youhay need to have another vehicle push yoursa little uphillto take some of the pressure from the transaxle,so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park). 151 Your Driving and the Road

Driving on Snowor lce Most of the time, those places where Whatever the condition-smooth ice, Allow greater following distance on your tires meet the road probably have packed, blowing or loose snow-drive any slippery road. good traction. with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not Watch for slippery spots. The road However, if there is snow or ice to break the fragile traction. Ifyou might be fine until you hit a spot that’s between your tires and the road, you can accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will covered with ice. On an otherwise have a very slippery situation. You’ll spin and polish the surface under the clear road, ice patches may appear in have a lot less traction or “grip,’ and tires even more. shaded areas where the sun can’t will need to be very careful. Your anti-lock brakes improve your reach: around clumps of trees, behind What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ability to make a hard stop on a slippery buildings, or under bridges. ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick road. Even though you have the anti- Sometimes the surfaceof a curve or and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be lock braking system, you’ll want to an overpass may remain icy when the even more trouble because itmay offer begin stopping sooner thanyou would surrounding roads are clear. If you see the least traction of all. You can get on dry pavement. See theIndex under a patch of ice ahead of you, brake “wet ice’’ when it’s about freezing Anti-Lock Brake System. before you are on it. Try not to brake (32°F; OOC) and freezing rain begins to while you’re actually on the ice, and fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice avoid sudden steering maneuvers. until salt and sand crews can get there.

I.. 152 lf bu’re Caught in a Blizzad If you are stopped by heavy snow, you Put on extra clothingor wrap a I ~ mCAUTI- could be in a serious situation.You blanket around you.If you have no I Snow can trap exhaust gases should probably stay with your vehicle blankets or extra clothing, makebody h under your vehicle. This can unless you know for sure that you are insulators from newspapers, burlap cause deadly CO (carbon near help and you can hike through the bags, rags, floor mats-anything you monoxide) gas to get inside.CO snow. Here are some things to do to can wrap around yourselfor tuck could overcome you and kill you. summon help and keep yourself and under your clothing to keep warm. You can’t see it or smell it, so you your passengers safe: You can run the engine to keep warm, might not know it wasin your Turn on your hazard flashers. but be careful. vehicle. Clear away snow from around the baseof your vehicle, Tie a red cloth to your vehicleto alert especially any that is blocking your police thatyou’ve been stopped by the exhaust pipe. And check around snow. again from time to time to besure snow doesn’t collect there. Open a windowjust a little on the side of the vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help keep CO out.

153 ... Your Driving and the Road

If MU’E Caught in a Blizzard If Mu’m Stuck in Deep Snow (CONX) Then, shut the engineoff and close This manual explains how to get the Run your engine onlyas long as you the window almost all theway to vehicle out of deep snow without must. This saves fuel. When you run preserve the heat.Start the engine damaging it. See the Index under the engine, make it go a little faster again and repeat this only when you Rocking Your &hide. than just idle. That is, push the feel really uncomfortable fromthe accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel cold. But do it as little as possible. for the heatthat you get and it keeps Preserve the fuelas long as you can. the battery charged. You will need a To help keep warm, you can get outof well-charged battery to restart the the vehicle anddo some fairly vehicle, and possibly for signaling vigorous exercises every half-hour or later on with your headlights. Let the so until help comes. heater run for a while. lowing a Tiiler Your Sunbird is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.

155 ' Notes

156 Problems on the Road

Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 158 Jumpstarting ...... 159 TowingYourPontiac ...... 163 Engine Overheating ...... 167 If a Tire Goes Flat ...... 177 ChangingaFlatTire ...... 178 Compact Spare Tire ...... 185 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...... 186

157 Problems on the Road

.

I Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you Press the button in to make your front To turn off the flashers, pull out the warn others. They also let police know and rear turn signal lights flash on and button. you have a problem. Your front and rear off. When the hazard warning flashers are turn signal lights will flash on and off. Your hazard warning flashers work no on, your turn signals won't work. matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn't in. Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the sideof the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.

mmm 158

Jump Starting (CONX) 2. Get the vehicles close enoughso the 3. Turn off the ignition on both 4. Open the hoods and locate the jumper cables can reach, butbe sure vehicles. Turn off all lights that aren’l batteries. the vehicles aren’t touching each needed, and radios. This will avoid other. If they are, it could cause a sparks andhelp save both batteries. ground connection you don’t want. And it could save your radio! You wouldn’t be able to start your An electric fan can start up Pontiac, and the bad grounding could L b even when the engine is not damage the electrical systems. running and can injure you. Keep If you leave your radio on, it could hands, clothing and tools away be badly damaged. The repairs from any underhood electric fan. wouldn’t be covered by your You could be injured if the warranty. /r\ Find the positive(+) and negative L vehicles roll. Set the parking (-) terminals on each battery. brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic transaxle inP (Park) or a manual transaxlein N (Neutral).

m.. 160 CAUTION Using a match near a battery I -can cause batterygas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been

blinded. Use a flashlight if you 5. Check that thejumper cables don’t A need more light. have loose or missing insulation. If Fans or other moving engine they do, you could get ashock. The parts can injureyou badly. Be sure the battery has enough deep your hands away from water. You don’t need to add water vehicles could be damaged, too. E Before you connect the cables, here are moving parts once the enginesare to the Delco Freedom* battery running. installed in every new GM vehicle. some things you shouldknow. Positive But if a battery hasfiller caps, be (+) will go to positive (+) and negative sure the right amountof fluid is (-) will go to negative(-) or a metal there. If it is low, add water to take engine part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or care of that first. If you don’t, you’ll get a short that would damage the explosive gas could be present. battery and maybe other parts, too. Battery fluid contains acid thatcan 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.

161 ’ Problems on the Road

Jump Starting (CONT.) 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches the positive (+) terminal of the Connect it to the positive(+) (45 cm) away from the dead battery, vehicle with the dead battery. Use a terminal of the good battery. Use a but not near engine parts that move. remote positive (+) terminal if the remote positive (+) terminal if the The electrical connectionis just as vehicle has one. vehicle has one. good there, but the chanceof sparks 8. Now connect the black negative (-) getting back to the battery is much cable to the good battery’s negative less. (-) terminal. 10. Now start the vehicle with the good Don’t let the other end touch anything battery and run the engine for a until the next step. The other end of the while. negative cable doesn’t go to the dead 1 1. Try to start the vehiclewith the battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted dead battery. metal part on the engine of the vehicle If it won’t start after a fewtries, it with the dead battery. probably needs service.

... 162 Towing Mur Pontiac 12. Remove the cables in reverseorder Try to have a GM dealer or a When you call, tell the towingservice: to prevent electrical shorting. Take professional towing service tow your That your vehicle has front-wheel care that they don’t touch eachother Pontiac. The usual towing equipment is: drive. or any other metal. (A) Sling-type tow truck The make, model, and yearof your (B)Wheel-lift tow truck vehicle. (C)Car carrier Whether you can still move the shift If your vehicle has been changedor lever. modified since it was factory-newby If there was an accident, what was adding aftermarket items likefog lamps, damaged. aero skirting, or special tires and When the towing servicearrives, let the wheels, these instructions and tow operator know that this manual illustrations may not be correct. contains detailed towinginstructions and Before you do anything, turn on the illustrations. The operatormay want to hazard warning flashers. see them.

163 Problems on the Road

Towing Your Pontiac (CONT.) When your vehicle is being towed,have I the ignition key off. The steering wheel A vehicle can fall from a car To help avoid injury to you or should be clamped in a straight-ahead A carrier if it isn’t properly others: position, with a clamping device secured. This can cause a & collision, serious personal injury Never let passengers ride in a designed for towing service. Do not use * and vehicle damage. The vehicle vehicle that is being the vehicle’s steering column lock for towed. this. The transaxle should be in should be tightly secured with * Never tow faster than safb or N (Neutral), and the parking brake chains or steel cables beforeit is posted speeds. released. transported. * Never tow with damaged parts Don’t have your vehicle towedon the Don’t use substitutes (ropes, not fully secured. front wheels, unless you must. If the leather straps, canvas webbing, Never get under your vehicle after vehicle must be towed on the front etc.) that can be cutby sharp edges it has been lifted by th& tow truck. wheels, don’t go more than 35 mph underneath the towed vehicle. Always use separate safety chains (56 km/h) or farther than 50 miles on each side whentowing a vehicle. (80 km) , or your transaxle willbe damaged. If these limits must be * Never use “3” hooks. Use T- exceeded, then the front wheels have to hooks instead. be supported on a dolly.

I ... 164 I PJBOOB Towing from the Front- Vehicle Hook-Up 2. Position a 4x4 wood beam across 4. Attach a separate safety chain around Before hooking up to a tow truck, be sling chains, contacting the bottomof the outboard endof each lower sure to read all the information in the radiator supportjust behind the control arm. Towing Your Pontiac earlier in this air dam. section. 3. Position the lower sling crossbarjust 1. Attach T-hook chains into the slots in ahead of the air dam. the bottom of the floor pan, just behind the front wheels, on both sides.

165 Problems on the Road

Towing from the Rear- Vehicle Hook-Up 2. Position lower sling crossbar directly 3. Attach a separate safety chain to each Before hooking up to a towtruck, be below and to the rear of the rear side of the axle inboardof the spring. sure to read all the information in bumper. Towing Your Pontiac earlier in this section. Also be sure to use the proper hook-up for your particular vehicle. 1. Attach T-hook chains on both sides in the slotted holes at the bottomof the frame railjust ahead of the rear wheels.

..a 166 EngineOverheating If SteamComing is from Your Engine: If No Steam is Coming fromYour You will find a coolant temperature gage Engine: on your Pontiac’s instrument panel. If you get the overheat warning butsee Steam from an overheated or hear no steam, the problem may not engine can burnyou badly, be too serious. Sometimes the engine even if you just open the hood.Stay can get a little too hot when you: If your engine catchesfire becaus away from the engine ifyou see or Climb a long hillon a hot day. you keep driving with nocoolant, hear steam coming from it. Just your vehicle can be badly turn it off and get everyone away Stop after high speed driving. damaged. The costly repairs woul from the vehicle untilit cools down. Idle for long periodsin traffic. not be coveredby your warranty. Wait until there 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 engineis cool.

167 I Problems on the Road

Engine Overheating (CONT.) If you get the overheat warning with no If there’s still no signof steam, you can Cooling System-2.OL LA Engine: sign of steam, try this fora minute or so: idle the engine for twoor three minutes When you decide it’s safe to lift the 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it while you’reparked, to see if the hood, here’s what you’ll see: warning stops. But then, if you still have off. Coolant recovery the warning, TURN OFF THE (A) tank. 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the ENGINE AND GET EVERYONE (B) Thermostat housing pressure cap. highest fan speed and open the OUT OF THE VEHICLE until it cools (C) Electric engine fan. window as necessary. down. 3. Try to keep your engine under load You may decide not to lift the hood but (in a drive gear where the engine to get service help right away. r runs slower). An electric fan under the hood If you have a 2.0L LA engine, your can start up even when the If you no longer have the overheat engine coolant system will have a ergine is not running and can injure warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, coolant recovery tank. If you have a 3.1L you. Keep hands, clothing and tools drive slower for about ten minutes. If V6 engine, your engine coolantsystem away from any underhood electric fin. the warning doesn’t come back on, you will have a coolant surgetank. I can drive normally. 1 There are important differences between If the coolant inside the coolant If the warning continues, pull over, stop, these two cooling systems. Read this and park your vehicle rightaway. recovery tank is boiling, don’t do section carefully. anything else until it cools down. rn rn 168 I The coolant level should be at or above Cooling System-3.lL V6 Engine: FULL COLD. If it isn’t, you may have Engine damage from running your When you decide it’s safe to liftthe a leak in the radiator hoses, heater engine without coolant isn’t hood, here’s what you’ll see: hoses, radiator, water pump or covered by your warranty. I I (A) Coolant surge tank with pressure cap somewhere else in the cooling system. (B)Electric engine fan

\ Heater and radiator hoses, and I n - other engine parts, can be An electric fan under the hood very hot. Don’t touch them. If you I.\ can start up even when the do, you can be burned. engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and todc I Don’t run the engine if there is a away from any underhood electricLA. leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could tuse an engine fire, and you could If the coolant inside the coolantsurge UC: burned. Get any leak fixed tank is boiling, don’tdo anything else I before you drive the vehicle. until it cools down.

169 Problems on the Road

Engine Overheating (cow.:) The coolant level should be at or above Both Engines: FULL COLD. If it isn’t, you may have Heater and radiator hoses,and If there seems to beno leak, check to a leak in the radiator hoses, heater other engine parts, can be see if the electric engine fan is running. hoses, radiator, water pump or very hot. Don’t touch them. If you If the engine is overheating, the fan somewhere else in thecooling system. do, you can be burned. should be running. If it isn’t, your Don’t run the engineif there is a vehicle needs service. 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.

Engine damage from runningvour engine without coolant isn’t I covered by your warranty. 170 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank (or the Coolant Surge Adding only plain water to In cold weather, water can freeze Tank): A your cooling system can be ;: and crack the engine, radiator, dangerous. Plain water, or some If you haven’t found a problem yet, but : heatercore and other parts. Use .: : the recommended coolant. the coolant level isn’t ator above FULL other liquid like alcohol, can boil COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of clean before the proper coolantmix will. water (preferably distilled) and a proper Your vehicle’s coolant warning antifreeze at the coolant recoverytank system is set for theproper coolant (or coolant surgetank). If you have the mix. With plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could get coolant surge tank, be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surgetank too hot but you wouldn’t get the pressure cap, is cool beforeyou do it. overheat warning. Your engine See How to Add Coolant to the2.0L L4 could catch fire and youor others Engine at the Remostat Housing or could be burned. Use a 50/50 mix of clean water and a proper How to Add Coolant to the3.Z Vt -- Engine at the Coolant Surge Tank later antifreeze. in this section.

177 I.. Problems on the Road

I Engine Overheating (CONTJ When the coolant in the coolant I recovery tank (or coolant surge tank) is Steam and scalding liquids You can be burned if you spill at or above FULL COLD, start your A from a hot cooling system can 11 coolant on hot engineparts. vehicle. If the overheat warning blow out and burn you badly. They Coolant contains ethylene glycol continues, there’s one more thingyou are under pressure, and youif turn and it will burn if the engineparts can try if you have a 2.0L L4 engine. the thermostat housing (or coolant are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant You can add the proper coolantmix surge tank) pressure cap-even a on a hot engine. directly to the themostat housing, but little-they can come out at high be sure the coolingsystem is COO^ before speed. Never turn the cap when you do it. the cooling system, including the thermostat housing (or coolant surge tank) pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and thermostat housing (or coolant surge tank) pressure cap to cool if you ever have toturn the cap. ~ How to Add Coolant to the 2.0L LA 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, 3. Pull the thermostat out of the Engine at the ThermostatHousing: but now push down as you turn it. housing. 1. You can remove the thermostat Remove the pressure cap. housing pressure cap when the cooling system, including the thermostat housing pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longerhot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap. 1 If you hear a hiss, wait for thatto stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

173 . .. Problems on the Road

Engine Overheating(CONI:) 4. Fill the thermostat housing with the 5. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to 6. Put the cap back on the coolant proper mix, up to the baseof the FULL COLD. recovery tank, but leave the filler neck. thermostat housing pressure capoff. . Start the engineand let it run until 9. Replace the thermostat, makingsure How to Add Coolant to the3.lL V6 you can feel the upper radiator hose it is properly inserted, then replace Engine at the Coolant Surge lhk: getting hot. Watch out for the engine the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows 1. You can remove the coolant surge fan. on the pressure capline up like this. tank pressure cap whenthe cooling .By this time, the coolant level inside system, including the coolant surge the thermostat housing filler neck tank pressure cap and upper radiator may be lower. If the level is lower, hose, is no longer hot. Turn the add more of the proper mix through pressure cap slowly to the left until it , the filler neck until the level reaches first stops. (Don't press down while 1 the base of the filler neck. turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

175 Problems on the Road

Engine Overheating (CONT:) 2. Then keep turning the cap, but now 3. Fill the coolant surgetank with the 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure ~ push down as you turn it. Remove the proper mix, up to FULL COLD. cap off, start the engine and let it run pressure cap. until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan. engine I By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix to the coolant surgetank until the level reaches m7LL COLD.

