yellowblue The 1999 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual 1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system. 2-1 Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. 3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
yellowblue We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name FIREBIRD are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division whenever it appears in this manual.
yellowblue How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.
yellowblue Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words.
yellowblue Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
yellowblue ✍ vi NOTES
yellowblue Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
yellowblue 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 CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
yellowblue 4-Way Manual Seat 6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped) There are two levers at the front of the seat. The left lever adjusts the seat forward and rearward. The right lever adjusts the angle of the front of the seat. The driver’s seat has three controls on the left side. To adjust the seats forward and rearward, lift the lever under the left front of the seat. Slide the seat to where you want it.
yellowblue 6-Way Power Seat with Lumbar/Lateral Control (AQ9) (If Equipped) This switch is designed to imitate the movements of your seat cushion. It is located on the left side of the driver’s or the right side of the passenger’s seat cushion. To move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch forward or rearward. To raise or lower the seat, push the switch up or down. To raise or lower the front portion of your seat, push the front of the switch up or down.
yellowblue Fully Articulating Sport Seat (If Equipped) If your vehicle has these seats, the driver’s seat has the four-way manual seat adjuster. See “4-Way Manual Seat” earlier in this section. The passenger seat has the two-way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat” earlier in this section. The switch pads on the outer side of the seats “inflate” and “deflate” parts of your seatback. The two buttons that have “dots” inflate and deflate the side bolster of the seatback.
yellowblue Reclining Front Seatbacks If you have fully articulating sport seats, your recliner lever looks like this. To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to its original upright position.
yellowblue CAUTION: But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
yellowblue Front Seatback Latches Folding Rear Seatback The front seatbacks fold forward to let people get into the back seat. To fold a seatback forward, lift the latch located on the lower backside of the seatback. When you return the seatback to its original position, make sure the seatback is locked. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly. The rear seatback in your vehicle folds down to provide more storage space.
yellowblue Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it.
yellowblue You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.
yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.
yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-12 or the instrument panel ...
yellowblue Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not.
yellowblue Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h).
yellowblue Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly.
yellowblue Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. 1-16 5.
yellowblue The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to 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 shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
yellowblue Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way.
yellowblue Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
yellowblue Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.
yellowblue Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it. A: The belt is twisted across the body.
yellowblue Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
yellowblue The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section.
yellowblue CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
yellowblue How the Air Bag System Works The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
yellowblue CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher.
yellowblue How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually.
yellowblue D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.
yellowblue Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Lap-Shoulder Belt The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1.
yellowblue If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-30 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.
yellowblue On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.
yellowblue Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. 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. Smaller Children and Babies CAUTION: To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
yellowblue CAUTION: Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries.
yellowblue CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint. CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it.
yellowblue Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.
yellowblue A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.
yellowblue A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.
yellowblue A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.
yellowblue When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
yellowblue Top Strap If your vehicle was first sold in the United States, don’t use a top strap child restraint in a convertible, because the anchor can’t be installed properly. If your vehicle is not a convertible, ask your dealer to install the top strap anchor, using a special kit the dealer can obtain that has the correct anchor hardware and installation instructions for vehicles built for sale in the United States. The hardware, and the cost of installation is free.
yellowblue Vehicles First Sold in Canada: If your vehicle was first sold in Canada, the label on the rear edge of the driver’s door will say that the vehicle meets “all Canada safety standards.” Canadian law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. Cars first sold in Canada are built to accept a top strap anchor, unless the vehicle is a convertible. Don’t use a top strap child restraint in a convertible, because the anchor can’t be installed properly.
yellowblue Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint.
yellowblue 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 5. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.
yellowblue Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag.
yellowblue Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
yellowblue 5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
yellowblue Larger Children 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 rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. D Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. D Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.
yellowblue CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
yellowblue Q: A: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child.
yellowblue Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough 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 extender will be just for you, 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.
yellowblue Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
yellowblue Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
yellowblue This key is for the ignition only. The ignition keys don’t have plugs. Instead, they have bar-coded key tags. These tags may be removed by your dealer or even before the vehicle is delivered to your dealer. Each door key plug has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra door keys. Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your door keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made using these plugs. This key is for the doors and all other locks.
