... - ..._ PONTIAC

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. . .. 1994 0wn:er’s Manual Firebird Table of Contents

Introduction HowUse toThis Manual ,, 3

Part 1 Seats & Restraint6 Systems 7

Part 2 Features & Controls m 41 Part 3 ComfortCoqtrols & AudioSystems 103

Part 4 Your Drivingand the Road m 125 Part 5 Probiems on the Road = 151

Part 6 & AppearanceCare m =. 183 Part 9 MaintenanceSchedule A = 239

Part 8 CustomerAssistance Information m 259 Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page261.

Part 9 hdeX smmmm=m.====mmmmm==.mm=mmmmm==m=mmm 269 Servi.ceStation Information Last Page

Printed in U.S.A. Part No. 10260939 A Second Edition

1 ... How to Use This Manual Important Notes about This For Canadian OwnersWho Prefer a Published by: Manual French Language Manual Pontiac Motor Division Aux proprihires canadiens: Vous pouvez General Motors Corporation Please keep thismanual in your Pontiac, so vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide it will be there if you ever need it when en frangis chez votre concessionaire ou au Pontiac Motors, GM and the GM you’re on the road. If yousell the vehicle, DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 emblem, Pontiac and the Pontiac emblem, please leave this manual in it so the new Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T and Firebird and the Firebird emblem are owner can use it. 1C7. registered trademarksof General Motors This manual includes the latest information Corporation. at the time it was printed. We reserve the @Copyright1993 General Motors right to make changes in the product after Corporation, Pontiac Motor Division. that time without further notice. For All Rights Reserved. vehicles fist sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual.

...2 How to Use This Part 1 - Seats & Restraint Systems: Part 7 - Maintenance Schedule: This part tells you how to use your seats This part tells when to perform vehicle Manual and safety belts properly. It also maintenance and what fluids and Many people read their owner’s manual explains the air bag system. lubricants to use. from beginning to end when theyfirst Part 8 - Customer Assistance receive their new vehicle. This will help Part 2 - Features & Controls: This Information: This part includes you learn about the features and controls part explains how to start and operate important information about reporting for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll your Pontiac. safety defects and gives you details find that pictures and words work Part 3 - Comfort Controls & Audio about the “Roadside Assistance” together to explain things quickly. Systems: This part tells you how to adjust the comfort controls and how to program. You will also find customer ~ Index: A good place to look for what operate your sound system. satisfaction phone numbers (including you need is the Index in back of the Part 4 - Your Driving and the Road: customer satisfaction numbers for the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all hearing and speech impaired), as well Here you’ll find helpful information that’s in the manual, and the page as the mediatiodarbitration procedure. and tips about the road and howto drive number where you’ll find it. under different conditions. We’ve also included ordering Parts 1-8: Each part of this manual information for service publications in Part 5 - Problems on the Road: This begins with a brief list of its contents,so this part. part tells you what to do if you have a you can often find at a glanceif a part problem while driving, such as a flat Service Station Information: This is contains the information you want. tire or engine overheating, etc. a quick referenceof service How to Use This Manual: This part information. You can find it on the last tells you how to use your manual and Part 6 - Service & Appearance page of this manual. includes safety and vehicle damage Care: Here the manual tells you warnings and symbols. how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good.

3... How to Use This Manual NOTICE:

These mean thereis something that could damage your vehicle.

You will also find a circle with a slash Safety Warnings andSymbols through it in this book. This safety symba Vehicle Damage Warnings You will find a number of safety cautions means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,’’ or “Don’ Also, in this book you will find these in this book. We use a box with a gray let this happen.” notices. background and the word CAUTION to In the notice area,we tell you about tell you about things that could hurt you if something thatcan damage your vehicle. you were to ignore the warning. Many times, this damage would not be In the gray caution area, we tell you what covered by your warranty, and it could be the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do costly. But the notice will tell you what to to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please do to help avoid the .damage. read these cautions. If you don’t, you or When you read other manuals, you might others could be. hurt. see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colorsor in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. Theyuse yellow for cautions, blue for notices and the words CAUTION or NOTICE.

...4 Vehicle Symbols These symbols are important for you and Headlight High Beam your passengers whenever your vehicle is These are someof the symbols you will driven: find on your vehicle. For example,these Parking Lights symbols are used onan original battery: Fasten Safety Belts Courtesy Lights CautionPossible Injury A Door LocWUnlock Fog Lamps Protect Eyes by Shielding Window Up/Down @ These symbols are on some of your a controls: Caustic Battery Acid These symbols have to do with your lights: Could Cause Burns Master Lighting Switch Windshield Wiper Avoid Sparks or Flames 8 Turn Signal Direction Windshield Washer Sparks or FlameCould \\b Hazard Warning Flashers A ExplodeBattery m A Windshield Defroster

5.. How to Use This Manual Rear Window Defogger These symbols are used on warning and Low Coolant indicator lights: m Y Here are some other symbolsyou may see: Ventilating Fan Engine Coolant Temperature HatchnrunkRelease Bi-L e vel a Battery Charging System 1-7 Hood Release Vent Fuel Lighter Heater Engine Oil Pressure w, Blend Horn Brake (Canada) (0)(8) Speaker Anti-Lock Brake System (Canada) Convertible Top Switch

...6 Part 1 Seats & Restraint Systems

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Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Seats and Seat Controls ...... 8 Pontiac and howto use your Safety Belts: They’refor Everyone ...... 14 safety belts properly.You can Why Safety Belts Work ...... 15 c also learn aboutsome things Here Are Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts - and the Answers . . 17 you should do with safety Safety Belt Reminder Light ...... 18 not How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ...... 19 belts. Children ...... 30 Child Restraints ...... 31 Larger Children ...... 38 SafetyBeltExtender ...... 39 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...... 40 Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash ...... 40

?..- Seats and Restraint Systems Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats - how to adjust them, and also about reclining front seatbacks, seatback latches and the folding rear seatback.

Manual Front Seat rour-Way Manual Seat Move the lever under the passenger’s front seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to ?o move the driver’s seat forwardor where you want it. Then release the lever backward, lift the lever under the left and try to move the seat with your body, ront of the seat. Slide the seat to where to make sure the seat is locked into place. rou want it. Then release the lever and Be sure the lever returns to its original ry to move the seat with your body to position after moving the seat. nake sure the seatis locked into place. :o tilt the entire seat, lift the lever under he right front of the seat.

...a Six-Way Power Seat (Option) Fully ArticulatingSport Seat The driver’s seat has three controls on thc (Option) eft side. If your Pontiac has these seats, the rhe front control makes the front of the driver’s seat has the four-way manual seat ;eat go up and down. adjuster. See “Four-Way Manual Seat” The back control makes the back of the earlier in this part. The passenger seat has ;eat go up and down. the two-way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat” earlier in this part. The center control makes the whole seat ;o up and down or forward and Jackward.

9... Seats and Restraint Systems To adjust the thigh support, pull up on the front of your seat cushion and move the support to the position you want. To release the support, continue pulling up. To engage it again, push down firmly.

The switch pads on the outer sides of the The two buttons that have “dots” inflate seats “inflate” and “deflate” parts of your md deflate the outer partsof the seatback. seatback. To inflate, push the raised button.To leflate, push the indented button.

. . .IO The two buttons without“dots” inflate To adjust the seatback, lift the leveron If you have fully articulating sport seats, and deflate the lumbar (lowerpart of the the outer side of the seat. Release the your recliner lever looks like this,, seatback) support.To inflate, push the lever to lock the seatback where you raised button. To deflate, push the want it. Pull up on the lever, and the indented button. seat will-go to its original upright position. But don’t have the seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

I1 II ... Seats and Restraint Systems

Head Restraints

Slide the head restraintsup or down so that the top of the restraintis closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chanceof a neck injury in a crash. If you have the fully articulating sport seat, you have a six-way head restraint. It can be adjusted up and down, forward and rearward, or tilted. To adjust it forward, pull the restraint forward. To adjust it rearward, pull the restraint forward all the way to release it. Then move it to the position you want. . . .12 The front seatback folds forward to let Folding Rear Seatback people get into the back seat.To fold a seatback forward, push the seatback The rear seatback in your Pontikc folds toward the rear as you lift this latch. down to provide more storage Space.:. .-/ 1

Then the s'eatback will fold forward. To fold the seatback down: , :i : When you return the seatback to its 1. Pull forward on both levas$ original position, make sure the seatback 2. Fold the seatback down. ..!! is locked. Thelatch must be down for the seat to work properly. To raise the seatback: 1. Pull it up to the locked, up6ght position. 2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback in place. Have them fixed itithey don't . \< I

Id... Seats and Restraint Systems Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. Italso tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explainsthe Supplemental Inflatable Restraint, or “air bag” system.

’his figure lights up as a reminderto You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If uckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder you do have a crash, you don’t knowif it .ight” in the Index.) will be a bad one. n many states and Canadian provinces, A few crashes are mild, and some crashes he law says to wear safety belts. Here’s can be so serious that even buckled up a vhy: They work. person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. Inmany of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

. . .I4 When the bikehits the block, it stops. But Take the simplest vehicle. Suppwe it's

Why Safety Belts'Work the child keeps going! just seata on wheels. -.I' . When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. For example, if the bike is going10 mph (16 kmk), so is the child. Seats and Restraint Systems

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The person keeps going until stopped by The rider doesn't stop. something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield .. .

. . .I6 H&e &e Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts - and the Amswers 'Q: Won't I be trapped in tlie vehicle after an aecidemt if I'm wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be - whether you're or the instrument panel... x- the safety belts! wearing a safety belt or not. But you can easily unbuckle a safety belt, With safety belts, you slow down as the even if you're upside down. And your vehicle does. You get more time:to stop. chance .of being conscious during and You stop 'over more distance, and your after an accident, so you unbuckle gtrongest bones take the forces. That's can and get out, is much greater if you are why safety belts make such good sense. belted.

17.. . Seats and Restraint Systems Q: Why don’t theyjust put in air bags Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never so people won’t haveto wear safety drive far from home, why should I belts? wear safety belts? A: Air bags, or Supplemental Inflatable A: You may be an excellent driver, but Restraint systems, are in some if you’re in an accident - even one vehicles today and will be in more that isn’t your fault - you and your of them inthe future. But they are passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things supplemental systems only - so they work with safety belts, not instead of beyond your control, such as bad them. Every air bag system ever drivers. offered for sale has required the use Most accidents occur within 25 miles of safety belts. Even if you’re in a (40 km) of home. And the greatest vehicle that has air bags, you still number of serious injuries and deaths Safety BeltReminder have to buckle up to get the most occur at speeds of less than 40 mph Light protection. That’s true not only in (65 km/h). When the key is turned to “Run” or frontal collisions, but especially in Safety belts are for everyone. “Start,” a chime will come on for about side and other collisions. eight seconds to remind people to fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled. The safety belt light will also come on and stay on until the driver’s belt is buckled.

. . .I8 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This section is onlyfor people of adult size. Be aware that there are special thingsto know about safety belts andchildren. And there are different rulesfor smaller children and babies.If a child will be riding in your Pontiac, see the section after this one, called“Children.” Follow First, you’ll want to know which restraint Lap-Shoulder Belt those rules for everyone’s protection. systems your vehicle has. The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s We’ll start with the driver position. how to wear it properly. Driver Position 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see This section describes the driver’s “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up restraint system. straight.

I

19 ... Seats and Restraint Systems

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&e ,,, " & I I'L-> 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down The lap part of the belt should beworn belt across you. Don't let it get on the buckle end of the belt as you ow and snug on the hips, just touching twisted. pull up on the shoulder belt. he thighs. In a crash, this applies force to he strong pelvic bones. And you'd be 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle ess likely to slide under the lap belt.If until it clicks. rou slid under it, the belt would apply Pull up on the latch plate to make sure orce at your abdomen. This could cause it is secure. If the belt isn't long ;erious or even fatal injuries. The enough, see "Safety Belt Extender" at Ihoulder belt should go over the shoulder the endof this section. tnd across the chest. Theseparts of the Make sure the release button onthe lady are best able to take belt restraining buckle is positioned so you would be .orces. able to unbuckle the safety belt The safety belt locksif there's a sudden quickly if you ever had to. ;top or crash.

...20 What’s wrong with this? ,’., Q: What’s wrong with this? Q: What’s wrong with this? 2: k The shoulder belt is worn u&er the A: The shoulder beltis too loose. It won’ A: The belt is buckled in the wrong arm. It should be worn over the give nearly as much protectionthis place. shoulder at all times. way.

21 ... Seats and Restraint Systems

~~ To unlatch the belt, just push the button Q: What’s wrong with this? on the buckle. The belt shouldgo back out of the way. A: The belt is twisted across the body. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If youslam the door on it, you can damage bott the belt and your vehicle.

...22 This vehicle hasAIR BAGS for front occupants. CAUTION: YOU NEED YOUR SAFETY BELT, EVEN WITH AN AIR BAG. A AND HERE’S WHY Air bags are not designedto inflate in rollovers or in rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blinkof an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety beltshelp keep you in position for air bag inflation in a crash. An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Follow the instructions on the passenger safety belt Caution label. REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF THE AIR BAGSYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED. If the air bag readiness light comes on while you are driving,doesn’t or come on whenyou first start your vehicle, see your dealer for service. PRINTED IN USA. Seeyour Owner’s Manual for more information. PART NO C20-30-355

Supplemental Inflatable Here are the most important things to Restraint System (Air Bags) know: rhis section explains the Supplemental [nflatable Restraint (SIR),or “air bag,” system. Your Pontiac has an air bag For both the driver and the right-front Jassenger.

23 ... Seats and Restraint Systems

AIR BAG

Air Bag Readiness Light How the Air Bag System Works There is an air bag readiness light on Where is the air bag? the instrument panel, which shows The driver’s air bag isin the middle of th “AIR BAG” on it. The system checks steering wheel. for electrical malfunctions, and the light tells you if there is a problem. You will see this light flash for a few seconds when you turn your ignition to “Run” or “Start.” Then the light should go out, which means the system is ready. Remember, if the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.

...24 When is an air bag expected to inflate? impact and the vehicle’s deceleration, of The air bag is designed to inflate in which vehicle damage is only one moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal indication. Repair cost is not a good crashes. The air bag will only inflate if indicator of whetheran air bag should the velocity of the impact is above the have deployed.

designed threshold level. When impacting What makes an air bag inflate? ;, straight into a wall that does not move or [n a frontal or near-frontal impact of deform, the threshold level for most sufficient severity, theair bag sensikg GM vehicles is between 9 and 15 mph system detects that the vehicle is suddenly i (14 and 23 km/h). However, this velocity stopping as aresult of a crash. The i threshold depends on the vehicle design sensing sytem triggers a chemical teaction and may be several miles-per-hour faster of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator.~. The right-front passenger’s airbag is or slower. In addition, this threshold The reaction produces nitrogen gas; located in the instrument panel on the velocity will beconsiderably higher if the which inflates a cloth bag. The infktor, passenger’s side. vehicle strikes an object such as a parked 210th bag, and related hardware are all car which will move and deform on part of the air bag inflator modules impact. The air bag is also not designed to packed inside the steering wheel and in inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear the instrument panel in front of the impacts where the inflation would provide passenger. no occupant protection benefit. How does an air bag restrain? It is possible that in acrash, only one of the two air bags in your Firebird will [n moderate to severe frontal or deploy. This is rare, but can happen in a near-frontal collisions, even belted crash just severe enough to make an air occupants can contact the steering wheel bag inflate. or the instrument panel. The air bag supplements the protection provided by In any particular crash, the determination safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of whether the air bag should have of the impact more evenly over the inflated cannot be based solely on the occupant’s upper body, stopping the level of damage on the vehicle(s). occupant more gradually. But air bags Inflation is determined by the angle of the would not provide protection in many

25 . I Seats and Restraint Systems types of collisions, including rollovers windshield breakage may occur in and rear and side impacts, primarily vehicles with passenger air bags because NOTICE: because an occupant’s motion is not the windshield acts as a reaction surface toward the air bag. Air bags should for the inflating air bag. If you damage the coverfor the never be regarded as anything more The air bags are designed to inflate only driver’s or the right-front passenger’s than a supplement to safety belt once. After they inflate you’ll need some air bag, they may not work properly. protection in moderate to severe frontal new parts for your air bag system. If you You may have to replace the air bag and near-frontal collisions. don’t get them, the air bag system won’t on the steering wheel or both the air be there to help protect you in another bag and the instrument panelfor the What will you see after an air bag passenger’s air bag. Do not open or inflation? crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The break the air bag covers. After the air bag has inflated, it will then service manual has information about the quickly deflate. This occurs so quickly need to replace other parts. 1s the smoke from an air bag inflation that some people may not even realize harmful? that the air bag inflated. Some 0 Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records The particles emitted during air bag components of the air bag module in the inflation are not harmful to most people. steering wheel hub for the driver’s air information about the air bag system if the air bag deploys in a crash. The Some people with respiratory ailments bag or the instrument panel for the may experience difficulty breathing if passenger’s bag may be hot for a short module records information about the readiness of the system, which sensors they stay in the vehicle with the windows time, but the portion ofthe bag that comes closed after air bag inflation.So, if your into contact with you will not be hot to activated the deployment, and whether the driver’s safety belt was in use. air bag inflates,you and any passengers the touch. There will be small amounts of should exit the vehicleif and when it is smoke and dust coming from vents in the Let only qualified technicians work on safe to do so. If you or your passengers deflated air bags. The air bag will not your air bag system. Improper service can can’t get out of the vehicle, try to get impede the driver’s vision or ability to mean that your air bag system won’t work fresh air by opening a window, turning steer the vehicle, nor willit hinder the properly. See your dealer for service. on the fan, or opening a door. occupants from exiting the vehicle. In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional

... 26 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac Air bags affect how your Pontiac should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the systemto inflate while someoneis working on your vehiele. Your Pontiac dealer andthe 1994 Firebird Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and theair bag system. The air bag system doesnot need regular maintenance. Safety Belt Use during ’assenger Positions Pregnancy tight Front Passenger Position Safety belts work for everyone, including :he right front passenger’s safety belt pregnant women. Like all occupants, they vorks the same way as the driver’s safety are more likely to be seriously injured if belt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this they don’t wear safety belts. kart. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-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’smore 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.

27. . Seats and Restraint Systems

IL tear Seat Passengers 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the If the belt stops beforeit reaches the It’s very important for rear seat belt across you. Don’t let it get buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep twisted. pulling until you can buckle it. Fbassengers to buckle up! Accident Statistics show that unbelted people in the 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle Pull up on the latch plateto make sure ear seat are hurt more often in crashes until it clicks. it is secure. tl han those who are wearing safety belts. If the belt is not long enough, see Ftear passengers who aren’t safety belted “Safety Belt Extender” at the endof C:an be thrown out of the vehicle in a this section. C:rash. And they can strike others in the Make sure the release button on the crehicle who are wearing safety belts. buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt ILap-Shoulder Belt quickly if you ever had to. 1The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. Ilere’s how to wear one properly.

. .28 r

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down The lap part of the belt should be worn on the buckle endof the belt as you low and snug on the hps, just touching pull up on the shoulder part. the thighs. In a crash, this applies force tc the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulde: and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash.

29. . Seats and Restraint Systems Smaller Children and Babies

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Everyone. in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

...30 Child Restraints

Be sure to follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraidi use the belt system in your vehicle, bkt the child also has to besecured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. Theinstructions that come with the infant or childrestraint will show you how to do that. I

Where to Put the Restraint

4ccident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the :ear rather than the front seat. We qt 3eneral Motors therefore recommend hat you put your child restraint in the -ear seat.NEVER put a rear-facing :hild restraint in the front passenger ;eat. Here's why:

31 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Nherever you install it, be sure to secure he child restraint properly. Ceep in mind that an unsecured child -estraintcan move around in acollision x- sudden stop and injure people in the iehicle. Be sure to properly secure any :hild restraint in your vehicle - even when no child is in it.

Top Strap If your child restraint has top a strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your Pontiac dealerto put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. [f you have a convertible, don’tuse a restraint that has a top strapin your vehicle because the top strap anchor cannot be installed properly.

...32 .! , 'y

child's face or neckrput it behind the &ld restraint.

U

ieeuring a Chi'ldRestraint in the Rear kat For cars first s0;Id in Cqada, child Cau'll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See restrairits with a top strap must he he earlier section about the top strqp if anchored accordingto Canadian Law. he child restraint has one. Your dealer can obtain the hardware kit . Put the restraint on the seat. FO~~OW and install it for you, or you may install it the instructions for the child restraint. yourself using theinstructions provided I. Secure the child in the child restraint with ule kit. as .the instructions say. Use the tether hardware kit availablefrom 1. Pick up the latch pl,ate, and run th.e la1 the dgaler. The hardware and installation and shoulder'portions of. the vehicle's instructions were spem€tcally.a3esigned :. saGty Wit thiough &'around the for thi.s vehicle. re$traint. The child restraint instructitanswill show you how. Tilt the latch plate to adjust thebelt if needed.

33 ... Seats and Restraint Systems

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the 6. Push and pull the child restraint in button is positioned so you wnpld be shoulder belt while you push down on different directions to be sure it is able to unbuckle the safety belt the child restraint. secure. quickly if you ever hadto. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all theway. The safety belt will move freely again andbe ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

...34 TI-

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See ecuring a Child Restraint in the Right the earlier section about the top strap if ‘ront Seat the child restraint has one. bur vehicle has a right-front passenger’s You’ll need a safety locking clip to ir bag. NEVER put a rear-facing child properly secure a child restraint in this :straint in this seat. Here’s why: position. You can get a locking clip where child restraints are sold, or from your Pontiac dealer (GM Part No. 94844571). The locking clip must be the same as the one shown here.

35 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Until you have this clip, secure a child restraint only in the rear seat. See the earlier section about securing a child restraint in the rear seat. Once you have the clip, follow these instructions: 1. Because your vehicle has a right-front passenger’s air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a front-facing child restraint. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. 3. Secure the child in the child restraint 5. Buckle the belt. 4. Lap Belt Portion as the instructions say. Make sure the release button is B. Latch Plate 4. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap positioned so you would be able to C. Buckle unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s D. Shoulder Belt Portion safety belt through or around the ever had to. restraint. The child restraint E. Locking Clip instructions will show you how. 6. Then thread both lap and shoulder belt If the shoulder belt goes in front of the portions throughthe locking clip. child’s face orneck, put it behind the child restraint.

...36 The safety belt will move freely againand 7. Push and pull the child restraint in be ready to work for an adult or larger different directions to be sure itis child passenger. secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and remove the locking clip. Let the safety belt go back all theway.

37. . Seats and Restraint Systems

Children who aren’t buckled up can Larger Children strike other people who are. Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rearseat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash.

...38 Q. What if a child is wearing a Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of lap-shoulder belt, but the childis so the belt should be worn low and snug on small that the shoulder belt is very the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. close to the child’s face or neck? This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but besure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s 4 Safety Belt Extender shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s If the vehicle’s safetybelt will fasten upper body would have the restraint around you, you should use it. that belts provide. But if a safety belt isn’t longenough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The -extenderwill be just foryou, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

39 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Checking Your Replacing Safety Belts Restraint Systems after a Crash Now and then, make sure all your [f you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, belts? anchorages and reminder systems are After a very minor collision, nothing working properly, Look for any loose may be necessary. But if the belts were parts or damage. If you see anything that stretched, as they would beif worn during might keep a restraint system from doing a more severe crash, then you need new its job,have it repaired. belts. Sf belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you Q: What’s wrong with this? will need to have safety beltor seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and A: The belt is torn. repairs may be necessary even if the belt Torn or frayed beltsmay not protect you wasn’t being used at the time of the in a crash. They can rip apart under collision. impact forces.If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

...40 Part 2 Features & Controls

Keys ...... 42 Door Locks ...... 43 Theft and Theft Deterrents ...... 48 New Vehicle “Break-In” ...... 50 Ignitionswitch ...... 51 Starting Your Engine ...... 52 Automatic Transmission ...... 56 Here you can learn about the ManualTransmission ...... 59 many standard and optional Limited-Slip Rear Axle ...... 62 features on your Pontiac.And Parking ...... 63 information on starting. shifting EngineExhaust ...... 66 and braking. Also explained are Windows ...... 67 the instrument panel andthe Horn ...... 68 warning systems that tellyou if Tiltwheel ...... 69 everything is working properly The Turn Signal/Headlight Beam Lever ...... 69 Operation of Lights ...... 76 - and what to doif you have a Mirrors ...... 79 problem. Twin Lift-off Roof Panels ...... SO Storage and Compartments ...... 83 SunVisors ...... 85 AshtrayandLighter ...... 85 Instrument Panel and Cluster ...... 89 ConvertibleTop ...... 98

41 ... Features and Controls

'he ignition keys are for the ignition on14 ihe door keys are for the doors andall Keys bther locks.

... 42 If you need a new ignition key, go to your Door Locks Pontiac dealer who can obtain the correct key code. In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1-800-ROADSIDE. NOTICE: I Your Pontiac has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble get- When a new Firebird is delivered, the ting into your vehicle if you ever lock dealer removes the plugs from thedoor your keys inside. You may even have keys and gives them to the first owner. to damage your vehicle to get in. So The ignition keys don’t have plugs. be sure you have extra keys. Pontiac Instead they have bar-coded key tags. also supplies a key card that you can These tags may be removed by your use if you don’t have your keys, so dealer or even before thecar is delivered be sure to keep this key card with to your dealer. you at all times. Each plug hasa code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmithhow to make extra door keys. Keep the plugs ina1 There are several ways to lock and unlock safe place. If you lose your doorkeys, your vehicle: you’ll be able to have new ones made using these plugs. From the outside: Use your door key.

43 ... Features and Controls

- - I\ From the inside: To lock the door, move :emote Lock Control (Option) the lock control on the door back. Power Door Locks (Option) F your Pontiac has this option,you can To unlock the door, movethe lock control Push the power door lock switch to lock Ick and unlock your doors or unlock on the door forward. or unlock both doors at once. our hatch from about30 feet (9 m) using The switch only works when theignition le key chain transmitter supplied with switch is in “Run” or “Acc”, or when our vehicle. RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.) ‘our Remote Lock Control operates ona 3dio frequency subject to Federal Leaving Your Vehicle lommunications Commission (FCC) !des . If you are leaving the vehicle, takeyour keys, open your door and set the locks ’his device complies with Part15 of the from inside. Then get out andclose the ‘CC Rules. Operation is subjectto the door. Alowing two conditions: (1) This device lay not cause harmful interference, and 2) This device must accept any lterference received, including lterference that may cause undesired peration. ...44 Should interferenceto this system occur, is not in “Run”, and the transmission is You can match a transmitter to as many try this: in “P” (Park) if you have an automatic different vehicles as you own, provided 0 Check to determine if battery transmission. If you have a manual they are equipped with exactly the same replacement is necessary.See the transmission, the parking brake must model system. (General Motors offers instructions on battery replacement. be set. several different models of these systems The system will turnon the interior lights on their vehicles.) Each vehicle can have 0 Check the distance. You may be too onlv two transmitters matched to it. far from your vehicle. This product for about 40 seconds, or until the ignition has a maximum range. switch is turned to “Run”, when you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior Check the location. Other vehicles or lights will come on for about two seconds objects may be blocking the signal. when you lock the doors. 0 See your Pontiac dealer or a qualified technician for service. Matching Transmitter(s) toYour Changes or modificationsto this system Vehicle by other than an authorized service Each key chain transmitter is coded to facility could void authorizationto use prevent another transmitter from this equipment. unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be Operation purchased through your dealer. The driver’s door will unlock Remember to bring any remaining automatically when “UNLOCK’ is transmitters with you when you go to pressed. If “UNLOCK” is pressed again your dealer. When the dealer matches the within five seconds, the passengerdoor replacement transmitter to your vehicle, will also unl‘ock. All doors will lock when the remaining transmitter must also be “DOQR’ is pressed. The hatch will matched. Once the new transmitter is unlock when the opened trunk symbol is coded, the lost transmitter will not unlock pressed, but onlywhen the ignition switch your vehicle.

45 ... Features and Controls Nhen matching transmitters, the first Battery Replacement ransmitter code matched will be stored in &der normal use, the batteries in your loth memories until a second transmitter rey chain transmitter should last about s matched. This means that the second :wo years. ransmitter will not workuntil it is natched in step 5. You can tell the batteriesare weak if the :ransmitter won’t work at the normal 0. Press any button on the first -ange in any location.If you have to get transmitter. The door locks should :lose to your vehicle before the lock and unlock. :ransmitter works,it’s probably time to 5. Press any button on the second :hange the batteries. transmitter. The door locks should I‘o replace batteries in the Remote Lock To match transmitters to your vehicle: . lock and unlock. Zontrol: 1. Find the Data Link Connector (DLC). a. Remove the fused jumper from the 1. Pop the cover off by inserting a dime It is in the bottom of the instrument DLC. The system will not work unless (or similar object)in the slot between panel near the steering column. the jumper is removed. the covers and twisting. 2. Insert one end of a fused jumper into 7. Check that all the buttons on both 2. Lift off the front cover, bottom half terminal “G.” Terminal “G” is the top transmitters work correctly. first. terminal on the far right. [f the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d 3. Insert the other end of the fused rather not match the transmitters yourself, jumper into terminal “A.” Terminal see your Pontiac dealer. “A” is the bottom terminal on the far left. You have grounded the program input line. You should hear the door locks lock and unlock within one to three seconds.

...46 - ......

\

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3. Remove and replace the batteries. latch Release Remote Hatch Release (Option) Use two Duracell@ batteries,type {our door key opens the hatch. ’ress the switch under the light controls DL2016, or a similar type. Put new o unlock the hatch from inside your batteries in printed side down. Jehicle. If you have an automatic 4. Replace the front cover. Makesure the ransmission, your shift lever must be cover is on tightly so water won’t get n “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral) to use the in. ;witch. If you have a manual transmission md the ignition switch is in “Run”, you nust set the parking brake before you can Ise the switch. The switch only works when the ignition ;witch is in “Run” or “Acc”, or when IAP is present. (See “Retained 4ccessory Power” in the Index.)

47. . Features and Controls Theft NOTICE: Vehicle theft is big business, especiallyin If you put things in the hatchback some cities. Although your Pontiac hasa area, be sure they won’t break the number of theft-deterrent features, we glass when you close it. Never slam know that nothingwe put on it can make .the hatch down. You could break the it impossible to steal. However, thereare glass or damage the defogger grid ways you can help. (if equipped). Key in the ignition: If you walk away from your vehcle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target forjoy riders or professional thieves- so don’t do it. When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door, ydu’llheai a tone reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you, Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, andso will your ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking your key out also locks your transmission. And remember to lock the doors. Parking at Night: Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables outof sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

... 48 Parking Lots: If you park in a lot where When the PASS-Key@IIsystem senses someone will be watching yourvehicle, that someone is using the wrong key, it it's best to lockit up and take yourkeys. shuts down the vehicle's starter and fuel

But what if you have toleave your I systems. For about three minutes, the ignition key? What if you haveto leave starter won't work and fuel won't go to something valuable in your vehicle? GM the engine. If someone tries to start your - vehicle again or uses another key -during Put your valuables in a storage area, like your glovebox. this time, the vehicle will notstart. This discourages someone from randomly 0 Lock the glove box. trying different keys with different 0 Lock all the doors except the driver's. resistor pellets in an attempt to make a Then take the door key with you. match. I PASS-Key@IZ four vehicle is equipped with the -'ASS-Key@II(Personalized Automotive iecurity System) theft-deterrent system. -'ASS-Key@IIis a passive theft-deterrent iystem. This means you don't have to do mything different to arm or disarm the iystem. It works when you insert or 'emove the key from the ignition. -'ASS-Key@IIuses a resistor pellet in he ignition key that matches a decoder . ..,. n your vehicle.