176 rn Ifa Tire Goes Hat 5. Then replace the pressure cap. It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” A rear blowout, particularlyon a curve, Be sure the arrowson the pressure while you’re driving, especially if you acts much like a skid and may require cap line up like this. maintain your tires properly.If air goes the same correctionyou’d use in a skid. out of a tire, it’s much more likely to In any rear blowout, remove your foot leak out slowly. Butif you should ever from the acceleratorpedal. Get the have a “blowout,” here are a few tips vehicle under control by steering the about what to expect and what todo: way you want the vehicle to go. It may If a front tire fails, the flat tire will be very bumpy and noisy, but you can create a drag that pulls the vehicle still steer. Gently brake toa stop, well toward that side. Take your footoff the off the road if possible. accelerator pedal and grip the steering If your tire goes flat, the next section wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane shows how to use yourjacking position, then gently brake toa stop well equipment to changea flat tire safely. out of the traffic lane.

177 Problems on the Road

Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slipoff the jackand level place. Turn on your hazard A roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find warning flashers. a level place to change your tire.To help prevent the vehicle from moving: 1. Set the parking brakefirmly. 2. Put the shift lever in P mrk). 3. Shift a manual transaxle to1 (First) or R (Reverse). 4. Turn off the engine. To be even more certain the vehiclewon’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 sideof the vehicle, at the opposite end.

r

178 I

!. The following steps will tell you how to 1. Pull the carpeting from the floorof 3. If your vehicle is equipped with a use the jackand change atire. the trunk. spare tire housing lidhook, pull the The equipment you'll need is in the 2. Turn the center retainer nuton the front of the lid up and hook it to the trunk. compact spare tire housing rear upper edgeof the trunk. counterclockwise to remove it, then lift the tire cover.You will find the jacking instructions label on the underside of the tire cover. Problems on the Road

N5057

Changing a Flat Tire (CONT.:) 4. Remove the wing bolt securing the 6. Remove the band around thejack. 7. Using the wheel wrench, remove the compact spare tire, spacer and wheel Turn the jack handle clockwise to plastic cap nuts andloosen all the wrench by turning it counterclockwise. raise the jack head a few inches. wheel nuts. Don't remove the wheel Then lift off the spacer and remove nuts yet. the spare tire. 5. Remove the bolt securing thejack by turning it counterclockwise. Then remove the jack.

180 8. Position tne JacKunaer the vehicle. 9. Raise the vehicle by rotating the Raise the jack head until it fits firmly Raisingyour vehicle with the jack wheel wrench clockwise. Raise the into the notch in the vehicle’s frame improperlypositioned will darnage vehicle far enough off the ground so nearest the flat tire. Put the compact thevehicle or may allowthe there enoughis room for the spare spare tire near you. vehicleto fall off the jack. Be suretire to fit. to fit thejack lift head into the 10. Remove all of tne wneel nuts and, 11 proper location before raising your you have a wheel cover, use your vehicle. fingers to carefully to fingers vehicle. wheelpry the A Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If cover from the wheel. Then take off - the flat tire the vehicle slips off the jack, you rmld be badly injured or killed. ever get under a vehicle when it Do not jack or lift the vehicle

~.supported only by a jack. using the oil pan. Pans could crack I and begin to leak fluid.

181 m.. Problems on the Road

11. Remove any rust or dirt from the 13. Replace the wheel nuts with the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces or rounded end of the nuts toward the Rust or dirt on the wheel, or wheel. Tighten each nut by hand onthe parts to which it is 12. Placethe spare on the wheel until the wheel is held against the fastened,can make the wheel nuts mounting surface. hub. become loose after a time.The wheel could come off and causean accident. When you change a wheel,remove any rust or dirt Never use oil or grease on fromthe places where the wheel studs or nuts. If you do, the attachesthetovehicle. In an nu night comeloose. Yourwheel emergency,you canuse a cloth or couldfall off, causing a serious a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraperor wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.

I.. 182 14. Lower the vehicle by rotating the 15. Tighten the wheel nuts firmlyin a wheel wrench counterclockwise. criss-cross sequence, as shown. Incorrect wheel nuts or Lower the jack completely. 1 b improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheelto 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 N*m).

183 Problems on the Road

Changing a FIat Tire (CONT:) Don’t try to puta wheel cover on your 16. Store the flat tirein the compact The compact spare is for temporary use compact spare tire.It won’t fit. Store the spare tire compartment, and secure only. Replace the compact spare tire wheel cover and plastic cap nuts in the with the wing bolt and extension. with a full-size tireas soon as you can. trunk until you have the flat tire repaired Store thejack and wheel wrench in See Cumpact Spare Ere next in this or replaced. their compartment, also. section. I CAU77ON ’: Wheel covers won’t fit on your I I* Storing a jack, a tire or other

~ compact spare. If you try to put a \ equipment in the passenger ~. wheel cover on your compact Lumpartment of the vehicle could ?:,: spare, you could damage the cover cause injury. In a sudden stop or :.’ or the spare. collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

184 Compact Spare TiE Although the compact spare was fully Don’t use your compact spareon some inflated when your vehicle was new, it Don’t take your compact spare other vehicle. can lose air after a time. Check the through an automatic car wash And don’t mix your compact spare or II inflation pressure regularly. It should be with guide rails. The compact wheel with other wheels or tires. They I 60 psi (420 kPa). The compact spare is spare can get caught on the rails. won’t fit. Keep your spare and its wheel made to go up to3,000 miles (5 000 km), That can damage the tire and together. so you can finish your trip and have wheel, and maybe other parts of your full-size tire repaired or replaced your vehicle. where you want. Of course, it’s best to -/I IC 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 theIndex under Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light. Problems on the Road

If Mu’e Stuck: /n Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don’t want to do when your If you let your tires spin at Spinning your wheels can destroy vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. I high speed, they can explode parts of your vehicle as well as the The method known as “mcking” can and you or others could be injured. tires. If you spin the wheels too help you get out when ym’re stuck, but I And, the transaxle or other parts of fast while shifting your transaxle you must use caution. the vehicle can overheat. That could back and forth, cause an engine compartmentfire your transaxle. or other damage. When you’re stuck, spin the wheelsas little as possible. Don’t spin the wheels above 35 mph (56 Wh)as shown on the speedometer. Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out: First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear thearea around your front wheels. Then shift back and Corth between R (Reverse) and a €orward gear,or with a manual transaxle, between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) gear and R (Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while youshift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. If that doesn't get you out after afew tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see the lnda under Towing Your Pontiac. Notes

... 188 Part 6 Service & Appearance Care

Service ...... 190 Fuel ...... 191 HoodRelease ...... 195 EngineOil ...... 199 Aircleaner ...... 203 Hereyou will find information TransaxleFluid ...... 204 about the careof your Pontiac. This Engine Coolant ...... -210 part begins with service and fuel Power Steering Fluid ...... -215 information. and then it shows how Windshield Washer Fluid ...... 216 to check important fluid and Brakes ...... 216 lubricant levels. There is also Battery ...... 218 technical information about your Bulb Replacement ...... 219 vehicle. and a section devoted to its Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement...... 222 appearance care. Loading Your Vehicle ...... 222 Tires ...... 22. Appearancecare ...... 231 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ...... 240 Add-on Electrical Equipment ...... 241 Fuses & Circuit Breakers ...... 241 Capacities & Specifications ...... 244 Fluids&Lubricants ...... 246 Replacement Bulbs ...... 247 Enginespecifications ...... 249 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ...... 250

189 DDD Service & Appearance Care

Service Doing Your Own Service Work CAUTION Your Pontiac dealer knows your vehicle If you want to do some of your own best and wants you to be happy with it. service work, you’ll want to get the You can be injuredif you try We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all proper Pontiac Service Manual. It b to do service work on a your service needs. You’ll get genuine tells you much more about how to service kG1licle without knowing enough GM parts and GM-trained and your Pontiac than this manual can.To about it. supported service people. order the proper service manual, see the Be sure you have sufficient We hope you’ll want to keep your GM Index under Service Publications. knowledge, experience, and the vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have You should keep a record with all parts proper replacement parts and one of these marks. receipts and list the mileage and thedace tools before you attempt any of any service work you perform. See vehicle maintenancetask. the Index under Maintenance Record. Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and other fasteners. “English” and “metric” fasteners can be easily confused.If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or falloff. You could be hurt.

... 190 Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at If it’s bad enough, it can damage your 87 octane or higher. It should meet engine. specifications ASTM D4814 in the U.S. If you’re using fuel ratedat 87 octane or and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These higher and you still hear heavy fuels should have the proper additives, knocking, your engine needs service. so you should not have to add anything But don’t worry if you hear a little to the fuel. pinging noise when you’re accelerating In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and sure you get the right kind of gasoline you don’t have to buy a higher octane (unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED” fuel to get ridof pinging. It’s the heavy, right on the pump. And only unleaded constant knock that means you havea nozzles will fit into your vehicle’sfder problem. neck. Fuel Capacity: 15.2 U.S. Gallons (57.5 L). Be sure the posted octaneis at least 87. Use unleaded fuel only. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise whenyou drive.

IS1 Service & Appearance Care

Fuel (CONTI Gasolines far Cleaner Air What about gasoline with blending Your use of gasoline with detergent materials that contain oxygen, suchas additives will help prevent depositsfron MTBE or alcohol? forming in your engine and fuel system. MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl That helps keep your enginein tune and ether? Fuel that is no more than 15 % your emission control system working MTBE is fine for your vehicle. properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your partfor cleaner air. Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel that is no more Many gasolines are now blended with than 10% ethanol is fine for your materials called oxygenates. General vehicle. Motors recommends that you use gasolines with these blending materials, Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol. such as MTBE and ethanol. By doing so, you can help clean theair, especially in those partsof the country that have high carbon monoxide levels.

192 Fuels in Foreign Countries In addition, some gasoline suppliers are If you plan on driving in another To check on fuel availability, askan auto now producing reformulated gasolines. country outside the U.S. or Canada, club, or contact a major oil company These gasolines are specially designed unleaded fuel may be hard to find. that does business in the country where to reduce vehicle emissions. General Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use you’ll be driving. Motors recommends that you use even one tankful, your emission controls You can also write us at the following reformulated gasoline. By doing so, you won’t work well or at all. With address for advice. Just tell uswhere can help clean the air, especially in continuous use, spark plugs can get you’re going and give your Vehicle those parts of the country thathave high fouled, the exhaustsystem can corrode, Identification Number (VIN). ozone levels. and your engine oil can deteriorate General Motors of Canada Ltd. You should ask your service station quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor International Export Sales operators if their gasolines contain will be damaged. Allof that means P.O. Box 828 detergents and oxygenates, and if they costly repairs thatwouldn’t be covered Oshawa, Ontario LEI 7N1, Canada have been reformulated to reduce by your warranty. vehicle emissions.

193 888 Service & Appearance Care I

1 Filling bur Tank While refueling, hang the cap inside the fuel door. If you need a new cap, be sure to a Gasoline vapor is highly get the right m. Your dealer cas A flammable. It burns violently, get one €or you. If you:,get the alld that can cause very bad wrong type, it mynot, fit ar have injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re L If you get gasoline on you and proper venting, and your he1 tanl something ignites it, you near gasoline or refueling your - then and emissions system might be. vehicle. Keep sparks, flames, and could be badly burned. Gasoline damaged. I smoking materials away from can spmy out on you if puopen gasoline. the bel filler cap too quickly. This I spray can happen if your dis -- - arly full, d is more likely in The cap is behind a hinged door on the ltd weather. Open the he1fdler right side of your vehicle. cap slowIy and wait for any “hiss” To take off the cap, turnit slowly to the noise to stop. Then unscrew the left (counterclockwise). cap all the way.

When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right untilyou hear a clicking noise. ... 194 IChecking Things Under Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the HOOD Then go to the front of the vehicle and the Hood handle inside the vehicle. release the secondary hoodrelease. The following sections tell you how to check fluids, lubricants and important parts underhood.

i 195 Service & Appearance Care

Hood Release (CONT.) Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop I An electric fan underthe hoodThings that burn can get on into the slotin the hood. ’ A canstart up and injure youhot engine parts and start a even when the engine is not we. Thesehclideliquids like running. Keep hands, clothing and gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, tools away from any underhood windshield washer and other I electric fan. fluids, and plastic or rubber.You or others could be burned.Be careful not to dropor spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.

Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then lift the hc ood to relieve pressure on the hood PI rop. Remove the hood prop from the sl ot in the hood and return the prop to it!s retainer. Then just let the hood down a1 Id close it firmly. 2,UL L4 Engine (CODE H) When you open the hood, you'll see: 1. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank 2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (if equipped) 4. Brake Fluid Reservoir 5. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped) 6. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir 7. Battery 8. Air Cleaner

56057 9. Engine Oil Dipstick, Engine Oil Fill Cap d 10. Thermostat Housing Pressure Cap Service 6L Appearance Care

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

198 Engine Oil 2.0L L4: Checking Engine Oil [t’s a good idea to check your engineoil When to Add Oil: :very time you get fuel. In order to get If the oil is at or below the ADD line, m accurate reading, the oil must be then you’ll need to add some oil. But warm and the vehicle must be on level you must use the right kind. This !round. section explains what kindof oil to use. rurn off the engine and give theoil a For crankcase capacity, seethe Idex few minutes to drain back into theoil under Capacities and Specijications. 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 3.1L V6: Checking EngineOil the tip lower.

199 Service & Appearance Care

Engine Oil (CONX) 2.0L L4: Adding Engine Oil What Kind of Oil to Use Just fdl it enough to put the level Look for Three Things: somewhere in theproper operating SG range. Push the dipstick all theway back in when you’re through. “SG” must be on the oil container, either by itself or combined with other quality designations, such as “SGJCC,” “SGJCD,” “SF, SG, CC,” etc. These letters show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of quality.