yellowblue Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked.
yellowblue Power Door Locks (If Equipped) Press the power door lock switch located on the driver’s door to lock or unlock both doors at once. Operating the power door locks may affect the Content Theft-Deterrent System (if you have this option). See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. The lock switch works at all times, except when Lockout Prevention (if equipped) is programmed. The unlock switch only works when the ignition is in RUN, ACC or Retained Accessory Power (RAP).
yellowblue Lockout Prevention (If Equipped) Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) To protect you from locking your keys in the vehicle, this feature stops the power door locks from locking when the keys are in the ignition and a door is open. If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open, a chime will sound five times as a reminder to take the keys out of the ignition before locking the door. The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature turned on.
yellowblue This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
yellowblue Operation Alarm/Panic Mode The driver’s door will unlock automatically when UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again within five seconds, the passenger’s door will also unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed. If you are involved in a panic situation, press the horn symbol button on your remote keyless entry transmitter and your vehicle’s horn will sound and the parking lamps will flash. This will draw needed attention to you and your vehicle.
yellowblue Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched.
yellowblue Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type. NOTICE: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry.
yellowblue Resynchronization Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by the remote keyless entry system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
yellowblue Hatch Release Your door key opens the hatch from the outside. If your vehicle has the Content Theft-Deterrent System and the system is armed, opening the hatch this way will trigger the alarm. First disarm the system or use the remote keyless entry transmitter to open the hatch. Remote Hatch Release Press the button under the lamp control on the driver’s side below the instrument panel to unlock the hatch from inside your vehicle.
yellowblue Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you take the key with you, and you have an automatic transmission, it will be locked. And remember to lock the doors.
yellowblue If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a door or hatch opening, it can be turned off by either turning the ignition with a proper key inserted or by pressing any button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. If you use your remote keyless entry transmitter to silence the alarm, additional things will happen depending upon which button you press. Shock Sensor D Pressing the UNLOCK button will turn the alarm off, unlock the driver’s door and disarm the system.
yellowblue To adjust, remove the label covering the adjustment knob and adjust as desired. Turn the knob clockwise to increase sensitivity and counterclockwise to decrease sensitivity. The shock sensor is ignored by the alarm system when the ignition is on, when the hatch is open, when the alarm is disarmed or when it is customized to be ignored and for five seconds after the horn sounds an alarm or chirp. The shock sensor is ignored after triggering three full alarms until the system is rearmed.
yellowblue Passive Arming If the ignition was just turned off and a door was opened, the system will arm six seconds after both doors are closed, whether or not you lock them. In all other cases, the system will wait 30 seconds after both doors are closed before arming, allowing you time to get into the vehicle and put the key in the ignition. The parking lamps will flash when the system arms. Passive arming is not enabled from the factory.
yellowblue The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine does not start and the SECURITY light stays on when you try to start the vehicle, the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off. Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try another ignition key.
yellowblue Feature Customization (If Equipped) Entering Programming Mode Your vehicle’s locks and lighting systems can be programmed with several different features. The features you can program depend upon the options that came with your vehicle. The following list tells you the features that can be programmed. Listed next to each feature is the option you need to have on your vehicle in order to be able to program that particular feature.
yellowblue Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention With Exit Lighting, your interior lamps will come on for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from the ignition. Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 2. To change the factory setting, do the following: With Delayed Illumination, your interior lamps will come on and stay on for up to 25 seconds when entering your vehicle and up to 5 seconds when leaving your vehicle. 2.
yellowblue Remote Keyless Entry Verification Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 5. To change the factory setting, do the following: Mode 4: Lamps (Your parking lamps will flash every time you press LOCK or UNLOCK.) 1. Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
yellowblue Mode 3: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (If you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to arm the system, your parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify that the system is armed. If it only chirps once, the hatch is open or unlatched. If you use either the power door lock switch or passive arming, only your lamps will flash for verification.) Mode 4: Lamps (When your vehicle arms, only your parking lamps will flash for verification.