49 . 8 Features and Controls Faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a New Vehicle locksmith who can service the PASS-Key@II. “Break-Zn” [f you accidentally use a key that has a Jamaged or missing resistor pellet, the NOTICE: starter won’t work and the security light SECUIITYI rl will flash. But you don’t have to wait Your modem Pontiac doesn’tneed an three minutes before trying another elaborate “break-in.” But it will per- ignition key. form better in the long runif you fol- See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith low these guidelines: who can service the PASS-Key@II to Keep your speed at55 mph (88 The ignition key must be clean and dry have a new keymade. km/h) or less for the first500 before it’s inserted inthe ignition or the If you’re ever driving and the miles (804 km). engine may not start. If the engine does “SECURITY’’ light comes on and stays Don’t drive at any one speed- not start and the “SECURITY” light stays on, you will be able to restart your engine fast or slow- for the first 500 on when you try to start the vehicle, the if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key@ I1 miles (804 km). Don’t make key may be dirty or wet. Turn the system, however, is not working properly full-throttle starts. ignition off. and must be serviced by your Pontiac Avoid malung hard stops for the dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Clean and dry the key. Wait about three first 200 miles (322 km) orso. the PASS-Key% system. minutes and try again. The security light During this time your new brake will remain on during this time.If the If you lose or damage a PASS-Key@I1 linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard starter still won’t work, and the key ignition key, see your Pontiac stops with new linings can mean appears to be clean and dry, wait about dealer or a locksmith who can service premature wear and earlier three minutes and try another ignition key. PASS-Key% to have a new key made.In replacement. Follow this At this time, you may also wantto check an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside “brealung-in” guideline every the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Assistance Program on time you get new brake linings. Breakers” in the Index). Ifthe starter 1-800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743. won’t work with theother key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition key may be ...50 Off (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, D ignition and automatic transmission, but does not send electrical power to any accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed. A warning tone will sound if you openthe driver’s door when the ignition is in “Off” and the keyis in the ignition. Run (D): Position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the “Run” position when the engine is Ley Release Button: If you have a Ignition Switch running. But even when the engine is not lanual transmission, your ignition lock With the ignition key in the ignition running, you can use “Run” to operate as a key release button. You must press switch, you can turn the switch tofive your electrical power accessories and to le button before you can take your key positions: display some instrument panel warning ut of the ignition lock. and indicator lights. Acc (A): Position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories. Start (E): Starts the engine. When the Press in the ignition switch as you turn engine starts, release the key. The ignition the top of it toward you. switch will return to “Run” for normal driving. LOCK (B): The only position in which you can remove the key. This locks your Note that even if the engine is not steering wheel, ignition and automatic running, “Acc” and “Run” allow you to transmission. operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio and ventilation fan. If you have an automatic transmission,tht :I ignition switch can’t be turned to “LOCK’ unless the shift leveris in the “P’ (Park) position.

51 . . Features and Controls Retained Accessory Power(RAP) Starting Your Engine [f you have powerdoor locks, your Automatic Transmission: Move your vehicle has a feature called Retained shift lever to “P” (Park) or “N’ (Neutral). Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP your Your engine won’t start in any other power door locks, electric mirrors, power position - that’s a safety feature.To windows, audio system and remote hatch restart when you’re already moving, release will continue to work up to 10 use “N’ (Neutral) only. minutes after the ignition key is turned to “OW’ and neither door is opened. [f a door is opened, the audio system and NOTICE: power windows will shut off. The power door locks, electric mirrors and remote Don’t try to shift to“P” (Park) if hatch release will work until you shut the your Pontiac is moving.If you do, door. Once you have shut the door, these you could damage the transmission. accessories will continue to work for Shift to “P” (Park) only when your approximately 35 seconds. After this vehicle is stopped. time you will not beable to use these If your key seems stuck in “Lock” accessories until the next time you open Manual Transmission: The gear select01 and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all a door or turn on the ignition. should be in neutral. Hold the clutch the way in. If it is, then turn the steer- pede1 to the floor and start the engine. ing wheel left and right while you Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch turn the key hard. But turnthe key pedal is not all theway down - that’s only with your hand. Using a tool to a safety feature. force it could breakthe key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, To start your V6 engine: then your vehicle needs service. 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal turn your ignition key to “Start.” When the engine starts, let goof the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

...52 To start your VS engine: NOTICE: NOTICE: 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition keyto “Start.” Holding your key in “Start” for Your engine is designed to work with When the engine starts, let go of the longer than 15 seconds at a time will the electronics in your vehicle. If you key. The idle speed will go down as cause your battery to be drained add electrical parts or accessories, your engine gets warm. much sooner. And the excessive heat you could change the way the fuel can damage your starter motor. injection system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check 2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but with your dealer. If youdon’t, your then stops), it could be flooded with engine might not perform properly. Holding your key in “Start” for too much gasoline. Try pushing your If you ever have to have your vehicle longer than 15 seconds at a time will accelerator pedal allthe way to the towed, see the part of this manual cause your battery to be drained floor and holding it there asyou hold that tells how to do it without much sooner..And the excessive heat the key in “Start” for about three damaging your vehicle. See “Towing seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly Your Vehicle” in the Index. but then stops again,do the same 2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, thing, but this time keep the pedal 1 push the acceleratorpedal all the down for fiveor six seconds.This way to the floor, while you hold the clears the extra gasoline fromthe ignition key in “Start.” When the engine engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery.

53. . Features and Controls When starting your engine in very cold Performance Mode Switch weather (below 0°F or - 18”C), dothis: NOTICE: (Option) 1. With your foot off the accelerator This switch letsyou change from a pedal, turn the ignition key to “Start” Your engine is designed to work with normal driving mode to a performance and hold it there. When the engine the electronics in your vehicle.If you mode. When you start the engine, the starts, let go of the key. Use the add electrical parts or accessories, switch will be in normal mode. For accelerator pedal to maintain engine you could change the way the fuel general driving conditions, use the speed, if you have to, until your injection system operates. Before normal mode. It will remain in normal engine has run for a while. adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer.If you don’t, your unless you select the “PERFORM” 2. If your engine still won’t start (or engine might not perform properly. feature. starts but then stops), it could be For a firmer shift and increased flooded with too much gasoline. Try If you ever have to have your vehicle performance, you may choose the pushing your accelerator pedal all the towed, see the partof this manual “PERFORM, mode. The light in the way to the floor and holding it there that tells how to do it without center of the switch will light up when as you hold the keyin “Start” for damaging your vehicle. See “Towing selected. The switch will then remainin about three seconds. If thevehicle Your Vehicle” in the Index. “PERFORMANCE’ mode until the starts briefly but then stops again, do engine is shut off, when it will go backto the same thing, but this time keep the normal mode. pedal down for five or six seconds. Driving through Deep This clears the extra gasoline from Standing Water the engine. NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly.

...54 TRANSMISSION

INDEEAR@START

C LFecond-Gear Start Engine Coolant Heater ‘our vehicle may be equipped witha Second-Gear Start feature. Press“2ND (Engine Block Heater) c;EAR START” to provide more traction (OPTION) Vvhen you are starting on ice or other In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18 “C) or NOTICE: S lippery surfaces. The transmission will colder, the engine coolant heater can help. After you’ve used thecoolant heater, ble in second gear when the vehiclebegin; You’ll get easier starting and better fuel be sure to store the cord as it was tc 3 move. After starting in second gear, tht economy during engine warm-up. before to keep it away from moving V rehicle will upshift normally. Usually, the coolant heater should be engine parts. If you don’t, it could be ’his feature is only for improved traction plugged in a minimum of four hours prior damaged. Pthen the road surface is slippery and is to starting your vehicle. nlot intended for continuous use. Always To use the coolant heater: U .se “NORMAL”for normal road 1. Turn off the engine. C onditions. You may press “2ND GEAR S;TART’’ again to turnoff this feature. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the FYhenever you start your vehicle, the electrical cord. tl ransmission is in the “NORMAL” mode. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt outlet.

55. Features and Controls How long should you keepthe coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the weather, the kindof oil you have, and some other things. Insteadof trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact a Pontiac dealer in thearea where you’ll be parking your vehicle.The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

Autamatic Transmission There are several different positions for your shift lever. P (Park) This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

... 56 Ensure the shift leveris fully in “P” R(Reverse) (Park) range before starting the engine. Use this gear to back up. Your Pontiac has a brake-transmission shift interlock.You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you canshift NOTICE: from “P” (Park) when the ignition key is in the “Run” position. If you cannotshift Shifting to “R” (Reverse) while your out of “P’ (Park), ease pressure onthe vehicle is moving forward could shift lever- push the shift lever allthe damage your transmission. Shift to way into “P” (Park) and also release the “R’ only after your vehicle is shift lever buttonon floor shift console stopped. models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift leverinto the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button To rock your vehicle back andforth to before moving the shift lever onfloor get out of snow,ice or sand without shift console models.)See “Shifting out jamaging your transmission, see “Stuck: of “P” (Park)” in this part. [n Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow, If You’re” NOTICE: In the Index. Damage to your transmission caused @ N (Neutral) by shifting out of “P” (Park) or “N” [n this position, your engine doesn’t (Neutral) with the engine racing isn’t :onnect with the wheels. To restart when covered by your warranty. You’re already moving, use “N” (Neutral) mly. Also, use “N’ when your vehicle is Jeing towed.

57 ... Features and Controls @ AutomaticOverdrive 2 (SecondGear) This position is for normal driving. If you This position gives you more power but NOTICE: need more power far passing, and you’re: lower fuel economy. You can use “2” on hills. It can help control your speed as If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t - Going less than about 35 mph you go down steep mountain roads, but try to drive. This might happen if you (56 kdh), push your accelerator then you would also want to use your were stuck in very deep sand or mud pedal about halfway down. brakes off and on. or were up againsta solid object. You could damage your transmission. - Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way Also, if you stop when going uphill, down. NOTICE: don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This You’ll shift down to the next gear and Don’t drive in “2” (Second Gear) could overheat and damage the have more power. for more than 5 miles (8 km), or at transmission. Use your brakes or D (ThirdGear) speeds over 55 mph (88 kmh), or shift into “P” (Park) to hold your you can damage your transmission. vehicle in position ona hill. This is like @ , but you never go into Use (EJ or “D” as much as possible. Overdrive. Don’t shift into “2” unless you Maximum engine speed is limitedto Here are some times you might choose are going slower than 65 mph protect driveline components from “D’ instead of @ : ( 105 km/h), or you can damage improper operation. your engine. - When driving on hilly, winding roads

- When towing a trailer, so there is less 1 (First Gear) shifting between gears This position gives you even more power - When going down a steep hill (but lower fuel economy) than “2.” You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in “I,” the transmission won’t shift into first gear until fhe vehicle is going slowly enough.

...58 2 (Second Gear) - Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator I NOTICE: 1 3 5 pedal and shift into “2.” Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedalas you Shift to “R” (Reverse) only after press the accelerator pedal. your vehicle is stopped. Shifting to 3,4 and 5 (Third, Fourth and Fifth “R” (Reverse) while your vehicle Gears) - Shift into “3,” “4” and “5” is moving could damage your the same way you do for “2.” Slowly transmission. 2 4 R let up on the clutch pedalas you press the accelerator pedal. Also, use Reverse, along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. To Stop - Let up on theaccelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just Manual Transmission before the vehicle stops, press the I. clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and 11..*i We-Speed shift to “Neutral.” ’his is your shift pattern. Here’s howto Neutral - Use this position when perate your transmission: you start or idle your engine. 1 1 (First Gear) - Press the clutch R (Reverse) - To back up, press pedal and shift into“ 1.” Then, slowly down the clutch pedal and shift into let up on the clutch pedal asyou “R.” Let up on the clutch pedal slowly press the accelerator pedal. while pressing the accelerator pedal. You can shift into “1” when you’re going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into “1,” put the shift lever in “Neutral” and letup on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into“1.”

59 ... Features and Controls 2 (Second Gear) - Press the clutch Neutral - Use this position when pedal as you let up on theaccelerator you start or idle your engine. pedal and shift into “2.” Then, slowly R (Reverse) - To back up, press let up on the clutch pedalas you down the clutch pedal and shift into press the accelerator pedal. “R.” Let up on the clutch pedal slowly 3,4,5 and 6 (Third, Fourth, Fifth while pressing the accelerator pedal. and Sixth Gears) - Shift into “3,” “4,” “5” and “6” the same way you do for “2.” Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To Stop - Let up on the accelerator Six-Speed,- pedal and press the brake pedal.Just This is your shift pattern. Here’s howto before the vehiclestops, press the operate your transmission: clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to “Neutral.” 0 1 (First Gear) - Press the clutch pedal and shift into “1.” Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into “1” when you’re going less than20 mph (30 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into “1,” put the shift lever in “Neutral” and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into “1.”

. . .60 Your six-speed manual transmission When this light is on, the gear shift lever has a feature that allowsyou to safely will let you shift from “1” (First) gear to shift into “R’ (Reverse) whilethe vehicle “4”(Fourth) gears only. Once you are in is rolling (at less than 3 mph). You will be “4” (Fourth) gear, you can press the “locked-out” if you try to shift into “R” SKIP clutch again and shift into another gear. (Reverse) while your vehicle is’ moving Follow the shift speeds in this chart when faster than 3 mph. SHIFT the “SKIP SHIFT” light is on. If you have turned your ignition offand wish to park your vehicle in Reverse, you Computer Aided Manual Transmission will have to move the shift lever quickly Shift Speeds: to the right, “crashing” through the high 1st to 4th. . , . , . . 15 mph (24 km/h) load spring and then into gear. ;kip Shift Light (5.7L LT1 Engine) 4th to 5th ...... 25 mph (40 km/h)* 5th to 6th 40 mph (64 km/h)** Yhen this light comes on, you can only ...... hift from “1” (First) to “4” (Fourth) gear Each time you come to a stop, the nstead of “1” (First) to “2” (Second) engine’s Electronic Control Module gar. This helps youto get the best (EGM) determines when to activate the lossible fuel economy. “SKIP SHIFT” upshift system. Use “2” (Second) gear only whenyou accelerate ’his light will come on under these very quickly from’a stop. You can then onditions: follow the full gear shift pattern. The engine coolant temperature is mph km/h) when accelerating greater than 170°F (77”C), *30 (48 to highway speeds. You are going 15-20 mph **45 mph (72 km/h) when accelerating (24-32 km/h), and to highway speeds. You are at 35% throttle or less.

61 ’. , . Features and Controls shift Speeds (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) Limited-Slip Rear Axle This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gearfor best fuel economy. If you have this feature, your rear axle can give you additional tractionon MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDEDSHIFT SPEEDS, IN MPH (km/h) snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle mostof the time, Acceleration Shift Speed Engine but when one of the rear wheels has 1 to2 3 to 4 2 to 34 to 5 5 to 6 no traction and the other does, the limited-slip feature will allow the 3.4L L32 13-1 6 21 -28 32-37 45-47 NIA (Code S) (21-25) (34-35) (51-59) (72-75) wheel with tractionto move the vehicle. 5.7L LTI 15 25 45 40 50 (Code P) (24) (40) (64) (72) (80) If your speed drops below 20 mph (30 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.

NOTICE: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you downshift, you can damage the clutch or transmission.

...62 If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill: See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

To release the parking brake:Hold the Parking brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push inthe release Parking Brake button. Hold therelease button in as you The parking brake uses the brakes onthe move the brakelever all the way down. rear wheels. To set the parking brake:Hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking NOTICE: brake lever. If the ignition is on, thebrake system warning light will come on. Driving with the parking brake on can cause yourrear brakes to over- heat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.

63 ... Features and Controls Shifting intoP (Park) Leaving Your Vehicle with the (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) Engine Running (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake. 2. Move the shift lever into T“ (Park) position like this: Hold in the button on the lever, and push the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle. 3. Move the ignition key to “LOCK.” If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicleis in 4. Remove the key and take it with you. “P’(Park) and your parking brake is If you can walk away from your firmly set beforeyou leave it. After vehicle with the ignition key in your you’ve moved the shift lever into the“P’ hand, your vehicle is in “P’ (Park). (Park) position, hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, seeif you can move the shift lever away from“P’ (Park) without first pushing the button.If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into “P” (Park).

...64 Torque Lock Shifting out of P (Park) Parking Your Vehicle (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) If you are parking ona hill and you don’t Your Pontiac has a brake-transmission Before you get out of your vehicle, put shift your transmissioninto “P” (Park) shift interlock. You have to fully apply your manual transmission in “R’ properly, the weightof the vehicle may your regular brake before you can shift (Reverse) and firmly apply the parking put too much force on the parking pawl in from “P” (Park) when the ignition is in brake. the transmission. You may find it difficult the “Run” position. See “Automatic If your vehicle is equipped to tow a to pull the shift lever outof “P” (Park) Transmission” in the Index. trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the This is called “torque lock.” To prevent If you cannot shift out of “F”’ (Park), ease Index. torque lock, set the parking brake and pressure on the shift lever - push the then shift into “P’7 (Park) properly before shift lever all the way into “P” (Park) and you leave the driver’sSeat. To find out release the shift lever button as you how, see “Shifting Into “P” (Park)” in maintain brake application. Then press the Index. the shift lever button and move the shift When you are ready to drive, move the lever into the gear you wish. shift lever outof “P” (Park) BEFORE you If you ever hold the brake pedal down but release the parking brake. still can’t shift out of “P” (Park), try this: If “torque lock” does occur, you may 1. Turn the key to “Off.” need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end from the transmission,so you can pull the of Step 4. shift lever outof “P” (Park). 3. Shift to “N’ (Neutral). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you want. 5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.

65.. Features and Controls

...66 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) It’s betternot to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

Windows

Manual Windows Use the window crank to open and close each door window. Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into , ,-. “P” (Park)” in the Index. [f you are parlung on a hill and if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index.

67. . Features and Controls The switch for the driver’s window hasan 5xpress Down feature. Quickly press and aelease the switch for the driver’s window md the window will lower completely. fou can also open the driver’s window my amount by pressing the switch again while the window is in the Express Down node when it has lowered to the position IOU want.

Power Windows (Option) Horn With power windows, switches on the ro sound the horn, press eitherhorn door control each window when the ;ymbol on your steering wheel. ignition is on or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.) You can also open the passenger window any amount by pressing the switch and releasing it when the window has lowered to the position you want.

...68 I Tilt Wheel I The Turn rurn Signal and Lane Change 1 tilt steering wheel allows you toadjust Signal'Headlight Beam ndicator he steering wheel before you drive. Lever 'he turn signal has two upward '(for r'ou can also raise it tothe highest level tc Light) and two downward (for Left) $ve your legs more room when youexit 'he lever on the left side of the steering lositions. These positions allow 'you to md enter the vehicle. dumn includes your: ignal a turn or a lane change. ?o tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel Turn Signal and Lane Change b signal a turn, move the lever dl the md pull the lever. Move the steering Indicator day up or down. When the turn is vheel to a comfortablelevel, then release Headlight HigNLow Beam and inished, the lever will return he lever to lock the wheelin place. Passing Signal utomatically. Windshield Wipers Windshield Washer Cruise Control (Option)

69 ... Features and Controls

A green arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the directionof the turn or feadlight High/Low Beam Windshield Wipers lane change. ’0 change the headlights from low beam fou control the windshield wipers by To signal a lane change, just raise or 3 high or high to low, pull the turn signal urning the band with the wiper symbol lower the lever until the green arrowstart :ver all the way toward you. Then In it. to flash. Hold it there until you complete :lease it. When the high beams are on, ;or a single wiping cycle, turn the band to your lane change. The lever will return b! lis blue light on the instrument panel ‘MIST.” Hold it there until the wipers itself when you releaseit. lso will be on. ;tart, then letgo. The wipers will stop As you signal a turn or a lane change, if ifter one cycle.If you want more cycles, the arrows don’t flash butjust stay on, a lold the band on “MIST” longer. signal bulb may be burned out and other You can set the wiper speed for a long or drivers won’t see your turnsignal. ;hort delay between wipes. This can be If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help iery useful in light rain or snow. Turn the avoid an accident. If the green arrows >and to choose the delay time. The closer don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, :o “LO,” the shorter the delay. check the fuse (see “Fuses” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.

...70 For steady wiping at lowspeed, turn the band away from you to the“LO’ position. For high speed wiping,turn the band further, to “HI.” To stop the wipers, move the band to “OW.” Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away snow or ice to preventan overload.

Windshielei Washer At the top -of the turn signal leverthere’s a paddle with .theword “PUSH’ on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, just push the paddle. The washer will continuc to spray until yourelease the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and wipe a few more times before stopping or returning to the previous setting.

71 ... Features and Controls NOTICE: .. .. When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. hise Control (opnoN) Fill your washer fluid tank only Vith Cruise Control, you can maintain a 314 full when it’s very cold. This peed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)or more allows for expansion, which could rrithout keeping your foot on the damage the tank if it is completely ccelerator. This can really help on long To Set Cruise Control full. :ips. Cruise Control does not work at 1. Move the Cruise Control switchto peeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). Don’t use radiator antifreeze in “ON.” your windshield washer. It can Vhen you apply your brakes, or push the damage your washer system and lutch pedal, if you have a manual paint. ransmission, the Cruise Control shuts off

... 72 2. Get up to the speed you want. ro Resume a Set Speed 3. Push in the set button at the end of the ;uppose you set your Cruise Contrd at Q lever and release it. desired speed and then you apply the 4. Take your foot off the accelerator rake. This,of course, shuts off the pedal. lruise Control. But you don’t need to eset it. Once you’re going about 25 mph 40 km/h) or more, you can move the lruise Control switch from “ON’ tb WA” (Resume/Accelerate) for about lalf a second. lou’ll go right back up to your chosen peed and stay there.

73. Features and Controls

I I Here’s the second way to go to a higher To Increase Speed While Using Cruise speed: ro Reduce Speed While Using Cruise Control Zontrol 1. Move the Cruise switch from “ON” to There are two ways to go to a higher “WA.” Hold it there until you get up ihere are two ways to reduce your speed speed. Here’s the first: to the speed you want, and then vhile using cruise control: 1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to the release the switch. Push in the button at the endof the higher speed. 0 To increase your speed in very small lever until you reach the lower speed 2. Push the button at the end of the lever, amounts, move the switch to “WA” you want, then releaseit. then release the button and the for lessthan half a second and then To slow down in very small amounts, accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise ai release it. Each time you do this, push the button for less than halfa the higher speed. your vehicle will go about 1 mph second. Each time you do this, you’ll (1.6 km/h)faster. go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

...74 Passing Another Vehicle WhileUsing Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedalto increase your speed. When you take yourfoot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow downto the Cruise Control speed you set earlier.

Using Cruise Control on Hills How well your Cruise Control will work on hills depends upon your speed,load, and the steepnessof the hills. When going up steep hills, you may haveto step on !. Move the Cruise switch to “OFF.” ”‘ 1. the accelerator pedalto maintain your ro Get Out of Cruise Control 2. 4> speed. When going downhill, you may :here are several ways to turn off the :o Erase Speed Memory have to brake or shift to a lowergear to 3ruise Control: Yhen you turn off the Cruise Control or keep your speed down.Of course, I. Step lightly on the brake pedal or pus1 he ignition, your Cruise Control set speec applying the brake takes you outof the clutch pedal, if you have amanual nemory is erased. Cruise Control. Manydrivers find this to transmission; OR be too much troubleand don’t use Cruise kaction Control System and Cruise Control on steep hills. lontrol f your traction control system engages vhile your Cruise Control is set, Cruise lontrol will disengage. Your speed will le set in memory, though. When Cruise lontrol engages again, use “WA” Resume/Accelerate) to go back to your et speed.

fa... Features and Controls Operation of Lights Although your vehicle’s lighting system ’ (headlights, parking lights, fog lamps, side marker lights and taillights) meets al ‘I applicable federal lighting requirements, certain states and provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special attention before you operate these lights. For example, some jurisdictions may II require that you operate your fog lamps only when your lower beam headlights Main Light Control Crightness Control are also on, or that headlights be turned on whenever you must use your The main light control is a knob that ’his switch controls the brightnessof windshield wipers. In addition, most works these lights: ‘our instrument panel lights.Turn the jurisdictions prohibit driving solely with Headlights witch to brighten or dim the lights. If you ~rnthe switch all the way up to , parking lights, especially at dawn or dusk. Taillights .w It is recommended that you check with ‘our courtesy lights will come on. your own state or provincial highway Parking lights authority for applicable lighting License lights Lights On Reminder regulations. Sidemarker lights f you turn the ignition“Off’ and leave he lights on, you will hear a chime when Instrument panel lights IOU open the driver’s door. Turn the knob to -v to turn on your headlights and okbpoperating lights. ieadlight Doors Turn the knob to p$ to turn on your The headlight doors are designedto open parking lights without your headlights. vhen you turn the headlights on and close Turn the knob to “OFF” to turn off the vhen you turn the headlightsoff. The lights. leadlight doors can be opened without

. . .76 turning onthe headlights by turning the working properly, see your Pontiac dealer headlights on, then turningthe switch for help. back to the parking lights position. The headlight doors should be open when Daytime Running Lights (Canada) driving in icy or snowy conditionsto The Canadian Federal Government has prevent the doorsfrom freezing when decided that “Daytime Running Lights” closed and when washing the vehicle to (DRL) are a useful feature, in that DIU help clean the headlights. can make your vehicle more visible to pedestrians and other drivers during daylight hours. DRL are requiredon new vehicles sold in Canada. You can open the headlight doors Your DRL work witha light sensor on top nanually : of the instrument panel. Don’t cover itup. 1. Turn on the headlights. The front turn signal lights will come on 2. Open the hood. in daylight when: 3. Remove the plastic cover from the 0 The ignition is on retractor motor knob. The headlight switch is off, &d #.Turn the retractor motor knob The parking brake is released. counterclockwise until the headlight At dusk, the exterior lights will come on door is fully open. The knob will get automatically and the front turn signal harder to turn when the headlight do01 lights will go out. At dawn, the exterior is all the way up. lights will go out and the frontturn signal 5. Replace the plastic cover on the lights will come on (if the headlight retractor motor knob. switch is off). ro manually close the headlight doors, Of course, you may still turn on the :urn the lights off and turn the knob headlights any time you need to. :lockwise. If the headlight doors aren’t

77 ... Features and Controls To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set Fog Lights (Option) the parking brake while the ignition is in Jse your fog lights for better vision in the "Off" or "LOCK" position. Then start !'oggy or misty conditions. Your parking the vehicle. The DRL will stay off until ights must be on or your fog lights won''t you release the parking brake. work. ro turn the fog lights on, push the right ;ide of the switch. Push $0 to turn the Fog lights off. A light on the switch will :ome on when the fog lights are on. Fog lights will go off whenever your high beams come on. When the high beams go Dff, the fog lights will come on again. Znterior Lights Courtesy Lights When any door is opened, several interior lights go on. These lights are courtesy lights. They make iteasier for you to enter and leave your vehicle. Courtesy lights include the dome light and other lights throughout the interiorof your vehicle.

. . .78 Convex Outside Mirror Your right side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat.

Front Map Lights I Mirrors Your inside rearview mirror includestwo nside Daymight Rearview Mirror map lights. Each light has itsown switch. inside rearview mirror is attached to Use the switch closestto the light to turn in ’our windshield. The mirror has pivots sa it on. The lights willalso go on when a hat you can adjust it up and down or side door is opened. o side. Floor Mats lou can adjust the mirror for day or night Iriving. Pull the tab for night driving to Your Firebird’s floor mats are Manual Remote Control Mirror educe glare. Push the tab for daytime custom-fitted to the foot wells.Be sure Adjust the driver side outside mirror with Iriving. the driver’s floor matis in place. Ifit the lever on the door. Adjust the mirror so isn’t, it could interfere with the that you canjust seethe side of your vlanual Adjust Mirror accelerator or brake pedals. vehicle when you are sitting in a idjust the passenger side outside mirror comfortable driving position. ’y hand so that you can just seethe side ’f your vehicle when you are sitting in a :omfortable driving position.

fY... Features and Controls Twin Lift-off Roof \ I’ ‘E3 Panels (OPTION) If you have this option, you can remove one or both lift-off roof panels.

rhe door key unlocks the panels.The _j Electric Mirror Control (Option) ock is over the front door window.Turn The electric mirror control is on the :he key to the left to unlock the panel. driver’s door. To adjust either mirror, move the center switch to “LEFT” or “RIGHT.” Then use the touch pad to adjust the mirror. The control only works when the ignition switch is in “Run” or “Acc,” or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.)

...80 Then push on the release handleto Open the close-out panel completely. lush the handle closed to secui-e the panel unlatch the panel. Lift the outer edge of Place the panel in the correct slot I the slot. To lock each panel in the the panel and pull it toward you. (“DRIVER’ or “PASSENGER’) in the torage’area, use your door key. rear area of your vehicle. Make sure the handle is open and facing you when you put it in the storage slot.

81 ... Features and Controls Reverse the steps above to install the T-top panels. When installing panels, be sure to align weatherstrips properly. Panels incorrectly installed may leak.

NOTICE: High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. Never spray water directly at the roof panel r-Top Sunshades 3. Open the latch and close the T-top. joints. This will cause leaks. I. Start with the panel marked “DRIVEE Check to see if there are any gaps FRONT.” Unlatch the driver-side showing. Unlatch theT-top and T-top, raise it halfway and close the adjust the sunshadeas required. latch handle. 4. Once the sunshade is installed 2. With the top raised and resting on the properly, you can stick the Velcro@ center toof rail, slide the flat edge of buttons on the glass for a proper fit the sunshade panel (with the vinyl every time you install the sunshades. side to the glass) between the glass To do this, first remove the T-top and plastic trim, making sure the with the sunshade installed and place edge marked “DRIVER FRONT.” is it upside downon a table or bench. pointing to the front of the vehicle. Take care not to scratch the glass.

..A2 - i. Pull the sunshade back a little and YC )u can store the. sunshades two different remove the backing paper from the Wi ay s : Storage and Velcro@buttons. Push the sunshade 1. When the T-topsare in use, store the Compartments back into place sticking the Velcro@ sunshades in their storage area in the to the glass. rear of the vehicle, and make sure the Glove Box 1. 1. Install the T-top, close the latch and close-out panel is in it’s closed, To open the glove box, lift up on the lock the T-top. Repeat the above steps upright position. lever. Use yourdoor key to lock and for the passenger-side sunshade. 2. When you have the T-tops off and in unlock it. The glove box has a light their storage slots, store the sunshades inside. on the T-tops, intheir installed position.

83 ... Features and Controls

Map Pocket Jose-Out Panel When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to open the panel and place Each door has a map pocket. There may The close-out panel can be closed for the items in the rear area. also be a map pocket on the backof the lidden storage in the rear areaof your seats. rehicle. ro remove the close-out panel: Front Console I. Close the panel. If the close-out panel To use the storage area, pushthe tab ns is not closed and resting on the trim pull up on the front end of the console. panel, it cannot be removed. There is a cupholder and light and may be a coinholder in the console. !. Pull the panel toward you to unsnap it. Then slide the close-out panel along The console will also have a storage area the groove in the trim panel. for either cassette tapes or compact discs. Ceverse the steps to install the panel.