If you use oils that don’t have the 3.1L V6: Adding Engine Oil “SG” designation, you can cause engine damage not covered by your warranty. Engine Oil Additives SAE 5W-30 Don’t add anythmg to your oil. Your As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE Pontiac dealer is ready to advise if you 5W-30is best for your vehicle. think something should be added. However, you can use SAE 1OW-30if it’s going tobe 0°F (-18OC) or above. These numbers on anoil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50. Energy Conserving II Oils with these wordson the container will help you save fuel. This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil containers tohelp 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, Gh4 Engine Oil) meets all the requirements for your vehicle. 201 I.. Service & Appearance Care

When to Change Engine Oil Engine Block Heater What to Do with Used Oil See if any one of these is true for you: An engine block heater can be a big Most tripsare less than 4 miles (6 km). help if you have to park outside in very Used engine oil contains It’s below freezing outside and most cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder. If I.\ things that have caused skin trips are less than 10 miles (16 km). your vehicle has this option, see the Index under Engine Block Heater. cancer in laboratory animals. Don’t The engine is at low speed most ofthe let used oil stay on your skin for time (as in door-to-door delivery,or in very long. Clean your skin and stop-and-go traffic). nails with soap and water,or a Most trips are through dusty places. goodhand cleaner. Wash or I If any oneof these is true for your properly throw away clothing or vehicle, then you need to change your rags containing used engineoil. I oil and fiiter every 3,000 miles (5 0oO km) or 3 months-whichever comes first. (See the Index under Check Oil Light.) If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles (E500 km) or 12 months-whichever comes first. Change the filter at the first oil change and at every other oil change after that. (See the Index under Check Oil Light.) 8.. 202 Air Cleaner ]sed oil can be a real threat to the Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to mvironment . determine when to replace theair fdter. + If the air cleaner is off, a backfire ; can cause a damaging engine fire. :f you change your own oil, be sure to See theIndex under Scheduled i And, dirt can easily get into your Irain all free-flowingoil from the fdter Maintenance Services. -: engine, which will damage it. Jefore disposal. ,- Always have the air cleaner in I Don’t ever dispose of oil by pouring it place when you’re driving. 1 In the ground, into sewers,or into operating the engine with the ;treams or bodies of water. Instead, air cleaner off can cause you :ecycle it by taking it to a place that Aor others to be burned. The air :ollects used oil. If you have a problem cleaner not only cleans the air, it xoperly disposing of your used oil, ask stops flame if the engine backfires. pur dealer, a service station or a local If it isn’t there, and the engine -ecycling center for help. backfiies, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off,and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner off. Service & Appearance Care

Automatic Tmnsaxle Fluid When to Check and Change: 2.0L n A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determinewhen 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 2.0L L4: Air Filter Replacement 3.1L V6: Air Filter Replacement done at a Pontiac dealership Service Department. Air Cleaner (CONI) If you do it yourself, be sure to follow To check or replace the filter,remove To check or replace the filter, remove all the instructions here,or you could the two wing nuts and lift the cover. the three wing nuts and lift the cover. get a false readingon the dipstick.

m.. 2104 Wait at least 30 minutes before checking To get the right reading, the fluid should NOTICE the transaxle fluid levelif you have been be at normal operating temperature, Too much or too little fluid can driving: which is 180°F to 200°F (82°Cto damage your transaxle. Too much When outside temperaturesare above 93°C). can mean that some of the fluid 90" F (32" C). Get the vehicle warmed upby driving could come out and fall on hot At high speed for quite a while. about 15 miles (24 km) when outside engine parts, starting a fire. Be temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If sure to get an accurate reading if In heavy traffic-especially in hot it's colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may you check your transaxle fluid. weather. have to drive longer.

205 Service & Appearance Care

Automatic Transax/e Fhid (CONT) 2.0L L4: Checking Automatic To Check the Fluid Level: Then, Without ShuttingOff the Transaxle Fluid Park your vehicle on a level place. Engine, Follow These Steps: Place the shift lever in P (Park) with 1. Pull out the dipstick and wipeit with the parking brake applied. a clean ragor paper towel. With your foot on the brake pedal, 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three move the shift lever through each gear seconds and then pull it back out range, pausing for aboutthree seconds again. in each range. Then, position the shift 3. Check both sidesof the dipstick, and lever in P (Park). read the lower level.The fluid level Let the engine runat idle for three to must be in the cross-hatched area. five minutes. 4. If the fluid levelis where it should be, push the dipstick backjn all the way. 3.1L V6: Checking Automatic Transaxle Fluid

E06 Manual Tmnsaxle Fluid How To Add Fluid: to 2.0L L4: Adding Automatic When Check: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to Transaxle Fluid A good time to have it checked is when determine what kind of transaxle fluid to the engine oil is changed. However, the use. See the Znda under Fluids & fluid in your manual transaxle doesn’t Lubricants. If the fluid level is low, add require changing. only enough of the proper fluid to bring How to Check: the level into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this It doesn’t take muchfluid, generally less done at a Pontiac dealershipService than a pint. Don’t overfiil. We Department. recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON@-IIE, because fluids with that If you do it yourself, be sure to follow label are made especially for your all the instructions here, or you could automatic transaxle. Dama e caused by get a false reading on thedipstick. fluid other than DEXRONB-IIE is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. 3.1L V6: Adding Automatic After adding fluid, recheck the fluid Transaxle Fluid level as described under How tu Check. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way. 207 DDD Service & Appearance Care

Manual Trsrnsaxle tWd (CONX) The manual transaxle dipstick is located 2. Push it back in all the way and on the driver’s side near therear of the remove it. Too much or too little fluid can transaxle case. 3. Check both sides of the dipstick and damage your transaxle. Too much Check the fluid level only when your read the lower level.The fluid level can mean that someof the fluid engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a must be between the ADD and could come out and fall on hot level place and the transaxle is cool FULL marks. (Note: Fluid may engine parts, starting a fire. Be enough for you to rest your fingers on appear at thebottom of the dipstick sure to get an accurate readingif the transaxle case. even when the fluid levelis several YOU check vour transaxlefluid. Then, Follow These Steps: pints low.) 1. pull up on the locking lever. Then 4. If the fluid levelis where it should pull out the dipstick and clean itwith be, push the dipstick backin all the a rag or paper towel. way. Be sure to push the locking lever down fully. Hjdmulic CIutch How to Add Fluid: The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is How to Check: Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the self-adjusting. The proper fluid should be added if the Maintenance Schedule to determine When to Check and What to Use: level is at or below the ADD mark on what kind of fluid to use. See theZndRx Refer to the Maintenance Scheduleto the reservoir. See the instructions on the under Fluids & Lubricants. determine how often you should check reservoir cap. Remove the dipstick. the fluid level in your clutch master Add fluid at the dipstick hole. cylinder reservoir and what to add. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid See the Index under Owner Checks & level up to the F'ULL mark on the Sewices and Fluids & Lubricants. jipstick.

B Push the dipstick back inall the way. Be sure to push the locking lever down fully.

209 ' ' Service & Appearance Care

Engine Coolant The following explains your cooling What to Use: Use a mixture of one-half system and how to add coolant whenit clean water (preferably distilled) and Adding ody plain watex to is low. If you havea problem with one-half antifreeze thatmeets "GM your mling system can be engine overheating, see theIndex under Specification 1825M ," which won't Adangerous. Plain water, or some Engine Overheating. damage aluminum pasts'.You can also other liquid like alcohol, can boil The proper coolant for your Pontiac use a recycled coolant conforming to before the proper coolant mix will. will: GM Specification 1825M with a Your vehicle's coolantwarning complete coolant flushand refill. Also system.is set for the proper coolant Give freezing protection down to use GM Engine Coolant Supplement mix. With plain water or the -34"F (-37" C) . (sealer) with any complete coolant wrong mix, pur engine could get Give boiling protection up to262°F change. If you use these, you don't need too hot but you wouldn't get the (128" C). to add anything else. cwerheat warning. Your engine Protect against rust andcorrosion. If you have a 2.0L LA engine, your could catch fire and you or othm could be'burned. Use a 50150 mix Help keep the proper engine engine coolant system will have a coolant recovery tank.. If you have a of clean water and a proper temperature. -mtifkze. Let the warning lights work as they 3.1L V6 engine, your engine coolant should. system will havea coolant surge tank. There are important differencesbetween these two cooling systems. Readthis section carefully. NOTICE Adding Coolant-2.OL L4 Engine To Check Coolant: Your engine also has a thermostat If you use an improper coolant When your engine is cold, the coolant housing with a pressure cap. This cap mix, your engine could overheat level should be atF'ULL COLD, or a and the thermostat must be taken out to and be badly damaged. The repair little higher. When your engine is warm, add coolant. cost wouldn't be coveredby your the level should be up toFULL HOT, warranty. Too much water in the or a little higher. mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.

211 .. . Service & Appearance Care

Adding Co~lant-Z~OLL4 Engine (Conr7y 1. When the engine iscool, remove the To Add Coolant: thermostat housing pressurecap and You can be burned if you spill If you need more coolant, add the the thermostat. A coolant on hot engine parts. proper mix at the thermostat housing, Without pressing dom’onthe Coolant contains ethylene glycol, but only when the engine is cool. pressure cap, turn it slowly to the and it will burnif the engine parts left until it reaches a“stop.” are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. If you hear a hiss, itmeans there is Turningthe radiator pressure 1 still some pressure.Wait for the hiss A cap or the thermostat housing to stop. Then press down onthe pressure cap when the engine and pressure cap and continue turning it radiator are hot can allow steam to the left.Remove the pressure cap. and scalding liquids to blow out Take the thermostatout of the and bum you badly. Neverturn housing. either pressure cap-even a little-when the engine and radiator are hot. Adding Coolant-3.lL V6 Engine 2. Add the coolant mix to the thermostat To Check Coolant: housing until the level reaches the When your engine is cold, the coolant I 4 Turning the coolant surge tank thermostat housing cap seat. level should be at FULL COLD, or a Lpressure cap when theengine 3. Put in the thermostat. Be sure it is little higher. and the radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow fully seated. out and burn you badly. Never turn 4. Put on the thermostat housing the surge tank pressure cap-even pressure cap. When it’s tight,the a little-when the engine and arrows on the pressure cap should radiator are hot. line up with the radiator inlet hoseon You can be burned you spill the thermostat housing. if coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burnif the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

213 Service & Appearance Care

Adding Coolant-3. IL V6 Engine radiator Pressure Cap Thermostat (CONr) Engine coolant temperature is controlled To Add Coolant: by a thermostat in the engine coolant If you need more coolant, add the Your radiator cap is a 15 psi system. The thermostat stops the flowof proper mix at the surge tank. (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and coolant through the radiator until the must be tightly installed to prevent coolant reaches a preset temperature. coolant loss and possible engine When you replace your thermostat, an damage from overheating. Be sure AC@thermostat is recommended. the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube onthe radiator filler neck.

Vhen you replace your radiator ressure cap, an AC@pressure cap is :commended.

2’14 Power Steering Fluid 2.0L L4 Engine: Checking Power HCG to Check Power Steering Fluid: Steering Fluid What to Add: Unscrew the cap and wipethe dipstick Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to with a cleanrag. Replace thecap and determine what kindof fluid to use. See completely tighten it. Then remove the the Index under Fluids & Lubricants. cap again and lookat the fluid level on the dipstick. When the engine compartment ishot, the level should be near theH mark. When the engine compartment is cool, the level should be near theC mark.

3.1L V6 Engine: Checking Power Steering Fluid Service & Appearance Care

When using concentrated washer Windshield Washer Fluid fluid, follow the manufacturer's Brake Master Cylinder To Add: instructions for addingwater. Your brake master cylinder is here. It is Open the cap labeledWASHER Don't mix water with ready-to- filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until use washer fluid. Water can There are only two reasonswhy the the bottle is full. cause the solution to freeze and brake fluid level in your master cylinder damage your washer fluidtank might go down. The first is that the and other parts of the washer brake fluid goes down to an acceptable system. Also, water doesn't clean level during normal brake lining wear. as well as washer fluid. When new linings are put in, the fluid Fill your washer fluidtank only level goes back up. 34 full when it's very cold. This allows for expansion, which could damage thetank if it is completely full. Don't use radiator antifreezein your windshield washer. It can damage your washer system and paint. m.. 216 The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. Ifit is, you If you have too much brake DOT-5 silicone brake fluidcan should have your brake system fixed, h fluid, it can spill on the damage your vehicle. Don’t useit. since a leak means that sooner or later engine. The fluid will burn if the Don’t let someone put in the your brakes won’t work well, or won’t engine is hot enough. You or wrong kind of fluid. For work at all. others could be burned, and your example, just a few drops of So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your vehicle could be damaged. Add mineral-based oil, such as engine brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t brake fluid only when work is oil, in your brake system can correct a leak. If you add fluid when done on the brake hydraulic damage brake system partsso your linings are worn, then you’ll have system. badly that they’ll have to be too much fluid when you get new brake replaced. linings. You should add (or remove) When your brake fluid falls to a low Brake fluid can damage paint, so brake fluid, as necessary, onlywhen level, your brake warning light will be careful not to spill brake fluid work is done on the brake hydraulic come on. See the Index under Brake on your vehicle. system. System Warning Light. What to Add: When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid-such as Delco Supreme ll@(GM Part No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.

217 Service & Appearance Care

Replacing Brake System Pads Vehicle Storage The braking system on a modern vehicle If you’re not going to drive your vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of Battery for 25 days or more, take off the black top quality and work well together if the Every new Pontiac has a Delco negative (-) cable from the battery. vehicle is to have really good braking. Freedom@ battery. You never have to This will help keep your battery from Vehicles we design and test have top- add water to one of these. When it’s running down. quality GM brake parts in them, as your time for a new battery, we recommend a Pontiac does when it is new. When you Delco Freedom@ battery. Getone that CAUTION replace parts of your braking system- has the catalog number shown on the A for example, when your brake linings original battery’s label. A Batterieshave acid that can wear down and you have to have new I k bum you and gas that can Jump Starting ones put in-be sure you get new +lode. You can be badly hurt if genuine GM replacement parts. If you For jump starting instructions, seethe you aren’t careful. See the Ma don’t, your brakes may no longer work Index under Jump Starting. under Jump Starting fbr tips on properly. For example, if someone puts working around a battery without in brake linings that are wrong for your getting hurt. vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change, for the Contact your dealer to learn how to worse. The braking performance you’ve prepare your vehicle for longer storage come to expect can change in many periods. other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. BB. 218 Halogen Bulbs Headlight Bulb Replacement (LE AND SE MODELS) 3. Disconnect the bulbbase from the For the type of bulb, see theIrzdex under socket by lifting the plastic locking Halogen bulbs have Replacement Bulbs. tab. 1pressurized gas inside and can 1. Turn the bulb assembly counter- 4. Snap a new bulb into the socket. trst if you drop or scratch the clockwise y6 turn until the flanges 5. Replace the bulb assembly by db.You or others could be align with the slotsin the retainer reversing steps 1-3. I injured. Take special care when ring. lndling and disposing of halogen 2. Pull out the bulb assembly. dbs.

27s Service & Appearance Care

I Headlight Bulb Replacement (GT MODEL) 2. Remove the four Torx“ screws from 3. Separate the headlight from the back For the typeof bulb, see the Index under the corners of the frame around the plug by pulling the plug straight Replacement Bulbs. headlight. back. 1. If you have semi-concealed 4. Push the plug into the back of the headlights, you must raise the doors new headlight. manually. See the Index under Do not remove the two Torx” screws Headlight Doors. from the upper and middleof the headlight frame. These screws are for headlight alignment only. If you adjust them or remove them, your headlights will not be properly aligned. See your Pontiac dealer for realignment.

m.. 220 Taillight Bulb Replacement 'I For the type of bulb, see the Index under 4. Press the bulb housing release lever i. To remove the bulb, push in and 1 Replacement Bulbs. andturn the housing turn rotate it counterclockwise. 1 1. Pull the carpet away from the rear of counterclockwise toremove it. i. Reverse all steps to reassemblethe

~ the trunk. taillight housing. mi mi 2. Remove the three wing nuts. I 3. From outside the vehicle, gently pull !i back on the taillight housing.