yellowblue Mode 2: Eight-Second Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.) Mode 3: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled (The alarm will sound immediately after the driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock sensor will be available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.
yellowblue Ignition Positions CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in the vehicle with children. With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the switch to five positions. ACC (A): Position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories.
yellowblue START (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition will return to RUN for normal driving. Even if the engine is not running, ACC and RUN allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio and ventilation fan. CAUTION: On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to LOCK will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision.
yellowblue Starting Your Engine Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine Automatic Transmission 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
yellowblue 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal starting procedure.
yellowblue When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0_F or -18_C), do this: 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START and hold it there. When the engine starts, let go of the key. Use the accelerator pedal to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until your engine has run for a while. 2. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
yellowblue Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only) To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is attached to the outside of the underhood fuse box. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. CAUTION: In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
yellowblue 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged. How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle.
yellowblue Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in this section.
yellowblue AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: D Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. D Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
yellowblue NOTICE: If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.
yellowblue THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and brake pedal, and shift into NEUTRAL (N). 6-Speed This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate your transmission: NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or idle your engine.
yellowblue THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) gear the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL (N). NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or idle your engine.
yellowblue If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 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. Skip Shift Light (5.
yellowblue Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. 2-36 To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake lever all the way down.
yellowblue NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your parking brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. 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.
yellowblue Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only) CAUTION: 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle. 3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P). 2-38 It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running.
yellowblue Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
yellowblue If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. Parking Over Things That Burn If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the ignition key to OFF. 2. Apply and hold the brake. 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N). 4.
yellowblue Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: D Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. D Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris. D Repairs weren’t done correctly.
yellowblue CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
yellowblue You can open the passenger’s window any amount by pressing the switch and releasing it when the window has lowered to the position you want. Tilt Wheel The switch for the driver’s window has an express-down feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Quickly press and release the bottom of the switch for the driver’s window and the window will lower completely.
yellowblue Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically. An arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.
yellowblue As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t flash but just stay on as you signal a turn or lane change, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer When the high beams are on, this light on the instrument panel also will be on.
yellowblue Windshield Washer There is a paddle with the word PUSH on it at the top of the turn signal/multifunction lever. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, just push the paddle briefly. The washer will continue to spray until you release the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and wipe a few more times before stopping or returning to the previous setting. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index.
yellowblue Setting Cruise Control CAUTION: D Cruise control can be dangerous where you D can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control. Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads.
yellowblue Resuming a Set Speed Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then apply the brake or clutch pedal. This, of course, shuts off the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it. There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A (Resume/Accelerate) for about half a second.
yellowblue Ending Out of Cruise Control The main lamp control is a knob that works these lamps: There are several ways to turn off the cruise control: D D D D D D D Step lightly on the brake pedal or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transmission; or D Move the cruise switch to OFF. Erasing Speed Memory When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
yellowblue Headlamp Doors Daytime Running Lamps The headlamp doors are designed to open when you turn the headlamps on and close when you turn the headlamps off. The headlamp doors can be opened without turning on the headlamps by turning the headlamps on, then turning the switch back to the parking lamps position. Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
yellowblue For Canadian vehicles, when it’s dark enough outside, your front turn signal lamps will go out and your headlamps will come on. The other lamps that come on with your headlamps will also come on. When it’s bright enough outside, the regular lamps will go off, and your front turn signal lamps will come on. On a non-Canadian vehicle, the headlamps have to be turned on manually when you need them.
yellowblue Interior Lamps Courtesy Lamps Instrument Panel Brightness Control When either door is opened, several interior lamps go on. These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it easier for you to enter and leave your vehicle. Courtesy lamps include two map lamps on the inside rearview mirror and other lamps throughout the interior of your vehicle. To prevent battery rundown, your interior lamps will be disabled about 10 minutes after the ignition is turned to OFF.
yellowblue Delayed Illumination Retained Accessory Power (RAP) With delayed illumination, the courtesy lamps will come on and stay on for 25 seconds after you close the doors when entering the vehicle. They will also stay on for five seconds after you close the doors when exiting the vehicle. The times will be shortened if the ignition is turned to RUN or if the power locks are activated. To turn this feature on or off, see “Feature Customization” in the Index.