...84 ’-- ;P c ’ 3 w Sun Visors Ashtray and Lighter Cigarette Lighter To use the lighter, push it in all the way To block out glare, you can swing down Front Ashtray the visors. You can also swing them to and let go. When it’s ready,it will pop Lift up the cover to open the ashtray. back by itself. the side. The elastic bands on yourvisor To remove it, lift up on either side of provide extra stroragefor maps or papers. the ashtray. If you have an automatic transmission, the ashtray is near the front NOTICE: Covered Visor Vanity Mirror of your console. If you have a manual Don’t hold a cigarette 1ighter:in with Pull down the sun visor and lift thecover transmission, the ashtray is near your your hand while it is heating. If you to expose the vanity mirror. cupholder. do, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, NOTICE: damaging the lighter and the heating Don’t put papers and other things element. that burn into your ashtray. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materials If you plug accessories into your cigarette could set them on fire, causing lighter, such as heating devicesor air corn. damage. pressors, these accessories should have a rated current of less than 15 amps. Exceed ing this limit will result in a blownfuse. 85. . . .86 Instrument Panel

1. Fog Lamp Switch (if equipped) 9. Comfort Controls 17. Rear Window Defogger Switch 2. Main Light Control 10. Cigarette Lighter 18. Steering Wheel Controls 3. Side Upper Air Vent 11. Parking Brake Lever 19. Remote Hatch Release 4. Instrument Cluster 12. Cupholder 20. Convertible Top Switch 5. Horn 13. Storage Console and Cassette Tape/ (if equipped) Compact Disc Storage (as equipped) 6. Center Upper Air Vent 21. Traction Control Switch 14. Transmission Mode Switch (if equipped) 7. Audio System (Automatic Transmission) 22. Ashtray (Manual Transmission) 8. Glove Box 15. Shift Lever 16. Ashtray (Automatic Transmission)

87 ... Features and Controls

x1000

GAUGES

U.S. shown, Canada similar Instrument Panel and Speedometer and Odometer You may wonder what happensif your Your speedometer lets you see your Pontiac needs a new odometer installed. If Cluster speed in both miles per hour (mph) possible, the new one has to be set to the Your instrument cluster is designed to let and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your same reading the old one had.If it can't you know at a glance how your vehicle is odometer shows how far your vehicle has be, then it's set at zero, buta label on the running. You'll know how fast you're been driven, in either miles (used in the driver's door must show the old reading going, about how much fuel you have U.S.) or kilometers (used in Canada). and when the new one was installed. left and many other things you'll need to Your Pontiac's odometer is know to drive safely and economically. tamper-resistant. If you can see silver lines between the numbers, probably someone has tried to tLirn it back. The numbers may not be true. Trip Odometer Warning Lights, Gages When one of the warning lights comes on The trip odometer can tell youhow far and stays on when you are driving, or your vehicle has been driven sinceyou and Indicators when one of the gages shows there may last set the trip odometerto zero. This section describes the warning lights be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow the To set the trip odometer tozero, press the and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs knob. can be costly - and even dangerous. So Warning lights and gages can signal that please get to know your warning lights something is wrong before it becomes Tachometer and gages. They’re a big help. The tachometer displays the engine speed serious enough to cause an expensive in thousands of revolutions per minute repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also (rpm). save you or others from injury. Warning lights go on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s I NOTICE: functions. As you will see in the details Do not operatethe engine with the on the next few pages, some warning tachometer in the red area, or engine lights come on briefly when you turn the damage may occur. ignition key just to let you know they’re I working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens. Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehcle.

89. . Features and Controls At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads“E” It takes more (or less) gas to fill up than the gage reads. For example, the gage reads 1/2 full, but it took more (or less) than half ofthe tank’s capacity to fill it. The gage moves a little when you turn, stop or speed up. When you turn the engine off, the gage doesn’t go back to “E.” Fuel Gage Brake System Warning Light four fuel gage shows about how much Your Pontiac’s hydraulic brake systemis bel is in your tank. The fuel gage works divided into two parts.If one part isn’t mly when the ignition switch is in the working, the other part can still work and ‘Run” position. Whenthe gage pointer stop you. For good braking, though, you ‘Irst indicates “E,” you still have a little need both pws working well. uel left (about one to two gallons), but If the warning light comes on, there could IOU need to get more right away. be a brake problem. Have your brake 3ere are four concerns some owners system inspected right away. lave had about the fuel gage. All these This light should comeon as you start the iituations are normal and do not indicate vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, haveit :hat anything is wrong with the fuel gage. fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

,..go If the light comes on while you are The brake system warning light will also Anti-Lock Brake System Warning driving, pull off the road and stop come on when you set your parlung Light carefully. You may notice that the pedalis brake, and it will stay on if your parking With anti-lock, this light will come on harder to push. Or, the pedal maygo brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on when you start your engine and it will closer to the floor. It maytake longer to after your parking brake is fully released, stay on for three seconds. That’s normal. stop. If the lightis still on, or if the it means you have a brake problem. If the light doesn’t come on, have it fixed anti-lock brake system warning lightis so it will be ready to warn you if there is a flashing, have the vehicle towedfor problem. service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” and “Towing Your If the light flashes when you’re driving, Vehicle” in the Index.) you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with your regular brakes. Pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, thepedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. Have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

91 ... Features and Controls

ABS TCS INOP OFF

- If the anti-lock brake system warning kaction Control System Warning 1:ight stays on longer than normal after ,ight (Option) 4rou’ve started your engine, turn the men the traction control system off,is i;gnition off. Or, if the light comes on and he “TCS OFF” light will come on. This Stays on when you’re driving, stop as ight will also come on for three seconds Soon as possible and turn the ignition off. :ach time you start your vehicle as a bulb 1rhen start the engine again to reset the :heck andif there’s a system failure. See S‘ystem. If the light still stays on, or ‘Traction Control System” in the Index. C:omed on again while you’re driving, rour Pontiac needs service. If the light is The traction control system will shut s lown partially due to brake overheating CIn but not flashing and the regular brake )ut the “TCS OFF” light will not come S,ystem warning light isn’t on, you still 1lave brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock m. If there is throttle relaxer overheating, twakes. he “TCS OFF” light will illuminate md the system will shut down. Once werything cools off, the system will )perate normally again.

...92 When this warning lightis on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

Low Traction Light Sngine Coolant Temperature Gage When your anti-lock system is adjusting ’his gage shows the engine coolant brake pressure to help avoid a braking emperature. If the gage pointer moves skid, the “LOW TRAC” light will appear nto the red area, your engine is too, hot! on your instrument cluster. If you have t means that yourengine coolant fias the traction control system, this light will werheated. If you have beenoperiting also come on whenthe system is limiting ‘our vehicle under normal driving- wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may onditions, you should pull off the road, exist if this light comes on, so adjust your top your vehicle and turnoff the engine driving accordingly. The light will stay or s soon as possible. for a fewseconds after the anti-lock system stops adjusting brake pressure or IOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU the traction control system stops limiting iADLY! wheel spin. The “LOW TRAC” light also n “Problems on the Road,” this manual comes on briefly, as a bulb check, when hows what to do. See “Engine the engine is started. Iverheating” in the Index.

93 ... Features and Controls :If this happens, your “ABS INOP’ light will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake System WarningLight” in this part.) [f you must drive a short distance with the voltmeter reading in a warning zone, turn ~ffall your accessories, including your :omfort control and audio systems.

I

Voltmeter Malfunction Indicator Lamp You can read battery voltage on your (Service Engine Soon Light) voltmeter. If it reads less than 11 volts or A computer monitors operationof your more than 16 volts while your engine is fuel, ignition and emission control running, and it stays there, you may have systems. This light should come on when a problem with theelectrical charging the ignition is on, but the enginenot is system. Have it checked right away. running, as a check to show you it is Driving with the voltmeter reading in a working. If it doesnot come on atall, warning zone could drain your battery. have it fixed right away.If it stays on, or If you idle yourengine for a while, the it comes on while you are driving, the voltmeter reading might move into the computer is indicating thatyou have a yellow zone. If the reading stays in the problem. You should take your vehicle in yellow zone while you are driving, you for service soon. may have a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked. While the voltmeter reads in the yellow zone, your battery may not be ableto power certain electrical accessories, like ABS. ...94 NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, aftera while the emis- sion controls won’t workas well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead tocostly repairs not coveredby your warranty.

Ehgine Oil Pressure Gage NOTICE: T‘his gage tells youif there could be a Problem with yourengine oil pressure. Damage to yourengine from neglected oil problems can be costly ’he engine oil pressure gage shows the I and is not covered by your warqanty. el ngine oil pressure in psi (pounds per SC quare inch) in the U.S., or kPa (1 cilopascals) in Canada, when the engine is ; running. Oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi (140 to 550 kPa). It may vary with el ngine speed, outside temperature and 0il viscosity, butreadings above the red a1 rea show the normal operating range. Rleadings in the red area tell you that the el ngine is low on oil, or that you might h,ave some other oil problem. See “Engint GIil” in the Index. Features and Controls I NOTICE: The oil level monitoring system only checks the oil levelwhen you are CHECK LOW starting your engine. It doesnot keep monitoring the level once your en- GAUGES OIL gine is running.Also, the oil level check only works when the engine has been turned off long enoughfor the oil to drain back into the oil pan.

Check Gages Light ,ow Oil Light This light will come on briefly when you !our vehicle is equipped with an oil level are starting the engine. If the light comes nonitoring system. When youstart your on and stays on while you are driving, ngine, the light will come on briefly. If check your gages to see if they are in the he light doesn’t come on, have it warning areas. epaired. If the light stays on after startine ‘our engine, your engine oil level may be 30 low. You may need to add oil. See Engine Oil” in the Index.

...96 NOTICE: Driving with the “LOW COOLANT” 9light on could cause your Pontiac to !I LOW overheat. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index. Your Pontiac could be COOLANT damaged, and it wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

Low Coolant Light (4% Engine) Convertible Top This light should come on while youare The following procedures explain the starting your engine.If the light doesn’t proper operation of your convertible top. come on, have it repaired. The lightalso comes on when the coolant in your To Lower Your Convertible Top radiator is low. You may need to add coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in the NOTICE: Don’t leave yoqxconvertible out with the top down for any long periods of time. The sun and the rain can damage your seat material and other things inside your vehicle.

97. . Features and Controls 1. Park on a level surface. Set the parking brake firmly, shift an automatic transmission into “P’ (Park:) or a manual transmission into “R’ (Reverse). The ignition must be in the “Acc” or “Run” position. Lower both sun visors. fl NOTICE: Don‘t lower thetop if it is damp or wet. When the top is down, trapped I -31. Be sure no one or nothingis on or water can cause stains, mildew and NOTICE: around the top. Push and hold the damage to the inside of your vehicle. bottom of the convertible top switch. Be sure to dry off the top before you Before lowering the convertible top The switch is on the left sideof your lower it. into the storage qrea, be sure there console. The top will automatically .. are no objects in the way of the lower into the storage area. folded, stored top. The weight of a stored top on items in the storage Installing the Boot Cover NOTICE: area will cause the convertible top Iifter lowering the convertible top,you nnay want to install the boot cover. The It is not recommended to lower the back glass to break. hree-piece boot cover is stored in a bag top if your vehicle is out in cold - tl n the trunk. weather, 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Unlock the front of the convertible to;p i~ 2. by pushing on the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down on the larger I=part of the latch. Be sure the hook on the latch that attaches into the hole at the windshield releases.

...98 1. Open the trunk and remove thetwo 3. Install middle section of cover by 2. Open the trunk. Remove the middle side covers from the storage bag. sliding tabs into slots on right side piece of the cover by pushing in on 2. Install the two side covers by cover. Lower cover and engage latch. the latch and lifting upon the cover. engaging the tab into the frontseatbelt 4. Close the trunk. cover. Lower the coversonto vehicle. To Raise Your Convertible Tap 1. Park on a level surface. Set the 1 parking brake firmly. If you have an automatic transmission, shift into “P” (Park). If you have a manual

transmission, shift into “R7 (Reverse). The ignition must be in the “ACC” or “Run” position. Lower both sun visors. Lower both windows at least three inches. If the boot cover is in place, it must be removedfirst.

99 ... Features and Controls

B. B. Remove the two side pieces of the 4. Store each pieceof the cover in its 5. Push and hold the top of the boot cover by liftingrear cover and separate compartment in the storage convertible top switch. sliding them outof their slots. bag. Store in the trunk andclose the trunk.

/

. . .loo left side trim panel. Lift up the tab and turn the valve clockwise to release the hydraulic pressure. Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” positon. You can now raise or lower your top manually.Be sure to close the valve after installing your top so you can raise or lower itelectronically later.

6. Pull down on the latches and align f your vehicle suffers a power loss, such hooks with holes. Push forwardon the 1s a dead battery, you can still raise or larger part of the latch until it clicks. ower the top manually by rotating the Do not force the latch. If it is hard to ralve in the left side of the trunk. lock, the topis not properly aligned.

101 ... Notes

rn . .I02 Part 3 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Comfort Controls ...... 104 Heater Controls ...... 104 Heating ...... 104 Bi-Level Heating ...... 105 Ventilation ...... 105 Defogging and Defrosting Windows ...... 105 In this part you’llfind out how Air Conditioner Controls ...... 106 o operate the comfort control Cooling ...... 106 iystems and audio systems Rear Window Defogger__ ...... 107 Iffered with your Pontiac. Be Flow-Through Ventilation System ...... 107 Audiosystems ...... 108 ure to read about the particular Settingtheclock ...... 109 iystem supplied with your AMPM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player ...... 109 lehicle. AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Graphic Equalizer ...... 112 AM/FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player ...... 115 AM/FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Graphic Equalizer ...... 118 Understanding. Radio Reception ...... 121 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ...... 122 Care of Your Compact Discs ...... 123 FixedMastAntenna ...... 123

103 ... Comfort Controls and Audio Systems 3 : Air is directed through the windshield defroster vents and the heater ducts. 9: This setting directs mostof the air through the windshield defroster vents and some of the air through the heater ducts. Heating The heater works bestif you keep your windows closed while usingit. Comfort Controls Temperature Control Knob 1. Turn the air control knob to ./J. With this system, you can control the Turn the knob to change the temperature 2. Turn the fan control knob to the right. heating and ventilation in yourPontiac. If of the air flowing from the heating system. Turn it to the right for warmer air 3. Turn the temperature control knob to a you have the air conditioning option, you comfortable setting. can also control cooling. and to the left for cooler air. The temperature of the air can not be less than Your vehicle also has the flow-through the temperature of the outside air. ventilation system described later in this section. Air Control Knob Heater Controls OFF: The system is off. 2 : Air flows through the upper air Fan Control Knob vents. 8 : Turn this knob to select the force of -3: Air is directed through the upper air air you want. vents and the heater ducts. .A : This setting directs most of the air through the heater ducts and some of the air through the windshield defroster vents.

. .IO4 During initial start-up only,if your VentiMon vehicle is eduipped with an optional ?or mild outside temperatures when little use i't in engine coolant heater,you can leating or cooling is needed, you can still cold weather (around +20°F/-8" C or iirect outside air through your vehicle. lower) to heat the passenger areq better than without it. Because an engine coolant I. Turn the air control knob to 2 . heater warms the engine coolant, your 2. Turn the temperature control knob to a vehicle's Heating system can more comfortable setting. efficiently provide heat for the passenger 3. Turn the fan control knob to the right. area of your vehicle. See "EngineCoolant Heater" in the Index. Bi-Level Heating 3efogging and Defrosting You may want to use bi-level heating on Windows cool, but sunny days. This settingdirects cool air toward your body and warmer air I. Tui-n the air control knob to toward your feet. !. Turn the temperature controlP. knob all the way to the right. 1. Turn the air control knob to ,d . 1. Turn the fan control knob to the:right. 2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable setting. 3. Turn the fan control knob to the right.

105 ... Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Cooling The air conditioner works bestif you keep your windows closed. On very hot days, open the windowsjust long enough for the hot air to escape. 1. Turn the air control knob to “NC” for normal cooling. For faster cooling move the knobto ‘“AX.” 2. Turn the temperature control knobto I‘ a comfortable setting. Air Conditioner Controls(OPTIoN) A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days 3. Turn the fan control knob to the right. This setting cools outside air and directs The air conditioning system uses the same through the upper air vents. controls as the heating system, except that the air control knob has two extra The air conditioner comtxessor oDerates settings, described below. For an in “MAX,” “NC” and ii VJ , ,% and explanation of all the controls, see 9when the outside temperature is “Heater Controls” earlier in this part. a6&e freezing. When the air conditioner is on, you may sometimes notice slight MAX: Provides maximum cooling or changes in your vehicle’s engine speed quick cool-down on very hot days. This and power. This is normal because the setting recirculates most of the air inside system is designed to cycle the your vehicle. If it isused for long periods compressor on and off to keep the desirec of time, the air may become This dry. cooling and help fuel economy. setting directs air through the upper air vents.

. . .lo6 NOTICE: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

I - I

Rear Window Defogger(OPTION) :low-Through Ventilation The rear window defogger usesa ;ystem warming grid to remove fog from the rear ‘our Pontiac’s flow-through ventilation window. ystem supplies outside air into the Press the switch to turn on the defogger. ehicle when it is moving. Outside air An indicator light will come on to remind fill also enter the, vehicle when the heater you that the defoggeris on. The defogger r the air conditioning fan is running. will turn off automatically after about ten minutes of use. If you turn it on again,the defogger will operate for about five minutes only. You can also turn the defogger off by pressing the switch again. Do not attach anythinglike a temporary vehicle license or a decal across the defogger gridon the rear window.

107. II. Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Audio Systems NOTICE: 7four Delco@audio system has been ilesigned to operate easily and give years Before you add any sound equipment (>f listening pleasure. But you will get the to your vehicle- like a tape player, 1: nost enjoyment out of it if you acquaint CB radio, mobile telephone or 1yourself with it first..Find out what your two-way radio - be sure you can 1Delco’ system can do and how to operate add what you want.If you can, it’s i 111 its controls, to be sure you’re getting very important to doit properly. 1he most out of the advanced engineering Added sound equipment mayinter- 1:hat went into it. /I fere with the operationof your I[f you have power door locks, your vehicle’s engine, Delco@ radio or vehicle has a feature called Retained Ventilation Tips other systems, and even damage I’Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP you them. And, your vehicle’s systems Keep the hood andfront air inlet free :an play your audio system even after the may interfere with the operationof of ice, snow, or any other obstruction ignition is off. See the Index under sound equipment that has been added (such as leaves). The heater and “Retained Accessory Power.” improperly defroster will work far better, reducin the chance of fogging the inside of So, before adding sound equipment, your windows. check with your dealer and be sureto check Federal rules covering mobile When you enter a vehicle in cold radio and telephone units. weather, turn thefan control knob to the right for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear the intak ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. Keep the air path under the front seat clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle.

. . .IO8 Setting the Clock I The clock may be set with the ignition on or off. 1. Press and hold “HR” until the correct hour appears. 2. Press and hold “MIN” until the correct minute appears.

NOTE: There will bea two second delay before the clock goes into thetime-set mode.

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette %ne Tape Player Press “TUNE” to release the knob. Turn the knob to choose radio stations. To Play the Radio Push “TUNE’ back in to store it when Push “POWER” to turn the systemon not tuning. or off. Recall Volume Press “RECALL” torecall the station being played or the clock display.You Turn the “VOLUME” knob to adjust can also press “RECALL” to display the sound. the time when the ignition is off. AM-FM Seek Press “AMEM” to get AM, FM1 or Press “SEEK or A ” and the radio FM2. The lighted display shows your will tune to the next lower or higher selection. station and stay there.

109 ... Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Pushbuttons Choose AM, FM1 or FM2. To Play a Cassette Tape The six pushbuttons let youreturn to Use the seek and recall functions. Your tape player is built to work best your favorite stations. You can preset with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes Choose one of the preset stations up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FMl and long on each side. Tapes longer than 6 FM2). on your pushbuttons. that are so thin they may not work well in this player. A cassette symbol will 1. Press “AM/FM’ to choose AM, Setting the Tone appear in the upper left cornerof the FM1 or FM2. Bass: Slide the “BASS” lever to the display whenevera tape is inserted. 2. Tune in the station. 5ght to hear more bass. The longer sidewith the tape visible 3. Press and hold one of the six I’reble: Slide the “TREBLE’ lever to goes in first. If you hear nothing or pushbuttons until the display shows :he rightto hear more treble. hear just a garbled sound, itmay not be “SET.” Whenever you press that [f a station is weak and noisy, slide in squarely. Press “EJECT” to remove button, the preset station will ‘TREBLE’ to the left to reduce the the tape andstart over. return. noise. Once the tape is playing, use Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. “VOLUME,” “FADE,”“TREBLE’ Adjusting the Speakers and “BASS”just as you do for the Steering Wheel Controls radio. The arrows show which sideof Balance: Press “BAL” to release the Your vehicle may be equipped with the tape is playing. knob. Turn the knob to move the sound steering wheel controls for this audio between the right and left speakers. system. With steering wheel controls, Forward Push “BAL” back in to store it when you can use thebuttons on your not adjusting. Press “FWD” to rapidly advance to steering wheel to: another partof the tape. Press “PROG” Fade: Press “FADE” to release the Turn the audio system on or off. or “FWD” again to stop it. The radio knob. Turn the knob to move the sound will play during this operation. Adjust the volume. between the front and rear speakers. Push “FADE’ back in to store it when not adjusting.

. . .I10 Reverse To Replay the Current Selection To Stop the Tape Player Press “REV” to rapidly rewind the tape. Press “PREV” or “SEEK V” to play a Turn the power off or turn the ignition Press “PROG’ or “REV” againto stop it. selection again. key off. The cassette stays in the The radio will play during this operation. For “PREV” to work properly, your tape player and will resume playing atthe must have at least three seconds of silence point where it stopped. To Play the Next Selection between each selection. 0 Press “AMEM” to stop playing the Press “NEXT” or “SEEK A’’to hear the The radio will not play during this cassette and switch to the radio. Press next selection (instead of waiting until the operation. “TAPE-PLAY’’ to restart the cassette current selection is finished.) at the point where it stopped. For “NEXT” to work properly, your tape Program e Press “EJECT” to remove the cassette must have at least three secondsof silence Press “PROG’ to switch from one side of or stop the cassette and switch to between each selection. the tape to the other or to stop the tape radio. “EJECT” will work withthe The radio will not play during this from searching. ignition or radio off. Press “EJECT” operation. to load a cassette when the radio is Noise Reduction off. Press 00 to reduce tape noise. This NOTE: This radio has a “broken tape” symbol will appear in the display. feature that will eject broken or misfed tapes. Because of this feature, CD: changers that plug into the tape deck will not work in this system.

Theft-Deterrent System Your audio system is equipped with the “THEFTLOCK’ theft-deterrent system. See “Theft-Deterrent System” at the end of this section.

111 . . . Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Seek

Press “SEEK A ” or “SEEK ” to go to the next lower or higher stationand stay there. Pushbuttons The six pushbuttons letyou return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FMl and 6 FM2). 1. Press “AMEM’ to choose AM, FM1 or FM2. 2. Tune in the station. 3. Press and hold one of the six AM/FM Stereo with Cassette AM-FM pushbuttons until the displayshows Press “AMEM’ to get AM, FM1 or FM2. “SET.” Whenever you press that Tape Player and Graphic button, the preset station will return. Equalizer The lighted display shows your selection. Tune To Play the Radio Press “TUNE’ to release the knob. Turn Push “POWER” to turn the system on or the knob to choose radio stations. Push off. “TUNE” back in to store it when not Volume tuning. Turn the “VOLUME’ knob to adjust the Recall sound. Press “RECALL” to recall the station being played of- the clock display. You can also press “RECALL,” to display the time when the ignition is off. . . .112 Steering Wheel Controls Adjusting the Speakers Forward Your vehicle may be equipped with Balance: Press “BAL” to release the Press “FWD” to rapidly advance to steering wheel controls for this audio knob. Turn the knob to move the sound another part of the tape. Press “PROG’ or system. With steering wheel controls, you between the right and left speakers. Push “FWD’again to stop it. The radio will can use the buttons on your steering “BAL” back in to store it when not play during this operation. wheel to: adjusting. 0 Turn the audio system on or off. Fade: Press “FADE” to release the knob. Reverse Adjustthe volume. Turn the knob to move the sound between Press “REV” to rapidly rewind the tape. the front and rear speakers. Push “FADE” Press “PROG’ or “REV” again to stop it. Choose AM, FM1 or FM2. back in to store it when not adjusting. The radio will play during this operation. Use the seek and recall functions. Choose one of the preset stations on To Play a Cassette Tape To Play the Next Selection your pushbuttons. Your tape player is built to work best with Press “NEXT” or “SEEK A” to hear the tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on next selection (instead of waiting until the Setting the Tone each side. Tapes longer than that are so current selection is finished.) Use the levers to set the bass, midrange thin they may not work wellin this player. For “NEXT” to work properly, your tape and treble untilyou get the sound you A cassette symbol will appear in the must have at least three seconds of silence want. The “40,” “100,” “250” and upper left corner of the display whenever between each selection. a tape is inserted. “625” levers adjust the bass.“1.6K’ is The radio will not play during this midrange, and “4K’ and “l2K’ control The longer side with the tape visible goes operation. the treble. We suggest setting the“1.6K’ in first. If you hear nothing or hear just a lever in the middle position and then garbled sound, it may not be in squarely. To Replay the CurrentSelection moving the other levers up or down until Press “EJECT.” to remove the tape and you get the amountof bass and treble you start over. Press “PREV” or “SEEK v”to play a selection again. like. Once the tape is playing, use “VOLUME,” “BAL” and “FADE” just as you do for the radio. The arrows show which side of the tape is playing.

113 ... Comfort Controls and Audio Systems For “PREV” to work properly, yourtape To Stop the Tape Player Theft-Deterrent System must have at least three seconds of silence 0 Turn the power off or turn the ignition Your audio system is equipped with the between each selection. key off. The cassette stays in the “THEFTLOCK” theft-deterrent system. The radio will not play during this player and will resume playing at the See “Theft-Deterrent System” at theend operation. point where it stopped. of this section. Press “AM/FM’ to stop playing the Program cassette and switch to the radio. Press Press “PROG” to switch from one side of “TAPE-PLAY” to restart the cassette the tape to the other or to stop the tape at the point where it stopped. from searching. Press “EJECT” to remove the cassette or stop the cassette and switch to Noise Reduction radio. “EJECT” will work with the Press 00 to reduce tape noise. This ignition or radio off. Press “EJECT” symbol will appear in the display. to load a cassette when the radio is Off. NOTE: This radio has a “broken tape” feature that willeject broken or misfed tapes. Because of this feature, CD changers that plug into the tape deck will not work in this system.

. . .I14 Seek

Press “SEEK A ” or “SEEK ” to go to the next lower or higher station and stay there. Pushbuttons The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FM 1 and 6 FM2): 1. Press “A””to choose AM, FMl or FM2. 2. Tune in the station. 3. Press and hold one of the six AM/FM Stereo with Compact lime pushbuttons until the display shows “SET.” Whenever you press that Disc Player Press “TUNE” to release the knob. Turn button, the preset station will return. the knob to choose radio stations. Push To Play the Radio “TUNE” back in to store it when not Push “POWER’ to turn the system onor tuning. Off. Recall Volume Press “RECALL” to recall the station Turn the “VOLUME’ knob to adjust the being played or the clock display. You can sound. also press “RECALL” to display the time when the ignition is off. AM-FM Press “AM/FM” to get AM, FMl or FM2. The lighted display shows your selection.

115.. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Steering Wheel Controls Adjusting the Speakers Recall Your vehicle may be equipped with Balance: Press “BAL” to release the Press “RECALL” to see what trackis steering wheel controls for this audio knob. Turn the knob to move the sound playing. Press it again within five seconds system. With steering wheel controls, you between the right and left speakers. Push to see how long it has been playing. can use the buttons on your steering “BAL” back in to store it when not The track number also appears when the wheel to: adjusting. disc is inserted. Turn the audio system on or off. Fade: Press “FADE” to release the knob. Adjustthe volume. Turn the knob to move the sound between To Play the Next Selection the front and rear speakers. Push “FADE’ 0 Choose AM, FM1 or FM2. Press “NEXT” or “SEEKA” to hear the back in to store it when not adjusting. next track now (insteadof waiting until Use the seek and recall functions. the present track is finished). To Play a Compact Disc Choose one of the preset stations on If you press and hold this button or press your pushbuttons. Before you begin, please note: don’t use it more than once, the discwill advance the mini-discs that are called “singles.” further. Setting the Tone They won’t eject. Use full-size compact Bass: Slide the “BASS” lever to the right discs. To Replay the Current Selection to hear more bass. With the audio system on, insert a disc Press “PREV” or “SEEKv” to hear a Treble: Slide the “TREBLE” lever to the into the slot withthe label side up. “CD’ track again. right to hear more treble. will appear on the display and track 1 will begin to play. If you press and hold this button, or press If a station is weak and noisy, slide it more than once, the disc will return to “TREBLE’ to the left to reduce the noise. If the disc comes back out and “ERR’ previous tracks. appears on the display, it could bethat: * The disc is upside down. It is dirty, scratched, or wet. 0 There’s too much moisture in the air. You are driving on a very rough road. The temperature is too hot or too cold.

. . .I16 Reverse To Stop the Disc Player Theft-Deterrent System Press and hold “REV” to rapidly returnto 0 Turn the power off or turn the ignition Your audio system is equipped with the a favorite passage. Release it to play the key off. The disc stays in the player “THEFTLOCK’ theft-deterrent system. passage. The radio will play duringthis and will resume playing at the point See “Theft-Deterrent System” at the end operation. where it stopped. of this section. 0 Press ‘‘AMFM’’ to stop playing the Forward disc and switch to radio. Press Press and hold“FWD’ to quickly “CDPLAY” to restart the disc at the advance within a track. Release it to point where it stopped. resume playing. The radio will play 0 Press “EJECT” to eject the disc or during this operation. stop the disc and switch to radio. “EJECT” will work with the ignition Random or radio off. Press “EJECT” to loada Press “RDM” to hear a random selection disc when the audio system is off. of tracks.