~

221 Service & Appearance Care

Fog Light Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Loading Your Vehicle Pontiac recommends thatyou don't Replacement Two labels on your vehicle show how change your fog light bulbs unless you Replacement blades come in different much weight it may properly carry. The have the proper aiming equipment. See types and are removed in different ways. Tire-Loading Information label found on your Pontiac dealer ifyou have any Here's how to remove the type with a the rear edge of the driver'sdoor tells further questions. release clip: you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the 1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away tires on your vehicle. It also gives you from the windshield. important information about the number 2. Lift the release clip with a of people that can be in your vehicle and screwdriver and pull the blade the total weight that you can carry. This assembly off the wiper arm. weight is called the Vehicle Capacity 3. Push the new wiper blade securely on Weight and includes the weight of all the wiper arm. occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory- installed options.

m.. 222 1 The other label is the Certification I label, found on the rear edge of the Do not load your vehicle any Your warranty does not cover parts ;driver's door. It tellsyou the gross A heavier than theGVWR or the or components that fail becauseof l~weight capacity of your vehicle, called maximum front and rearGAWRs. overloading. I "theGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight If you do, parts on your vehicle it rating). The GVWR includes the can break, or can change theway If you put things inside your vehicle- your vehicle handles. These could weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel like suitcases, tools, packages, or and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for cause you to lose control. Also, anything else-they will go as fast as the overloading can shorten the lifeof "your vehicle, or the Gross AxleWeight vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn Rating (GAWR) for either the front or your vehicle. quickly, or if there is acrash, they'll rear axle. keep going. And, if you do have a heavy load, you

~ should spread it out. Don't carry more 'than 132 lbs. (60 kg) in your sedan's trunk, 124 lbs. (56 kg) in your coupe's itrunk, or 115 lbs. (52 kg) in your I'convertible's trunk.

223 Service & Appearance Care

Loading Your Vehicle (CONT.)

Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure Apeople in a sudden stop or ~LUII,or Tires in a crash. We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle comes with high quality tires made by a 0 Put things in the trunkas far leading tire manufacturer. These tires are warrantedby the tire manufacturers and forward as you can. Try to their warranties are delivered with every new Pontiac.If your spare tire is a spread the weight evenly.If you different brand than your road tires,you will have a tire warranty folder from each have folddown rear seats, you’ll of these manufacturers. find four anchors on the back wall of your trunk. You can use these anchorsto tie down lighter loads. They’re not strong enough Poorly maintained andimproperly used tires are dangerous. I .A0 for heavy things, however, so put ’ Overloading your tires can cause overheatingas a result of too much them as fir forward as you can in friction. You could have an air-out and a serious accident.See the Index the trunk. under Loading Bur ‘vehicle. Never stack heavier things, like Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires. The resulting suitcases, inside the vehicle so accident couldcause serious injury. Check all tires frequently to maintain that some of them are above the the recommended pressure..Tire pressure should be checked whenyour tops of the seats. tires are cold. 0 When you carry something 9 Overinflated tires are more likely tobe cut, punctured, or broken by a inside the vehicle, secure it sudden impact, such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires at the whenever you can. recommended pressure. * Don’t leave a seat folded down 0 Worn, old tirescan cause accidents. If your tread is badly worn, or if your unless you need to. tires have been damaged, replace them. I ... 224 lnflationlire Pressure The Tire-Loading Information label When to Check: which is on the rear edgeof the driver’s Don’t let anyone tell you that Check your tires once a month or more. door shows the correct inflation underinflation or overinflation is Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It pressures for your tires, when they’re all right. It’s not. If your tires don’t should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). have enough air (underinflation) cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has How to Check: been sitting for at least three hoursor you can get: Use a good quality pocket-type gage to driven no more thana mile. 4 Too much flexing check tire pressure. Simply looking at Too much heat the tires will not tellyou the pressure, 0 Tire overloading especially if you have radial tires- Bad wear which may look properly inflated even if they’re underinflated. 4 Bad handling If your tires have valve caps, be sure to 4 Bad fuel economy. put them back on. They help prevent If your tires have too much air leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. (overinflation), you can get:

4 Unusual wear Bad handling Rough ride Needless damage from road hazards.

225 Service & Appearance Care 1

Tire Inspection and Rotation When It's Time for New Tires To make your tires last longer,have 1One way to tell when it's time fornew them inspected and rotated at the A Rust or dirt on a wheel,or on tires is to check the treadwear mileages recommended in the 1 theparts to which it is indicators, which will appear when your Maintenance Schedule. See the Index ladened, can make the wheel nuts tires have only 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or under Scheduled Maintenance Services. become loose after a time.The less of tread remaining. I I Use this rotation pattern. wheel could comeoff and causean You need a new tire if accident. When you change a After the tires have been rotated, adjust wheel, remove any rustor dirt You can see the indicators at three the front and rear inflation pressure as from places where the wheel places around the tire. shown on the Tire-Loading Information attaches to the vehicle.In an You can see cord or fabric showing label. Make certain that all wheel nuts emergency, you can use a clothor through the tire's rubber. are properly tightened. See theIndex a paper towel todo this; but be The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut under Wheel Nut Torque. sure to use a scraper or wire brush or snagged deep enough to show cord later, if you need to, to get all the or fabric. rust or dirt off. See the Index The tire has a bump, bulge or split. under Changing a Flat Ere. The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can't be repaired well because of the size or location of the damage. ... 226 6uying New Tires rn Uniform Tire Quality To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Mixingtires could cause you I Grading Information label. L to lose control while driving. The following information relates tothe h you mix tires of different size; system developed by the United States The tires installed on your vehicle when National Highway Traffic Safety it was new had a Tire Performance or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle Administration which gradestires by Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) treadwear, traction and temperature number on each tire’s sidewall. When properly, and you could havea crash. Be sure to use the same size performance. (This applies only to you get new tires, get ones with that vehicles sold in the United States.) same TPC Spec number. That way, your and type tires on all four wheels. vehicle will continue to have tires that It’s all right to drive with your are designed to give proper endurance, compact spare, though. It was handling, speed rating, traction, ride developed for use on your vehicle. and other things during normal service on your vehicle. If your tires havean all- season tread design, the TPC number will be followed by a “MS” (for mud and snow). If you ever replace your tires with those not having a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating and construction type (bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires. 227 . Service & Appearance Care

Tiadwear Traction-A, 6, C Temperature--A, 8, C The treadwear grade is a comparative The traction grades, from highest to The temperature gradesare A (the rating based on the wear rateof the tire lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent highest), B, and C, representing the when tested under controlled conditions the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement tire’s resistance to the generation hof[eat on a specified government test course. as measured under controlled conditions and its ability to dissipate heat when For example, a tire graded 150 would on specified government test surfacesof tested undercontrolled conditionson a wear one and a half (1%) times as well asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C specified indoor laboratory test wheel. on the government course asa tire may have poor traction performance. Sustained high temperature can cause graded 100. The relative performance of Warning: The traction grade assigned the material of the tire to degenerateand tires depends upon the actual conditions to this tire is based on braking (straight- reduce tire life,and excessive of their use, however, and may depart ahead) traction tests and does not temperature can lead to sudden tire significantly from the norm due to include cornering (turning)traction. failure. The gradeC corresponds to a variations in driving habits,service level of performance whichall practices and differences in road passenger car tires must meet under the characteristics and climate. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

... 228 Wheel Alignment and Wheel Replacement Warning: The temperature grade for Tire Balance Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked this tire is established fora tire that is The wheels on your vehicle were or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep properly inflated and not overloaded. aligned and balanced carefully atthe coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, Excessive speed, underinflation, or factory to give you the longesttire life and wheel nuts shouldbe replaced. If excessive loading, either separately or in and best overall performance. the wheel leaks air out, replace it combination, can cause heat buildup (except some aluminum wheels, which In most cases, you will not need to have and possible tire failure. can sometimes be repaired). See your your wheels aligned again. However, if Pontiac dealer ifany of these conditions Those grades are molded on the you notice unusual tire wear or your sidewalls of passenger car tires. vehicle pulling one way or the other, the exist. While the tires available as standardor alignment may need to be reset. If you Your dealer will know the kind of wheel optional equipment on General Motors notice your vehicle vibrating when you need. Each new wheel should have vehicles may vary with respect to these driving on a smooth road, your wheels the same load carrying capacity, grades, all such tires meet General may need to be rebalanced. diameter, width, offset, and be mounted Motors performance standards and have the same way as the one it replaces. been approved for use on General If you need to replace anyof your Motors vehicles. All passenger type wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, (P Metric) tires must conform to Federal replace them only with new GM safety requirements in addition to these original equipment parts. This way, you grades. will be sure you have the right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for your Pontiac model. Service & Appearance Care

Wheel Replacement(CONK) 'ked Replacement Wheels

CAUTION The wrong wheel can also cause CAUTION Using the wrong replacement problems with bearing life, brake Putting a used wheel on your wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel cooling, speedometer/odometer A vehicle is dangerous. You 'Anuts on your vehicle can be calibration, headlight aim, bumper can't know how it's been used or dangerous. It could affectthe height, vehicle ground clearance, how many miles it's been driven. It braking and handling of your and tire or tire chain clearance to could fail suddenly and cause an vehicle, make tires lose air and the body and chassis. accident. If you have to replace a make you lose control. You could wheel use a new GM original have a collisionin which you or equipment wheel. others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.

mmm 230 ......

A

Tire Chains

If your Pontiac has P195J70Rl4, P195/65Rl5 or P205/60M size 1 Appearance Care tires, don't use tire chains; they can damage your vehicle. If you have other tires, use tire Cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst chains only when you must. Use \ into flame ifyou strike a match or get them on a hot partof the vehicle. only SAE Class "S" type chains aome are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.When you I that are the proper size for your use anything in a container to clean your Pontiac, be sureto follow the tires. Install them on the front tires instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you're cleaning and tighten them as tightly as the inside. possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowlyvehicle: your and follow clean to theseNever use I the chain manufacturer's Gasoline Carbon Tetrachloride Turpentine instructions. If you can hear the Benzene Acetone Lacquer Thinner chains contacting your vehicle, Naphtha Paint Thinner Nail Polish Remover stop and retighten them. Ifthe They can all be hazardous-some more than others-and they can all damag contact continues, slow down until your vehicle, too. it stops. Driving too fast with chains on will damage your vehicle.

I 231 Service & Appearance Care

I Appearance Care (c0nt.j C/eaning the Insideof Mur Pontiac Use a clean clothor sponge, and Use a vacuum cleaneroften to get rid of change to a clean areaoften. A soft Don’t use any of these unless this dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl with a brush may be used if stains are manual says you can. In many clean, damp cloth. stubborn. uses, they will damage your Your Pontiac dealer has twoGM Use solvent-type cleaners in a well- vehicle: cleaners-a solvent-type spot lifter and a ventilated area only. If you use them, Laundry Soap foam-type powdered cleaner. They will don’t saturate the stained area. Bleach clean normal spots and stains very well. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, Reducing Agents Here are some cleaning tips: clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stainsas soon as you can- before they set. Jsing barn-Type Cleaner on Using Solvent-Type Cleaneron 3brc Rinse the section witha clean, wet Fabric sponge. 1 Vacuum and brush the area to remove First, see if you have to use solvent-type any loose dirt. Wipe off what’s left witha slightly cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will damp paper towelor cloth. clean off better with just water and mild I Always clean a whole trim panelor section. Mask surrounding trim along Then dry it immediatelywith an air soap. stitch or welt lines. hose, a hair dryer, or a heat lamp. If you need to use it, then:

1 Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner Gently scrape excess soilfrom the following the directions on the trim material with a clean, dull knife container label. or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light pressure and clean cloths 1 Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge. (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outsideof the stain, 1 Don’t saturate the material. Wipe with a clean cloth. “feathering” toward the center. Keep 1 Don’t rub it roughly. changing to a clean sectionof the cloth. 1 As soon as you’ve cleaned thesection, use a sponge to remove the suds. When you clean a stain from fhbric, immediately dry the area withan air hose, hair dryer,or heat lamp to help prevent a cleaning ring. (See the previous NOTICE.)

DDD Service & Appearance Care

Spec1 Cleaning Problems Cleaning Vinyl Greasp or Oily Stains: Like grease, oil, If a stain remains, follow the foam- Just use warm water and a clean cloth. butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee type instructionsearlier in this Rub with a clean, damp cloth to with cream, chewinggum, cosmetic section. remove dirt. You may have to do it creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit more than once. and asphalt. or urine, treat the area with a water/ Things like tar, asphalt and shoe Carefully scrape off excess stain. baking soda solution: 1 teaspoon polish will stain if you don’t get them Then follow the solvent-type (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup off quickly. Use a clean clothand instructions earlier in this section. (250 ml) of lukewarm water. solvent-type vinyl/leather cleaner. Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and Finally, if needed, clean lightly with asphalt will stainif left on a vehicle solvent-type cleaner. seat fabric. They should be removed Combination Stains: Like candy, ice as soon arsible. Be careful, cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and because cleaner willdissolve them unknown stains. and may cause them to bleed. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then Non-Greasy Stains: Like catsup, coffee clean with cool water and allow to (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft dry. drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood. If a stain remains, clean it with Carefully scrape off excess stain, then solvent-type cleaner. sponge the soiled area with cool water. e34 Cleaning the Top of the Care of Safety Belts Glass Instrument Panel Keep belts clean and dry. Glass should be cleaned often. GM Use only mild soap and water to clean Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) the top surfaces of the instrumentpanel. or a liquid household glass cleaner will Sprays containing silicones or waxes remove normal tobacco smoke and dust may cause annoying reflections in the Do not bleach or dye safety films. windshield and even makeit difficult to 4 b belts. If you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash Don’t use abrasive cleaners onglass, they might not be able to provide because they may cause scratches. Avoid adequate protection. Clean safety placing decals on the insiderear belts only with mild soap and window, since they may have to be lukewarm water. scraped off later. If abrasive cleanersare used on the inside of the rear window, an electric defogger element may be damaged. Any temporary license should notbe attached across the defogger grid. Service & Appearance Care

Cleaning the Outsideof the Cleaning the Outsideof Your Windshield and Wiper Blades Pontiac soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton If the windshield is not clear after using The paint finish onyour vehicle towel to avoid surface scratches and the windshield washer, or if the wiper provides beauty, depthof color, gloss water spotting. blade chatters when running,wax or retention and durability. High pressure vehicle washesmay cause other material may be on the bladeor Washing Your Vehicle water to enter your vehicle. windshield. The best way to preserve your vehicle’s Clean the outsideof the windshield with finish is to keep it cleanby washing it GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami often with lukewarm or cold water. Powder@(GM Part No. 1050011). The windshield is clean if beads do not form Don’t wash your vehiclein the direct when you rinse it with water. rays of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, Clean the bladeby wiping vigorously dish or carwashing (non-detergent) with a cloth soaked in full strength soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that windshield washer solvent. Then rinse contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning the blade with water. agents should be flushed promptly and Wiper blades shouldbe checked on a not allowed todry on the surface,or regular basis and replaced when worn. they could stain. Dry the finish with a

‘i2a6 Aluminum Wheels White Sidewall Tires Weatherstriiw (IF SO EQUIPPED) Your Pontiac dealer has aGM White These are places where glass or metal Your aluminum wheels have a protective Sidewall Tire Cleaner. You can use a meets rubber. Silicone grease there will coating similar to the painted surface of stiff brush withit. make them last longer, seal better, and your Pontiac. Don’t use strong soaps, not squeak. Apply__ - silicone grease with a chemicals, chrome polish,or other cleancloth at least every sixmonths. abrasive cleaners on them because you could damage this coating. After rinsing thoroughly, a wax may be applied.