yellowblue Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror Power Remote Control Mirror (If Equipped) An inside rearview mirror is attached to your windshield. The mirror has pivots so that you can adjust it. You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull the tab for night driving to reduce glare. Push the tab for daytime driving.
yellowblue Convex Outside Mirror Storage Compartments Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. Glove Box CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes. To open the glove box, lift up on the lever.
yellowblue Cargo Cover Removing the Cargo Cover 1. Close the cover. If the cargo cover is not closed and resting on the trim panel, it cannot be removed. 2. Pull the cover toward you to unsnap it. Then slide the cargo cover along the groove in the trim panel. Reverse the steps to install the cover. Using the Cargo Cover The cargo cover can be closed for hidden storage in the rear area of your vehicle.
yellowblue When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to open the panel and place the items in the rear area. CAUTION: An improperly stored cargo cover could be thrown about the vehicle during a collision or sudden maneuver. You or others could be injured. If you remove the cover, always store it outside the vehicle. When you put it back, always be sure that it is securely reattached. Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter Lift up the cover to open the ashtray.
yellowblue To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself. NOTICE: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the lighter and the heating element. If you plug accessories into your cigarette lighter, such as heating devices or air compressors, these accessories should have a rated current of less than 15 amps.
yellowblue NOTICE: When using the accessory plug: D The maximum load of any electrical equipment should not exceed 3 amps. D Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment when not in use. Leaving electrical equipment on for extended periods can drain your battery. We recommend that you see a qualified technician or your dealer for the proper installation of your equipment. Floor Mats Your vehicle’s floor mats are custom-fitted to the floor wells. Be sure the driver’s floor mat is in place.
yellowblue 1. The door key unlocks the panels. The lock is over the front door window. Turn the key counterclockwise to unlock the panel. 2-60 2. Then pull on the release handle to unlatch the panel. Lift the outer edge of the panel and pull it toward you. Then carry the panel to the rear of the vehicle for storage.
yellowblue Storing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels CAUTION: If the T-top panel is not stored properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Whenever you store the T-top panel in the vehicle, always be sure that it is stored securely in the correct storage slot with the T-top handle closed. 1. Open the cargo cover completely. Place the panel in the correct slot (DRIVER or PASSENGER) in the rear area of your vehicle.
yellowblue Installing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels CAUTION: An improperly attached roof panel may fall into or fly off the vehicle. You or others could be injured. After installing the roof panel, always check that it is firmly attached by pushing up on the underside of the panel. Check now and then to be sure the roof panel is firmly in place. Reverse the steps to install the T-top panels. 2. Push the handle closed to secure the panel in the slot.
yellowblue 1. When installing the panels to the roof, keep the outboard edge of the panel raised about three inches (8 cm) above the roof while placing the inboard edge of the panel under the center roof. 2. After the inboard edge of the panel is in position under the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge of the panel into position, close the latch and lock the T-top.
yellowblue NOTICE: T-Top Sunshades Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding them horizontally toward the center roof rail. Doing so may cause the weatherstrips to be aligned improperly, which may result in leaks and possible damage to the weatherstrips. NOTICE: High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. Never spray water directly at the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks. 1. Start with the panel marked DRIVER FRONT.
yellowblue 3. Open the latch and close the T-top. Check to see if there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T-top and adjust the sunshade as required. 5. Pull the sunshade back a little and remove the backing paper from the velcro buttons. Push the sunshade back into place, sticking the velcro to the glass. 4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can stick the VelcroR buttons on the glass for a proper fit every time you install the sunshades.
yellowblue Convertible Top (If Equipped) The following procedures explain the proper operation of your convertible top. Lowering Your Convertible Top NOTICE: Don’t leave your convertible 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.
yellowblue NOTICE: NOTICE: It is not recommended that you raise or lower the top while the vehicle is moving. It is not recommended to lower the top if your vehicle is out in cold weather (0_F /-18_C or lower), or you may damage top components. NOTICE: Don’t lower the top if it is damp or wet. When the top is down, trapped water can cause stains, mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle. Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.