117.. . Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Seek

Press “SEEK A ” or “SEEK ” to go to the next lower or higher station and stay there. Pushbuttons The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons VOLUME for up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FMl and 6 FM2): 1. Press “AM/FM” to choose AM, FM 1 POWERPUSH 0;dTHEFTLOCK or FM2. i -L 2. Tune in the station. 3. Press and hold one of the six AM-FM pushbuttons until the display shows AMIFM Stereo with Compact “SET.” Whenever you press that Disc Player and Graphic Press “AMEM’ to get AM, FMl or FM2. button, the preset station will return. Equalizer The lighted display shows your selection. Tune To Play the Radio Press “TUNE’ torelease the knob. Turn Push “POWER’ to turn the system on or the knob to choose radio stations. Push Off. “TUNE” back in to store it when not tuning. Volume Turn the “VOLUME’ knob to adjust the Recall sound. Press “RECALL” to recall the station being played or the clock display. You can also press “RECALL” to display the time when the ignition is off. . . .I18 I Steering Wheel Controls Adjusting the Speakers Recall Your vehicle has steering wheel controls Balance: Press “BAL” to release the Press “RECALL” to see what track is for this audio system. With steering wheel knob. Turn the knob to move the sound playing. Press it again within five seconds controls, you can use the buttons on your between the right and left speakers. Push to see how long it has been playing. steering wheel to: ‘‘BAL,” back in to store it when not The track number also appears when the 0 Turn the audio system on or off. adjusting. disc is inserted. 0 Adjustthe volume. Fade: Press “FADE” to release the knob. Turn the knob to move the sound betweer To Play the Next Selection 0 Choose AM, FM1 or FM2. the front and rear speakers. Push “FADE” Press “NEXT” or “SEEK A” to hear the 0 Use the seek and recall functions. back in to store it when not adjusting. next track now (instead of waiting until 0 Choose one of the preset stations on the present track is finished). To Play a Compact Disc your pushbuttons. If you press and hold thisbutton or press Before you begin, please note: don’t use it more than once, the disc will advance Setting theTone the mini-discs that are called “singles.” further. Use the levers to set the bass, midrange They won’t eject. Use full-size compact and treble until you get the sound you discs. To Replay the Current Selection want. The “40,” “lOO,” “250” and “625” With the audio system on, insert a disc Press “PREV” or “SEEK v”to hedr a levers adjust the bass. “1.6K” is into the slot withthe label side up. “CD” track again. midrange, and “4K” and “12K” control will appear on the display and track 1 wil the treble. We suggest setting the“1.6K” begin to play. If you press and hold thisbutton, or press lever in the middle position and then it more than once, the disc will return to If the disc comes back out and “ERR” previous tracks. moving the other levers up or down until appears on the display, it could be that: you get the amount of bass and treble you like. 0 The disc is upside down. Reverse 0 It is dirty, scratched, or wet. Press and hold “REV” to rapidly return to 0 There’s too much moisture in the air. a favorite passage. Release it to play the passage. The radio will play during this 0 You are driving on a very rough road. operation. The temperature is too hot or too cold

119.. Comfort Controls and Audid Systems Forward rheft-Deterrent System You are now ready to enter your security Press and hold “FWD’to quickly Your auklio system is equipped with the :ode. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds advance within a track. Release it to ‘THEFTLOCK” theft-deterrent system. between steps. resume playing. The radio will play See “Theft-Deterrent System” at the end 5. Press “MIN” and “000” will appear during this operation. 3f this section. on the display. Random rheft-Deterrent Feature 6. Press “MIN’ again and hold until the last two digits of your code appear. Press “RDM’ to hear a random selection rHEFTZOCK isa security feature for the Release the button. of tracks. Zassette tape and compact disc player. It :an be used or ignored. If ignored, the 7. Press “HR’ until the first one or two To Stop the Disc Player System functions normally: If it is used, digits of your code appears. Turn the power off or turn the ignition your system won’t be usableif it’s ever 8. Press “A”.” “rEP” will appear key off. The disc stays in the player stolen. When the system is active, the on tine display. and will resume,playing at the point indicator light will flash while the ignition 9. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for where it stopped. is off. verification. Press “AM/FM’ to stop playing the 10. Press “A”.” “SEC” will appear disc and switch toradio. Press Setting Your Security Code The instructions below tell you how to on the display. This means that your “CDPLAY” torestart the disc at the audio system is secured. point wherk it stopped. enter a security code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any Press “EJECT” to eject the disc or reason, you must enter the security code stop the disc arid switch to radio. again before the system will turn on. “EJECT” wili work with theignition or radio off. Press “EJECT” to load a 1. Write down any number from 000 to disc when the audio system is off. 1999 and keep it in a safe place. 2. Turn the ignition switch to tHk “ACC” or “Run” position. 3. T~irnthe audio system off. 4. Press and hold pushbuttons “1” and “4” together until “---” shows on the display. . . .I20 Shutting Off the Theft-Deterrent Unlocking theAudio System after a Understanding Radio Reception Feature Power Failure If your audio system is secured(“SEC” If power is disrupted to the audio system FM Stereo shows on display) and you wish todisable while in the “SEC” mode,the unit will FM stereo will give you the best sound. it, enter your security code as follows, not work and “LOC” will showon the But FM signals will reach only about pausing no more than 15 seconds between display whenever the ignition is on. To 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall steps: unlock the unit: buildings or hills can interfere with 1. Turn the ignition on. Make sure the 1. Press “MIN.” “000” will appear on FM signals, causing the sound to come audio system is off. The time will the display. and go. show on the display. 2. Press “MIN’ again and hold until the 2. Press pushbuttons “1” and “4” last two digits of your code appear, AM together until “SEC” showson the Release the button. The range for most AM stations is greater display. than for FM, especially at night. The 4 3. Press “HR’ until the first one or two 3. Press “MIN.” “Oi>O,’ will appear on digits of your code appear. longer range, however, can cause stations the display. to interfere with each other. AM can pick 4. Press “AM/FM.” “SEC” will appear up noise from things like storms and 4. Press “MIN’ again and hold until the on the display andthe unit will work. power lines. Try reducing the treble to last two digits of your code appear. If “LOC” shows, the numbers did not reduce this noise if you ever get it. Release the button. match and the unit is still locked. 5. Press “HR’ until the first one or two AM Stereo How to Change Your Security Code digits of your code appear. This means the Delco@system can 6. Press “AM/FM.” If “---” shows, you You can change your security code by receive C-QUAM@ stereo broadcasts. have shut off the theft-deterrent following these steps: Many AM stations around the country feature. If “SEC” shows, youraud 1. Using your old code, follow the use C-QUAM@to prodyce stereo, though system is still secured. directions given under “Shutting Off some do not. (C-QUAM@ is a registered NOTE: If you lose or forget your security the Theft-Deterrent Feature.” trademark of Motorola, I&) If your code, see yourdealer for assistance. 2. Repeat directions of “Setfing Your Delco@system can get C-QUAM@,your Security Code” with your new “STEREO” light will come on when security code. you’re receiving it.

121 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Your tape player should be cleaned Whichever method you choose, follow after every 50 hours of use for best the instructions provided with the performance. If you notice a reduction in cleaning cassette. Cleaning cassettes are sound quality, regardlessof when the tape available in most stores that sell audio player was last cleaned, try a known products. A scrubbing action cleaning good cassette to see if the tape or the tape cassette is available from your dealer player is at fault. If this other cassette has (GM Part No. 12344600). no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. Clean your tape player witha scrubbing-action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette. This wet-type cleaning system Care of Your Cassette Tape uses a cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape headas the hubs of the Player cleaner cassette turn. A tape player that is not cleaned regularly If you use this typeof cleaner, the radio can cause reduced sound quality, ruined may eject the cartridge. Thisis normal, cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. and is the result of a feature in the tape Cassette tapes should be storedin their player that ejects broken tapes. If this cases away from contaminants, direct happens, you will need to insert the sunlight, and extreme heat.If they aren’t, cleaning cassette three times to they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. thoroughly clean the tape player. You may prefer to use a non-scrubbing Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. action wet-type cleaner. This type of Always make sure that the cassette tape cleaning cassette, which usesa fabric belt to clean the tape head, will not be ejected is in good condition before you have but may not clean the tape playeras your tape player serviced. thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.

. . .I22 Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast shouldever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender.

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

123 ... Notes

. . .I24 Part 4 Your Driving andthe Road

r- Here you^ find information DefensiveDriving ...... 126 about driving on different kinds DrunkenDriving ...... 126 of roads and in varying weather Zontrol of a Vehicle ...... 128 conditions . We’ve also included DrivingatNight ...... 136 many other useful tipson Driving in the Rain ...... 137 driving. 3tyDriving ...... 138 7reewayDriving ...... 139 lillandMountainRoads ...... 141 WinterDriving ...... 142 rowingaTrailer ...... 144

125 ... Your Driving and the Road The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)of I :very year. Alcohol takes away three Defensive Driving :hings thatanyone needs to drive a Gomeone who is drinking depends upon The best advice anyone can give about vehicle: Four things: driving is: Drive defensively. Judgment How much alcohol is in the drink. Please start with a very important safety The drinker’s body weight. device in your Pontiac: Buckle up. MuscularCoordination (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Vision The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking. Defensive driving really means “be ready Police records show that almost halfof for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, all motor vehicle-related deaths involve The length of time it has taken the or freeways, it means “always expect the alcohol - a driver, a passenger or drinker to consume the alcohol. unexpected.” someone else, such as a pedestrian, had Assume that pedestrians or other drivers been drinking. In most cases, these are going to be careless and make deaths are the result of someone who mistakes. Anticipate what they might was drinking and driving. About 20,000 do. Be ready for their mistakes. motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands Rear-end collisions are about the most of people are injured. preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following Just how muchalcohol is too much if a distance. It’s the best defensive driving person plans to drive? Ideally, no one maneuver, in both city and rural driving. should drink alcohol and then drive. But You never know whenthe vehicle in front if one does, then what’s “too much”? It of you is going to brakeor turn suddenly. can be a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general Drunken Driving information on the problem. Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims

. . .I26 DRINKING THAT WILL But it’s very important to keep in mind RESULT IN A BAC QF .05% that the ability to drive is affected well IN THE TIME SHOWN below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at aBAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night.All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of0.05 percent According to the American Medical or above. A driver with aBAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers inone hour for a Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) Rnnv WEIGHT IN POUNDS bottles of beer in an hour will end up with ~ his or her chance of having an accident. a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person The law in mostU.S. states sets the legal At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the would reach the same BAC by drinking limit at aBAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada chance of that driver having an accident is three 4-ounce (120 ml) glassesof wine or the limit is 0.08 percent, and in some six times greater; at alevel of 0.15 three mixed drinks if each had1 - 1/2 other countries it’s lower than that.The percent, the chances aretwenty-five times ounces (45 mi) of a liquor like whiskey, BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three greater! And, the body takes about an gin or vodka. to six drinks (in one hour).Of course, as hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one we’ve seen, it depends on how much drink. No amount of coffee or number of It’s the amountof alcohol that counts. For alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly cold showers will speed thatup. example, if the same person drank three the person drinks them. double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of “I’ll be careful” isn’tthe right answer. liquor each) withinan hour, the person’s What if there’s an emergency, a needto BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A take sudden action, as when achild darts person who consumes foodjust before or into the street? A personwith a higher during drinking will have a slightlylower BAC might not be able to react quickly BAC level. enough to avoid the collision.

127.. Your Driving and the Road There’s something else about drinking I‘Braking and driving that many people don’t know. 13ralung action involves perception time Medical research shows that alcohol in a imd reaction time. person’s system can make crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, 1%st, you have to decide to pushon the spinal cord and heart injuries. That means 1)rake pedal. That’s perception time. that if anyone who has been drinking - rhen you have to bring up yourfoot driver or passenger - is in a crash, the imd do it. That’s reaction time.

chance of being killed or permanently I 4verage reaction timeis about 3/4 of a disabled is higher than if that person had ;econd. But that’s onlyan average. It not been drinking. And we’ve already 1might be less with one driver and as seen that the chance of a crash itself is 1long as two or three seconds or more higher for drinking drivers. I Control of a Vehicle 1with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all ou have three systems that make your 1play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and 2hicle go where you wantit to go. 1frustration. But even in3/4 of a second, hey are the brakes, the steering and the 4a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) xelerator. All three systems have to do 1travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot teir work atthe places where the tires Iof distance in an emergency,so keeping teet the road. Ienough space between your vehicle and ometimes, as when you’re driving on Iothers is important. IOW or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those And, of course, actual stopping distances mtrol systems than the tires and road vary greatly with the surfaceof the road an provide. That means you can lose (whether it’s pavement orgravel); the mtrol of your vehicle. condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts- heavy acceleration followedby heavy braking - rather than keeping pace with traffic.

. . .I28 This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,you will ABS eliminate a lotof unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer INOP brake life. If your engineever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal mayget This light on the instrument panel will go harder to push down. If your engine stops, mti-Lock Brakes (ABS) on when you start your vehicle. you will still have some power brake [our Pontiac has an advanced electronic When you start your vehicle, or when you assist. But you will useit when you brake. lraking system that will help prevent begin to drive away, you may hear a Once the power assistis used up, it make kidding. take longerto stop and the brake pedal momentary motor or clicking noise. And will be harderto push. you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a little while this is going on. This is the ABS system testing itself. If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the anti-lack brake system warning light will stay on or flash.

129 ... Your Driving andthe Road system is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, the “LOW TRAC” light will come on. See “Low Traction Light” in the Index. Traction Control System (Option: LT1 V8 Engine) Your vehicle may have a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates onlyif it senses that one or both of the rear wheels Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say You can steer around the obstacle while are spinning or beginning to lose traction. the road is wet. You’re driving safely. braking hard. When this happens, the system works the Suddenly an animal jumps out in front As you brake, your computer keeps rear brakes and reduces engine power (by of you. receiving updates on wheel speed and closing the throttle and managing spark) You slam on the brakes. Here’s what controls braking pressure accordingly. to limit wheel spin. happens with ABS. Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the The “LOW TRAC” light will come on A computer senses that wheels are time you need to get your foot up to the when your traction control system is slowing down. If one of the wheels is brake pedal. If you get too close to the limiting wheel spin. See “Low Traction about to stop rolling, the computer will vehicle in front of you, you won’t have Light” in the Index. You may feel the separately work the brakes at each front time to apply your brakes if that vehicle system working, or you may notice some wheel and at the rear wheels. suddenly slows or stops. Always leave noise, but this is normal. enough room up ahead to stop, even The traction control systemmay operate The anti-lock system can change the though you have anti-lock brakes. brake pressure faster than any driver on dry roads under some conditions, and could. The computer is programmed to To Use Anti-Lock you may notice a reduction in acceleration when this happens. This is normal and make the most of available tire and road Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the conditions. doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your brake pedal down and let anti-lock vehicle. Examples of these conditions work for you. You may feel the system include a hard acceleration in a turn, or working, or you may notice some noise, an abrupt upshift or downshift. but this is normal. When your anti-lock . . .I30 won’t turn off right away. It will wait F until there’s no longer a current need to TRACTION limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any TCS time by pressing the button again. The light on the button should come on, and the “TCS OFF” warning light should go OFF off. If your car is equipped with P245/50ZR16 tires, the traction control system will automatically turn off at speeds above If your vehicle is in cruise control when ’he traction control system automatically 108 mph ( 173 km/h). (The “TCS OFF” the traction control system begins to omes on whenever you start your vehicle warning light will not come on.) When the vehicle speed drops below 103 mph limit wheel spin, the cruise control will ’0 limit wheel spin, especially in automatically disengage. When road lippery road conditions, you should (165 km/h), the system will automatically conditions allowyou to safely use it lways leave the system on. But you can turn on again. again, you may re-engage the cruise urn the traction control system offif you control. (See “Cruise Control” in the ver need to. (You should turn the system Index.) Iff if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand. The “TCS OFF” warning light will come mud, ice or snow. See “Rocking Your on when you turn the traction control [ehicle” in the Index.) system off. When the system is on,this ’0 turn the system off, press the button light will come on to let you know if .ear thecenter of the console behind the there’s a problem with your traction hift lever. The light on the button will control system. See “Traction Control ;o off, and the “TCS OFF” warning light System Warning Light” in the Index. Jill come on and stay on. If the traction When this warning light is on, the system ontrol system is limiting wheel spin will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your {hen you press the button,the system driving accordingly.

131 ... Your Driving and the Road Braking in Emergencies no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle [f you need to reduce your speed as you Use your anti-lock braking system when going in the same direction. If you’ve approach a curve,do it before you enter you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer ever tried to steer a vehicle on wetice, the curve, while your front wheelsare and brake at the same time. In many you’ll understand this. straight ahead. emergencies, steering can help you more The traction you can get in a curve Try to adjust your speed so you can than even the very best braking. depends on the condition of your tires ”drive” through the curve. Maintain a and the road surface, the angle at which reasonable, steady speed. Wait to Steering the curve is banked, and your speed. accelerate until youare out of the curve, While you’re in a curve, speed is the and then accelerate gently into the Power Steering one factor you can control. straightaway. If you lose power steering assist because Suppose you’re steering through a sharp the engine stops or the system is not curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. functioning, you can steer but it will Both control systems - steering and take much more effort. acceleration - have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you Steering Tips have traction control and the system is on, adding the sudden acceleration can Driving on Curves demand too much of those places. You It’s important to take curves at a can lose control. reasonable speed. What should youdo if this ever happens? A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the mentioned on the news happen on curves. vehicle the way you want it to go, and Here’s why: slow down. Experienced driver or beginner, each of Speed limit signs near curves warn that us is subject to the same laws of physics you should adjust your speed. Of course, when driving on curves. The traction of the posted speeds are based on good the tires against the road surface makes it weather and road conditions. Under less possible for the vehicle to change its path favorable conditions you’ll want to go when you turn the front wheels. If there’s slower.

. . ,132 to the left or right depending on the space 1 available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel mce you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations Steering in Emergencies xe always possible is a good reason to 3ff-Road Recovery rhere are times when steering canbe practice defensive driving at all times and fou may find sometime that your right .nore effective than braking.For example, wear safety belts properly. aheels have dropped off the edge of a you come over a hill andfind a truck road onto the shoulder (A) while you’re stopped in yourlane, or a car suddenly hiving. pulls out from nowhere, or a childdarts [f the level of the shoulder is only slightly out from between parked cars andstops )elow the pavement, recovery shbuld be right in front of you. You can avoid these Fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and problems by braking - if you can stop in :hen, if there is nothing in the way, steer time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t $0that your vehicle straddles the edge of room. That’s the timefor evasive action he pavement. You can turn the steering - steering around the problem. wheel up to 114 turn (B) until the:right Your Pontiac can perform very wellin kont tire contacts the pavement edge. :mergencies like these. First apply your rhen turn your steering wheel to go )rakes. It is betterto remove as much ;traight down the roadway. ;peed as you can from a possible :ollision. Then steer around the problem,

133.. Your Driving and the Road Passing indicates it’s all right to pass If other cars are lined up to pass a (providing the road ahead is clear). slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take The driver of a vehicle about to pass Never cross a solid line on your side care that someone isn’t trying to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for of the lane or a double solid line, even you as you pull out to pass the slow just theright moment, accelerates, moves if the road seems empty of vehicle. Remember to glance over around the vehicle ahead, then goes back approaching traffic. your shoulder and check the blind spot. into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Do not get too close to the vehicle you Check your mirrors, glance over your want to pass while you’re awaiting an shoulder, and start your left lane Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle opportunity. For one thing, following change signal before moving outof on a two-lane highway is a potentially too closely reduces your areaof the right lane to pass. When youare dangerous move, since the passing vision, especially if you’re following a far enough ahead of the passed vehicle vehicle occupies the same lane as larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have to see its front in your inside mirror, oncoming traffic for several seconds. A adequate space if the vehicle ahead activate your rightlane change signal miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a and move back into the right lane. brief surrender to frustration or anger can reasonable distance. (Remember that your right outside suddenly put the passing driver face to When it looks like a chance to pass is mirror is convex. The vehicle youjust face with the worst of all traffic accidents passed may seem to be farther away - the head-on collision. coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too from you than it really is.) So here aresome tips for passing: close. Time your move so you will be 0 Try not to pass more than one vehicle “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, increasing speed as the time comes to at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider to the sides, and to crossroads for move into the other lane. If the way is before passing the next vehicle. situations that might affect your clear to pass, you will have a “running 0 Don’t overtake a slowly moving passing patterns. If youhave any start” that more than makes up for the vehicle too rapidly. Even though the doubt whatsoever about making a distance you would lose by dropping brake lights are not flashing, it may be successful pass, wait for a better time. back. And if something happens to slowing down or starting to turn. Watch for traffic signs, pavement cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back 0 If you’re being passed, make it easy markings, and lines. If you can see a for the following driverto get ahead sign up ahead that might indicate a again and wait for another opportunity. of you. Perhaps you can easea little to turn or an intersection, delay your the right. pass. A broken center line usually . . .I34 Loss of Control A cornering skid is best handledby While driving on a surface with reduced Easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. traction, try your best to avoid sudden Let’s review what driving experts say [f you have the traction control system, steering, acceleration, or braking about what happens when the three remember: It helps avoid only the (including engine braking by shifting to control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration skid. If you do not have a lower gear). Any sudden changes could acceleration) don’t have enough friction traction control, or if the system is off, cause the tires to slide. You may not where the tires meet the roadto do what then an acceleration skid is also best realize the surface is ‘slippery until your the driver has asked. handled by easing your foot off the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recqgnize In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep accelerator pedal. warning clues - such as enough water, trying to steer and constantly seekan If your vehicle starts to slide,ease your ice or packed snow on the road to make a escape route orarea of less danger. bot off the accelerator pedal and quickly “mirrored surface” - and slow down steer the way you want the vehicle to go. when you have any doubt. Skidding If you start steering quickly enough, your Remember: Any anti-lock braking system In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle may straighten out. Always be (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most ready for a second skid if it occurs. *:p? ’ skids by taking reasonable care suited Of course, traction is reduced when water, to existing conditions, and by not snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on “overdriving” those conditions. But the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow skids are always possible. down and adjust your driving to these The three typesof skids correspondto conditions. It is important to slow down your Pontiac’s three control systems. In on slippery surfaces because stopping the braking skid your wheels aren’t distance will be longer and vehicle rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, control more limited. too much speed or steering ina curve ‘.I , causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skidtoo much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

135 ... Your Driving and the Road Slow down, especially on higher vehicle with misaimed headlights), slow speed roads. Your headlights can light down a little. Avoid staring directly into up only so much road ahead. the approaching lights. 0 In remote areas, watch for animals. Keep your windshield andall the glass on 0 If you’re tired, pull off the road in a your vehicle clean- inside and out. safe place and rest. Glare at nightis made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the insideof the glass Night Vision can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more No one can see as well at night as in the than clean glass would, making the pupils daytime. But as we get older these ...... of your eyes contract repeatedly. ..._ .., , .. differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to Remember that your headlights light up Dyz’ving ut Night see the same thing at night as a far less of a roadway when you are ina Night driving is more dangerous than day 20-year-old. turn or curve. driving. Oqe reason is that some drivers What you do in the daytime can also Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s are likely to be impaired - by alcohol or affect your night vision. For example, if easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. drugs, with night vision problems, or by you spend the day in bright sunshine you Just as your headlights should be fatigue. are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes checked regularly for proper aim,so Here are some tips on night driving. will have less trouble adjusting to night. should your eyes be examiqed regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness Drive defensively. But if you’re driving, don’t wear - the inability to see in dim light- and Don’t drink and drive. sunglasses at night. They may cut down aren’t even awareof it. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to on glare from headlights, but they also reduce the glare from headlights make a lot of things invisible. behind you. You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. It can take a second or 0 Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more twQ, or even several seconds, for your space between you and other vehicles. eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a

. . . I36 [t's wise to keep your wiping equipment .n good 'shape and keep your windshield washer tank fdled. Replaceyour windshield wiper inserts when they sh0.w signs of streaking ormissing areas on the windshield, or when: strips of rubberstart :o separate from the ins'erts.

Driving too fast though largk wqkx puddles or even going through &-me car washes can cause problems, too.?l"he water myaffect your brakes. Tm, to avoid puddles. But if you can't, Wy to

slow down before you hit them. ,,i

137. I.. Your Driving and the Road Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.

Some Other Rainy Weather Tips Turn on your low-beam headlights - not just your parking lights- to help make you more visible to others. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more City Driving Hydroplaning clear room ahead, and be prepared to One of the biggest problems with city Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much have your view restrictedby road streets is the amount of traffic on them. water can build up under your tires that spray. You’ll want to watch out for what the they can actually ride on the water. This Have good tires with proper tread other drivers are doing andpay attention can happen if the road is wet enough and depth. (See “Tires” in theIndex.) to traffic signals. you’re going fast enough. When your Here are ways to increase your safety in vehicle is hydroplaning, it has littleor no city driving: contact with the road. Know the best way to get to where Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it you are going. Geta city map and plan can if your tires haven’t much treador if your trip into an unknown partof the the pressure in one or more is low. It can city just as you would fora happen if a lot of water is standing on the cross-country trip. road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and Try to use the freeways that rim and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, crisscross most large cities. You’ll there could be hydroplaning. save time and energy. (See the next section, “Freeway Driving.”)

. . ,138 Treat a green light as a warningsignal. A traffic light is there because the comer is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, andjust before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

139 ... Your Driving andthe Road The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes Wiper Blades: Are they m good sleepy. Don’t letit happen to you! If it quite sharply. The exit speed is usually shape? does, your vehicle can leave the road in posted. Reduce your speed according to 0 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: less than a second, and you could crash your speedometer, not to your sense of Have you checked all levels? and be injured. motion. After driving for any distance at What can you do about highway higher speeds, you may tend to thnk you 0 Lights: Are they all workmg? Are the lenses clean? hypnosis? First, be aware that it can are going slower than you actually are. happen. 0 Tires: They are vitally important to a Before Leaving on a Long Trip safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread Then here are some tips: 0 Make sure your vehicleis well Make sure you’re ready. Tryto be well good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to ventilated, with a comfortably cool rested. If you must start when you’re not the recommended pressure? interior. fresh - such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many miles that WeatherForecasts: What’sthe 0 Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road first part of the journey. Wear comfortable weather outlook along your route? ahead and to the sides. Check your clohng and shoes you can easily drive Should you delay your trip a short rearview mirrors and your instruments in. time to avoid a major storm system? frequently. Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If Maps: Do you have up-to-date 0 If you get sleepy, pulloff the road into you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s maps? a rest, service, or parking area and ready to go. If it needs service, have it Highway Hypnosis take a nap, get some exercise, or both. done before starting out. Of course, you’ll For safety, treat drowsinesson the Is there actually such a condition as find experienced and able service experts highway as an emergency. “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain in Pontiac dealerships all across North falling asleep at the wheel? Call it America. They’ll be ready and willing to highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or help if you need it. whatever. Here are some things you can check There is something about an easy stretch before a trip: of road with the same scenery, along with Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the the hum of the tires on the road, the drone reservoir full? Are all windows clean of the engine, and the rush of the wind inside and outside? against the vehicle that can make you

. . .I40 0 Know how to go down hills. The most Know how to go uphill. You may important thing to know is this: let want to shift down to a lower gear. your engine do some of the slowing The lower gears help cool your engine down. Shift to a lower gear when you and transmission, and you can climb go down a steep or long hill. the hill better. In hilly terrain, you may want to switch to the “PERFORMANCE” mode for better performance. Stay in your ownlane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at Hill and Mountain speeds that let you stay in you? own Roads lane. Driving on steep hillsor mountains is As you go over the top ofa hill, be different from driving inflat or rolling alert. There could be something in terrain. If you drive regularly in steep your lane, like a stalled car or’an country, or if you’re planning to visit accident. there, hereare some tips that can make You may see highway signs on your trips safer and more enjoyable. mountains that warn of special 0 Keep your vehicle in good shape. problems. Examples are long grades, Check all fluid levels andalso the passing or no-passing zones, a’falling brakes, tires, cooling system and rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert transmission. These parts can work to these and take appropriate action. hard on mountain roads.

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

You may want to put winter Winter Driving emergency supplies in your vehicle. Here are some tips for winter driving: Include an ice scraper, a small brush Have your Pontiac in good shape for or broom, a supplyof windshield winter. Be sure your engine coolant washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer mix is correct. clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and a coupleof reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bagof sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.

. . .I42 If you don’t have the traction control system, accelerate gently. Try notto break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. Your anti-lock brakes improve your ability to make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index. 0 Allow greater following distance on any slippery road. If You’re Caught in a Blizzard 0 Watch for slippery spots. The road If you are stopped by heavy snow, you might be fine until you hit a spot that’s could be in a serious situation. You should covered with ice. On anotherwise probably stay with yourvehicle unless clear road, ice patches may appear in you know for sure that you are near help shaded areas where the sun can’t and you canhike through the snow. Here reach: around clumps of trees, behind are some things to do to summon help and buildings, or under bridges. keep yourself and yourpassengers safe: Whatever the condition- smooth ice, Sometimes the surface of a curve or Turn on your hazard flashers. Tie a red packed, blowing or loose snow - drive an overpass may remain icy when the cloth to your vehicle to alert police that with caution. If you have traction control, surrounding roads are clear. If you you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put on keep the system on. It will improve your see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake extra clothing or wrap a blanket around ability to accelerate when driving on a before you are on it. Try not to brake you. If you have no blankets or extra slippery road. Even though yourvehicle while you’re actually on the ice, and clothing, make body insulators from has a traction control system, you’ll want avoid sudden steering maneuvers. newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats to slow down and adjust your drivingto - anything you can wrap around yourself the road conditions. See “Traction or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. Control System’’ in the Index. 143 ... Your Driving and the Road You can run the engine to keep warm, but Then, shut the engineoff and close the be careful. window almost all the way to preserve-the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do as it little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long youas can. To help keep warm,you can get out of the vehicle and dosome fairly vigorous exercises every half hour orso until help comes. Towing a Trailer Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you runthe engine, make it go a little faster thanjust idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged batteryto restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your headlights. Letthe heater run for awhile.