If you have aluminum wheels don’t use an automatic vehicle I wash that has hard silicon carbiut: cleaning brushes. These brushes can take off the protective coatin,.

237 Service & Appearance Care

Sheet Metal Damage Foreign Material Finish Damage If your vehicle is damaged and requires Calcium chloride and other salts, ice Any stone chips, fracturesor deep sheet metal repair or replacement, make melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, scratches in the finish should be sure the body repair shop applies anti- bird droppings, chemicals from repaired right away. Bare metal will corrosion material to the parts repaired industrial chimneys, andother foreign corrode quickly and may develop into a or replaced to restore corrosion matter can damage yourvehicle’s finish major repair expense. protection. if they remain on painted surfaces. Use Minor chips and scratches can be cleaners that are marked safe for painted repaired with touch-up materials surfaces for these stains. available from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areasof finish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s body and paint shop. Chemical Paint Spotting Finish Care Zhemicals used for ice and snow Some weather and atmospheric Occasional waxing or mild polishing of :emoval and dust control can collect on conditions can create a chemical fallout. your Pontiac may be necessary to ;he underbody, If theseare not removed, Airborne pollutants can fall uponand remove residue from the paintfinish. lccelerated corrosion (rust) can occur attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. You can get GM approved cleaning In the underbody parts such asfuel This damage can take two forms: products from your dealer.(See the lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, Index under Appearance Care.) system even though they have corrosion and small irregular dark spots etched Your Pontiac has a “basecoatl ?rotection. into the paint surface. clearcoat” paint finish. The clearcoat least every spring, flush these Although no defect in the paintjob gives more depth and glossto the terials from the underbody with plain causes this; Pontiac will repair, atno colored basecoat. ter. Clean any areas where mud and charge to the owner, the surfacesof new er debris can collect. Dirt packed in vehicles damaged by this fallout sed areas of the frame should be condition within 12 months or l2,OOO send before being flushed. Your miles (20 OOO km) of purchase, ealer or an underbody vehicle washing whichever comes first. stem can do this for you. Service & Appearance Care

Vehicle ldentification Number Engine ldentification Service Parts ldentification Label1 (v/N) The eighth character in your VIN is the You'll find this label on your spare tire This is the legal identifier foryour engine code for your GM engine. This cover. Pontiac. It appears on a plate in the front code will help you identify your engine, It's very helpful if you ever need to corner of the instrument panel, on the specifications, and replacement partsin order parts. On this label is: this section. driver's side. You can see it if you look Your VIN. through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on Its model designation. the Vehicle Certification and Service Paint information. Parts labels and the certificatesof title A list of all production options and and registration. special equipment. Be sure that this labelis not removed from the vehicle.

m.. 240 ldd-On Electrical Equbment Fuses & Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are Look at the silver-colored band inside protected from short circuitsby a ;he fuse. If the band is brokenor combination of fuses, circuit breakers, melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you and fusible thermal links in the wiring replace a bad fuse with a new one of the itself. This greatly reduces the chance of identical size and rating. fires caused by electrical problems. The fuse panel is located on the lower left side of the instrument panel.To open, pull the handle marked FUSE down and forward. To identify and check fuses, refer to the Fuse Usage chart.

241 Service & Appearance Care

Fuse Rating Circuitry (AMP.) F/P 10 FuelPump PWR ACC 30 Door Locks; Rear Defogger (Breaker) RDO 2 10 Radio & Cruise Power Feed Usage INSTLPS 5 InstrumentPanel Lights WDO 30 PowerWindow (Breaker) CTSY 20 CourtesyLights; Horn; Power Locks; RearCompartment Courtesy Light, Audible Warning System, Check Oil Light WIPER 25 WindshieldWipedWasher GAUGES 10 Gages; Warning Indicator; Audible Warning System; Rear Window Defogger; Torque Converter Clutch; Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock; Multi-Port Fuel Injection HTR-A/C 25 Heat;A/C; Daytime Running Lights (Canada); Anti-Lock Brake System TAIL 15 Parking, Side Marker, License Plate Lights RDO 1 10 Radio Memory, Digital Clock TURN B/U 20 TurnSignal Flashers; Back-up Lights FOG 15 LightsFog CIG 15 CigaretteLighter, Glove Box Light S/LP 20 StopLights; Hazard Flashers ECM 10 ECMInjectors

I.. 242 Uead/ight Widng WindshieM W@eB hwr Windows and Other The headlight wiring is protectedby a The windshield wiper motoris protected plower Options circuit breaker in the light switch.An by a circuit breaker and fuse.a If the Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect dectrical overload will cause the lights motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the power windows and other power to go on and off, or in some cases to the wiper will stop until the motor accessories. When thecurrent load is remain off. If this happens, have your cools. If the overload is caused by some too heav, the circuit breakeropens and headlight system checked right away. electrical problem, have it fixed. closes, protecting the circuit untilthe problem is fixed. Service & Appearance Care

Capacities & Specifications EngineCrankcase ...... 4 quarts 3.8 L when changing filter, up to I quart (I liter) more oil may be needed. Automatic Transaxle Pan Removal and Replacement ...... 4quarts 3.8 L After CompleteOverhaul ...... 6.9 quarts 6.6 L when draining or replacing torque converter, morefluid may be needed. Manual lkansaxle Complete Drain and Refd ...... 2.0 quarts 1.9 L Cooling System 2.0L ...... 11.7 quarts 11.1 L 3.1LV6 ...... 14.2 quarts 13.2 L

mum 244 Refrigerant, Air Conditioning...... See refrigerant charge label under hood. Not all air conditioning rejhgerants are the same.If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs rejkgerant, be sure the proper refiiserant is used.@you 're not sure, askyour Pontiac dealer. Fuel Tank ...... 15.2 gallons 57.5 L Power Steering Pump Only ...... 1 .oO pint 0.50 L CompleteSystem ...... 2.25 pints 1.25 L Tire Pressures, Sizes...... See Tire-Loading Information label on driver's door. Wheel Nut Torque ...... 100 pound-feet (140 Nem)

II NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual. Service & Appearance Care

Fluids & Lubricants ITEM APPLICATION GM PART NUMBER SIZE Antifreeze Coolant...... Year-roundantifreeze for (Ethylene Glycol Base) coolant mixtures...... 1052753 1 gal. (3.8 L)

Chassis Lubricant ...... Generalchassis lube, etc...... 1052497 14 oz. (397 g) (Grease Gun Insert) .- Delco Supreme ll@Brake Fluid ... Brake System and ClutchMaster Cylinder ...-. .. .--... 1052535 .. 16 oz. (0.5 L) DEXRONE IIE Automatic ...... AutomaticTransaxle ...... 185510532 oz. (1.0 L) Transmission Fluid 12345881 1 gal. (3.8 L) Synchromesh Transmission Fluid ..... ManualTransaxle ...... 1234534932 oz. (1.0 L) GM Hydraulic Fluid ...... ClutchMaster Cylinder ...... 1234534716 oz. (0.5 L) Engine Oil ...... Engine lubrication ...... See the Index under Engine Oil.

GM Engine Oil Supplement . , Seeyour dealer foradvice ...... 105236716 oz. (0.5 L) (E.O.S.) Engine Oil ...... Hood, trunk and door hinges windshield Washer Solvent ...... Windshield washer fluid Power Steering Fluid ...... PowerSteering System ...... 1050017 32 oz. (1 .O L) 1052884 16 oz. (0.5 L) Silicone Grease ...... Weatherstrips...... 12345579 1 oz. (28 g) Spray-A-Squeak Silicone Lubricant ... General purpose siliconelubricant, weatherstrips ...... 1052276 (aerosol) 4.5 oz. (127 g) 1052277 12 oz. (0.35 L)

DDD 246 Replacement Bulbs OUTSIDE LIGHTS BULB Back-up Lights ...... 1156 Front Parking/Turn Signal Lights ...... 2057NA Center High-Mounted Stoplight Inside (Carpet-Covered) ...... 1141 Inside (Pedestal-Mount) ...... 1156 Outside(Spoiler) ...... 577 Outside (Convertible) ...... 889 Halogen Headlights LE/SE Composite LowBeam ...... 9006 HighBeam ...... 9005 GT-Sealed Beam LowBeam ...... H4703 HighBeam ...... H4701 Front Side Marker Lights ...... 194 Rear Side Marker Lights ...... 24 Stop/Tail Lights ...... 2057 Trunk Light (Sedan)...... 105 Coupe.Convertible ...... 912 Rear Turn Signal Lights sedan ...... 1156 coupe ...... 2057

247 .. . Service & Appearance Care

Replacement Bulbs (CONI) INSIDE LIGHTS BULB Ashtray ...... 194 CourtesyLights ...... 168 DomeLight ...... 562 Heater & A/C Control ...... 194 High-BeamIndicator ...... 194 Indicator Lights Brake. Oil. Turn Signals ...... 194 Charge. Check Engine. Fasten Safety Belts ...... 168 GloveBox ...... 194 Engine Specifications 2.OL L4 3.1L V6 VIN Engine Code ...... H T rype ...... LA V6 Displacement ...... 2.0 Liters 3.1 Liters Compression Ratio ...... 9.2:l 8.8:1 Firingorder ...... 1-3-4-2 1-2-3-4-5-6 rhemostat Temperature ...... 195 O F (91 O C) 195°F (91°C) Service & Appearance Care

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Element 2.0L L4 ...... AC Type A-1172C 3.1LV6 ...... AC Type A-1098C Engine Oil Filter 2.0L L4 ...... AC Typ PF-47 3.1LV6 ...... AC Type PF-51 PCV Valve 2.0LL4 ...... AC TypeCV-869C 3.1LV6 ...... AC Type CV-892C Spark Plugs 2.0LL4 . - - - ...... AC Type oR43XLS Gap: 1.14 mm (0.045 inch) 3.1LV6 ...... AC Type oR44LTSM Gap: 1.14 mm (0.045 inch)

88. 250

Notes IMPORTANT Part 7 KEEP ENGINE OIL AT THE PROPER Maintenance Schedule LEVEL AND CHANGE AS RECOMMENDED Section Introduction A Word About Maintenance ...... 254 This part covers the maintenance Your Vehicle and the Environment ...... ,254 required for your Pontiac. Your How This Part is Organized ...... 255 vehicle needs these services to A. Scheduled Maintenance Services retain its safety, dependability and Using Your Maintenance Schedules ...... 256 emission control performance. Selecting the Right Schedule ...... 256 Schedule1 ...... 258 ScheduleII ...... 260 Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services ...... 262 Protection B. Owner Checks & Services 1 U' 1 Plan AtEachFuelFill ...... 265 At Least Once a Month ...... , , ...... , ...... 265 111-Have you purchased the At Least Twice a Year ...... 266 GM Protection Plan? At Least Once a Year ...... 266 The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. C. Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 269 See your Pontiac dealer for details. D. Recommended Fluids & Lubricants ...... , . . . . .270 E. MaintenanceRecord ...... 273 Maintenance Schedule Introduction

A Word About Maintenance Your Vehide and the Environment We at General Motors want to helpyou keep your vehicle in Proper vehicle maintenance notonly helps to keep your good working condition. Butwe don’t know exactly how vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a environment. All recommended maintenance proceduresare few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the important. Improper vehicle maintenanceor the removal of time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in important components can significantly affect the quality of making deliveries. Oryou may drive it to work, to do the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even the wrong errands or in many other ways. tire inflation can increase the levelof emissions from your Because of all the differentways people usetheir GM vehicles, vehicle. To help protect our environment, and to help keep maintenance needs vary. You may even need more frequent your vehicle in good condition, please maintain your vehicle checks and replacements than you will find in the schedules properly. in this part. So please read this part and note how youdrive. If you have any questions onhow to keep your vehiclein good condition, see your Pontiac dealer,the place many GM owners choose tohave their maintenance work done.Your dealer can be relied upon to useproper parts and practices.

mmm 254 Yow This part is Oganized rhe remainder of this part is dividedinto five sections: Section B: Owner Checks & Services tellsyou what should section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services shows what to be checked whenever you stop for fuel. It also explains what lave done and how often. Someof these services can be you can easily do to help keep your vehiclein good :omplex, so unless you are technically qualified and have condition. he necessary equipment, you shouldlet your dealer’s Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections explains iervice department or another qualified service centerdo important inspections that your Pontiac dealer’sservice hese jobs. department or another qualified service center should perform. Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants lists some Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be products GM recommends to help keep your vehicle 1dangerous. In trying to do somejobs, you can be properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work should be used whether youdo the work yourselfor have it only if you have the required know-how andthe proper done. tools and equipment for thejob. If you have any doubt, Section E: Maintenance Record provides a place for you to have a qualified techniciando the work. record the maintenance performed on your vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure to write it down in this section. This will help you determine when u are skilled enough todo some work on your vehicle, your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a will probably want to get theservice information GM good idea to keep your maintenance receipts. They maybe lishes. You will find a list of publications and howto get needed to qualifj your vehicle for warranty repairs. em in this manual. See theIdex under Service Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services

Using Mur Maintenance Schedules Selecting the Right Schedule This section tells you the maintenance services you should First you’ll need to decide whichof the two schedulesis have done and when you should schedule them.Your right for your vehicle. Hereis how to decide which schedule Pontiac dealer knows your vehicle best and wants yoube to to follow: happy with it. If you go to your dealer for yourservice needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and supportedservice people will perform the work using genuineGM parts. These schedules are for vehicles that: carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s Tire-Loading Information label. See the Index under Loading Your %hick. are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits. use the recommended unleaded fuel.See the Idex under Fuel.

256 Schedule I Schedule I1 Is any one of these true for your vehicle? Follow Schedule II only if none of the above conditions is Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). true. Most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km) when outside temperatures are below freezing. The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in door-to- door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic). You operate your vehiclein dusty areas. If any one (or moE) of these is true foryour driving, follow Schedule I. Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services [cant.] Schedule I Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is MAINLY driven under one or more of the following conditions: When most trips are less than4 miles (6 km). When most trips are less than10 miles TO BE SERVICED WHEN TO PERFORM ITEM (16 km) and outside temperatures See Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or Months NO. remain below freezing. Sewices following Schedules I and II. (whichever occurs first). When most trips include extended idling and/or frequent low-speed operation, as in stop-and-go traffic. When operating in dusty areas. I Every other oil change. Schedule I should also be followed if the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial 4 I EngineAccessory Drive Belt@) Inspection* I Every 30,000 Miles (50 OOO km) or 24 Months. applications.

*An Emission Control Service. Transaxle Service See Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services following Schedules I -A= The US. Environmental Protection Agency 6/ and II. has determined that thefailure to perjorm this maintenance item will not nullifL the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the 8 1 Spark Plug WireInspection** 1 Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km). completion of vehicle usefil life- General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services bepedonned at the indicated intervals and the maintenancebe 10 Air CleanerFilter Replacement* ~ 1 Gery 30,000 Miles (50 OOO km). recorded in Section E: Maintenance Record.

Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services [cant.] Schedule I1 Follow Schedule II ONLY if none of the driving conditions specified in Schedule I apply. TO BE SERVICED ITEM WHEN TO PERFORM See Explanation Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers)or Months No* of Services following Schedules I and 11. (whichever occurs first).

2 I ChassisLubrication I Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) or 12 Months.

4 I Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection* I Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) or 24 Months.

*An Emission Control Sewice. Transaxle Service See Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services 13 llze US.Environmental Protection Agency 61 following Schedules I and II. has determined that the failureto peform this maintenance item will not nullifL the emission warranty or limit recall liability priorto the 8 SparkPlug Wire Inspection** I Every 30,000 Miles (50 0oO km). completion of vehicle useful&e. General I Motors, however, urgesthat all recommended maintenance senices be pegormed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be 10 I Air CleanerFilter Replacement* I Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km). recorded in Section E: Maintenance Record.

8.. 260 The services shown in this scheduleup to 45,000 miles (75 000 km) are to be performed after 45,000 miles at the same intervals. MILES (000) 7.5 I 15 22.5 30 45 37.5 KILOMETERS (000) 1 37.5 I 50 75 I

I 1 I I 0 I I I

261 Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services [cant.]

Explanation of Scheduled Mainfenance Services The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Below are explanations of the services listedin Schedule I Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses and Schedule II. these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle. ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 1 Engine Oiland Filter Change-Always use SG 3 Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation-For Energy Conserving 11 oils of proper viscosity. The proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your “SG” designation may be shown alone or in tires following the instructions in this manual. See combination with others, such as “SG/CC,” the Index under Eres, Inspection & Rotation. “SG/CD” or “SF, SG, CC,” etc. To determine the Check the tires for uneven wear or damage. If you preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine(e.g., see irregular or premature wear, check the wheel SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see the Index under alignment. Check for damaged wheels also. Engine Oil. 2 Chassis Lubrication-Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. Lubricate the front and rear suspension and steering linkage.

*An Emission Control Sewice. -12 The US. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that thefailure to pe~ormthis maintenance item will not nullify the emission warrantyor limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be perjormed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in Section E: Maintenance Record. ... 262 ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 4 Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection*- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher. proper tension. Replace as needed. In hilly or mountainous terrain. 5 Cooling System Service*-Drain, flush and refill Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery the system with new or approved recycled coolant service. conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant at the proper mixtureas specified. See the If you do not use your vehicle under anyof Index under Coolant. This provides proper freeze these conditions, change both the fluid and filter protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine every 100,000 miles (160 000 km). operating temperature. 7 Spark Plug Replacement*-Replace spark plugs Inspect hoses and replace if theyare cracked, with the proper type. See the Index under swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose Replacement Parts. clamps. Clean the outsideof the radiator andair 8 Spark PlugWire Inspection**-Inspect for conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and burns, cracks or other damage. Check the boot fit neck. at the coils and at thespark plugs. Replace wires as To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a needed. pressure test of both the cooling system andthe 9 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System pressure cap. Inspection (2.0L L4 Code H engine)*+-Conduct 6 Transaxle Service-For manual transaxles, fluid the EGR system service as described in the service doesn’t require changing. manual. To purchase a service manual, see the Index under Sewice Publications. For automatic transaxles, change both the fluid and filter every l5,OOO miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under oneor more of these conditions:

263 Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services[cant.]

ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 10 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*-Replaceevery 11 Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection**- 30,000 miles (50 OOO km) or more often under Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines (including fuel rails dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper and injection assembly) for damageor leaks. replacement intervals for your driving conditions. Inspect fuel cap gasket foran even filler neck imprint or any damage. Replace parts as needed. Periodic replacementof the fuel filteris not required.

*An Emission Control Service. fr neUS. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failureto perform this maintenance itemwill not nullifi the emission warranty or limit recall liabilityprior to the completionof vehicle usejil lge. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance sem'ces be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recordedin Section E: Maintenance Record. ... 264 Sectlion 6: Owner Checks & Services

Listed below are owner checksand services which should Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your safety, dependability and emission control performance of vehicle, make sure theyare the proper ones, as shown in your vehicle. Section D.

I At Each Fuel Fill(It is important for you or a service station attendant toperform these underhood checks at eachfuel fi//.) CHECK WHAT TO DO -OR SERVICE I Engine Oil Level Check the engine oil level and add the properoil if necessary. See the Index under Engine Oil for further details. Engine Coolant Level Check the engine coolant levelin the coolant recoverytank or surge tank and addthe proper coolant mix if necessary. See the Index under Coolant for further details. Windshield Washer Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washertank and add theproper fluid I I FluidLevel I if necessary.See the Index under WindshieldWasher Fluid for further details.

I At Least Once a Month Ir I CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE I Tire Inflation Check tire inflation. Makesure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-Loading Information label located onthe rear edge of the driver's door. See theIndex under Eres for further details.

26E Section 6: Owner Checks & Services [cant.] At Least Twice a Year CHECK WHAT TO DO I OR SERVICE I Hydraulic Clutch Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See the Index under Hydraulic Clutch. Afluid loss System Inspection in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once. At Least Once a %ar CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE ~~ I ~~ ~ ~~~~~ Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Section D. Body Lubrication Lubricate all body doorhinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, headlight door assemblies (if equipped), fuel door, trunk, glovebox door, console door and any folding seat hardware. Section D tells you what to use. Starter Switch A When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others L could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see theIndex under Parking Brake if necessary) and the regular brake. NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready toturn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the enginein each gear. The starter should work only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service. On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever N in (Neutral), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine.The starter should work only when the clutchis pushed down all the way to the floor.If the starter workswhen the clutch isn't pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service. L 'i266 When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly.If it does, you or others .could be iniured. Follow the stem below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room arounL ,,le vehicle. I. _-louldbe parked on a level surface. 2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see theIndex under Parking Brake if necessary). NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move. 3. With the engine off, turn the key to the Run position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular brake,try to move the shift leverout of P (Park) with normal effort. If

the shift lever moves out of P (Park), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service. I I I While parked, and with the parking brakeset, try to turn the key to Lock in each shift lever I position. I With an automatic transaxle, thekey should turn to Lock only when the shift lever is in P (Park). With a manual transaxle, thekey should turn to Lock only when the shift lever is in R (Reverse). On vehicles with a key release lever, try toturn the key to Lock without pressing the lever.The key should turn to Lock only with the key lever depressed. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in Lock.

267 Maintenance Schedule Section 6: Owner Checks & Services [cant.]

It Least Once a bar (CONK)

CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle P (Park) Mechanism When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin tomove. You or others could be Check injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is roomin front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. I Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facmg downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. To check the parking brake:With the engine running and the transaxle inN (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.Do this until the vehicle is heldby the parking brake only. To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to P (Park). Then release all brakes. Underbody Flushing At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody.Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.

.a. 268 Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Listed below are inspections and services which shouldbe performed at least twicea year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service departmentor other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

INSPECTION WHAT SHOULD BE DONE OR SERVICE Steering, Suspension Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, looseor missing parts, and Front-Wheel-Drive signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper Axle Boot and Seal hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafmg, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for Inspection damage, tears or leakage. Replace sealsif necessary. Exhaust System Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, Inspection damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as wellas open seams, holes, loose connections,or other conditions which could causea heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See theIndex under Engine Exhaust. Throttle Linkage Inspect the throttle linkage for interferenceor binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Inspection Replace parts as needed. Brake System Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, Inspection cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, includingdrums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.You may need to have your brakes inspected more oftenif your driving habitsor conditions resultin frequent braking. NOTE: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads whichmay need to be serviced, Also, if the brake system warning light stays onor comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. See theIndex under Brake System Warning Light.If your anti-lock brake system warning light stayson, comes on or flashes, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system. See the Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light. Maintenance Schedule Section Dl: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants

NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer.

USAGE FWID/WBRICANT

~~ ~ Engine Oil GM Goodwrench Motor Oil or equivalent for API service SG Energy Conserving11 oils of the proper viscosity. The “SG” designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as “SG/CC,” “SG/CD,” or “SF, SG, CC,” etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see the Index under Engine Oil. Engine Coolant A 50/50 mixture of water (preferably distilled) and good quality ethylene glycol base antifreeze (GM Part No. 1052753 or equivalent) conforming to GM Specification 1825M or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification1825111. Hydraulic Brake Delco Supreme ll@Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535) or equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid. System Hydraulic Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No. 12345347) or equivalent. System Parking Brake Guides Chassis lubricant meeting requirementsof NLGI Grade 2, CategoryLB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1052497) or equivalent. Power Steering System GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid (GM PartNo. 1052884) or equivalent. Manual Transaxle Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 12345349)or equivalent. Automatic Transaxle DEXRON@-IIE AutomaticTransmission Fluid (GMPart No. 12345881) or equivalent.

270 USAGE FWID/WBRICANT Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. l2345l20), synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil or silicone lubricant (GMPart No. 1052276 or 1052277). Manual Transaxle Shift Chassis lubricant meeting requirementsof NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB Linkage (GM Part No. 1052497) or equivalent. Engine oil. Automatic Transaxle Shift Linkage Clutch Linkage Pivot Engine oil. Points Chassis Lubrication Chassis lubricant meeting requirementsof NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB I (GM Part No. 1052497) or equivalent. Windshield Washer GM Optikleen@ Washer Solvent (GMPart No. 1051515) or equivalent. Solvent Maintenance Schedule Section I:Recommended Fluids & Lubricants [cant.]

USAGE FWID/WBRICANT

~___ Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring a. Engine oil. Anchor b. Release Pawl b. Chassis lubricant meeting requirementsof NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1052497) or equivalent. Hood and door hinges, Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109). fuel door hinge, head- light door assemblies (if equipped), rear compartment lid hinges, rear folding seat Weatherstrips Dielectric Silicone Grease (GMPart No. 12345579 or equivalent). See the Index under Replacement Parts for recommended replacement filters, valves and spark plugs. Section E: Maintenance Record

After the scheduled servicesare performed, record the date, or Schedule II maintenance charts which correspond to the odometer reading and who performed the service in the maintenance performed. Also, you should retain all columns indicated. When completingthe Maintenance maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a Performed column, insert the numbers from the Schedule I convenient place to store them.

SERVICED BY Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record lcont.1

ODOMETER 1 DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED I READING I I i i j 1 i

~ I I

i i I j I Ii ' j I

m.. 274 Part 8 Customer Assistance Information Customer Satisfaction Procedure ...... 276 Hereyou will find out how to Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired ...... 277 contact Pontiac if you need BBB MediatiodArbitration Program ...... 278 assistance. This part also tells you Reporting Safety Defects ...... , ...... 280 how to obtain service publications Pontiac Roadside.Assistance Program ...... 281 and how to report any safety defects. Servicehblications ...... 282

275 E Customer Assistance Information

STEP ONE: Discuss your problem with For prompt assistance, please have the , a member of dealership management. following information available to give Complaints can often be quickly the Customer Assistance Representative: resolved at that level. If the matter has Your name, address, telephone already been reviewed with the Sales, number Service, or Parts Manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the General 0 Vehicle Identification Number (This is Customer Satisfaction Procedure Manager. available from the vehicle registration Your satisfaction and goodwill are or title, or the plate attached to the left important to your dealer and Pontiac. STEP TWO: If after contacting a top of the instrument panel and visible Normally, any problems with the sales member of Dealership Management, it through the windshield.) appears your problem cannot be transaction or the operation of your Dealership name and location vehicle will be resolvedby your dealer’s resolved by the dealership without Vehicle delivery date and present Sales or Service Departments. further help, contact the Pontiac mileage Sometimes, however, despite the best Customer Assistance Centerby calling intentions of all concerned, 1-800-PM CARES. In Canada, contact Nature of problem misunderstandings can occur. If your GM of Canada Customer Assistance concern has not been resolved to your Centre in Oshawa by calling satisfaction, the following steps should 1-800-263-3777 (English) or be taken: 1-800-263-7854 (French). In Mexico, call 254-17-86. In Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands, call 1-809-763-1315. In all other overseas locations, contact GM International Export Sales in Canadaby calling 1-416-644-4112.

276 Customer Assistance &r the In order to give your inquiry prompt When contacting Pontiac, please Hearing or Speech impaired attention, please call the toll-free remember that your problem will likely To assist owners who have hearing number listed above. However, if you be resolved in the dealership, using the difficulties, Pontiac has installed special wish to write Pontiac, write to: dealership’s facilities, equipment and TDD (Telecommunication Devices for United States personnel. That is why we suggest you the Deaf) equipment in its Customer Pontiac Division follow Step One firstif you have a Assistance Center. Any hearing or Customer Assistance Center problem. speech impaired customer who has One Pontiac Plaza access to aTDD or a conventional Pontiac, MI 48340 teletypewriter (TTY) can communicate Canada with Pontiac by dialing: 1-800-TDD- General Motors of Canada Limited PONT. (TDD users in Canada can dial Customer Assistance Centre 1-800-263-3830.) 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LLH 8W A listing of all Pontiac Zone Offices and offices outside the U.S. which can assist you can also be found in the warranty booklet. Customer Assistance Information

GM Participation In Better Business Bureau We prefer that you not resort to BBB In order to fde a claim, you will have to MediationAhitration Program* AUTO LINE until after a final decision provide your name and address, the Our experience has shown that the is made under the Customer Satisfaction vehicle identification number(VIN) of Customer Satisfaction Procedure Procedure. However, you may file a your vehicle, anda statement of the described earlier in this part has been claim at any time by contacting your nature of your complaint. BBB staff may very successful in achieving customer local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at try to help resolve your dispute through satisfaction. However, if you have not the following toll-free number: mediation. If mediation is not been substantially satisfied, Pontiac 1-800-955-5100. For further information successful, or if you do not wish to wants you to be aware of GM’s about filinga claim, you may also write participate in mediation, eligible voluntary participationin a no-charge to: customers may present their case to an mediatiodarbitration program called BBB AUTO LINE impartial third-party arbitrator atan BBB AUTO LINE. This program is Council of Better Business Bureaus informal hearing. The arbitrator will administered by the Council of Better 4200 Wilson Boulevard render a decision in your case, which Business Bureaus through local Better Suite 800 you may accept or reject. If you accept a Business Bureaus. It can resolve Arlington, VA 22203 valid arbitrator decision,GM will be individual disputes involving vehicle bound by that decision. The entire repairs and the interpretationof your dispute settlement process should New Vehicle Limited Warranty. ordinarily take about40 days from the time you file your complaint to the time Whatever your preference may be, * This program may not be available in a decision is rendered (or47 days if you remember that if youare unhappy with all states, depending on state law. did not first contact your dealer or the results of BBB AUTO LINE, you Canadian owners refer toyour Pontiac) . can still go to court because an warranty booklet. General Motors We encourage you to use this program arbitrator’s decision is binding onGM reserves the right to change eligibility before or instead of resorting to the but not on you, unless you acceptit. limitations andlor to discontinue its courts. We believe it offers advantages Eligibility is.limited by vehicle participation in this program. over courts in most jurisdictions becauseage/mileage and other factors. For ** Some states may require that youj2e it is fast, freeof charge, and informal further information concerning the a claim withBBB AUiW LINE before (lawyers are not usually present, program, call theBBB at resorting to state-operated although you may retain one at your 1-800-955-5100. You may also call the procedures (including court). expense if you choose). Arbitrators Pontiac Customer Assistance Center. make decisions based on the principles of fairness and equity, and are not required to duplicate the functionsof courts by strictly applying state or federal law. If you wish to go to court, however, we do not require that you first file a claimwith BBB AUTO LINE** unless state law provides otherwise.