. . .I44 Load-pulling components such as the NOTICE: engine, transmission, rear axle, wheel (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t assemblies, and tiresare forced to work drive over 50 mph (SO h/h)and don’t Pulling a trailer improperlycan harder against the drag of the added make starts at full throttle. This heips damage your vehicle and resultin weight, The engine is required to operate your engine and other partsof your costly repairs not coveredby your at relatively higher speeds and under vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads. warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, greater loads, generating extra heat. Obey speed limitrestrictions when follow the advice in this section, and What’s more, the traileradds considerably towing a trailer. Don’t drive faster see your Pontiac dealer for important to wind resistance, increasing the pulling than the maximum posted speed for information about towinga trailer requirements. trailers (or no more than 55 mph with your vehicle. (90 km/h)) to save wear on your If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer vehicle’s parts. Your vehicle can towa trailer if it is If you do, here are some important points. equipped with the proper trailer towing Three important considerations have to do 0 equipment. To identify what the vehicle There are many different laws, weight: with .,)I trailering capacity is for your vehicle,you including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make Weight of the.Trailer $: should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this sure your rig will belegal, not only How heavy cana trailer safelyabe? where you live but also where you’ll section. But trailering is different thanjust It should never weighmore th& be driving. A good source for this driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering 1,500 pounds (680 kg) under nQrmal information can bestate or provincial means changes in handling, durability, driving conditions. It should n&er police. and fuel economy. Successful, safe weigh more than 1,000 pounds trailering takes correct equipment, and 0 Consider using a sway control. You (450 kg) when driven on long grades it has to be used properly. can ask a hitch dealer about sway at high ambient temperatures. But controls. That’s the reasonfor this section. In it are even that can be too heavy. many time-tested, important trailering 0 Don’t tow a trailer at all during the tips and safety rules. Manyof these are first 1,000 miles (1 600 km) your important for your safety and thatof your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, passengers. So please read this section axle or other parts could bedamaged. carefully beforeyou pull a trailer. Your Driving and the Road It depends on how you plan to use If you’re using a “dead-weight” your rig. For example, speed, altitude, hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should road grades, outside temperature and weight 10% of the total loaded how much your vehicle is used to pull trailer weight (B).If you have a a trailer are all important. And, it can “weight-distributing” hitch, the also depend on any special equipment trailer tongue (A) should weigh12% that you have on your vehicle. of the total loaded trailer weight (B). You can ask your dealer for our A B After you’ve loaded your trailer, trailering information or advice, or weigh the trailer and then the tongue, you can write us at: separately, to see if the weights are Pontiac Division proper. If they aren’t, you may be able Customer Assistance Center to get them right simplyby moving One Pontiac Plaza Weight of the Trailer Tongue some items around in the trailer. Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 The tongue load (A) of any trailer is In Canada, write to: an important weight to measure Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires General Motors of Canada Limited because it affects the total capacity Be sure your vehicle’s tires are Customer Assistance Center weight of your vehicle. The capacity inflated to the limit for cold tires. 1908 Colonel Sam Drive weight includes the curb weight of the You’ll find these numbers on the Oshawa, Ontario L1 H 8P7 vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it Certification label at the rearedge of and the people who will be riding in the driver’s door or see “Loading the vehicle. And if you will tow a Your Vehicle ” in the Index. Then be trailer, you must subtract the tongue sure you don’t go over theGVW limit load from your vehlcle’s capacity for your vehicle. weight because your vehicle willbe carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

. . .I46 Hitches manufacturer or by the trailer , 1. Before you start, check the trailer hitch It’s important to have the correct hitch manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s and platform, safetychains, electrical equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks recommendation for attaching safety connector, lights, tires and mirror going by, and rough roadsare a few chains. Always leave just enough slack so adjustment. If the trailer has electric reasons why you’ll need the righthitch. you can turn with your rig. And, never brakes, start your vehicle and trailer Here are some rulesto follow: allow safety chains to drag on the ground. moving and then applythe trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes 0 Will you have to make any holes in Trailer Brakes are working. This lets you check your the body of your vehicle when you electrical connection at the same time. install a trailer hitch? If you do,then If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 be sure to seal the holes later when pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its During your trip, checkoccasionally to you remove the hitch. If youdon’t own brakes - and they must beadequate. be sure that the load is secure,.and that seal them, deadly carbon monoxide Be sure to read and follow the instructions the lights and any trailer brakes are still (CO) from your exhaust can getinto for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to working. your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” install, adjust and maintain them properly. in the Index). Dirt and watercan, too. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not Following Distance try to tap into your vehicle’s brake 0 The bumpers on your vehicleare not Stay at least twiceas far behind the system. If YOU do, both brake systems vehicle ahead as you would when driving intended for hitches. Do not attach won’t work well, or at all. rental hitches or other bumper-type your vehicle without a trailer.,,Thiscan help you avoid situations that’.require hitches to them. Use only a Driving with a Trailer frame-mounted hitch that doesnot heavy braking and sudden turns. attach to the bumper. Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the Passing Safety Chains open road, you’ll want to get to know You’ll need more passingdistance up your rig. Acquaint yourself with thefeel ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And, You should always attach chains between of handling and braking withthe added your vehicle and your trailer. Crossthe because you’re a gooddeal longer, you’ll weight of the trailer. And always keep in need to go much farther beyond the safety chains under the tongueof the mind that ’the vehicle you are driving is trailer so that the tongue will notdrop to passed vehicle before youcan return to now a good deal longer and not nearlyas your lane. the road if it becomes separated fromthe responsive as your vehicle is by itself. hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be providedby the hitch 147 ... Your Driving and the Road Backing Up When towing a trailer, the green arrows six-speed manual transmission) or, as you Hold the bottom of the steering wheel on your instrument panel will flashfor need to, a lower gear. with one hand. Then,to move the trailer turns even if the bulbs on the trailerare to theleft, just move that handto the left. burned out. Thus, you may think drivers Parking on Hills To move the trailer to the right, move behind you are seeing your signal when You really should not park your vehicle, your hand to the right. Always back up they are not. It’s important to check witha trailer attached, on a hill. If - slowly and, if possible, have someone occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs something goes wrong, your rig could guide you. are still working. start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be Making 7hms Driving on Grades damaged. When you’re turning with a trailer, make Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear But if you ever haveto park your rig on a wider turns than normal.Do this so your before you start down a longor steep hill, here’s howto do it: downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, 1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot andno longer shift into “P” (Park) yet, or into gear jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal wellin for a manual transmission. advance. work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down and 2. Have someone place chxks under the Thrn Signals When Towing a Trailer reduce your speed to around 45 mph trailer wheels. When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of 3. When the wheel chocks are in place, to have a different turn signalflasher and engine and transmission overheating. release the regular brakes until the extra wiring. The green arrowson your If you are towing a trailerand you chocks absorb the load. instrument panel will flash whenever you have an automatic transmission with 4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then signal a turn orlane change. Properly Overdrive, you may preferto drive in “D” apply your parking brake, and then hooked up, the trailer lights will also instead of Overdrive (or, as you needto, a shift to “P” (Park), or “R” (Reverse) flash, telling other drivers you’re about to lower gear). Or,if you have a manual for a manual transmission. turn, change lanes or stop. transmission with fifth (or sixth) gear and you are towing a trailer, it’s better notto 5. Release the regular brakes. use fifth (or sixth) gear.Just drive in fourth gear (fifth gear if you have a

. . .I48 When You Are Ready to Leave after Parking ona Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:

0 Start your engine;

0 Shift into a gear; and 0 Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. . 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and I store the chocks. I

Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service moreoften when you're pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedulefor more on this. Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, coolingsystem, and brake adjustment. Eachof these is covered in this manual, andthe Index will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's a goodidea to review these sections before you start your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts .are tight. 149.. . Notes

...150 Part 5 Problems on the Road

3azard Warning Flashers ...... Here you’ll find what to do lump Starting ...... tbout some problems that can rowingYourVehicle ...... II 111 )ccur on the road. Engineoverheating ...... [faTireGoesFlat ...... [f You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ......

151 ... Problems on the Road

J Press the button in to make your front and '0 turn off the flashers, pull out on the Hazard Warning rear turn signal lights flash on and off. ollar. Flashers Your hazard warning flashers workno Vhen the hazard warning flashers areon, Your hazard warning flashers let you matter what position your key is in, and our turn signals won't work. warn others. They alsolet police know even if the key isn't in. you have a problem.Your front and rear Ither Warning Devices turn signal lights will flashon and off. F you carry reflective triangles, you can et one up at the sideof the road about 00 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.

. . .152 Jump Starting 11 other. lt tney are, 11 COUIU cause a NOTICE: ground connection you don’t want. If your battery has run down, you may I1 You wouldn’t be able to start your want to use another vehicle and some Ignoring these steps could result in Pontiac, and the bad grounding could jumper cables to start your Pontiac. But costlj damage to your vehicle that damage the electrical systems. please follow thesteps below to do it wouidn”t be covered by your war- safely. 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. ranty. Turn off all lights that aren’t needed, Trying to start your Pontiac by push- and radios. This will avoid sparks and ing or pulling it could damage your help save both batteries. And it‘could yehicle, even if you have a manual save your radio! tran’smission. And if you have an automatic transmission, it won’t start that way. I NOTICE: ro Jump Start Your Pontiac: If you leave your radio on, it could be 1. Cheik the other vehicle. It must have badly damaged. The repairs woddn’t a 12-volt battery with a negative be covered by your warranty. ground system. 4. Open the hoods and locate the 1 NOTICE: batteries.

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

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each

153 ... Problems on the Road 5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation.If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic thingsyou should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) Don’t connect (+) to (-) or you’ll get a terminals on each battery. short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too.

. . .I54 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. 8. Now connect the black negative (-) the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle I‘ Connect it to the positive (+) terminal cable to the good battery’s negative with the dead battery. Usea remote of the good battery. Usea remote (-) terminal. positive (+) terminal if the vehicle positive (+) terminal if the vehicle Don’t let the other end touch anything has one. has one. But don’t use thejunction until the next step. The other end of block on yourPontiac. the negative cable doesn’t go tathe dead battery. It goes to a heavy ’ unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.

155 ... Problems on the Road

Try to start the vehicle with the deadI 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches 11. I (45 cm) away from the dead battery, battery. 1 Towing Your Vehicle but not near engineparts that move. If it won't start after a few tries, it T.ry to have a GM dealer or a professional The electrical connection is justas probably needs service. tc ,wing servicetow your Pontiac. The good there, but thechance of sparks U!sua1 towing equipment is a sling-type getting back to the battery is much 12. Remove the cables in reverse order 4) or a wheel-lift (B) or car carrier(C) to prevent electrical shorting. Take (1 less. tc )w truck. care that they don't touch each other IO. Now start the vehicle with the good or any other metal. If ' your vehicle has been changed or battery and run the engine for a nhodified since it was factory-new by A. while. Heavy Metal Engine Part ac iding aftermarket items like fog lamps, B. Good Battery ac xo skirting, or special tires and wheels, C. Dead Battery tllese instructions and illustrations may nl ot be correct. B'efore you do anything, turn on the h,azard warning flashers.

. . .I56 When you call, tell the towing service: That your vehicle cannot be towed from the front or rear with sling-type equipment. That your vehicle has rear-wheel drive. The make, model, and year of your vehicle. Whether you can still move the shift lever. ;. If there was an accident, what was damaged. When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator know that this manual Irl contains detailed towing instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them.

157 II. Problems on the Road When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Do not usethe vehicle’s steering column lock for this. The transmission should be in “Neutral” and the parking brake released. Don’t have your vehicle towedon the rear wheels, unless you must.If the vehicle must be towed on the rear wheels, don’t go more than 35 mph (55 km/h) or farther than 50 miles (80 km) or your Front Towing Hook-Ups transmission will be damaged. If these limits must be exceeded, then the rear Attach T-hook chainsto slots in frame wheels have to be supported on a dolly. rearward of front wheels on both sides.

NOTICE: Do not attach winch cables or“J” hooks to suspension components when using car carrier equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. 1

. . .158 NOTICE: Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle-to-ground or vehicle-to-wheel-lift-equipment contact. To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly and raise vehicle until adequate clearanceis obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment. Attach a separate safety chain around INOTICE: outboard end of each lower control arm.

Do not tow with sling-type equiment 4 or fascia/fog light damage will occur. ~TICE: Use wheel lift or car carrier equip- ment. Additional ramping may be Take care not to damage the brake required for car carrier equipment. pipes and hoses or the ABS sensor and wiring. IUse safety chains and wheel straps. I

159 ... Problems on the Road c c

b

Rear Towing Hook-Ups Attach a separate safety chain around Attach T-hook chains in front of rear NOTICE: outboard endof the rear axle. wheels in bottom of frame rail on both Do not tow with sling-type equip- sides. ment or rear bumper valance will be NOTICE: NOTICE: damaged. I Use wheel lift or car carrier equip- Take care not to damage the brake Do not attach winch cables or “J” ment. Additional ramping may be I pipes and cables. hooks to suspension components required for car carrier equipment. 1 when using car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Always use T-hooks inserted inthe T-hook slgts.

. . .160 If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine: INOTICE: Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle-to-ground or vehicle-to-wheel-lift-equipment contact. To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly and raise vehicleuntil adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment. I Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperaturegage on your Pontiac’s instrument panel. You may also find a low coolant warning light on your Pontiac instrumentpanel.

161 . Problems on the Road If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it If your engine catches fire because off. you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly darhaged. 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the The costly repairs would not be highest fan speed and open the covered by your warranty. window as necessary. 3. Try to keep your engine under load (in a drive gear where the engine runs If No Steam Is Coming from Your slower). Engine: If you no longer have the overheat If you get the overheat warning but see warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, Cooling System or hear no steam, the problem may not be drive slower for about ten minutes. If the When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, too serious. Sometimes the engine can gel warning doesn’t come back on, you can here’s what you’ll see on the V6 engine: a little too hot when you: drive normally. 1. Coolant recovery tank Climb a long hill on a hot day. If the warning continues, pull over, stop, Stop after high speed driving. and park your vehicleright away. 2. Radiator pressure cap 0 Idle for long periods in traffic. If there’s still no sign of steam, you can 3. Electric engine fan idle the engine for two or three minutes 0 Tow a trailer. while you’re parked, to see if the warning stops. But then, if you still have the warning, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND GET EVERYONE OUT OF THE VEHICLE until it cools down. You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service help right away.

. . .I62 On the V8 engine you’ll see this: If the coolant inside the coolant recovery 1. Coolant recovery tank tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. 2. Radiator pressure cap When it is cool, remove the coolant 3. Electric engine fans recovery tank cap and look at thedipstick. The coolant level should be at or above NOTICE: “FULL COLD.” If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, Engine damage from running your radiator, water pump or somewhere else engine without coolant isn’t covered in the cooling system. by your warranty. If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric engine fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.

163.. Problems on the Road

When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or above the “FULLCOLD’ How to Add Coolant to the Coolant mark, start your vehicle. Recovery Tank If the overheat warning continues, there’s If you haven’t found a problem yet, but one more thing you can try. You can add the coolant level isn’t at or above the the proper coolant mix directly to the “FULL COLD’ mark, add a 50/50 radiator, but be sure the cooling system is mixture of clean water (preferably cool before you do it. distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine NOTICE: Coolant” in the Index for more I information about the proper coolant In cold weather, water can freeze mix.) and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant.

. . ,164 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, How to Add Coolant to the Radiator but now push down as you tum it. :3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine) Remove the pressure cap. I. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiatorpressure cap and upper radiator hose, is nolonger hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don't pres: down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stor A hiss means there is still some pressure left.

165 ... Problems on the Road

3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to 5. Put the cap back on the coolant up to the baseof the filler neck. “FULL COLD.” recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.

. . .I66 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine)

NOTICE: The LTl engine (Code P) has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged.

6. Start the engine and let it run until Then replace the pressure cap. At any you can feel the upper radiator hose time during this procedure if coolant getting hot. Watch out for the engine begins to flow out of the filler neck, fan(s). reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the 7. By this time the coolant level inside arrows on the pressure cap line up likl the radiator filler neck may be lower. this. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix through the filler neck until the level reaches the base ofthe filler neck.

167 ... Problems on the Road

1. You can remove the radiator 2. Then keeb turning the pressure cap, pressure cap when the cooling system but now push down as you turn it. including the radiator pressure cap Remove the pressure cap. and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don? pres5 down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop A hiss means there is still some pressure left. 5. After the engine cools, open the air bleed valves on the heater return hose and water pump inlet.

. . .168 4. Fill with the proper mix. Add coolant until you see a steady streamof coolant coming from the bleed valves. 5. Close the bleed valves.

i. Continue to fill the radiator up to the * I. Start the engine and allow it to run in base of the filler neck. idle for approximately four minutes. ’. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from By this time, the coolant level inside the engine and compartment. the radiator will be lower. Add more of the proper mix throughthe filler neck until the levelreaches the bdse of the filler neck.

169 ... Problems on the Road If a Tire Goes Flat [t’s unusualfor a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes outof a ;ire, it’s much more likely to leak out jlowly. But if you should ever havea ‘blowout,” here area few tips about what :o expect and what todo: [fa front tire fails, theflat tire will create 3 drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator 9. Shut the engine off and replace the 0. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the proper level. Steer to maintain lane position, then the cap line up like this. ;or a complete drain, flush and refill, see gently brake to a stop well out ofthe ‘ourPontiac dealer or a Pontiac Firebird traffic lane. Iervice Manual. To purchase a service A rear blowout, particularlyon a curve, nanual, see “Service Publications’’ in acts much like a slud and may require the he Index. same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible. [f a tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use your jacking equipment to

I change a flat tire safely.

. . .I70 Changing a FIat Tire The following steps will tell you how to If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and use the jack and change a tire. wheel damage by driving s’lowlyto a level The equipment you’ll need is in the rear I place. Turn on your hazard warning area. flashers. First you must removethe clcse-out panel. See “Close-Out Panel” in the Index. On convertible models, you must also remove the trunk access panel. It’s at the upper back of the trunk. Turn the two screw knobs under the trunk edge a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove lhe panel. Find the plastic screw heads in the trim ?anel over the spare tire. Use a coin or a tey to turn the screw heads until the slots mint front and back. Lift the trim panel md move it outof the way. 171 ... Problems on the Road If you have speakers in the trim panel, you will have to disconnect the speaker wire before completely removing the trim panel.

:o remove the jack and wheel wrench, Remove the wing nut and adapter and Dosen and remove the bolt and remove pull out the spare. he plastic cover.

. . .172 Start withthejack (A) and wheel wrench The jack has a boltat the end. Attach the If your wheel has a bolt-oncenter cap, (B). wheel wrench to the jack bolt. loosen the plastic caps using the wheel Turn the wheel wrenchto the right to wrench. raise the lift head a little.

173 ... Problems on the Road

:hen pry off the center cap withthe [f your vehicle has optional alloy wheels, Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the vheel wrench. :ach wheel may have one locknut in place wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet. If the standard wheel nut. A special wheel lock key (removal tool) and .nstructions are located in the center :onsole. Attach the wheel lock keyto the socket of the wheel wrench. Remove the locking wheel nut by turning :ounterclockwise.

. .174 Raising your vehicle withthe jack improperly positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the-vehicle to fall off the jack. Be sure to:'fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your vehicle.

'osition thejack under the vehicle.There Stay away from the moldings or fender ; a notch in the vehicle's rockerflange flanges to avoid damaging them. n the coupe model. Raisethe jack head ntil it fits firmly into the notch nearest le flat tire. In convertible models, place thejack in similar location.

175 ... Problems on the Road

I taise the vehicle by rotating the wheel temove all the wheel nuts and take off wench clockwise. Raise the vehiclefar he flat tire. mough off the ground so there is enough 'oom for the spare tire to fit.

. .I76 Remove: any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. Place the spare on the wheel mounting surface.

Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded ,ewer the vehicle by rotating the wheel end of the nuts towardthe wheel. Tighten vrench counterclockwise. Lower t&e jack each nut by hand until the wheelis held ompletely. against the hub. -4' -I .

L: L:

177 ... Problems on the Road m’t try to put a center cap on your mpact spare tire.It won’t fit. Store the nter cap in the rear area until you have :flat tire repaired or replaced.

NOTICE: Center caps won’tfit on your compact spare.If you try to put a center cap on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the righten the wheel nutsfirmly in a spare. :riss-cross sequence as shown.

. .I78 Replace the jack, wheel wrench and flat tire using the storage instructions. When you replace the trim panel, be sure to tuck it under the weatherstrip. 1. TrimPanel 2. Bolt 3. Cover 4. Jack 5. WingNut 6. Adapter 7. Compact Spare Tire 8. Full-Size Tire 9. CarpetFlap 10. Tire Storage Bolt 11. Trunk Access Panel (Convertible Only) 12. Knob

179 ... Problems on the Road NOTICE: NOTICE: If the compact spare is used as a rear Tire chains won’tfit your compact tire, do not drive faster than 50 mph spare. Using them will damage your (80 km/h). Damage to the rear axle vehicle and destroy the chains too. may occur if the compact spare is Don’t use tire chains on your driven faster than 50 mph (80 km/h). compact spare. This speed limitation does not apply when the compact spare is used as a front tire. H 1 Zf You’re Stuck: Zn Compact Spare Tire Sand, Mud, Zce or Although the compact spare was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it NOTICE: Snow can lose air after a time. Check the What you don’t want to do when your inflation pressure regularly. It should be Don’t take your compact spare vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the through an automatic car wash with The method known as “rocking” can hell? compact spare on your vehicle, you guide rails. The compact spare can you get out when you’re stuck, but you should stop as soon as possible and make get caught on the rails. That can must use caution. sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. damage the tire and wheel, and The compact spare is made to perform maybe other parts of your vehicle. well at posted speed limits for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can Don’t use your compact spare on some finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. other vehicle. Of course, it’s best to replace your spare And don’t mixyour compact spare or with a full-size tire as soon as youcan. wheel with other wheels or tires. They Your spare will last longer and be in won’t fit. Keep your spare and its wheel good shape in case you need it again. together.

. . .I80 Rocking your vehicle to get it out: NOTICE: First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your Spinning your wheels can destroy front wheels. If your vehicle has traction parts of your vehicle as well as the control, you should turn the system off. tires. If you spin the wheelstoo fast (See “Traction Control System” in the while shifting your transmission back Index.) Then shift backand forth’between and forth, you can destroy your trans- “R’ (Reverse) and a forward gear (or with mission. a manual transmission, between First or Second gear and Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. If that doesn’t get you out aftera fewtries, you may need to be towed out. If you:do need to be towed out, see “Towing Yow Vehicle” in the Index. .’

181 ... Notes

, . .182 Part b Service 8t Appearance Care Service ...... 184 Fuel ...... 185 Checking Things under the Hood ...... 188 HoodRelease ...... 188 Engineoil ...... 191 Aircleaner ...... 195 I I Automatic Transmission Fluid ...... 198 Manual Transmission Fluid ...... 200 Here you will find information Hydraulic Clutch ...... 201 about the care of your Pontiac. RearAxle ...... 201 This part begins with service Enginecoolant ...... 201 Power Steering fluid ...... 204 and fuel information. and thenit Windshield Washer Fluid ...... 205 shows how to check important Brake Master Cylinder ...... 206 fluid and lubricant levels. There Battery ...... 208 is also technical information Bulb Replacement ...... 209 about your vehicle. and a LoadingYourVehicle ...... 213 section devoted to its Tires ...... 215 appearance care. Appearance Care ...... 221 Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials ...... 227 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ...... 228 Service Parts Identification Label ...... 228 Add-on Electrical Equipment ...... 228 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...... 228 ReplacementBulbs ...... 232 Capacities and Specifications ...... 233

183 ... Service and Appearance Care Doing Your Own Service Work [f you want to dosome of your own service work, you’ll want to get the proper Pontiac Service Manual. It tells you much more about how to service your Pontiac than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index. Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to do your own

~ service work, see “Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index. Service You should keep a record with all parts Your Pontiac dealer knows your vehicle receipts and list the mileage and the date best and wants youto be happy with it. of any service work you perform. See We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all “Maintenance Record” in the Index. your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks. NOTICE: If you try to do your own service work without knowing enough about it, your vehicle could be damaged.

. . .184 H Fuel If you’re using fuel ratedat 87 octane or Be sure the posted octane for premium is higher and you still hear heavy knoclung, at least 91 (at least 89 for middle grade The 8th digit of your Vehicle your engine needs service. But don’t and 87 for regular). If the octane is less Identification Number (VIN) shows worry if you hear a little pinging noise than 87, you may get a heavy knocking the code letter for your engine.You will when you’re accelerating or driving up a noise when you drive. If it’s badenough, find theVIN at the top left of your hill. That’s normal,and you don’t have to it can damage your engine. instrument panel. (See “Vehicle buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of Identification Number” in the Index.) If you’re using fuel rated at91 octane or pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock higher and you still hear heavy knocking, that means you have a problem. 3.4L L32 (Code S) your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 5.7L LT1 (Code P) when you’re accelerating or driving up a 87 octane or higher. It should meet Use premium unleaded gasoline rated at hill. That’s normal and you don’t haveto specifications ASTM D4814 in theU.S. 91 octane or higher. You may use middle buy a higher octane fuelto get rid of and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels grade or regular unleaded gasolines, but pinging. It’s the heavy,constant knock should have the proper additives,so you your vehicle may not accelerate as well. that means you have a problem. should not haveto add anything to: the The gasoline you use should meet fuel. specifications ASTM D4814 in the U.S. All Engines In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels What about gasoline with blending sure you get the right kind of giisoline should have the proper additives,so you materials that contain oxygen (unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED” should not haveto add anything to the (oxygenates), such as MTBE or alcohol? right on the pump. And only unleaded fuel. nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easyto be Fuel that is no more than15% MTBB is neck. sure you get the right lund of gasoline fine for your vehicle. ’ Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. (unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED” If the octane is less than 87, you may get right on the pump. And only unleaded Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. a heavy knochng noise when you drive. nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler Properly-blended fuel that is no more If it’s bad enough, it can damage your neck. than 10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle. 1 engine. Methanol is methyl or woodalcohol.

185 ... Service and Appearance Care n addition, some gasoline suppliers are To check on fuel availability, ask an auto NOTICE: low producing reformulated gasolines. :lub, or contact a major oil company that rhese gasolines are specially designed to Joes business in the country where you’ll Fuel that is more than5% methanol .educe vehicle emissions. General Motors ,e driving. is bad for your vehicle. Don’t use it. -ecommends that you use reformulated You can also write us at the following It can corrode metal parts in your fuel ;asoline. By doing so, you can help clean iddress for advice. Just tellus where system and also damage plastic and :he air, especially in those parts of the you’re going and give your Vehicle rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t :ountry that have high ozone levels. Identification Number (VIN). be covered under your warranty. And You should ask your service station General Motors Overseas Distribution even at 5% or less, there must be 3perators if their gasolines contain deposit Corporation “cosolvents” and corrosion prevent- :ontrol additives and oxygenates, and if North American Export Sales (NAES) ers in this fuel to help avoid these :hey have been reformulated to reduce 1908 Colonel Sam Drive problems. vehicle emissions. Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7 Canada Gasolines for Cleaner Air Fuels in Foreign Countries Your use of gasoline with deposit control [f you plan on driving in another country additives will help prevent depositsfrom outside the U.S. or Canada, unleaded fuel forming in your engine and fuel system. may be hard to find. Do not use leaded That helps keep your engine in tune and gasoline, If you use even one tankful, your emission control system working your emission controls won’t work well properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and or at all. With continuous use, spark plugs you’ll be doing your partfor cleaner air. can get fouled, the exhaust system can Many gasalines are now blended with corrode, and your engine oil can oxygenates. General Motors recommend: deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen that you use gasolines with these blendin, sensor will be damaged. All of that means materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. BJ costly repairs that wouldn’t becovered by doing so, you can help clean the air, your warranty. especially in those parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide levels.

. . .I86 To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit and your fuel tank and emissions system might bedam- aged.

I

Filling Your Tank

Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac” in the Index. When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until you hear atleast three :licks.

The cap is behinda hinged door on the left side of your vehicle.

187 ... Service and Appearance Care

r-men go to the front of the vehicle and Checking Things under pull up on the hood release. the Hood Lift the hood. Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle nside the vehicle.

, . .I88 B

3.4L L32 (Code ! When you open the hood you'll see. 6. Oil Fill Cap 1. Battery 7. Brake Fluid Reservoir 2. Engine Coolant Reservoir 8. Power Steering Reservoir 3. Engine Oil Dipstick 9. Windshield Washer Reservoir 4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick 10. EngineFan (if equipped) 11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equipped) 5. Air Cleaner

189 ... Service and Appearance Care

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

5.7L LTl (Code When you open the hood you'll see: 6. Oil Fill Cap 1. Battery 7. Brake Fluid Reservoir 2. Engine Coolant Reservoir 8. Power Steering Reservoir 3. Engine Oil Dipstick 9. Windshield Washer Reservoir 4. Automatic Transmission Dipstick IO. Engine Fans (if equipped) 11. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if equippec 5. Air Cleaner

-..190 OIL

Engine Oii 3.4L L32 (Code S) 5.7L LTl (Code P) If the “LOW OIL” light on the instrumenl It’s a good idea to check your engine oil Turn off the engine and give the oil a few panel comes on, it means you need to every time you getfuel. In order to get an ninutes to drain back into the oil pan. If check your engine oil level right away. accurate reading, the oil must be warm ’ou don’t, the oil dipstick might not show For more information, see “Low Oil and the vehicle must be on level ground. he actual level. Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.

191 ... Service and Appearance Care

3.4L L32 (Code S) To Check Engine Oil To Check Engine Oil (3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine) (5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine) When to Add Oil: Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a Pull out the dipstick slightly. Pinch the If the oil is at or below the“ADD’ line, paper towel or cloth, then push it back in end of the dipstick tube as you remove then you’ll need to add some oil. But all the way. Remove it again, keeping the the dipstick to wipe the oil from it. Then you must use the right kind. This section tip lower, and check thelevel. push it all the way back in. Now remove explains what kindof oil to use. For it without pinching the tube, keeping the crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and tip lower. Specifications” in the Index.

. . .I92 NOTICE: Don’t add too muchoil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil t level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be dam- aged.

5.7L LTl (Code P) What Kind of Oil to Use: 3eginning midyear 1993, oils of the lust fill it enough to put the level roper quality for your vehicle will be somewhere in the proper operating range. dentified with this new “starburst” Push the dipstick all the way back in ‘ymbol.The “starburst” symbol indicates when you’re through. hat the oil has been certified by the imerican Petroleum Institute (API), and s preferred for use in your gasoline mgine. r‘ou should look for this on the front of he oil container, and use only oils that lisplay this new symbol. You should also use the proper viscosity ilfor your vehicle, as shown in the following chart.

193 ... Service and Appearance Care As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 These three things are usually Recommended SAE Viscosity is best for your vehicle. However, included in a doughnut shaped logo Grade Engine Oils you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s (symbol) on most containers. If you For best fuel economy and cold starting, going to be 0°F (-18°C) or above. cannot find oils with the “starburst” select thelowest SAE viscosity grade oil for the expected temperature range. These numbers on an oiicontainer symbol, you should look for oils HOT show its viscosity, or thickness. Do with the doughnut shaped symbol, WEATHER not use other viscosity oils such as containing the three things noted SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50. above. If you cannot find oils with the new “starburst” symbol on the front of the NOTICE: container, you should look for and use If you use oils that do not have oils containing the following three either the “starburst” symbolor an things: API SH or SG designation, you can cause engine damage not covered 0 SH or SG by your warranty. “SH” or “SG” must be on the oil container, eithet by itself or GM Goodwrench@ oil(in Canada, combined with other quality GM Engine Oil) meets all the J designations, such as “SWCD,” requirements for your vehicle. “SH, SG, CD,” “SGKD,” etc. SAE 5W-30 These letters show American PREFERRED Engine Oil Additives: Petroleum Institute (API) levels of Don’t add anything to youroil. Your quality. COLD Pontiac dealer is ready to advise if you WEATHER 0 SAE 5W-30 think something shouldbe added. IF NllTHER SAE SW-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30 0 Energy Conserving I1 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE Oils with these words on the 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C). container will help you save fuel. Dd NO? USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED.

. . .194 When to Change Engine Oil: What to Do with Used Oil: See if any one of these is truefor you: Did you know that used engine oil Most trips are less than 4 miles :ontains elements that may be unhealthy (6 km). :or your skin and could even cause :ancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your 0 It’s below freezing outside and most ;kin for very long. Clean your skin and trips are less than 10 miles ( 16 km). lails with soap and water, or a good hand The engine is at low speed most of :leaner. Wash or properly throw away the time (as in door-to-door delivery, :lothing or rags containing used engine or in stop-and-go traffic). il. (See the manufacturer’s warnings You tow a trailer often. ibout the use and disposal of oil xoducts.) Most trips are through dusty places. 3.4L L32 (Code S Used oil can be a real threat to the If any one of these is true for your mvironment. If you change your own oil, vehicle, then you needto change your Air Cleaner )e sure to drain all free-flowing oil from and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or iefer to the Maintenance Schedule to :he filter before disposal. Don’t ever 3 months - whichever comes first. letermine when to replace the air filter. jispose of oil by putting it in the trash, See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” t If none of them is true, change theoil 2ouring it on the ground, into sewers, or In the Index. every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 into streams or bodies of water. Instead, months - whichever comes first. recycle it by taking it to a place that Change the filter at the first oil change collects used oil. If you have a problem and at every other oil change after that. properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block recycling center for help. Heater): An engine coolant heater canbe a big help if you have to park outsidein very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder. If your vehicle has this option, see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.

195 ... Service and Appearance Care NOTICE: If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.

5.7L LT1 (Code E Air Filter Replacement To remove the air filter: 1. Remove the plastic pinby pulling it straight up.

. . .I96 2. Disconnect the plastic clamp on the 3. Pull the air cleaner straight up. 4. Open the air cleaner and remove the duct. Pull apart the connection. Unclamp the metal clips. filter.

197.. Service and Appearance Care Automatic Transmission Fluid Wait at least 30 minutes before checking To check transmission fluid cold:A cold the transmission fluid level if you have check is made after the vehicle has been When to Check and Change: been driving: sitting for eight hours or more with the A good time to check your automatic When outside temperatures are above engine off and is used only as a reference. transmission fluid level is when the 90°F (32°C). Let the engine run at idle for five minutes if outside temperaturesare 50°F (10°C) engine oil is changed. Refer to the At high speed for quite a while. Maintenance Schedule to determine when or more. If it’s colder than50°F (lO°C), to change your fluid. See “Scheduled In heavy traffic - especially in hot you may have to idle the engine longer. Maintenance Services” in the Index. weather. Should the fluid level be low during a While pulling a trailer. cold check, you must perform a hot check How to Check: before adding fluid. This will give you a To get the right reading, the fluid should more accurate reading of the fluid level. Because this operation can be a little be at normal operating temperature, difficult, you may choose to have this which is 180°F to 200°F (82°Cto 93°C). To check the fluid hotor cold: done at a Pontiac dealership Service To check transmission fluid hot: Get Park your vehicle on a level place. Department. the vehicle warmed up by driving With the parking brake applied, place If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all about 15 miles (24 km) when outside the shift leverin “P” (Park). the instructions here, or you could get a temperatures are above 50°F ( 10°C). false reading on the dipstick. With your foot on the brake pedal, If it’s colder than 50°F ( lO”C), drive move the shift lever through each gear the vehicle in “D’ (Third Gear) until the range, pausing for about three seconds engine temperature gage moves and then in each range. Then, position the shift remains steady for ten minutes. Then lever in “P” (Park). Too much or too little fluid can follow the hot check procedures. 0 Let the engine run at idle for three damage your transmission. Too much minutes or more. can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall onhot engine parts or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.

. . .I98 3.4L L32(Code S) 1.7L LTI(Code P) 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and i-ead the lower level. The fluid level Then, without shutting off the engine, must be in the “COLD” area for a colc follow these steps: 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three check or in the “HOT” area or seconds and then pull it back out cross-hatched area for a hot check. 1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a again. clean rag or paper towel. 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range. push the dipstick back in all the way.

How to Add Fluid: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.

199 ... Service and Appearance Care If the fluid level is low, add onlyenough How to Add Fluid: of the proper fluid to bring the level upto NOTICE: Here’s how to add fluid. Referto the the “COLD’ area for a cold check or the Maintenance Schedule to determine what “HOT” area for a hot check. It doesn’t Too much or too little fluid can kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended take much fluid, generally less than a pint. damage your transmission. Too rriuch Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Don’t overfill. We recommend you use can mean that some of the fluid could only fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or come out and fall on hot engine parts 1. Remove the filler plug. DEXRON@-IIE, because fluids with or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole.Add that label are made especially for your sure to get an accurate reading if you only enough fluid to bring the fluid automatic transmission. Dama e caused check your transmission fluid. level up to the bottomof the filler by fluid other than DEXRON& -111 or plug hole. DEXRON@-IIE is not covered by your Check the fluid level only when your 3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug new vehicle warranty. engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a is fully seated. level place and the transmission is cool 0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to enough for you to rest your fingers on the Check.” transmission case. When the correct fluid level is Then, follow these steps: obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way. 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Check that the lubricant level is up to Manual Transmission Fluid the bottom of the filler plug hole. 3. If the fluid level is good, install the How to Check: plug and be sure it is fully seated. If Because this operation can be difficult, the fluid level is low, add more fluid you may choose to have this done at a as described in the next steps. Pontiac dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading.

. . .200 When to Check and What to Use: What to Use Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to Standard Differential determine how often you should check Use Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. the fluid level in your clutch master 1052271) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. lubricant. See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” Limited-Slip Differential in the Index. To add lubricant when the.leve1 is low, use Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. How to Check: 105227 1) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear The proper fluid should be added if the lubricant. To completely refill after level is below the “STEP’ mark on the draining, add 4 ounces ( 1 18 ml) of Hydraulic Clutch reservoir. See the instructions on the Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant The hydraulic clutch in your vehicleis reservoir cap. Additive (GM Part No. 1052358). Then self-adjusting. The clutch mastercylinder fill to the bottom of the filler plug hole reservoir is filled with hydraulic clutch Rear Axle with Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. fluid. 12345977) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 gear I When to Checkand Change Lubricant: lubricant. It isn’t a good idea to “topoff’ your Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’tcorrect a Engine Coolant leak. determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See The following explains your cooling A fluid loss in this system could indicate “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in system and howto add coolant when a problem. Have the system inspected and the Index. it is low. If you havea problem with repaired. engine overheating or if you need to add How to Check Lubricant: coolant to your radiator, see “Engine If the level is below the bottom of the Overheating” in the Index. filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.

201 . . . Service and Appearanc’e Care The proper coolant for your Pontiac will: Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C). Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C) . Protect against rust and corrosion. Help keep the proper engine temperature. 0 Let the warning lights workas they should.

What to Use: Adding Coolant Use a mixture of one-half clean water To Check Coolant: When your engine is (preferably distilled) and one-half cold, check the dipstick on the capof the antifreeze that meets “GM Specification coolant recovery tank. The coolant level 1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum should be “COLD,” or a little higher. parts. You can also use a recycled coolant When your engine is warm, the level on conforming to GM Specification 1825M the dipstick shouldbe up to “HOT,” or a with a complete coolant flush and refill.If NOTICE: little higher. you use this mixture, you don’t need to If you use an improper coolant mix, add anything else. your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your war- ranty. Too much water inthe mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.

. . .202 LOW COOLANT

f you have the 5.7LLTl (Code P) engine ro Add Coolant to the Recovery Tank: Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but nd this light comes on, it means you’re f you need more coolant, add the proper be careful not to spill it. 3w on engine coolant. nix at the coolant recovery tank, but only vhen your engine is cool. If the tank is ‘ery low or empty, also add coolant to the adiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the ndex for information.

203. . . Service and Appearance Care Radiator Pressure Cap(All Engines)

NOTICE: Your radiator cap is a 18 psi (124 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from over- heating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck. 3.4L L32(Code S) 5.7L LT1 (Code P) When you replace your radiator pressure 0 When the engine compartment is hot, cap, AC@ cap is recommended. Power Sfeering Fiuid an the level should be at the“H” or “HOT” mark. Thermostat How to Check Power Steering Fluid: 0 When the engine compartment is Engine coolant temperature is controlled Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick cool, the level should be at the“C” by a thermostat in the engine coolant with a clean rag. Replace the cap and or “FULL COLD” mark. system. The thermostat stops the flow of completely tighten it. Then remove the coolant through the radiator until the cap again and look at thefluid level on coolant reaches a preset temperature. the dipstick. When you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is recommended.

. . .204 1 NOTICE:

0 When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. 0 Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid; Water can cause the solutionto freeze and damage your washer fluid w tank and other parts ofthe washer system. Also, water doesn’tclean hat to Add: Windshield Washer Fluid as well as washer fluid. iR€:fer to the Maintenance Scheduleto To Add: 0 determine what kindof fluid to use. See Fill your washer fluid tank only “€4 !ecommended Fluids and Lubricants”ir Open the cap labeled “WASHER FLUID 3/4 full when it’s very cold. This thc :Index. ONLY.” Add washer fluid untilthe bottle allows for expansion, which could is full. damage the tank if it is completely full. NOTICE: 0 Don’t use radiatorantifreeze in your windshield washer. It can When adding power steering fluidor damage your washer system and making a complete fluid change, paint. always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

205. . . Service and Appearance Care So, it isn’t a good ideato “top off’ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.If you add fluid when your linings are worn,then you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

Brake Master Cylinder To Check Brake Fluid: Your brake master cylinder is here. It is You can check the brake fluid without filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. takmg off the cap. Just look at the brake There are only tworeasons why the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be fluid level in your master cylinder might above the plastic seamin the reservoir. go down. The first is thatthe brake fluid If it isn’t, have your brake system goes down to an acceptable level during checked to see if there is a leak. normal brake lining wear. When new After work is done on the brake hydraulic linings are put in, the fluid level goes system, make sure the level is above the Refer to the Maintenance Scheduleto back up. The other reason is thatfluid is plastic seam, near the baseof the filler determine when to check your brake leaking out of the brake system. If it is, neck. fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance you should have your brake systemfixed, Inspections’’ in the Index. since a leak means thatsooner or later your brakes won’t work well,or won’t work at all.

. . .206 What to Add: Disc brake pads have built-in wear Some driving conditions or climates may When you do need brake fluid, use only indicators that make a high-pitched cause a brake squeal whenthe brakes are DOT-3 brake fluid - such as Delco- warning sound when the brake pads first applied or lightly applied. This does Supreme ll@(GM Part No. 1052535). are worn and new pads are needed. The not mean something is wrong with your Use new brake fluid from a sealed sound may come and go or be heard all brakes. container only, and always clean the the time your vehicle is moving (except If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t brake fluid reservoircap before when you are pushing on the brake pedal have wear indicators, but if you ever hear removing it. firmly). a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and NOTICE: inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When you have Don’t let someone put in the the front brakes replaced, have the rear wrong kind of fluid. For example, brakes inspected, too. just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your Brake linings should always be replaced brake system can damage brake as complete axle sets. system parts so badly that they’ll I. have to be replaced. Brake Pedal Travel Brake fluid can damage paint,so See your dealer if the brake pedal does be careful not to spill brake fluid not return to normal height, or if there is a on your vehicle.If you do, wash it NOTICE: rapid increase in pedal travel. This could I be a sign of brake trouble. off immediately. See “Appearance Care” in the Index. Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair. Brake Wear I Unless you have the four-wheel disc brake option, your Pontiac has frontdisc brakes and rear drum brakes.

207. . . Service and Appearance Care Brake Adjustment properly. For example, if someone puts in Every time you make a moderate brake brake linings that are wrong for your stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If vehicle, the balance between your front you rarely make a moderate or heavier and rear brakes can change,for the worse. stop, then your brakes might not adjust The braking performance you’ve come to correctly. If youdrive in that way, expect can change in many other waysif then - very carefully - make a few someone puts in the wrong replacement moderate brake stops about every 1,000 brake parts. miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly. Battery If your brake pedalgoes down farther Every new Pontiac has a Delco Freedom@Contact your dealerto learn how to than normal, your reardrum brakes may battery. You never have to add water to prepare your vehicle for longer storage need adjustment. Adjust them by backing one of these. When it’s time for a new periods. up and firmly applying the brakes a few battery, we recommend aDelco times. Freedom@ battery.Get one that has the catalog number shown on the original Replacing Brake SystemParts battery’s label. The braking system on a modern vehicle Vehicle Storage is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the If you’re not going to drive your vehicle vehicle is to have really good braking. for 25 days or more, take off the black, Vehicles we design and test have negative (-) cable from the battery. This top-quality GM brake parts in them,as will help keep your battery from running your Pontiac does when it is new. When down. you replace parts of your braking system - for example, when your brake linings wear down and youhave to have new ones put in - be sure you get new genuine GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes mayno longer work . . .208 Bulb Replacement For the proper typeof replacement bulb, see “Replacement Bulbs”in the Index.

Halogen Bulbs

. .. I 1Headlights 31. Remove the screws and pull out the To replace a headlight: bulb housing. 1. Open the headlight door by hand. See “Headlight Doors” in the Index. 2. Unscrew the bezel with a screwdriver and remove it.

209. . . Service and Appearance Care I

4. Pull out the bulb and disconnect the Center High-Mounted Stoplight 2. Gently pull the assembly out and remove the bulb from the backof the electrical connector. To replace the bulb: assembly. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 1. Remove the two screws in the Reverse the steps with a new bulb. stoplight lens. 3.

. . .210 Rear Lights To change any rear bulb, you have to remove the entire housing. 1. Remove the trim panel Trom the side that you are replacing the bulb. 2. Pull the carpet back.

Front Turn Signal 2. Turn and pull out the socket and the 1. Using a screwdriver, remove the bulb. plastic screws from the deflector 3. Pull out the bulb. under the vehicle. Move thedeflector 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. out of the way.

211 I.. Service and Appearance Care

3. Remove the wing nuts. 8. Pull off the assembly from the outside. Lear Sidemarker 5. To remove a socket with a tab, '0 replace a rear sidemarker bulb: press the tab and turn the socket . Remove the screw from the counterclockwise. To remove a sidemarker assembly. socket without a tab, turn the socket !. To pull out the bulb housing, tilt the counterclockwise. housing to remove the tabbed end. 6. To remove the bulb, push in and turn it counterclockwise, then pull it out. 7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.

. . ,212 r ~~ ~~ ~~~ TIRE-LOADINGINFORMATION OCCUPANTSWT.VEHICLECAP. MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP. FRT. CRT.FRT. RR. LBSTOTAL KG 3 3 2 8 1199 544 DATE GVWR GAWRFRT GAWRRR MAX. LOADING@ GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE 01/91 5713LB2503LB TIRE SIZE

In Y) In 0 2 0 0 INFORMATION l- < d c d

1. Turn counterclockwise and pull out he other label is the Certification label, I the socket and the bulb. Loading Your Vehicle Iund on the rear edge of the driver’s wo labels on your vehicle show how I. Pull out the bulb. oor. It tells you the gross weight luch weight it may properly carry. The apacity of your vehicle, called the i. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. ire-Loading Information label found on WWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). le driver’s door tells you the proper size, he GVWR includes the weight of the Jeed rating and recommended inflation shicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. ressures for the tires on your vehicle. It ’ever exceed the GVWR for your so gives you important information zhicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating )out the number of people that can be in 3AWR) for either the front orrear axle. 3ur vehicle and the total weight that you .nd, if you do have a heavy load, you in carry. This weight is called the lould spread it out. Don’t carry more ehicle Capacity Weight and includes the Ian 100 pounds (45 kg) in your rear area eight of all occupants, cargo, and all onfactory-installed options.

213. Service and Appearance Care If you put things inside your vehicle- NOTICE: like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else - they will go asfast as the Your warranty does not cover parts or vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn components that fail because of over- quickly, or if thereis a crash, they’ll keep loading. going.

. . .214 Tires We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle comes with high quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. These tires are warranted by the tire manufacturers and their warranties are delivered with every new Pontiac. If your spare tire is a different brand than your road tires, you will have a tire warranty folder from each of these manufacturers.

215. Service and Appearance Care [dation - Tire Pressure The Tire-Loading Information label NOTICE: which is on the driver’s door shows the correct inflation pressures for your Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation overinflation is all right. It’s not. tires, when they’re cold. “Cold” means If your tires don’t have enough air (underinflation) you can get: your vehicle has been sitting for at Toomuch flexing least three hours or driven no more than a mile. 0 Too muchheat If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire overloading P245/50ZR16 tires and you’ll be 0 Badwear driving at speeds higher than 100 mph (160 km/h) where it is legal, raise the Bad handling “cold” inflation pressure of each tire 0 Bad fuel economy. to 35 psi (240 Pa). When you end this very high speed driving, reduce the If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get: “cold” inflation pressures to those 0 Unusual wear listed on the Tire Loading Information label. Bad handling 0 Rough ride

0 Needless damage from road hazards.

.’.. 216 When to Check: Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should beat 60 psi ll rJI 4- 4- (420 kPa). How to Check: Use a good quality t \/t pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. Simply looking at the tires will not tell IAI you the pressure, especiallyif you have -a4 radial tires - which may look properly MI -I- inflated even if they’re underinflated. If your tires have valve caps, be sureto I1 F you have P245/50ZR16 size tires, they Tire Inspection and Rotation put them backon. They help prevent IIlust roll in a certain directionfor the besl leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. To make your tires last longer, have them 0vera11 performance. The direction is inspected and rotated at the mileages SI hown by an arrow on bothsidewalls. recommended in the Maintenance Blecause these tires are directional, they Schedule. See “Scheduled Maintenance SI hould be rotated asshown in the Services” in the Index. e:xample above. These tires should only If you don’t have P245/50ZR16 size tires:’ b e moved from front to rear and rear to use the rotation pattern shown abovefor fl-ont onthe same side ofthe vehicle. your size tires. A Lfterthe tires have beenrotated, adjust tlle front and rear inflationpressure as SI Sown on the Tire-Loading Information 12lbel. Make certain that all wheel nuts are P:roperly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the Index.

217. Service and Appearance Care The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can’t be repaired well because of the sizeor location of the damage.

Buying New Tires To find out what kind and sizeof tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading [nformation label. The tires installed on your vehiclewhen it was new had a Tire Performance Criteria When It’s Time for New Tires Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you getnew heway to tell when it’s time for new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec ires is to check the treadwear indicators, number. That way, your vehicle will vhich will appear when your tires have continue to have tires that are designed Inly 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread to give proper endurance, handling, emaining. speed rating, traction, ride and other r‘ou need a new tire if: things during normal service on your vehicle. If your tires havean all-season D You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire. tread design, the TPC number will be followed by a “MS” (for mud and snow). B You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber. If you ever replace your tires with those not having a TPC Spec number, make B The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut sure they are the same size, load range, or snagged deep enough to show corc speed rating and construction type (bias, or fabric. bias-belted or radial) as your original D The tire has a bump, bulge or split. tires.

. . . ZIU For example, a tire graded 150 would indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well high temperature can cause the material on the government course as a tire graded of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire 100. The relative performance of tires life, and excessive temperature can lead depends upon the actual conditions of to sudden tire failure. The grade C their use, however, and may depart corresponds to a level of performance significantly from the norm due to which all passenger car tires must meet variations in driving habits, service under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety practices and differences in road Standard No. 109. Grades B and A characteristics and climate. represent higher levelsof performance on the laboratory test wheel than the Traction - A, B, C minimum required by law. The traction grades, from highest to Warning: The temperature grade for lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent this tire is established for a tire that is the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement properly inflated and notoverloaded. Uniform Tire Quality Grading as measured under controlled conditions Excessive speed, underinflation, or on specified government test surfaces of excessive loading, either separately ,,or The following information relatesto the I asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C system developed by the United States in combination, can cause heat buildup may have poor traction performance. National Highway Traffic Safety and possible tire failure. Administration which grades tires by Warning: The traction grade assigned to Those grades are molded on the sidewalls treadwear, traction and temperature this tire is based on braking of passenger car tires. performance. (This applies only to (straight-ahead) traction tests and does While the tires available as standard or vehicles sold in the UnitedStates.) not include cornering (turning) traction. optional equipment on General Motors vehicles may vary with respect to these Treadwear Temperature - A, B, C grades, all such tires meet General Motors The treadwear gradeis a comparative The temperature grades are A (the performance standards and have been rating based on the wear rateof the tire highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s approved for use on General Motors when tested under controlled conditions resistance to the generation of heat and its vehicles. All passenger type (P Metric) on a specified government test course. 3bility to dissipate heat when tested under tires must conform to Federal safety :ontrolled conditions on a specified requirements in addition to these grades. 219 ... Service and Appearance Care Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance [f you need to replace any of your wheels, The wheels on yourvehicle were aligned wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, replace them NOTICE: and balanced carefully at the factory to mly with new GM original equipment The wrong wheel can also cause give you the longest tire life and best sarts. This way, you will be sure to have overall performance. :he right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel problems with bearing life, brake nuts for your Pontiac model. cooling, speedometer/odometer In most cases, you will not needto have calibration, headlight aim, bumper your wheels aligned again. However, if height, vehicle ground clearance, you notice unusual tire wear or your and tire or tire chain clearance to vehicle pulling one way or the other, the the body and chassis. alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels Used Replacement Wheels may need to be rebalanced.

Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel thatis bent, cracked or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air out, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your Pontiac dealer if any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.

. . .220 I Tire Chains Appearance Care Never use these to clean your vehicle: I 0 Gasoline Remember, cleaning products can be INOTICE: hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can 0 Benzene burst into flame if you strike a match 0 Naphtha If your Pontiac has P235/55R16 or or get them on a hotpart of the vehicle. P245/50ZR16 size tires, don’t use tire Some are dangerous if you breathe 0 Carbon Tetrachloride chains; they can damage yourvehicle. their fumes in a closed space. When 0 Acetone I you use anything from a container to If you have other tires, use tirechains Paint Thinner only where legal and only when you clean your Pontiac, be sure to follow must. Use only SAE Class“S” type the manufacturer‘s warnings and Turpentine :+ chains thatare the proper size for instructions. And always open your Lacquer Thinner doors or windows when you’re your tires. Install themon the rear tires Nail Polish Remover and tighten themas tightly as possible cleaning the inside. They can all be hazardous - some more with the ends securely fastened. .C’ Drive slowly and followthe chain than others - and they can all damage manufacturer’s instructions.If you your vehicle, too. can hear the chains contactingyour I vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down untilit stops. Driving too fast with chains on will damage your vehicle.

221 . . . Service and Appearance Care

Don’t use any of these unless this manual D Use solvent-type cleaners in a Then dry it immediately with a blow says you can. In many uses, these will well-ventilated area only. If you use dryer or a heat lamp. damage your vehicle: them, don’t saturate the stained area. 0 Alcohol If a ring forms after spot cleaning, NOTICE: Laundry Soap clean the entire area immediately or it will set. 0 Bleach Be careful witha hair dryer or heat lamp. You could scorch the fabric. 0 Reducing Agents Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric Vacuum and brush the area to remove 0 Wipe with a clean cloth. Cleaning the Insideof Your any loose dirt. Pontiac Always clean a whole trim panel or Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of section. Mask surrounding trim along First, see if you have to use solvent-type dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather stitch or welt lines. cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will with a clean, damp cloth. Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner clean off better withjust water and mild Your Pontiac dealer has two GM cleaners, following the directions on the soap. a solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type container label. If you need to use a solvent: powdered cleaner. They will cleannormal Use suds only and apply with a clean Gently scrape excess soil from the spots and stains very well. Do notuse sponge. them on vinyl or leather. trim material with a clean, dull knife Don’t saturate the material. or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light Here are some cleaning tips: Don’t rub it roughly. pressure and clean cloths (preferably Always read the instructions on the cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at As soon as you’ve cleaned thesection, cleaner label. the outside of the stain, “feathering” use a sponge to remove the suds. Clean up stains as soon as you can - toward the center. Keep changing toa before they set. Rinse the section with a clean, wet clean section of the cloth. sponge. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft Wipe off what’s left witha slightly brush may be used if stains are damp paper towel or cloth. stubborn.

. . .222 When you clean a stain from fabric, If an odor lingers after cleaning Cleaning Leather immediately dry the area with anair vomit or urine, treat the area with Use a soft cloth with lukewarn water and hose, hair dryer,or heat lamp to help a waterhaking soda solution: a mild soap or saddle soap. prevent a cleaning ring. (Seethe 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to previous NOTICE.) 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water. For stubborn stains, use a mild solution of 10%isopropyl alcohol If needed, clean lightly with (rubbing alcohol) and 90% water. Special Cleaning Problems solvent-type cleaner. Never use oils, varnishes, Greasy or oily stains: Such as grease, Combination stains: Such as candy, oil, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee solvent-based or abrasive cleaners, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and furntiure polish or shoe polish on with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic lnknown stains. creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar leather. and asphalt. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then Soiled leather should be cleaned clean with cool water and allow to 0 Carefully scrape off excess stain. immediately. If dirtis allowed,towork dry- into finish, it can harm the leather. 0 Follow the solvent-type instructions @ If a stain remains, clean it with described earlier. solvent-type cleaner. Cleaning theTop of the Instrument Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and Panel asphalt will stainif left on a vehicle Cleaning Vinyl Use only mild soap and water to Clean seat fabric. They shouldbe removed Use warm water and a clean cloth. the top surfaces of the instrument.pane1. as soon as possible. Be careful, Rub with a clean, damp cloth to Sprays containing silicones or waxes because the cleaner will dissolve them may cause annoying reflections in the and may cause them to spread remove dirt. You may have to do it more than once. windshield and even makeit difficult to Non-greasy stains: Such as catsup, see through the windshield under certain coffee (black), egg,fruit, fruit juice, milk, Things like tar, asphalt and shoe conditions. soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine andblood. polish will stain if you don’t get them off quickly. Use aclean cloth and a Carefully scrape off excess stain, then solvent-type vinyl cleaner. sponge the soiled area with cool water. If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions described earlier.

223. . . Service and Appearance Care Care of Safety Belts Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield one minute, then wipe the panel with Keep belts clean and dry. and Wiper Blades a soft, lint-free cloth. [f the windshield is notclear after using 0 Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials. the windshield washer, or if the wiper CAUTION: blade chatters when running, wax or Cleaning the Outsideof Your A other material may be on the blade or Pontiac windshield. Do not bleach or dye safety belts. The paint finish on your vehicle provides If you do, it may severely weaken Clean the outside of the windshield with beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and them. In a crash they might not be GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami durability. able to provide adequate protection. Powder@ (GM PartNo. 1050011). The Clean safety belts only with mild windshield is clean if beads do not form Washing Your Vehicle soap and lukewarm water. when you rinse it with water. The best way to preserve your vehicle’s Clean the blade by wiping vigorously finish is to keep it cleanby washing it Glass with a cloth soaked in full strength often with lukewarm or coldwater. windshield washer solvent. Then rinse Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass the blade with water. Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) or a rays of-the sun. Don’t use strong soaps liquid household glass cleaner will Wiper blades should be checked on a or chemical detergents. Use.Tiquid hand, remove normal tobacco smoke and dust regular basis and replaced when worn. dish or car washing (mild-detergent) films. soaps. Don’tuse cleaning agents that are Cleaning Twin Lift-off Roof Panels Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, petroleum based, or contain acid or because they may cause scratches. Avoid Special care is necessary when cleaning, abrasives. All cleaning agents should be placing decals on the inside rear window, removing and/or storing the roof panels. flushed promptly and not allowed to dry since they may have to be scraped off 0 Flush with water toremove dust and on the surface, or they could stain. Dry later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the dirt, then dry the panels. the finish with a soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid surface inside of the rear window, an electric 0 Clean the panels with GM Glass scratches and water spotting. defogger element may be damaged. Any Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) or temporary license should not be attached a liquid household glass cleaner. High pressure car washesmay cause across the defogger grid. Leave the cleaner on the panel for water to enter your vehicle.

. . .224 Finish Care Cleaning Your Convertible Top coating. After rinsing thoroughly, a wax Occasional waxing or mild polishingof may be applied. your Pontiac may be necessary to remove residue from the paintfinish. You can get NOTICE: NOTICE: GM approved cleaning products from When using an automatic car wash, your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and If you have aluminum wheels, don’t Maintenance Materials” in the Index.) set your heating or cooling system to “VENT” with the fan speed set to use an automatic car wash that has Your Pontiac has a “basecoatjclearcoat” the second highest speed. This will hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes. paint finish. The clearcoat gives prevent high pressure water from These brushes can take off the more depth and glossto the colored entering around your top. protective coating. basecoat.Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made fora Your convertible top should be cleaned Tires basecoatklearcoat paint finish. often. Use a mild soap, lukewarm water Your Pontiac dealer has a GM White and a soft brush. Don’t use any harsh Sidewall Tire Cleaner.You can use a stiff cleaners or bleaching agents on the top. brush with the cleaner. NOTICE: They can damage the material. When applying a tire dressing always take I- Machine compounding or aggressive When the top is really dirty, use a mild care to wipe off any overspray or splash polishing on a basecoatjclearcoat foam-type cleaner. Use a cloth or sponge from painted surfaces. Petroleum-based paint finish may dull the finish or to remove the dirt. products may damage the paint finish. leave swirl marks. Thoroughly rinse the top and dryit before lowering it. A damp top causes wrinkles. Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped) make them last longer, seal better, and not Your aluminum wheels have a protective stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease coating similar to the painted surface of with a clean cloth at least every six your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, months. During very cold, damp weather chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive more frequent application may be cleaners, or abrasive cleaning brushes required. (See “Recommended Fluids and on them because you coulddamage this Lubricants’’ in the Index.) 225. . . Service and Appearance Care Sheet Metal Damage corrected in your dealer's body and paint Chemical Paint Spotting If your vehicle is damaged and requires shop. Some weather and atmospheric conditions sheet metal repair or replacement, make :an create a chemical fallout. Airborne sure the body repair shop applies Underbody Maintenance ?ollutants canfall upon and attack painted anti-corrosion material to the parts Chemicals used for ice and snow removal curfaces on your vehicle. This damage repaired or replaced to restore corrosion and dust control can collect on the :an take two forms: blotchy, protection. underbody. If these are not removed, inglet-shaped discolorations, and small accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on irregular dark spots etched into the paint Foreign Material the underbody parts such as fuel lines, surface. Calc'ium chloride and other salts, ice frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even Although no defect in the paintjob causes melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, though they have corrosion protection. this, Pontiac will repair, atno charge to bird droppings, chemicals from industrial At least every spring, flush these the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles chimneys, and other foreign matter can materials from the underbody with plain jamaged by this fallout condition within damage your vehicle's finish if they water. Clean any areas where mud and 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) remain on painted surfaces. Use cleaners other debris cah collect. Dirt packed in of purchase, whichever comesfirst. that are marked safe for painted surfaces closed areas of the frame should be to remove foreign matter. loosened before being flushed. Your dealer or an underbody vehicle washing Finish Damage system can do this for you. Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major repair expense. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be

. . ,226 Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials

PART NUMBER SIZE USAGE DESCRIPTION 1051516 32 02. (0.946 L) Washer Solvent and Gas Liner De-lcer Windshield washing system and gas line 10501 72 16 02. (0.473 L) Tar and Road Oil Remover Also old waxes, polishes 10501 73 16 02. (0.473 L) Cleaner and Polish Removes rust and corrosionon chrome and steel 10501 74 02. (0.473 L) Cleans white and black tires White Sidewall Tire Cleaner 16 1050214 32 02. (0.946 L) VinyVLeather Cleaner* Spot and stain removalon leather and vinyl 1050244 16 02. (0.473 L) Cleaner* Spot and stain removalon cloth and fabric Fabric 1050427 24 02. (0.680 L) Cleaner Glass cleaning andspot cleaning on vinyls Glass 1050429 6 Ib. (2.72 kg) Vinyl, cloth, door trims, seats, carpet, tires, mats Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner 1052870 16 02. (0.473 L) Wash-Wax (Concentrated) Exterior wash 1051398 8 02. (0.237 L) Spot and stain removalon cloth and fabric Spot Lifter* 1050201 16 02. (0.473 L) Magic Mirror Cleaner-Polish Exterior cleaner and polish 1050011 12 02. (0.340 kg) Bon-Ami Powder" Windshield cleaner *Not recommended for pigskinsuede leather. See your General Motors Dealer for these products. See the Index under "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" for other products. Service and Appearance Care Service Parts Add-on Electrical Identification Label Equipment You'll find this label inside your console storage compartment. It's very helpful if NOTICE: you ever need to order parts. On this label is: Don't add anything electrical to your Pontiac unless you check with your L D yourVIN, c themodel designation, dealer first. Some electrical equip- ment can damage your vehicle and i paint information, and the damage wouldn't be covered by your warranty. Some add-on I a list of all production options and Vehicle Identification special equipment. electrical equipmentcan keep other Number (VIN) Be sure that this label is not removed components from working as they should. 1rhis is the' legal identifier for your From the vehcle. F'ontiac. It appears on a plate in the front Your vehicle has an air bag system. C:orner of the instrument panel, on the dlriver's side. You can see it if you look Before attempting to add anything t!hrough the windshield fromoutside your zlectrical to your Pontiac, see "Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac" in the \rehicle. The VIN also appears on the 7Jehicle Certification and Service Parts Index. 1,abels and the certificates of title and r egistration.

1hgine Identification 1?he eighth character in your VIN is the e:ngine code. This code will help you i.dentify your engine, specifications, and I*eplacement parts.

. .228 Headlights The headlight wiring is protected by a circuit breaker. An electrical overload will cause the lights to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have your headlight wiring checked right away.