279 Customer Assistance Information

Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crashor could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) , in addition to notifying General Motors. Reporting Safety Defectsto the Reporting Safety Defects to If NHTSA receives similar complaints, Canadian Government General Motors it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect existsin a If you live in Canada, and you believe In addition to notifyingNHTSA (or group of vehicles, it may order a recall that your vehicle has a safety defect,you Transport Canada) in a situation like and remedy campaign. However, should immediately notify Transport this, we certainly hope you’ll notifyus. NHTSA cannot become involvedin Canada, in addition to notifying General Please call us at1-800-PM-CARES, or Motors of Canada Limited. You may write: individual problems between you, your 4 dealer, or General Motors. write to: Pontiac Division Transport Canada To contact NHTSA, you may either call Customer Assistance Center Box 8880 One Pontiac Plaza the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at Ottawa, Ontario IUG 352 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Pontiac, MI 48340 Washington, D.C. area) or write to: In Canada, please call us at NHTSA 1-800-263-3777 (English) or U.S. Department of Transportation 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: Washington, D.C. 20590 General Motorsof Canada Limited You can also obtainother information Customer Assistance Centre about motor vehicle safetyfrom the 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Hotline. Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

280 Pontiac Roadside inforination over the phoneor making In many instances, fnechanical ltailures arrangements totow your vehicle to the are covered under hntiac’s As&&nce Program nearest Pontiac dealer. comprehensive warranty. However, SecurrYy Whik Tiuel We will provide the following services when other services are utilized, our bu advisors will explainany payment 1-8oO-ROADsIDE- 1-800-762-3743 for 3 years/36,000 miles, at no expense to you: obligations you might incur. As the proud ownerof a new hntiac Vehicle out of he1 Pontiac reserves the right to limit vehicle, you are automatically enrolled Keys locked in vehicle services or reimbursement to an owner in the Pontiac Radside Assistance or driver when in hntiac’s judgement 0 ~ Tow to nearest dealer for warranty Program? This value-added service is the claims become obsessivein intended to provide you with peace of Change a flat tire frequencr or type of occurrence. ~ mind as you drive in the city or travel Jump starts i the open mad. pleme coytsutt your dealer We have quick, easy access to telephone *In Canada, GM regarding awilability Roadside Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-free numbers of the following services of Assistance. number is staffed by a team of depending on your needs: , technicdy trained advisors, who are Hotels mailable 24 hours a days a year. day, 365 Glass replacement take anxiety out of uncertain We Rental vehicles or taxis situations by providing minor repair 0 Police, fire department or hospitals Information

w Pontiuc Roadside Service Publications Assistance Program (Cant.) Information on how to obtain Product Pontiac regularly sends its dealers useful Service Publications and Indexesas service bulletins about Pontiac products. For prompt and efficient assistance described below is applicable onlyin Pontiac monitors product performance when calling, please provide the the fifty U.S. states (and the District of in the field. We then prepare bulletins following information to the advisor: Columbia) and only forcars and light for servicing our products better.Now, Location of vehicle trucks with GVWR less than l0,OOO you can get these bulletinstoo. Telephone number of your location pounds (4 536 kg). Bulletins cover various subjects. Some Vehicle model, year andcolor In Canada, information pertaining to pertain to the proper use and careof Mileage of vehicle Product Service Bulletins and Indexes your vehicle. Some describe costly Vehicle identification number can be obtainedby writing to: repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs which, if done on time with the Vehicle license plate number General Motorsof Canada Limited Service Publications Department latest parts, may avoid future costly While we hope that you never have the repairs. Some bulletins tella technician occasion to useour service, it is added 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7 how to repair a newor unexpected security while travelling for you and condition. Others describe a -quicker your family. Remember, we’re only a way to fix your vehicle. They can help a phone call away. Pontiac Roadside technician service your vehicle better. Assistance-1-800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743. ESE Individual PSP’S What Mu 71 Find in the Index Most bulletins apply to conditions If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s A list of all PSP’s published by affecting a small numberof cars or issued by Pontiac for all modelsin the Pontiac in a model year(1990 or trucks. Your Pontiac dealer or a model year, you can buy individual later). PSP’s covering all models of qualified technician may have to PSP‘s, such as those which may pertain Pontiac vehicles are listedin the same determine if a specific bulletin appliesto to a particular model.To do this, you index. your vehicle. will first need to see our indexof PSP’s. Ordering information so you can buy It provides a varietyof information. the specific PSP’s you may want. Here’s what you’ll find in the index and how you can get one: Price information for the PSP’s you I may want to buy. I

I.. Customer Assistance Information

How Mu Can Get an Index Pontiac Service Publications Indexes are published periodically. Most Cut out the order form, fdl it out, and You can get theseby using the following of the PSP’s which could potentially mail it in. We will then see to it thatan order form. apply to the most recent Pontiac models index is mailed to you. There is no Pontiac Division service manuals are will be listed in the most recent charge for indexes for the1990-1993 intended for useby professional, publication for that model year.This model years. qualified technicians. Attempting repairs means you may want to wait until the Toll-Free Telephone Number or service without the appropriate end of the model year before ordering training, tools, and equipment could an index, if you are interested in buying If you want an additional order form for an index, just call toll-free andwe’ll be cause injury to you or others and PSP’s pertaining to a current model year damage to your vehicle that may cause it car or truck. happy to send you one. Automated recording equipment will take your not to operate properly. Some PSP’s pertaining to a particular name and mailing address. The number model year vehicle may be published in to call is 1-800-551-4123. later years, and these would be listedin the later year’s index. When you order A Very Important Reminder an index for a model year thatis not These PSP’s are meant for technicians. over yet, we’ll send youthe most recently They are not meant for the “do-it- published issue. Check the order form yourselferl’ Technicians have the for indexes forearlier model years. equipment, tools, safety instructions,and know-how to do a job quickly and safely. m.. 284 1993 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicingpur vehicle of can be purchased by filling out the Service Publications Order Form in this book and mailing it withpur check, money order or credit card informationto Helm, Incorporated (address listedbelow). CURRENT PUBLICATIONSFOR 1993 PONTIAC SUNBIRD PRODUCT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS SERVICE MANUALS Product Service Publications (PSP’s), are bulletins, letters and articlesService Manuals havethe diagnosis, repair and overhaul information published for trained dealer service personnel. See Service Publica-on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steer- tions listed previouslyin this section. ing, body, etc. A cumulative index is published quarterly during the current model Model Form Number Price Number Form Model year. The indexeslist all PSP’s published by Pontiacin the modelyear. 1993Pontiac Sunbird ...... S-931OJ $43.00 PSP Index ‘Please specify special body or engine typeson order form. Write Year Form Number Price Number Form Year information in the Form Number column. For example: Turbo, 1993 PSPI-93-P...... Free Convertible. 1992 PSPI-92-P...... Free OWNER’S INFORMATION 1991 PSPI-91-P ...... Free Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intendedpro- to 1990 PSPI-90-P...... Free vide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner’s NOTE: Form Numbers for individual Product Service Publications may Manual includesthe Maintenance Schedule forall models. be foundin the PSP Index. Prices are$4.00 for the first PSP and $2.00 for each additional PSP on the same order. 1993 Pontiac Sunbird Owner’s Manual PSP Bound BulletinBook (Complete Year Bulletins) In Portfolio:Includes hrtfolio, Owner‘s Manualand Warranty Booklet. Year Description Form Number PriceNumber FormDescription Year 1993Pontiac Sunbird In-Portfolio ...... lo222123 $15.00 1991 All PSP’S ...... S-91-PSP-415.00 Without Portfolio: lncludes Owner‘s Manual. 1990 All PSP’S ...... S-90-PSP-4 15.00 1993Pontiac Sunbird Without Portfolio .. .lo202156 $11.00 For subscriDtion information call Helm, Incorporated.

~

CURRENT & PASTMODEL ORDER FORMS Address all inquiriesto: HELM,INCORPORATED Service Publications are available for current and past model Pontiac RO. Box 07130 vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model Detroit, MI 48207 name of vehicle. 1-800-782-4356 ONLY: Orders Card Credit For information and inqulriescall: (313) 883-1430

285 ... 286 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM NOTE: Please complete form below (Print or Type) and MAIL TO:

I---____ - ~ Post Office Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207 I ORDERTOLL FREE .Minimum Credit Card Order $10.00

NOTE Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the nameof the personto whose attentionthe shipment should be sent. For purchases outsideUSA. please writeto the above address for quotation.

(CUSTOMER NAME) (CUSTOMER (ATTENTION)

(STREET ADDRESS-NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS) (APT. NO.)

Check here if your billing (STATE) (ZIP CODE) address is different from your shipping address shown.

Fuel Economy Record

ODOMETER NUMBER OF TOTAL AVERAGE DATE READING GAL LONS/LITERS COST ECONOMY

mm. 290 ODOMETER NUMBER OF TOTAL AVERAGE DATE READING COST GALLONSiLITERSECONOMY Fuel Economy Record

ODOMETER NUMBER OF TOTAL AVERAGE DATE READING &IL LONS/LITERS COST ECONOMY

Notes ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) ...... 128 Anti-Lock Brake System ...... 128 Battery Warning Light ...... 95 Adding Warning Light ...... l28 Blizzard. Caught In a ...... 153 Brake Fluid ...... 217. 246. 270 Appearance Care ...... 231 Block Heater. Engine ...... 55. 202 Electrical Equipment .. .55. 108.241 Ashtrays & Lighter ...... 84 “Blowout.. . Tire ...... 177 Engine Audio Systems ...... 108 Brake Coolant ...... 211. 244. 246. 270 AM/FM Stereo Radio...... 109 Adjustment ...... 131 Engine Oil ...... 199. 244. 246. 270 Care of Audio Systems ...... 113 Drums ...... l29. 130 Hydraulic Clutch Cassette Tape Player ...... 110 Fluid ...... 216. 246. 270 Fluid ...... 209. 246. 270 Compact Disc Player ...... 111 Master Cylinder ...... 216 Power Steering Radio Reception, For the Best.... 113 Parking ...... 63 Fluid ...... 215. 245. 246. 270 Setting the Clock ...... 109 Pedal Travel ...... 130 Transaxle Fluid Automatic Door Lock ...... 48 Replacing Parts ...... 218 Automatic .... .207. 244. 246. 270 Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt Warning Light ...... 96 Manual ...... 209. 244. 246. 270 (see Safety Belts) Wear Indicators-Front Brakes ...129 Windshield Washer Automatic Transaxle Brake System Warning Light ...... 96 Fluid ...... 216. 246. 271 Adding Fluid ....207, 244. 246. 270 Brake-Transaxle ShiftInterlock .....57 Air Cleaner Filter ...... 203. 250 Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock ...57 Braking ...... 126 Air Conditioner ...... 105 Checking Fluid ...... 204 Braking Emergencies ...... 131 Alcohol. Driving Under the Shifting ...... 56 Braking Technique ...... 126 Influence of ...... 123 Starting Your Engine ...... 53 “Break-In:’ New Vehicle ...... 51 Alcohol in Gasoline ...... 192 Torque Lock ...... 151 Buckling Up (see Safety Belts) Aluminum Wheels Bulb Replacement Cleaning ...... 237 Battery ...... l59. 218 FogLights ...... 222 Removing ...... 181 Charging System Light...... 95 Headlight ...... 219. 220. 247 Antenna ...... 114 Jump Starting ...... 159 Inside Lights ...... 248 Antifreeze .... .168. 210. 244. 246. 270 Warning ...... l59, 161 Taillight ...... 221. 248

295 ... Index

Capacities & Specifications ...... 244 Chemical Paint Spotting...... 239 Climate Control System ...... 104 Carbon Monoxide in Exhaust ...... 66 Child Restraints ...... -31 Clock. Setting the ...... 109 Cargo Anchors. Trunk ...... 86 Children and Safety Belts ...... 29. 38 Clutch. Hydraulic Cassette Tape Player Cigarette Lighter ...... 84 Adding Fluid ...... 209. 246. 270 (see Audio Systems) Circuit Breakers & Fuses ...... 241 Checking Fluid ...... 209 Center Console Compartment ...... 83 City Driving ...... 143 Comfort Controls Center Console Cleaner. Air ...... 203. 250 Air Conditioning System ...... 105 Mini-Compartment ...... 83 Cleaning Climate Control System ...... 104 Center Position ...... -28 Aluminum Wheels ...... 237 Heater ...... 104. 106 Chains. Tire ...... 185. 231 Antenna ...... 114 Ventilation ...... Dl. 105.107 Changing a Flat Tire...... 178 Cassette Player and Tapes ...... 113 Compact Disc Player Charging System Warning Light ....95 Compact Discs ...... 114 (see Audio Systems) “Check Engine” Warning Light..... 98 Fabric ...... 233 Compact Spare Tire ...... 185. 225 “Check Gages” Light ...... 99 Glass ...... 235 Control of a Vehicle ...... 125 “Check Oil” Light ...... 95 Inside of Your Pontiac ...... 232 Convex Mirror. Outside ...... 81 Checking Instrument Panel...... 235 Coolant ...... 210 Brake Fluid ...... 216 Outside of Your Pontiac ...... 236 Adding ...... 211. 244.246. 270 Engine Coolant ...... 211,213 Safety Belts...... 235 Checking ...... 211.244. 246 Engine Oil Level ...... 199 Special Problems ...... 234 Low Coolant Warning Light .....93 Hydraulic Clutch ...... 209 Underbody Maintenance ...... 239 Proper Mixture to Power Steering Fluid...... 215 Vinyl ...... 234 Use ...... 171. 210. 246. 270 Safety Belt Systems ...... 40 Warnings ...... 231. 232, 233, Radiator Pressure Cap ...... 214 Things Under the Hood ...... 195 235, 237, 239 Safety Warnings ...... 93. 169. 170. Transaxle Fluid Weatherstrips ...... 237 171.172. 212. 213 Automatic ...... 204 White Sidewall Tires ...... 237 Temperature Gage ...... 93 Manual ...... 207 Windshield and Wiper Blades ...236 Thermostat ...... 214 mmm 296 Courtesy Lights ...... 77 In Fog. Mist and Haze ...... 142 Engine Oil ...... 199 Cruise Control ...... 70 In Rain ...... 139 Additives ...... 201 Cup Holders ...... 84 Long Distance ...... 146 Adding ...... 199. 244. 246. 270 Curves. Driving on...... 132 Loss of Control ...... l25. 136 Checking ...... 199 Customer Assistance Information... 275 On Curves ...... 132 Check Oil Light ...... 95 Passing ...... 134 Crankcase Capacity ...... -244 Through Deep StandingWater ....55 Disposing of Used Oil ...... 202 Daytime Running Lights ...... 76 Winter Driving ...... 151 Energy Conserving ...... 201 Dead Battery: What to Do ...... 159 Drum Brakes. Rear ...... 130 Filter ...... 202. 250 Defensive Driving ...... E2 Drunken Driving ...... 123 Pressure Gage ...... 94 Defogger. Rear Window ...... 107 Warning Light ...... 94 Defogging Your Windows .... .104. 106 When to Change ...... 202 Defrosting Windows ...... 106 Engine Overheating ...... 167 Door Locks ...... 47 Easy-Entry Seat ...... E Engine Specifications ...... '1 249 Doors. Headlight ...... 75 Electrical Equipment. Engine. Starting Downshifting ...... 62. 148 Adding ...... 55. 108.241 Automatic Transaxle ...... 53 Driver Position ...... 19 Emergencies. Braking ...... 131 Cold Starting ...... 55 Driving ...... 117 Emergencies on the Road ...... 157 Manual Transaxle ...... 54 At Night ...... 137 Emergencies. Steering in ...... 133 Ethanol in Gasoline ...... 192 City ...... 143 Emergency Starting ...... 159 Exhaust Controlling a Skid ...... 136 Emergency Towing ...... 163 Dangerous Gas in ...... 66. 153 I Defensively ...... 122 Engine Block Heater ...... 55. 202 Parking withthe Drunken ...... 123 Engine Coolant (see Coolant) Engine Running ...... 64, 67 Freeway ...... 144 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Expectant Mothers. Use of Hill and Mountain ...... 148 Light (see Coolant) Safety Belts ...... 23 In a Foreign Country ...... 193 Engine Identification ...... 53. 240 Expressway Driving ...... 144

297 8.. Index

Extender. Safety Belt ...... 40 Fog Lights ...... 78. 222 Gas Station Information...... 304 Exterior Appearance Foreign Operation ...... 193 Gear Positions (see Appearance Care) Freeway Driving ...... 144 (see Shifting the Transaxle) French Language Manual ...... 2 Gearshift Lever Fuel ...... 191 (see Shifting the Tramaxle) Fabric Cleaning Alcohol in Fuel ...... 192 Glove Box Lock ...... 50 (see Appearance Care) Capacity ...... 191, 245 Fan Warning ...... 160.161. 196 Exhaust Warnings ...... 66, 153 Filling the Fuel Tank ...... 194 Filling Your Tank ...... 194 Halogen Bulbs ...... 219 Filter Fuels with Alcohol ...... 192 Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 158 Air Cleaner ...... 203. 250 Gage ...... 92 Headlight & Taillight. Removing Oil ...... 202. 250 In Foreign Countries...... 193 and Replacing ....219. 220. 221. 247 Flashers. Hazard Warning ...... 158 Requirements ...... 191 Headlights ...... 74 Flat Tire ...... 177 Fuses & Circuit Breakers ...... 241 Headlight Doors ...... 75 Flooded Engine ...... 54 High-Low Beam Changer ...... 77

~ Fluid Instrument Panel Brake ...... 216. 246. 270 Gages Intensity Control ...... 77 Capacities ...... -246 Check Gages Warning Light...... 99 “On” Reminder ...... 75 Hydraulic Clutch .... .209. 246. 270 Coolant Temperature ...... 93 Replacement Bulb .....219. 220. 247 Power Steering .. .215. 245. 246. 270 Fuel ...... 92 Wiring ...... 243 Transaxle Oil Pressure ...... 94 Head Restraint ...... 11 Automatic .... .204.244. 246. 270 Tachometer ...... 91 Heater (see Comfort Controls) Manual ...... 207.244. 246. 270 Voltmeter ...... 96 Heater. Engine Block ...... 55. 202 Windshield Washer .....216.246. 271 Gasoline ...... 191 High Beams ...... 77. 138 Fluids & Lubricants ...... 246. 270 Gasoline Tank, Highway Hypnosis ...... 147 Fog. Driving in ...... 142 Filling Your ...... 194. 245 Hill and Mountain Roads ...... 148

... 298 Hills. Parking on ...... 57. 149. 160 Instrument Panel Gages ...... 92 Lights On Reminder ...... 75 Hood Release ...... 195 Instrument Panel Warning Lights ....92 parking Lights ...... 74 Warning. Overheated Engine ....167 Removing & Replacing Horn ...... 68 Bulbs .....2l9. 220. 221. 222. 247 Hot Engine. Safety 179 Tire ack...... Replacement Bulbs ...... 247 Warnings ...... 93. 167.169. 196 JJump Starting ...... 159 Taiuights ...... 221 Hydraulic Clutch ...... 209. 246. 270 Turn Signal ...... 69 Hydroplaning ...... 141 Upshift Indicator ...... 62. 98 Key Release Lever ...... 52 Warning Lights ...... 92 Keys ...... 46 Lights On Reminder ...... 75 Identification Number. Loading Your Vehicle ...... 222 Vehicle ...... 53. 240 Locks ...... 47 Idling Your Engine ...... 64. 67 Lane Change Indicator ...... 69 Long Distance Driving ...... 146 If You’re Stuck: Lap-Shoulder Safety Belt ...... 19 Loss of Control ...... 136 In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow ...... 186 Front ...... 19 Low Battery ...... 159 Ignition Rear ...... 24 Low Oil Pressure Warning ...... 94 Key ...... 46. 51 Use by Children ...... 29, 38 Lubricants & Fluids ...... 246, 270 Key Release Lever ...... 52 Latches, Seatback ...... l2 Positions ...... 51 Lighter ...... 84 Illuminated Entry ...... I ...... 49 Lights Maintenance Record ...... 273 Indicator Lights (see Warning Lights) Daytime Running Lights ...... 76 Maintenance Schedule ...... 253 I Infant Restraint (seeChild Restraints) Fog Lights ...... 78 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...... 98 Inflation. Tires ...... 185. 225 Headlights ...... 74 Manual Front Seat ...... 10 Inside Rearview Mirror ...... 81 Illuminated Entry ...... 49 Manual Sunroof ...... 85 Instrument Panel ...... 88. 235 Inside Lights ...... 248 Manual Transaxle Instrument Panel Clusters ...... 90 Interior Courtesy ...... 77 Adding Fluid .... .209, 244.246. 270

29s I.. Index

Checking Fluid...... 207 Pressure Gage...... 94 Power Windows ...... 68,243 Shifting...... 54 Quality ...... 200 Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts Starting the Engine ...... -53 Thickness ...... 201 During ...... 23 Master Cylinder, Brake ...... 216 Used Oil ...... 202 Publications (seeService Publications) Methanol in Gasoline ...... 192 Warning Light ...... -94 Mileage Indicator When to Change...... 202 (see Odometer & Speedometer) Oil Warning Light ...... 94 Radiator Overheating Mirrors Operation of Lights ...... 74 (see Overheated Engine) Inside Manual Day/Night ...... 81 Outside Rearview Mirrors ...... 81 Radiator Pressure Cap ....173, 212, 214 Manual Adjust ...... 82 Overheated Engine ...... 167 Radio (seeAudio Systems) Manual Remote Control ...... 82 Overheated Engine Coolant Gage ...93 Rear Brake Drums ...... 130 Outside Convex ...... 81 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides. ...26 Mountain Driving...... 148 Rear Seat, Split Fold-Down ...... 13 kk,Shifting Into...... 64 Rearview Mirrors...... 81 Parking Rear Window Defogger ...... lo7 I New Vehicle “Break-In” On Hills ...... 57, 149 Reclining Seatbacks ...... lC Requirements ...... 51 Over Things That Bum ...... 66 Remote Trunk Release ...... 4S Night Driving ...... 137 With the Engine Running. ... .64,67 Replacement Bulbs ...... 245 Parking Brake ...... 63 Replacement Parts ...... 25C Passenger Belts (see Safety Belts) Replacement, Windshield Wiper ...222 octane Requirements Passing ...... 73, 134 Replacing Brakes ...... 21E (see Fuel Requirements) Polishing and Waxing Replacing Fuses ...... 242 Odometer & Speedometer ...... 90 (see Appearance Care) Replacing Headlights & Oil, Engine...... 199, 244, 246, 270 Power Door Locks ...... 48 Taillights ...... -219, 220, 221, 247

~ Capacity ...... 244 Power Steering Replacing Safety Belts ...... 41 I Level Check Light ...... 95 Fluid ...... 2l5, 245, 246, 270 Replacing Tires ...... 226 mm. 300 Replacing Wheels ...... 229 Cleaning ...... 235 Manual Front Seat ...... -10 Reporting Safety Defects ...... 280 DriverPosition ...... 19 Manual Reclining Seatback ...... 10 Restraint. Head ...... 11 Extender ...... 40 Reclining Seatback ...... 10 Restraints. Child ...... 29. 38 How to Wear ...... 18, 29 Seatback Latches ...... 12 Road Signs ...... 118 Passenger Belts...... 23 Seat. Split Fold-Down Rear ...... 13 Color ...... 118 Pregnancy. Use During...... 23 Service Information ...... 190 Shape ...... 119 Questions & Answers . .17. 21. 39. 41 Service Parts Identification Symbols ...... 120 Rear Safety Belts ...... 24 Label ...... 240 Traffic Lights ...... 120 Replacement ...... 41 Service Publications...... 282 Your Own Signals ...... 121 Right Front. Adult Passenger .....23 Service Publications Order Roads. Hill and Mountain ...... 148 Smaller Children and Babies .....30 Form ...... 285 Rocking Your Vehicle ...... 187 Top Strap ...... 31 Service Station Information ...... 304 Stuck. If You Are ...... 186 Torn ...... 41 Setting the Clock ...... 109 Rotation. Tire ...... 226 Twisted ...... 22 Setting the Trip Odometer ...... 91 Vehicles First Sold in Canada .....19 Sheet Metal Damage ...... 238 Warning Light ...... 18 Shift Light ...... 62, 98 safety Belts ...... 13 Why You Should Wear Shift Speeds ...... 62 Adults ...... -18 Safety Belts ...... 13 Shifting Into P (Park) ...... 64 Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt .....19 Safety Defects. Reporting ...... 280 Shifting Out of P (Park) ...... 65 Center Rear Lap Belt ...... 28 Scheduled Maintenance Shifting the Transaxle Checking ...... 40 Services ...... 256 Automatic Transaxle ...... 56 Children ...... 29, 38 Seat Adjustment ...... 10 Manual Transaxle ...... -61 Child Restraints ...... 31 Seat Belts (see Safety Belts) Signaling Turns ...... 69, 121 Child Restraints-How to Seat Controls ...... -10 Signs, Road ...... 118 Install Them ...... 31 Easy-Entry ...... 12 Skidding ...... 136 Child Restraints. Where to Put ....31 Head Restraint ...... 11 Snow or Ice, Driving On ...... 152

301 Index

Snowstorm, If You’re Cup Holders ...... 84 Theft ...... 50 Caught in a ...... l53 GloveBox ...... 50 Thermostat ...... 173, 214 Sound Equipment, Adding ...... -108 Trunk...... 49Tilt Steering Wheel ...... 68 Sound Systems (seeAudio Systems) Storing Your Pontiac ...... 218 Time, Setting the ...... lo9 Spare Tire, Compact ...... 185 Sunroof ...... 85 Tires...... 224 Spark Plugs ...... 250 Sun Visors ...... 82 Buying New ...... 227 Specifications & Capacities ...... 244 Chains ...... 185, 231 Speed Control (see Cruise Control) Flat, Changing ...... 178 Speedometer & Odometer ...... -90 Tachometer ...... , ...... 91 Inflation ...... 185, 225 Trip Odometer ...... 91 Taillight & Headlight, Inspection & Rotation...... 226 Stains, Removing ...... 234 Removing and Replacing . . .219, 220,Loading ...... 222, 225 Starting Your Engine 221, 247 Pressure ...... 225 Automatic Transaxle ...... 53 Tape Player (seeAudio Systems) Quality Grading ...... 227 Cold Starting ...... 55 Technical Facts & Specifications Spare, Compact ...... 185, 225 Manual Transaxle...... - . .54 Bulbs ...... 247 Wear Indicators ...... 226,228 Starting Your Car if the Battery Electrical Equipment, Wheel Alignment & Tire is Dead (see Jump Starting) Add-on ...... 55, 108,241 Balance ...... 22S Steering Engine ...... 249 Wheel Replacement ...... 22S In Emergencies ...... 133 Fluid Capacities & When to Replace Wheels ...... 22S Off-Road Recovery ...... 133 Types ...... 244, 246, Wmter270 Driving and Tips ...... 132 Fuses & Circuit Breakers ...... ,241 Tires...... l51, 231 Steering Wheel, Tilt...... 68 Service Parts Identification Top Strap ...... 31 Stereo Sound Systems Label ...... 240 Torque Lock ...... 151 (see Audio Systems) Vehicle Identification Number Towing Your Pontiac ...... 16? Storage (VIN) ...... 53,240 Traffic Lights ...... l2C Center Console Compartments . . .83 Temperature Warning Gage ...... 93 Trailer Towing ...... l5$

..II. 302 Transaxle. Automatic Vehicle Capacity Weight ...... 222 Washer. Windshield .. .80. 216. 246. 271 (see Automatic Transaxle) Vehicle Identification Number Weight Transaxle. Manual (VIN) ...... 53. 240 Gross Axle Rating (GAWR) .....222 (see Manual Transaxle) Vehicle Loading ...... 222 Gross Vehicle Rating (GVWR) ...222 Transmission. Automatic Vehicle Storage ...... 218 Wheel Alignment & Tire Balance . .229 (see Automatic Transaxle) Ventilation ...... 104. 105. 107 Wheel Covers. How to Remove ....181 Transmission. Manual VIN ...... 53. 240 Wheel Nuts ...... 180 (see Manual Transaxle) Visor Vanity Mirror ...... 83 Wheel Nut Torque ...... 183. 245 Trip Odometer ...... 91 Voltmeter ...... 96 Wheel Replacement ...... 229 rmnk ...... 49 Windows Remote Trunk Release ...... 49 Power ...... 68. 243 I’urn Signal Indicator ...... 69 Standard ...... 67 rurn SignaUHeadlight Beam Lever . . 69 KingFlashers. Hazard ...... 158 Windshield Washer .. .80. 216. 246. 271 Cruise Control ...... 70 Warning iights ...... 92 Fluid ...... 81. 246. 271 Headlight High/Low Beam Anti-Lock Brake System ...... 97 Windshield Wipers ...... 78. 79. 243 Changer ...... 77 Battery ...... 95 Cleaning ...... 236 Turn Signal & Lane Change Brake ...... 96 Windshield Wiper Blade Indicator ...... 69 Charging System ...... 95 Replacement ...... 222 Check Engine Light ...... 98 Winter Driving ...... l51. 231 Check Gages ...... 99 Driving on Snow or Ice ...... 152 CheckOil ...... 95 If Your Car is Stuck in Unleaded Gasoline ...... 191 Low Coolant ...... 93 Deep Snow ...... 154 Upholstery Care ...... 233 oil ...... 94 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard.... 153 &ban Driving ...... 143 Upshift Indicator ...... 62, 98 Wrecker Towing ...... 163

903 Service Station Information

Hood Uelease See Page 195

8atZery Cooling System The Delco Freedom@ battery needs Check and add coolantonly at the no water. See Page 218 coolant recovery or coolant surgetank, only when the engine is cool. The fluid Transaxle Fluid should be at or slightly above theFULL Automatic: See Page 204 COLD mark. See Page 210 Manual: See Page 207

cold Tim Pmmm See Tire-Loading Information label on the driver's door. See Page 225 1 Fwl Capacity 15.2 U.S. Gal. (57.5 L) Spare Tire Pressure Use unleaded gasonly, Compact Spare: 60 psi (420 kPa) 87 octane or higher. See Page 185 See Page 191

mmm 304 r--7

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