Windshield Wipers The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the The other is in the engine compartment. motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., I I Fuses and Circuit 3pen the cover on either of the boxes to the wiper will stop until the motor Breakers :xpose the fuses. cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical problem and not snow, etc., 'he wiring circuits in your vehicleare >oak at the silver-colored band inside the be sure to get it fixed. Protected from short circuitsby a 'use. If the band is broken or melted, C'ombination of fuses, circuit breakers, .eplace the fuse. Be sure you replace a )ad fuse with a new one of the correct Power Windows and Other Power and fusible thermal links in the wiring Options it self. This greatly reduces the chanceof rize. fiires caused by electrical problems. f you ever have a problem on the road Circuit breakers protect the power windows and other power accessories. 'I 'here are two fuse centers on your md don't have a spare fuse, you can When the current load is too heavy, V ehicle. One is in the left side of your )orrow one. Just pick some feature of the circuit breaker opens and closes, lstrument panel. Jour vehicle that you canget along protecting the circuit until the problem without - like the radio or cigarette is fixed or goes away. ighter - and use its fuse, if it is the size IOU need. Replace it as soon as you can.

229. . . Service and AppearanceCare

6 - Brake LightKruise Release 11 - Cigarette Lighter; Horn Relay Switch; Hazard Flasher (20 Amp.) (25 Amp.)

7 - Power Door Locks; Power Mirrors; 12 - Power Seats; Rear Defogger Hatch Release (15 Amp.) (30 Amp. Circuit Breaker) 8 - Audio Alarm Module; Base@ 13 - Brightness Control(5 Amp.) Relay; Courtesy Lights: Console 14 - Windshield Wipermasher Compartment, Glove Box, Dome, (25 Amp.) Trunk, Rear Courtesy, Rearview Mirror and Radio (15 Amp.) 15 - Power Windows, Convertible Top Switch (30 Amp. Circuit 9 - Audio Alarm Module; Daytime Breaker) Running Lights Module (Canada); Diagnostic Energy Reserve 16 - Diagnostic Energy Reserve Main Fuse Block Module; Instrument Cluster; Module (3 Amp.) 1 - Air Bag: SIR Components Remote Lock Control Module 17 - Radio; Steering Wheel Controls (15 Amp.) ( 10 Amp.) (15 Amp.) 2 - Backup Lights; Daytime Running 10 - Exterior Lighting (20 Amp.) Lights Module (Canada); Turn Flasher (20 Amp.) 3 - HVAC Selector Switch (Heater/Ail Conditioner); Rear Defogger (25 Amp.) 4 - Powertrain Control Module;

Instrument Cluster; PASS-Key II@ Decoder Module (10 Amp.) 5 - Powertrain Control Module; PASS-Key 11s Decoder Module; Fuel Pump Relay (15 Amp.) ;

. . ,230 C B

G H J

Underhood Electrical Center 7 - Air Injection Pump Assembly; Relays Air Pump Relay (20 Amp.) B - Air Conditioning Compressor Fuses 8 - Not Used C - Anti-Lock Brake System 1 - Electronic Brake Control Module 9 - Fuel Injectors (7.5 Amp.) D - Primary Coolant Fan(Driver Side) (5 Amp.) 10 - Fuel Injectors (7.5 Amp.) - Air Pump 2 - Fog Lamps (20 Amp.) E 11 - VIN Engine Code S: Camshaft F - Secondary Coolant Fan 3 - HeadIight Doors Module (15 Position Sensor; Crankshaft (Passenger Side) Amp.) Position Sensor; Electronic G - Traction Control System 4 - Headlight Doors Module(1 5 Ignition Module (10 Amp.) Amp.) VIN Engine Code P: Ignition H - Fog Lamps Coil; Ignition Coil Driver 5 - Anti-Lock Brake System (5 Amp.) J - Not Used (10 Amp.) 6 - Coolant Fan Relays; EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid; Exhaust 12 - Air Conditioning Compressor Gas Recirculation;Low Coolant Relay; Cruise Control Switches Relay; Reverse Lockout Solenoid and Module (20 Amp.) (10 Amp.) 231 . .. Service and Appearance Care Replacement Bulbs Ashtray" ...... 194 Automatic Transmission Indicator ...... 73 Backup ...... 1156 Center High-Mounted Stoplight ...... 921 Cluster ...... 161 Console ...... 194 Dome ...... 906 Doorcourtesy ...... 74 Fog ...... 885 Front Parking and Turn Signal ...... 2397 GloveBox ...... 194 Headlight ...... H-6545 Heater and A/C Control ...... 37 Indicator Lights ...... PC74 Interior Door Handle ...... 74 License ...... 194 Reading ...... 212-2 Rearcourtesy ...... 562 Sidemarker ...... 194 TailOnly ...... 194 Tail/Stop/Turn ...... 2057 Trunk ...... 562 TurnSignal Indicators ...... 161 *Manual transmission only.

...232 Capacities and Specifications Engine Type VINEngineCodeS ...... V6 VIN Engine Code P ...... V8 Fuel Delivery ...... Fuel Injection ValveArrangement ...... In-Head Piston Displacement VIN Engine Code S ...... 207 CID (3.4L) VIN Engine Code P ...... 350 CID (5.7L) Compression Ratio VIN Engine Code S ...... 9.0:1 VIN Engine Code P ...... 10.5: 1 Firing Order VINEngineCodeS ...... 1-2-345-6 VIN Engine Code P ...... 1-843-6-5-7-2

233. .. Service and Appearance Care Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Filter ...... A1 163C Battery ...... 75-60 Engine Oil Filter VINEngineCodeS ...... PF47 VIN Engine Code P ...... PF25 FuelFilter ...... GF578 PCV Valve VIN Engine Code S ...... CV789C VIN Engine Code P ...... CV895C Radiatorcap ...... RC24 Spark Plug VIN Engine Code S ...... oR43TSK (0.045" Gap) VIN Engine Code P ...... oR45LTSP (0.050" Gap) Thermostat Temperature Specification ...... 180°F (82°C) Wheel Nuts Wheel Nut Torque ...... 100 lb. ft. (140 Nom)

...234 tNot all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system inyour vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you’renot sure, ask your Pontiac dealer. “Recheck fluid level after filling.See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the Index.

235. . . Service and Appearance Care Crankcase VIN Engine Code S ...... 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)** VIN Engine CodeP Without Filter Change ...... 4.0 qt. (3.8 L)** With Filter Change ...... 5.0 qt. (4.7 L)** Fuel Tank ...... 15.5 gal. (58.7 L) Manual Transmission Five-Speed ...... 5.9 pt. (2.8 L)* Six-Speed ...... 8.0 pt. (3.8 L)* Rear Axle Lubricant ...... 3.5 pt. (1.7L)

Vehicle Dimensions Wheelbase ...... 101.1 I‘ (2 566 mm) Tread Front ...... 60.7“ ( 1 542 mm) Rear ...... 60.6” (1 540 mm) Length ...... 193.2“ (4 908 mm) Firebird and Formula ...... 195.6” (4 968 mm) Trans Am ...... 197.0” (5 005 mm) Width ...... 74.5” (1 893 mm) Height Firebird and Formula Coupe ...... 52.0” (1 322 mm) Convertible ...... 52.7” ( 1 340 mm) Trans Am Coupe ...... 51.7” (1 312 mm) Convertible ...... 52.4“ (1 331 mm)

*Recheck fluid level after filling. See “ManualTransmission Fluid” in the Index. **Recheck oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.

. .-236 I Belt Routing - L32 (Code S) Engine Belt Routing - LTl (Code P) Engine

237. . . Notes

'Y

. . .238 Part 7 I IMPORTANT Maintenance Schedule KEEP THE ENGINE OIL Section AT THE PROPER Introduction: A Word about Maintenance ...... 240 YourVehicle and theEnvironment ...... 240 LEVEL AND CHANGE AS How This Part Is Organized ...... 240 RECOMMENDED A. ScheduledMaintenance Services ...... 242 Using Your Maintenance Schedules ...... 241 Selecting theRight Schedule ...... 241 I Schedule1 ...... 242 Schedule11 ...... 244 This part covers the Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services ...... 246 maintenance required for your B. Owner Checksand Services ...... 248 Pontiac. Your vehicle needs AtEachFuelFill ...... 248 these services to retain its At Least Once a Month ...... 248 At LeastTwice a Year ...... 248 safety, dependability and At Least Once a Year ...... , . . 249 emission control performance. C. PeriodicMaintenance Inspections ...... 251 D. RecommendedFluids and Lubricants ...... 253 E. MaintenanceRecord ...... 255 I- -I- Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new car warranties. See your GM dealer for details.

239. .. Maintenance Schedule Introduction: A Word about Maintenance We at General Motors wantto help you Your Vehicle and the service department or another qualified keep your vehicle in good working Environment service centerdo these jobs. condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very Proper vehicle maintenance not only short distances only a few times a week. helps to keep your vehicle in good Or you may drive long distances all the working condition, but also helps the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may environment. All recommended use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or maintenance procedures are important. you may drive it to work, to do errands, Improper vehicle maintenance or the or in many other ways. removal of important components can significantly affect the quality of the air Because of all the different ways people we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even use their GM vehicles, maintenance needs the wrong tire inflation can increase the vary. You may even need morefrequent level of emissions from your vehicle. To checks and replacements than you will help protect our environment, and to help find in the schedules in this part. So keep your vehicle in good condition, please read this part and note how you please maintain your vehlcle properly. drive. If you have any questions on how If you are skilled enoughto do some work to keep your vehicle in goodcondition, on your vehicle,you will probably want see your Pontiac dealer, the place How This Part is Organized to get the service informationGM many GM owners choose to have their The remainder of this part is divided into publishes. You will find a list of maintenance work done. Your dealer can publications and how to get them in this five sections: be relied upon to use proper parts and manpal. See “Service Publications” in the practices. “Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Index. Services” shows what to have done and B: Owner Checks and Services’’ how often. Some of these services can be “Section complex, so unless you are technically tells you what should be checked qualified and have the necessary whenever you stop for fuel. It also equipment, you should let your dealer’s explains what you can easily doto help keep your vehicle in good condition.

. . .240 “Section C: Periodic Maintenance Using Your Maintenance Selecting the Right Schedule Inspections” explains important inspections that your Pontiac dealer’s Schedules First you’ll need to decide which of the service department or another qualified This section tells you the maintenance two schedules is right for your vehicle. service center should perform. services you should have done and when Here’s how to decide which schedule to you should schedule them. Your Pontiac follow: “Section Recommended Fluids and D: dealer knows your vehicle best and wants Lubricants” lists some products GM Schedule I you to be happy with it. If you go to your recommends to help keep your vehicle dealer for your service needs, you’ll know Is any one of these true for your vehicle? properly maintained. These products, or that GM-trained and supported service Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). their equivalents, shouldbe used whether people will perform the work using you do the work yourself or have itdone. Most trips are less than 10 miles (1 6 genuine GM parts. km) when outside temperatures are “Section E: Maintenance Record” These schedules are for vehicles that: below freezing. provides a place for you to record the maintenance perfowed on your vehicle. carry passengers and cargo within 0 The engine is at low speed most of the Whenever any maintenance is performed, recommended limits. You will find time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in be sure to write it down in this section. these limits on your vehicle’s stop-and-go traffic). Tire-Loading Information label. See This will help you determine when your e You operate your vehicle in dusty next maintenance should be done. In “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. areas. addition, itis a good idea to keep your are driven on reasonable road surfaces e You tow a trailer. maintenance receipts. They may be within legal driving limits. needed to qualify your vehicle for If any one (or more) of these is truefor use the recommended unleaded fuel. your driving, follow Schedule I. warranty repairs. See “Fuel” in the Index. Schedule 11 Follow Schedule I1 QI& if none of the above conditions is true.

241 . . Maintenance Schedule C LSection A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM MAINLY driven under one or moreof See “Explanation of Scheduled Miles (kilometers) or Months ITEM (whichever occursfirst). the following conditions: NO. Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and II. When most tripsare less than 4 miles (6 km). - ~ When most trips are less than 10 miles 1 Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change* Every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months. (16 km) and outside temperatures Chassis Lubrication Every other oil change. remain below freezing. At 6,000 miles (10 000 km) and every When most trips include extended 3 Tire and Wheel Rotation& Inspection 15,000 miles (25 000 km) or as necessary. idling and/or frequent low-speed - operation, as in stop-and-go traffic. 4 Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection* Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months. When towing a trailer. Cooling System Service* When operating in dusty areas. See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Schedule I should also be followed if the 6 Transmission Service Services” following Schedules I andII. vehicle is used for delivery service. police, - Spark Plug Replacement Every 30,000 miles(50 000 km). taxi or other commercialaqdications. (3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine)* 7 * An Emission Control Service. Spark Plug Replacement Every 100,000miles (166 000 km). t The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (5.7L LTl (Code P) Engine)* or the California Air Resources Board has Spark Plug Wire Inspection*?’ Every 30,000 miles(50 000 km). determined that the failure to performthis maintenance item will not nullify the emission See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance warranty or limit recall liability prior to the 9 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* Services” following Schedules I and11. completion ‘of vehicle useful life. General ~ ~~ ~~~ Motors, however, urges that all recommended Fuel Tank, Cap & Lines Inspeclion*t Every 30,000 miles(50 000 km). maintenance services be performed at the Rear Axle Fluid Change (For Vehicles indicated intervals and the maintenance be 11 Towing Trailers or for Vehicles with See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance recorded in “SectionE: Maintenance Record.” Limited-Slip Differentials) Services” following SchedulesI and 11.

. . .242 The services shown on this chart up to 48,000 miles(80 000 km) should be performed after 48,000 miles (80 000 km) at the same intervals. MILES (000) 3 16 19 112 115 118121 (24 127 130 133 136139 142 (45 148 KILOMETERS (000)

243. . . Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.) Schedule lI Follow Schedule II ONLY if none of WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM the driving. conditionsspecified in “Explanationof Scheduled Miles (kilometers)Monthsor ITEM Schedule I apply. NO. Maintenance Services” following (whichever occursfirst). Schedules I and I?. * An Emission Control Service. t The US.Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has EngineChange*Oil Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km)months.12 or 1 determined that the failure to pedormthis Change*Filter Oil Atchange. first oilotherevery and maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe 2 ChassisLubrication Every 7,500 (12miles 500months. km) 12 or

~~~ completion of vehicle useful life. General At 7,500 miles (12 500 km) and then every Tireand Wheel Rotation & Inspection Motors, however, urges that all recommended 3 I 15,000 miles(25 000 km) or as necessarv. maintenance services be performed atthe I indicated intervals and the maintenance be 4 I EngineAccessory Drive Belt Inspection* ~ Everymonths. 30,000 24 miles (50or 000 km) recorded in “SectionE: Maintenance Record.” 5 I CoolingSystem Service* ! See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Transmission Service 6 I I Services” following SchedulesI and 11. Spark Plug Replacement Every 30,000 miles(50 000 km). (3.4L L32 (Code S) Engine)* 7 Spark Plug Replacement I Every 100,000 miles (166 000 km). (5.7L\- LTl (Code P)I Ennine)*I, I I 8 SparkPlugWire Inspection*? Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance 9 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* I I Services” following SchedulesI and II. 10 FuelTank, Cap & Lines Inspection”? Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). Rear Axle Fluid Change (For Vehicles See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance ,, with Limited-Slip Differentials) Services” following SchedulesI and 11.

. . .244 245. . . Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.) Explanation of Scheduled ITEM ITEM Maintenance Services NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see Cooling:System Service* - Following are explanations of the services 5 “Engine Oil” in the Index. Drain, flush and refill the system listed in Schedule I and ScheduleII. with new or approved recycled The proper fluids and lubricantsto use are 2 Chassis Lubrication- Lubricate the suspension and steering coolant conforming to GM listed in Section D. Make sure whoever Specification 1825M. Keep services your vehicle uses these. All parts linkage. Lubricate the transmission shift linkage. coolant at the proper mixture as should be replaced and all necessary specified. See “Coolant” in the repairs done before you or anyone else 3 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Index. This provides proper drives the vehicle. InsDection - For proper wear freeze and boil protection, and maximum tirelife, rotate corrosion inhibitor level and NOTE: To determine your engine’s your tires following the displacement and code, see maintains proper engine instructions in this manual. See operating temperature. “Engine Identification” in the “Tires, Inspection and Rotation” Index. in the Index. Check the tires for Inspect hoses and replaceif they ITEM uneven wear or damage. If you are cracked, swollen or deterior- NO. SERVICE see irregular or premature wear, ated. Tighten screw-type hose clamps. Clean the outside of the 1 EngineOil and FilterChange* - check the wheel alignment. Always use SH or SG Energy Check for damaged wheels also. radiator and air conditioning Conserving I1 oils of proper condenser. Wash the pressure 4 Engine Accessorv Drive Belt!s) cap and neck. viscosity. The “SH” or “SG” InsDection - Inspect the belt(s) designation may be shown alone for cracks, fraying, wear and To help ensure proper operation, or in combination with others, proper tension. Replace as we recommend a pressure test of such as “SH/CD,” “SH, SG, needed. (Belts can have many both the cooling system and the CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To deter- small cracks in individual ribs pressure cap. mine the preferred viscosity for without affecting performance.) your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE * An Emission Control Service.

. . .246 ITEM ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 6 TransmissionService - For 7 Spark Plug Replacement* - 11 Rear Axle Fluid Change - If your manual transmissions, fluid Replace spark plugs with the vehicle is used to pull a trailer, doesn’t require changing. See proper type. See “Replacement have the rear axle gear lubricant “Periodic Maintenance Parts” in the Index. changed every 7,500 miles Inspections.” 8 Spark Plug Wire InsPection*t - (12 500 km). For automatic transmissions, Inspect for burns, cracks or other If your vehicle is not used to pull change both the fluid andfilter damage. Check the boot fit at the a trailer, but has a limited-sli,p every 15,000 miles(25 000 km) distributor and at the spark plugs. differential, have therear axle if the vehicle is mainly driven Replace wires as needed. gear lubricantchanged once, after under one or more of these 9 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement” the first 7,500 miles (12 500.h). conditions: - Replace every 30,000 miles In heavy city traffic where the (50 000 km) or more often under outside temperature regularly dusty conditions. Ask your reaches 90°F (32°C)or dealer for the proper replacement higher. intervals for your driving In hilly or mountainous conditions. terrain. 10 Fuel Tank. Cap and Lines * An Emission Control Service. When doing frequent trailer Inspection*-/-- Inspect fuel tank, j- The US.Environmental Protection Agency towing. cap and lines (including fuel rails or the California Air Resources Board has Uses such as found in taxi, and injection assembly) for determined that the failureto pe$orm this police car or delivery service. damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap maintenance item will not nullify the emission gasket for an even filler neck If you do not use your vehicle warranty or limit recall liability priorto the imprint or any damage. Replace completion of vehicle useful life. General under any of these conditions, parts as needed. Periodic Motors, however, urges that all recommended change both the fluid and replacement of the fuel filter is maintenance services be performed at the filter every 100,000 miles not required. indicated intervals and the maintenance be (166 000 km). recorded in “SectionE: Maintenance Record.” 247. . . Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in SectionD. At Each Fuel Fill (It is important foryou or a service station attendantto perform these underhood checkseach at fuel fill.) CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Engine Oil Level Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further details. Engine Coolant Level Check the engine coolant level and add the proper coolant mixif necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for further details. Windshield Washer Check the windshield washerfluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluidif Fluid Level necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details. At least Once a Month CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE

~~ Tire Inflation Check tire inflation. Make sure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-Loading Information label located on the rearedge of the driver’s door. See “Tires” in the Index for further details. Cassette Deck Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 15 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the Indexfor further details.

I At___ Least Twice~~~ ~ ~ a Year CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Hydraulic Clutch Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See “Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index.A fluid System Inspection loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.

. . .248 I At Least Once a Year I CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate the key lockcylinders with the lubricant specified in Section D. Body Lubrication Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, headlight door assemblies, rear compartment, console doors and any folding seat hardware. Section D tells you what to use.

~ ~

Starter Switch

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see ‘‘Pariung Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake. NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be readyto turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in 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 transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in “N” (Neutral), push the clutch down halfway and tryto start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.

249. . . Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.) At least Once a Year (CONK)

CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE Steering Column Lock While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to “LOCK” in each shift lever position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to “LOCK” only when the shift lever is in “P” (Park). 0 With a manual transmission, the key should turn to “LOCK” only when the shift lever is in “R” (Reverse). On vehicles with a keyrelease button, try to turn the key to “LOCK” without pressing the button. The key should turn to “LOCK” only with the key button depressed.On all vehicles, the kev should come out only in “LOCK.”

Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission “P” (Park) Mechanism Check

brake, set the parking brake. 0 To check the parhng brake: With the engine running and transmission in “N” (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.Do this until the vehicle is heldby the parking brake only. 0 To check the “P” (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shiftto “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 cancollect.

. . .250 Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twicea year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service department or other qualifiedservice center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

INSPECTION WHAT SHOULD BE DONE OR SERVICE

I ~ ~~~~ Restraint Systems Now and then, make sureall your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for anyloose parts or damage. If yousee anything that might keepa restraint system from doing itsjob, have it repaired. Steering and Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering systemfor damaged, loose or missing parts, Suspension Inspection signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the powersteering lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Exhaust System Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaustsystem. Look for broken, Inspection damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections or , ’;; other conditions which couldcause a heat build-up in the floor pan or couldlet exhaust fumes :~ into the vehicle. See“Engine Exhaust’’ in the Index. Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and fordamaged or missing parts. Inspection Replace parts as needed.

251 . . . Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections (Cont.)

I INSPECTION WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FManual Check Transmissionthe transmission fluid level; addif needed. See “Manual Transmission” in the Index. I A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and repairif needed. Rear Axle Service Check the gear lubricant level inthe rear axle and addif needed. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the axle and repairif needed. it If your vehicle is used to pull a trailer, have the rear axle gear lubricant changed every7,500 miles (12 500 km).

~~ Brake System Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, Inspection cracks, chafing, etc. Inspectdisc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. The parking brake is self-adjusting and no manual adjustment is required.You may need to have your brakes inspected more oftenif your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. NOTE: A low brake fluid level can indicate worndisc brake pads which may needto be serv- iced. Also, if the brake system warning light stayson or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. If your anti-lock brake system warning light stayson, comes on or flashes, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light’’ in the Index.

. . .252 Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants JOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, partnumber or specification may be obtained from yourGM Dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil API service SH or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of the proper viscosity.The “SH” designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as “SH/CD,” “SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index. Engine Coolant 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 Specification 1825M. Hydraulic Brake Delco-Supreme ll@Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535 or equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid). System HydraulicClutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part. No. 12345347 or equivalent). System

~~ Power Steering GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid (GM Part No. 1052884 or equivalent). System ManualTransmission DEXRON@-IIEAutomatic Transmission Fluid. AutomaticDEXR0N’-III or DEXRON@-IIEAutomatic Transmission Fluid. Transmission I Key Lock Cylinders I Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345120) or synthetic SAE 5W-30

253. . . Maintenance Schedule Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants (Cont.) FLUlDlLUBRlCANT Floor Shift Linkage Engine oil. Chassis Lubrication Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB. Rear Axle Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 1052271) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant. (Standard Differential) Rear Axle (Limited- Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345977) or SAE 8OW-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant, and Limited- Slip Differential) Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM Part No. 1052358 or equivalent) where required. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. Windshield Washer GM Optikleen@Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 10515 15 or equivalent). Solvent Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring a. Engine oil. Anchor b. Release Pawl b. Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirementsof NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB. Hood and Door Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109). Hinges, Headlight Door Assemblies, Rear Folding Seat, Fuel Door Hinge, Rear Compartment Lid Hinges Weatherstrips Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent). I I See “Replacement Parts” in the Index for recommended replacement filters, valves and spark plugs. . . .254 Section E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled servicesare performed, record thedate, odometer reading and who performed the servicein the columns indicated. When completing the Maintenance Performed column, insert the numbersfrom the Schedule I or Schedule I1 maintenance charts which correspondto the maintenance performed. Also,you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio isa convenient place to store them.

ODOMETER DATE SERVIC~DBY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING

255.. . Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.) V

. . .256 ODOMETER SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING I

I

257. . . Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.)

DATE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

. . .258 Part 8 Customer Assistance Information

Hereyou will find out how to Customer Satisfaction Procedure ...... 260 GM Participation in BBB AUTO LINE-Alternative Dispute contact Pontiac if you need Resolution Program ...... 261 assistance. This part also tells Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government ...... 262 you how to obtain service Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government ...... 262 publications and how to report Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ...... , . 262 any safety defects. Pontiac Roadside Assistance ...... , . 263 Canadian Roadside Assistance ...... , ...... ':'. 263 Pontiac Courtesy Transportation ...... 264 Service Publications...... 264

259. - . Customer Assistance Information Customer [n Canada, contact GM of Canada United States Satisfaction Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa Pontiac Division Procedure by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or Customer Assistance Center Your satisfaction and goodwillare 1-800-263-7854 (French). In Mexico, 3ne Pontiac Plaza important to your dealer and Pontiac. call (525) 254-3777. In PuertoRico or Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 U.S. Virgin Islands, call 1-809-763-13 15. Normally, any concern with thesales Canada [n all other overseas locations, contact transaction or the operation of your Seneral Motors of Canada Limited GM North American ExportSales in vehicle will be resolved by your Zustomer Assistance Center, 163-005 Canada by calling 1-905-644-4 1 12. dealer’s Sales or Service Departments. 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Sometimes, however, despite the For prompt assistance, please have the Dshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 best intentions of all concerned, following information available to give Refer to your Warranty and Owner misunderstandings can occur. If your the Customer Assistance Representative: concern has not been resolvedto your 4ssistance Information bookletfor Your name, address, home and satisfaction, the following steps should 2ddresses of Canadian and GM Overseas business telephone numbers be taken: 3ffices. Vehicle Identification Number (This is Discuss your concern with When contacting Pontiac, please STEP ONE: available from the vehicle registration a member of dealership management. remember that your concern will likely or title, or the plate attachedto the left Normally, concerns can be quickly be resolved in the dealership, using the top of the instrument panel and visible resolved at that level.If the matter has dealership’s facilities, equipment and through the windshield.) already been reviewed with the Sales, personnel. That is why we suggest you Service, or Parts Manager, contact the Dealership name and location follow Step One firstif you have a owner of the dealership or the General 0 Vehicle delivery date and present concern. Manager. mileage Customer Assistance for the Hearingor STEP TWO: If after contacting a Nature of concern Speech Impaired (TDD) member of dealership management, it We encourage you to call the toll-free To assist customerswho have hearing appears your concern cannot be resolved number listed previously inorder to give difficulties, Pontiac has installed special by the dealership without further help, your inquiry prompt attention. However, TDD (Telecommunication Devicesfor contact the Pontiac Customer Assistance if you wish to write Pontiac, write to: the Deaf) equipment at its Customer Center by calling 1 -800-PM-CARES. Assistance Center.Any hearing or speech

. . .260 impaired customer who has accessto a BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court intermediary between you and Pontiac. TDD or a conventional teletypewriter program administered by the Better If this mediation is unsuccessful, an (TTY) can communicate withPontiac by Business Bureau system to settle disputes informal hearing will be scheduled where dialing: 1-800-TDD-PONT (TDD users between customers and automobile eligible customers may present their case in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.) manufacturers. This program is available to an impartial third-party arbitrator. free of charge to customers who currently The arbitrator will make a decision which GM Participation in own or lease a GM vehicle. you may accept or reject. If you accept If you are not satisfied after following the the decision, GM will be bound by that BBB AUTO LINE Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you decision. The entire dispute resolution -Alternative Dispute may contact the BBB using the toll-free procedure should ordinarily take about telephone number, or write them at the forty days from the time youfile a claim Resolution Program * following address: until a decision is made. Both Pontiac and your Pontiac dealer BBB AUTO LINE Some state laws may require you to use are committed to making sure youare Council of Better Business Bureaus this program before filing a claim with a completely satisfied with yournew 4200 Wilson Boulevard state-run arbitration program or inthe vehicle. Our experience has shownthat, Suite 800 courts. For further information, contact if a situation arises where you feel Arlington, VA 22203 the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the your concern has not been adequately Pontiac Customer Assistance Center at Telephone: 1-800-955-5 100 1. addressed, the Customer Satisfaction 1-800-PM-CARES. Procedure described earlier in thissection To file a claim, you will be asked to * This program may not be available is very successful. provide your name and address, your in all states, depending on state law. There may be instances where an vehicle identification number (VIN), and a statement of the nature of your Canadian owners refer to your impartial third-party can assist in arriving Warranty and Owner Assistance at a solution to a disagreement regarding complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and other factors. information booklet. General Motors vehicle repairs or interpretationof the reserves the right to change eligibility New Vehicle Limited Warranty. To assist We prefer you utilize the Customer limitations and/or to discontinue its in resolving these disagreementsPontiac Satisfaction Procedure before you resort participation in this program. voluntarily participates in BBB AUTO to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the LINE. BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt to resolve the complaint serving as an

261 . . Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Reporting Safety w Reporting Safety Defects to the United Defects to the Canadian Defects to General States Government Government Motors If you believe that your vehicle hasa If you live in Canada, and youbelieve In addition to notifying NHTSA (or defect which could cause a crash or could that your vehicle has a safety defect, you Transport Canada) ina situation like this, cause injury or death, you should should immediately notify Transport we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please immediately inform the National Canada, in addition to notifying General call us at 1-800-PM-CARES, or write: Highway Traffic Safety Administration Motors of Canada Limited. You may Pontiac Division (NHTSA), in addition to notifying write to: Customer Assistance Center General Motors. Transport Canada One Pontiac Plaza If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it Box 8880 Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 may open an investigation, and if it finds Ottawa, Ontario KlG 352 In Canada, please call us at that a safety defect exists in a group of 1-800-263-3777 (English) or vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems General Motorsof Canada Limited between you, your dealer, or General Customer Assistance Center, 163-005 Motors. 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety fromthe Hotline. . . .262 Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-free In many instances, mechanicalfailures are number is staffedby a team of trained covered under Pontiac’s comprehensive technical advisors who are available warranty. However, when other services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We take are utilized, our advisors will explain any the anxiety out of uncertain situations by payment obligations you might incur. providing minor repair information over Pontiac reserves the right to limit services the phone or makingarrangements to tow or reimbursement to an owner or driver your vehicle to the nearestPontiac dealer. when in Pontiac’sjudgment the claims We will provide the following services for become obsessive in frequency or type 3 years/36,000 miles, at no expense to of occurrence. you: While we hope you never have the Vehicle out of fuel occasion to use our service, it is added Pontiac Roadside Keys locked in car security while traveling for you and your family. Remember,we’re only ,a Assistance Tow to the nearest dealer for warranty phone call away. Pontiac Roadside Security WhileYou Travel Change a flat tire Assistance-1 -800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-ROADSI~(1-800-762-3743) 0 Jump starts 1-800-762-3743. As the proud owner ofa new Pontiac We have quick easy access to telephone vehicle, you are automatically enrolled numbers of the following services Canadian Roadside in the Pontiac Roadside Assistance depending on your needs: Assistance Program*. This value-added service is Hotels intended to provide you with peaceof Vehicles purchased inCANADA have an Glass replacement mind as you drive in the city or travel the extensive ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE open road. Rental vehicles or taxis Program accessible from anywhere in Police, fire department or hospitals Canada or the U.S.A. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.

263 . . Customer Assistance Information w Pontiac regularly sends its dealers useful of PSP’s. It provides a variety of Pontiac Courtesy service bulletins about Pontiac products. information. Here’s what you’ll find in Transportation Pontiac monitors product performance in the index and how you can get one: For warranty repairs during the BUMPER the field. We then prepare bulletins for TO BUMPER coverage period, interim servicing our products better. Now, you What You’ll Find in the Index: transportation may be available under the can get these bulletins too. A list of all PSP’s published by Pontiac Courtesy Transportation Program. Bulletins cover various subjects. Some Pontiac in a model year (1990 or Please consult your dealer for details. pertain to the proper use andcare of your later). PSP’s covering all modelsof In Canada,please consult your GM vehicle. Some describe costly repairs. Pontiac vehicles are listedin the same Dealer for information on courtesy Others describe inexpensive repairs index. transportation. which, if done on time with the latest Ordering information so you can buy parts, may avoid future costly repairs. the specific PSP’s you may want. Service Publications Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or unexpected condition. Price information for the PSP’s you Information on how to obtain Product Others describe a quicker way to fix your may want to buy. Service Publications and Indexes as vehicle. They can help a technician described below is applicable only in the service your vehicle better. How You Can Get an Index: fifty US. states (and the District of Indexes are published periodically. Most Columbia) and only for cars and light Most bulletins apply to conditions affecting a small number of cars or trucks. of the PSP’s which could potentially trucks with GVWR less than 10,000 apply to the most recent Pontiac models pounds (4 536 kg). Your Pontiac dealer or a qualified technician may have todetermine if a will be listed in the most recent In Canada, information pertaining to specific bulletin applies to your vehicle. publication for that model year. This Product Service Bulletins and Indexes can means you may want to wait until the end be obtained by writing to: Individual PSP’s of the model year before ordering an General Motors of Canada Limited index, if you are interested in buying If you don’t wantto buy all the PSP’s Service Publications Department PSP’s pertaining to a current model year issued by Pontiac for all car or truck 1908 Colonel Sam Dr. car or truck. models in the model year, you can buy Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 individual PSP’s, such as those which may pertain to a particular model. To do this, you will first need to see our index . . .264 Some PSP’s pertaining toa particular roll-Free Telephone Number Pontiac Service Publications model year vehicle may be published in [f you want an additional ordering form You can get these by using the order later years, and these would be listed in For an index, just call toll-free and we’ll form. Pontiac Division Service Manuals the later year’s index. Whenyou order Je happy to send you one. Automated are intended for use by professional an index for a model year that is not over :ecording equipment will take your name qualified technicians. Attempting repairs yet, we’ll send you the most recently and mailing address. The number to call or service without the appropriate published issue. Check the ordering form IS 1-800-551-4123. training, tools, and equipment could for indexes for earlier model years. 4 VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: cause injury to you or others and damage Cut out the ordering form,fill it out, and rhese PSP’s are meant for technicians. to your vehicle that may cause it not to mail it in.We will then see toit that an rhey are not meant for the “do-it- operate properly. index is mailed to you. There is no charge yourselfer.’’ Technicians have the for indexes for the 1990- 1994 model :quipment, tools, safety instructions, and years. mow-how to do a job quickly and safely.

265 . I.. Customer Assistance Information PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM NOTE: Please complete form below (Print or Type) and MAIL TO:

Post Office Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207 ORDER TOLL FREE 1-800-782-4356 (Monday-Friday 8:OO A.M.-6:00 P.M. EST)

- TOTAL MATERIAL NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and ' CheckorMoney MichiganPurchasers also the nameof the personto whose attention the shipment should be sent. Orderpayable to add 4% sales tax For purchases outsideU.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation. Inc.Helm, (USA HandlingCharge $4.00 funds only - do not sen d cash.) send PostageCanadian (See Note Below) (CUS TOM ER NAME) (CUSTOMER (ATENTION) 0MasterCard Discover GRAND TOTAL [7 VISA [7 Card (STREETADDRESS-NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)NO.)(APT. Ac coun t Number:Account ml ml Expiration Check here if your billing (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP CODE) (ZIP (STATE) (CITY) ml171 address is different from your Date molyr: shipping address shown. DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO. CODE (CUSTOMER SIGNATURE)

*Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. NOTE TO CANADIAN CUSTOMERS: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payablein U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add$11.50 plus theU.S. Handling Charge. **Price to be announced at a later date. Call ,-800=182-4356 for further Requests for manuals printed in French should be directed to Canadian General Motors dealerships. Orders cannot be returned without prior authorization. A restocking fee may apply. Please allow adequate time for postal service. . . .266 1994 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLtCATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operationand servicing of your vehiclecan be purchased byfilling out the Service Publications Order Form in this book and mailing it with your check, money orderor credit card information to Helm, Incorporated(address listed below). CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1994 PONTIAC FIREBIRD PRO DU CT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS SERVICE MANUALS SERVICE PUBLICATIONS SERVICE PRODUCT Product Service Publications(PSP’s), are bulletins, lettersand articles Service Manualshave the diagnosis, repairand overhaul information published fortrained dealer servicepersonnel. See Service Publica- on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,electrical, steer- tions listed previously in this section. ing, body, etc. A cumulative index is published quarterly during the current model Model FormNumber Price year. The indexes list all PSP’s published by Pontiacin the modelyear. 1994 Pontiac Firebird ...... S-9410-F TBA* PSP IndexPSPNOTE: Please specifyspecial body or engine typesorder on form. Ye ar FormYear NumberPrice Write information in theNumber Formcolumn. For example:Turbo, 199 4 PSPI-94-P 1994 ...... Convertible. Free 1993PSPI-93-P ...... Free ‘Priceto 1-800-782-4356Callbedate. later announced afurther information.for at 1992 PSPI-92-P ...... Free OWNER’S INFORMATION 1991PSPI-91-P ...... Free Owner publicationsare written directly for owners and intended to pro: vide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Ownerk PSPBound Bulletin Book (Complete Year Bulletins) Manualincludes the Maintenance Schedule for all models. ,; . D escription Form Number PriceNumberYear FormDescription 1992 All PSP’S ...... S-92-PSP-4 15.00 1994 PontiacFirebird Owner’s Manual I, 1991 All PSP’S ...... S-91-PSP-4 15.00 In Portfolio: IncludesPortfolio, Owner’s Manualand Warranty Booklet 1 994 Pontiac1994 Firebird ln-Portfolio ...... lo260930 $15.00 For subscription information callHelm, Incorporated. Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual. 1994Pontiac FirebirdWithout Portfolio ...... lo260939 $10.00

Address all inquiries to: HELM, INCORPORATED CURRENT 81 PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS PO. Box 07130 ServicePublications available are for currentand past model PontiacDetroit, MI 48207 vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model For information and inquiries call:1-800-782-4356 name of vehicle.

267. .. Notes

. . .268 Appearance Care. Service and ..... 183 Brakes ABS ...... 129 Ashtrayand Lighter ...... 85 Fluid ...... 207 AccessoryPower. Retained ...... 52 Ashtray.Front ...... 85 Master Cylinder ...... 206 Add-on Electrical Equipment ..... 228 Audio Systems ...... 108 Parking ...... 63 AddingCoolant ...... 202 Audio Systems. Comfort PedalTravel ...... 207 Additives. Engine Oil ...... 194 Controls and ...... 103 System Parts. Replacing ...... 208 AirBags ...... 23 Automatic SystemWarning Light ...... 90 How theSystem Works ...... 24 Transmission ...... 56 Trailer ...... 147 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Transmission Fluid ...... 198 Wear ...... 207 Pontiac ...... 27 Axle. Limited-Slip Rear ...... 62 Braking (Control of a Vehicle) ..... 128 ReadinessLight ...... 24 Axle.Rear ...... 201 Braking in Emergencies ...... 132 Air Cleaner ...... 195 "Break.In, .. NewVehicle ...... 50 Air Conditioner Controls ...... 106 Babies. Smaller Children Brightness Control ...... 76 Air Control Knob ...... 104 and(Safety Belts) ...... 30 Bulb Replacement ...... 209 Air Filter Replacement ...... 196 Balance. Wheel Alignment Center High-Mounted Alignment and Tire Balance. andTire ...... 220 Stoplight ...... 210 Wheel ...... 220 Battery ...... 208 Front Turn Signal ...... 211

AluminumWheels ...... 225 Battery Replacement. Remote Lock Headlights ...... ' .... 209 A"M Stereo Control ...... 45 Rear Lights ...... 211 With Cassette Tape Player ...... 109 BBB Auto Line - Alternative Dispute Rear Sidemarker ...... 212 With Cassette Tape Player and Resolution Program. Bulbs, Halogen ...... 209 GraphicEqualizer ...... 112 GM Participation in ...... 261 Bulbs. Replacement ...... 232 With Compact Disc Player ...... 115 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .... 140 With Compact Disc Player and Belt Routing ...... 237 Canadian Roadside Assistance ... 263 GraphicEqualizer ...... 1 18 Belt.Lap-Shoulder ...... 19 Capacities and Specifications ...... 233 Antenna.Fixed Mast ...... 123 Bi-Level Heating ...... 105 CarbonMonoxide ...... 48 Anti-LockBrakes ...... 129 Blizzard. If You're Caught in a ... 143 Care SystemWarning Light ...... 91 Box. Glove ...... 83 Appearance ...... 221 To Use ...... 130 Brakes Cassette TapePlayer ...... 122 AppearanceCare ...... 221 Adjustment ...... 208 CompactDiscs ...... 122 Appearance Care and Materials .... 227 Anti-Lock (ABS) ...... 129 Safety Belts ...... 224 269 ... Index Cassette Tape Player and Graphic Cleaning Controls Equalizer. AM/FM Stereo with . . 112 Leather ...... 223 RemoteLock ...... 44 Cassette Tape Player. AM/FM Outside of Your Pontiac ...... 224 Seat ...... 8 Stereo with ...... 109 Problems. Special ...... 223 Convertible Top ...... 98 Cassette Tape Player. Twin Lift-off Roof Panels ...... 224 Installingthe BootCover ...... 99 Care of Your ...... 122 Vinyl ...... 223 ToLower ...... 98 Chains. Tire ...... 221 Windshield and Wiper Blades ... 224 To Raise ...... 100 Changing a Flat Tire ...... 171 Clock. Setting the ...... 109 ConvexOutside Mirror ...... 79 CheckGages Light ...... 97 Close-OutPanel ...... 84 Coolant Checlung Things under the Hood . . 18 Clutch. Hydraulic ...... 20 1 Adding ...... 202 Checlung Your RestraintSystems . . 40 Comfort Controls ...... 104 Engine ...... 201 Chemical Paint Spotting ...... 226 Comfort Controls and Audio Heater.Engine ...... 55 Child Restraints ...... 31 Systems ...... 103 How to Add to the Coolant Rear Seat ...... 33 Compact Disc. To Play a ...... 116. 119 RecoveryTank ...... 164 Right FrontSeat ...... 35 Compact Disc Player andGraphic How to Add to the Radiator . . 165. 167 Top Strap ...... 32 Equalizer. AM/FM Stereo with . . 118 TemperatureGage. Engine ...... 94 Where toPut the ...... 31 Compact Disc Player. AM/FM Cooling ...... 106 Children (SafetyBelts) ...... 30 Stereo with ...... 115 CoolingSystem ...... 162 Children. Larger(Safety Belts) .... 38 Compact Discs. Care of Your ...... 122 CourtesyLights ...... 78 Cigarette Lighter ...... 86 Compact Spare Tire ...... 180 Courtesy Transportation ...... 263 Circuit Breakers. Fuses and ...... 229 Compartments.Storage and ...... 83 CoveredVisor Vanity Mirror ...... 85 City Driving ...... 138 Console.Front ...... 84 CruiseControl ...... 72 Cleaner. Air ...... 195 Control of a Vehicle ...... 128 Passing Another Vehicle Cleaning Control. Loss of ...... 135 WhileUsing ...... 75 AluminumWheels ...... 225 Controls To EraseSpeed Memory ...... 75 Convertible Top ...... 225 Air Conditioner ...... 106 ToGet Out of ...... 75 Fabric ...... 222 Brightness ...... 76 To Increase Speed While Using . . 74 Glass ...... 224 Comfort ...... 104 To ReduceSpeed While Using . . 74 Inside ofYour Pontiac ...... 222 Features and ...... 41 To Resume a SetSpeed ...... 73 Instrument Panel. Top of ...... 223 Heater ...... 104 ToSet ...... 72 MainLight ...... 76 TractionControl System and .... 75 ... 270 Cruise Control Driving Usingon Hills ...... 75 Drunken ...... 126 Fan Control Knob ...... 104 Curves. Driving on ...... 132 Freeway ...... 139 Features and Controls ...... 41 Customer Assistance for the Hearing In the Rain ...... 137 Filling Your Tank ...... 187 or Speech Impaired (TDD) ..... 260 On Curves ...... 132 Filter. Air. Replacement ...... 196 Customer Assistance Information . . 259 On Snow or Ice ...... 142 Finish Care (Paint) ...... 225 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ... 260 Through Deep Standing Water ... 54 Finish Damage (Paint) ...... 226 Winter ...... 142 Fixed Mast Antenna ...... 123 Daytime RunningLights ...... 77 With a Trailer ...... 147 Flashers. HazardWarning ...... 152 Deep StandingWater. Drunken Driving ...... 126 Flat Tire. Changing a ...... 171 Drivingthrough ...... 54 Flat. If a Tire Goes ...... 170 Defects. Safety Electrical Center. Underhood .... 231 Floormats ...... 79 Reporting to General Motors .... 262 Electrical Equipment. Add-on ..... 228 Flow-Through Ventilation System . . 107 Reporting to the Canadian Electric Mirror Control ...... 80 Fluid Government ...... 262 Emergencies. Braking in ...... 132 Automatic Transmission ...... 198 Reporting to the United States Emergencies. Steering in ...... 133 Brake ...... 207 Government ...... 26 1 Engine Manual Transmission ...... 200 DefensiveDriving ...... 126 Coolant ...... 20 1 Power Steering ...... I.. 204 Defogger.Rear Window ...... 107 Coolant (Block) Heater ...... 55 Recommended ...... 253 Defogging and Defrosting Coolant TemperatureGage ..... 93 WindshieldWasher ...... 205 Windows ...... 105 Exhaust ...... 66 Fog Lights ...... 78 Dimensions.Vehicle ...... 236 Identification ...... 228 Folding Rear Seatback ...... 13 Doing Your Own Service Work .... 184 Oil ...... 191 Foreign Countries. Fuels in ...... 186 DoorLocks ...... 43 Oil Pressure Gage ...... 95 Foreign Material Paint Damage .... 226 DoorLocks. Power ...... 44 Overheating ...... 16 1 Four-WayManual Seat ...... 8 Doors.Headlight ...... 76 Specifications ...... 233 FreewayDriving ...... 139 DriverPosition (Safety Belts) ..... 19 Starting Your ...... 52 Front Driving Environment, Your Vehicle Ashtray ...... 85 AtNight ...... 136 andthe ...... 240 Console ...... 84 City ...... 138 Exhaust, Engine ...... 66 Map Lights ...... 79 Defensive ...... 126 . Extender, Safety Belt ...... 39 Seat. Manual ...... 8 271 . . Front Heater. Engine Coolant (Block) .... 56 Instrument Panel. Cleaning the Towing Hook-ups ...... 158 Heating ...... 104 Topof ...... 223 Fuel ...... 185 HighwayHypnosis ...... 140 [nteriorLights ...... 78 Fuel Gage ...... 90 Hill and Mountain Roads ...... 141 Fuels in Foreign Countries ...... 186 Hitches ...... 147 Jump Starting ...... 153 Fully Articulating Sport Seat ...... 9 Hood Release ...... 188 Fuse Block. Main ...... 230 Hood. Checking Things under the . . 188 KeyRelease Button . . ... 51 Fuse Block. Underhood ...... 231 Kook.Ups. Front Towing ...... 158 Keys ...... 42 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...... 229 Kook.Ups. Rear Towing ...... 160 Horn ...... 68 Label. Service Parts Gages How to Add Coolant to the Identification ...... 228 Engine Coolant Temperature .... 93 Coolant RecoveryTank . . . . 164 Lane Change Indicator. Engine Oil Pressure ...... 95 How to Add Coolant to the TurnSignal and ...... 69

Fuel ...... 90 Radiator ...... 165.167 Lap-Shoulder Belt (Safety Belts) . e . 19

WarningLights and Indicators ... 89 Hydraulic Clutch ...... 201 LargerChildren (Safety Belts) . . . e 38 Gasolines for Cleaner Air ...... 186 Hydroplaning ...... 138 LeavingYour Vehicle ...... 44 Glass ...... 224 Hypnosis.Highway ...... 140 Leaving Your Vehicle with the GloveBox ...... 83 EngineRunning ...... 64 GM Participation in BBB Auto Line - Identification Number. Vehicle .... 228 Lighter.Ashtray and ...... 85 Alternative Dispute Resolution Identification. Engine ...... 228 Lighter.Cigarette ...... 85 Program ...... 261 If a Tire Goes Flat ...... 170 Lights If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice AirBag Readiness ...... 24 Halogen Bulbs ...... 209 or Snow ...... 180 Anti-Lock Brake System Hatch Release ...... 47 Ignition Switch ...... 51 Warning ...... 91 Hatch Release. Remote ...... 47 Inflatable Restraint System. BrakeSystem Warning ...... 90 Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 152 Supplemental ...... 23 BulbReplacement ...... 232 Head Restraints ...... 12 Inflation - Tire Pressure ...... 216 GagesCheck ...... 96 Headlight Doors ...... 76 Inside Daymight Rearview Courtesy ...... 78 Headlight High/LowBeam ...... 70 Mirror ...... 79 DaytimeRunning ...... 77 Headlights ...... 209 Instrument Cluster ...... 88 Fog ...... 78 Heater Controls ...... 104 Instrument Panel ...... 87 FrontMap ...... 79 ...272 Lights Maintenance NightVision ...... 136 Gagesand Indicators. Warning . . 90 Record ...... 255 Nuts. Wheel ...... 234 Interior ...... 78 Schedule ...... 239. LowCoolant ...... 98 Services, Scheduled ...... 242 Odometer. Speedometer and ..... 89 LowOil ...... 97 Underbody ...... 226 Odometer.Trip ...... 90 Low Traction ...... 94 When Trailer Towing ...... 149 Off-RoadRecovery ...... 133 MainControl ...... 76 MalfunctionIndicator tamp ...... 95 Oil. Engine ...... 191 MalfunctionIndicator Lamp .... 95 Manual Operation of Lights ...... 76 Operationof ...... 76 AdjustMirrors ...... 79 Overheating. Engine ...... 161 Safety BeltReminder ...... 18 Front Seat ...... 8 Owner Checks and Services ...... 248 ServiceEngine Soon ...... 95 Remote Control Mirror ...... 79 SkipShift ...... 61 Seat.Four-Way ...... 8 P (Park) Shifting into ...... 64 Traction Control System Transmission (Five-Speed) ..... 59 P (Park). Shifting out of ...... 65 Warning ...... 93 Transmission (Six-Speed) ...... 60 Paint Lights On Reminder ...... 76 Transmission Fluid ...... 200 Chemical Spotting ...... 226 Limited-SlipRear Axle ...... 62 Windows ...... 67 Finish Care ...... 225 Loading Your Vehicle ...... 2 13 MapLights. Front ...... 79 FinishDamage ...... 226 LockControl. Remote ...... 44 Map Pocket ...... 84 Foreign Material ...... 226 Locks.Door ...... 43 Master Cylinder.Brake ...... 206 Parking .. Locks.Power Door ...... 44 Mirrors Brake ...... 63 Loss of Control ...... 135 Control. Electric ...... 80 On Hills (Trailer Towing) ...... 148 LowCoolant Light ...... 98 Convex Outside ...... 79 OverThings That Burn ...... 66 LowOil Light ...... 97 Inside Daymight Rearview ..... 79 YourVehicle ...... 65 LowTraction Light ...... 94 ManualAdjust ...... 79 Parts. Replacement ...... 234 Lubricant. Rear Axle ...... 201 ManualRemote Control ...... 79 PASS-KeyI1 ...... 49 Lubricants.Recommended ...... 253 VisorVanity. Covered ...... 85 Passenger Positions (Safety Belts) . . 27 Mode Switch. Performance ...... 54 Rear Seat ...... 28 MainFuse Block ...... 230 Mountain Roads. Hill and ...; .... 14 RightFront ...... 27 MainLight Control ...... 76 Passengers. Rear Seat Maintenance NewVehicle “Break-In” ...... 50 (Safety Belts) ...... 28 Inspections. Periodic ...... 25 1 Night Driving ...... 136 Passing ...... 134 273 ... Index Pedal Travel. Brake ...... 207 Radio. To Play the RemoteHatch Release ...... 47 Performance Mode Switch ...... 54 AM/FM Stereowith Cassette RemoteLock Control ...... 44 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . 251 Tape Player and Graphic Replacement Pontiac Roadside Assistance ...... 262 Equalizer ...... 112 Air Filter ...... 196 Pontiac ServicePublications AM/FM Stereowith Compact Battery.Remote Lock Control ... 44 (Ordering Information) ...... 265 Disc Player ...... 115 Bulbs (Part Numbers) ...... 232 Power A" Stereo with Compact Bulbs (Service) ...... 209 Door Locks ...... 44 Disc Player and Graphic Parts ...... 234 Retained Accessory ...... 52 Equalizer ...... 1 18 Wheel ...... 220 Seat. Six-Way ...... 9 Rain. Driving in the ...... 137 Wheels.Used ...... 220 Steering ...... 132 Rainy Weather Tips. Some Other ... 138 Replacing Brake System Parts ..... 208 Steering Fluid ...... 204 Rear Replacing Safety Belts after Windows ...... 68 Axle ...... 201 a Crash ...... 40 Pregnancy. Safety Belt Use Axle. Limited-Slip ...... 62 Reporting Safety Defects ...... 261 during ...... 27 Seat Passengers (Safety Belts) ... 28 Restraint Systems. Seats and ...... 7 Pressure Cap. Radiator ...... 204 Seat. Securing a Child Restraint Restraints Problems on we Road ...... 151 in the ...... 33 Checking Your System ...... 40 Publications. Service ...... 263 Seatback. Folding ...... 13 Child ...... 31 Towing Hook-Ups ...... 160 Head ...... 12 Questions Many People Ask about Window Defogger ...... 107 Where to Put the ...... 31 Safety Belts - and the Answers. Rearview Mirror. Inside RetainedAccessory Power ...... 52 Here are ...... 17 Daymight ...... 79 Right Front Passenger Position Recommended Fluids (SafetyBelts) ...... 27 Radiator Pressure Cap ...... 204 and Lubricants ...... 253 Right Front Seat. Securinga Child Radiator. How to Add Coolant Recovery.Off-Road ...... 133 Restraint inthe ...... 35 to the ...... 165. 167 Release Road. Problems on the ...... 151 Radio Reception. Understanding ... 121 Hatch ...... 47 Road. Your Driving and the ...... 125 Radio. To Play the Hatch. Remote ...... 47 Roads. Hill and Mountain ...... 141 A" A" Stereo with Cassette Hood ...... 188 Roadside Assistance. Canadian .... 263 Tape Player ...... 109 Reminder Light. SafetyBelt ...... 18 Roadside Assistance. Pontiac ...... 262 Reminder. Lights On ...... 76 ...274 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get Schedule. Maintenance ...... 239 Six-WayPower Seat ...... 9 It Out ...... 181 Scheduled Maintenance Services ... 242 Skidding ...... 135 RoofPanels. Twin Lift-off ...... 80 Scheduled Maintenance Services. Skip Shift Light ...... 61 Rotation. Tire ...... 217 Explanation of ...... 246 Smaller Children and Babies RunningLights. Daytime ...... 77 Seats (Safety Belts) ...... 30 Running Your Engine while And Restraint Systems ...... 7 Snow or Ice. Driving on ...... 142 You'reParked ...... 67 And Seat Controls ...... 8 Spare Tire. Compact ...... 180 Four-WayManual ...... 8 Speakers. Adjusting the Safety Belts Fully Articulating Sport ...... 9 AWMStereo with Cassette Adults ...... 19 Manual Front ...... 8 Tape Player ...... 110 AirBag System ...... 23 Six-WayPower ...... 9 AM&" Stereo with Cassette Care of ...... 224 Seatback. Folding Rear ...... 13 Tape Player and Graphic Children ...... 30 Second-Gear Start ...... 55 Equalizer ...... 113 Extender ...... 39 Securing a Child Restraint A" Stereo with Compact Howto Wear Properly ...... 19 Rear Seat ...... 33 Disc Player ...... 116 Lap-Shoulder ...... 19 RightFront Seat ...... 35 A" Stereo with Compact LargerChildren ...... 38 Service ...... 184 Disc Player and Graphic ..$. C*' . QuestionsPeople Ask ...... 17 and Appearance Care ...... 183 Equalizer ...... 119 ReminderLight ...... 18 Engine Soon Light ...... 94- Specifications. Capacities and ..... 233 Replacingafter a Crash ...... 40 Parts Identification.Labe1 ...... 228 Speedometer and Odometer ...... 88 SmallerChildren and Babies .... 30 Publications ...... 263 Sport Seat.Fully Articulating ...... 9 They're for Everyone ...... 14 Publications Ordering Information. Start. Second-Gear ...... 55 Useduring Pregnancy ...... 27 Pontiac ...... 265 Starting Your Engine ...... 52 Why TheyWork ...... 15 Work. Doing Your Own ...... 184 Starting. Jump ...... 153 Safety Defects Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped StmComing from Your Engine. Reporting to General Motors .... 262 Pontiac ...... 27 If There Is ...... 161 Reporting to the Canadian Setting the Clock ...... 109 Steam. If There Is No ...... 162 Government ...... 262 Sheet Metal Damage ...... 226 Steering ...... 132 Reporting to the UnitedStates Shift Speeds ...... 62 Fluid. Power ...... 204 Government ...... 26 1 Shifting into P (Park) ...... 64 In Emergencies ...... 133 SafetyWarnings and Symbols ..... 4 Shifting out of P (Park) ...... 65 Power ...... 132 275 ... Index Steering Tires Trailer Brakes ...... 147 Tips ...... 132 Chains ...... 221 Trailer.Towing a ...... 144 Storage Changing a Flat ...... 17 1 Transmission Compartments ...... 83 Inflation Pressure ...... 2 16 Automatic ...... 56 Vehicle ...... 208 Inspection and Rotation ...... 217 Fluid.Automatic ...... 198 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . 180 Temperature Grades ...... 2 19 Fluid. Manual ...... 200 Sun Visors ...... 85 Traction Grades ...... 219 Manual.Five-Speed ...... 59 Sunshades. T-Top ...... 82 Treadwear ...... 2 19 Manual.Six-Speed ...... 60 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint Uniform Quality Grading ...... 219 Transmitters. Matching toYour System (Air Bags) ...... 23 When It's Time for New ...... 2 18 Vehicle (Remote Lock Control) . . 45 Switch. Ignition ...... 51 Tone. Setting the Transportation.Courtesy ...... 263 Switch. PerformanceMode ...... 54 AM/F" Stereo with Cassette Tape Trip Odometer ...... 89 Symbols.Safety Warnings and .... 4 Player ...... 110 Trip. Before Leaving on a Long .... 140 Symbols. Vehicle ...... 5 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Turn Signal and Lane Change Tape Player and Graphic Indicator ...... 69 TTop Sunshades ...... 82 Equalizer ...... 1 13 Turn Signaweadlight Tachometer ...... 89 A" Stereo with Compact Disc BeamLever ...... 69 Tank.Filling Your ...... 187 Player ...... I 16 Twin Lift-off RoofPanels ...... 80 Temperature Control Knob ...... 104 A" Stereo with Compact Theft ...... 48 Disc Player and Graphic Underbody Maintenance ...... 226 Theft Deterrent Feature/ Equalizer ...... 119 Underhood Electrical Center ...... 231 THEFTLOCK ...... 120 Top Strap (Child Restraints) ...... 32 UnderstandingRadio Reception ... 121 Theft.Deterrent.PASS-Key I1 ..... 49 Torque Lock ...... 65 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..... 219 Thermostat ...... 204 Towing Used Oil. What to Do With ...... 195 Tilt Wheel ...... 69 A Trailer ...... 144 Used Replacement Wheels ...... 220 Tips. Steering ...... 132 FrontHook-Ups ...... 158 Tips.Ventilation ...... 108 Rear Hook-Ups ...... 160 Vehicle Tire Loading ...... 2 13 Your Vehicle ...... 156 Control of a ...... 128 Tires ...... 215 TractionControl System ...... 130 DamageWarnings ...... 4 Balance. Wheel Alignment and . . 220 And Cruise Control ...... 75 Dimensions ...... 236 Buying New ...... 2 18 WarningLight ...... 92 Environment and Your ...... 240 ...276 Vehicle Veight of the Trailer ...... 145 Identification Number (VIN) .... 228 Yheel Nut Torque ...... 234 Leaving Your ...... 44 Vheels Loading Your ...... 213 Alignment and Tire Balance .... 220 Parking Your ...... 65 Aluminum ...... 225 Rocking ...... 181 Replacement ...... 220 Storage ...... 208 Tilt ...... 69 Symbols ...... 5 Used Replacement ...... 220 Towing Your ...... 156 Where to Put the Restraint Washing Your ...... 224 (Child Restraints) ...... 31 Ventilation ...... 105 Vhy Safety Belts Work ...... 15 Ventilation System. Windows ...... 67 FloW-Through ...... 107 Defogging and Defrosting ...... 105 VentilationTips ...... 108 Manual ...... 67 Vision.Night ...... 136 Power ...... 68 Visor Vanity Mirror. Covered ...... 85 Rear Defogger ...... 107 Visors.Sun ...... 85 windshield Voltmeter ...... 94 Cleaning ...... 224 Washers ...... 71 WasherFluid ...... 205 Devices.Other ...... 152 Wipers ...... 70 HazardFlashers ...... 152 Winter Driving ...... 142 Lights.Gages and Indicators .... 89 Wipers. Windshield ...... 70 Safety ...... 4 VehicleDamage ...... 4 EurDriving and the Road ...... 125 WasherFluid. Windshield ...... 205 Washers.Windshield ...... 7 1 Washing Your Vehicle ...... 224 , Water. Driving Through DeepStanding ...... 54 Weatherstrips ...... 225 1 I 277 ... Notes

. . .278 279. . . Notes

. . .280 281 . . . Notes

. . .282 283. . . Notes 285. . . Notes

. . ,286 287. . . Service Station Information Hood Release Windshield Washer See Page ---G188 A- Fluid Reservoir See Page 205 Engine Oil Dipstick and Fill Cap. \ (3.4L IJ32 (Code S) Engine) Battery See Page 192 The Delco Freedom@ battery needs no water. See Page 208 Engine Oil Dipstick and Fill Cap Cooling system Reservoir (5.7L LT1 (Code P) Engine) \ See Page 192 Check coolant at the coolant recovery tank by using the dipstick. Add coolant at the Cold Tire Pressure coolant recovery tank. The fluid should be See Tire-Loading Information label on the at or a little above the “FULL HOT’’ mark inside of the rear edge of the driver’s door. on the dipstick when the engine is warm. See Page 213 If the.engine is cool, the level should be at “FULL COLD’’ on the dipstick. See Page 202

Fuel Capacity 15.5 U.S. Gal. (58.7 L). Use unleaded gas only, 87 octane or higher for the 3.4L L32 (Code S) engine, \ 91 octane or higher for the 5.7L LT1 Spare Tire Pressure (Code P) engine. See Page 185 Compact Spare: 60 psi (420 kPa). See Page 180 t