yellowblue NOTICE: Before lowering the convertible top into the storage area, be sure there are no objects in the way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a stored top on items in the storage area will cause the convertible top back glass to break. 2. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing on the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down on the larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook on the latch that attaches into the hole at the windshield releases. 2-68 3.
yellowblue Installing the Boot Cover After lowering the convertible top, you may want to install the boot cover. The three-piece boot cover is stored in a bag in the hatch. 1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the closed position. 2. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers and middle section from the storage bag. 3. Install the two side covers by inserting the tab into the front seatbelt cover. Lower the covers onto the vehicle. 4.
yellowblue Removing Your Boot Cover 1. Open the hatch. Remove the middle piece of the cover by pushing in on the latch and lifting up on the cover. 2-70 2. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of their slots.
yellowblue Raising Your Convertible Top 1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface. Set the parking brake firmly. If you have an automatic transmission, shift into PARK (P). If you have a manual transmission, shift into REVERSE (R). The ignition must be in ACC, RUN or RAP must be on. Lower both sun visors and lower both windows at least three inches (8 cm). If the boot cover is in place, it must be removed first. NOTICE: 3.
yellowblue NOTICE: The convertible top may be tight when pushing forward on the latch when your vehicle is new, but it will loosen up with time. Make sure that the hooks are properly aligned before using any kind of force. If your vehicle has a power loss, such as a dead battery, you can still raise or lower the top manually by turning the valve in the driver’s side of the hatch. 3. Pull down on the center opening and align the hooks with the holes.
yellowblue Open the hatch and find the tab along the left side trim panel. Lift up the tab and turn the valve counterclockwise to release the hydraulic pressure. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 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 it electrically later.
yellowblue The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System 2-74
yellowblue A. Fog Lamp Switch K. Storage Console B. Main Lamp Control L. Rear Window Defogger Button C. Air Vents M. Convertible Top Switch (If Equipped) D. Instrument Panel Cluster N. Traction Control System Switch E. Horn O. Cigarette Lighter F. Audio System P. Shift Lever G. Glove Box Q. Ashtray (Automatic Transmission) H. Comfort Controls R. Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) I. Cupholders S. Remote Hatch Release J. Parking Brake Lever T.
yellowblue Instrument Panel Cluster 5.7L V8 engine shown, 3800 V6 engine similar Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, your engine’s rpms, about how much fuel you have left and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.
yellowblue Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada). You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be set to the same reading the old one had.
yellowblue Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights come on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
yellowblue Air Bag Readiness Light Voltmeter There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in the Index. You can read battery voltage on your voltmeter.
yellowblue Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away. This light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
yellowblue Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come on when you start your engine and it will stay on for three seconds. That’s normal. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system.
yellowblue Low Traction Light Engine Coolant Temperature Gage When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, this light will come on. If you have the traction control system, this light will also come on when the system is limiting wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if the low traction light comes on, so adjust your driving accordingly.
yellowblue Low Coolant Light (5.7L V8 Engine) This warning light should come on briefly while you are starting your engine. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. Your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant indicator that is designed to detect when the coolant level drops below a set limit. If the coolant level sensor (on the radiator) detects that the level drops while the engine is running, the low coolant indicator will light and remain lit until the ignition is turned to OFF.
yellowblue This system is called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle.
yellowblue This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: D Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.
yellowblue Are you low on fuel? Oil Pressure Gage As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index. It will take a few driving trips to turn the light off.
yellowblue Low Oil Light CAUTION: Your vehicle is equipped with an oil level monitoring system. When you start your engine, the warning light will come on briefly. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.
yellowblue Oil Change Light Service Vehicle Light This OIL CHANGE light should come on briefly as a bulb check when you start the engine. If the OIL CHANGE light doesn’t come on, have it serviced. If the OIL CHANGE light comes on and stays on for 60 seconds after you start your vehicle, have the oil changed. For additional information, see “Engine Oil, When to Change” in the Index. After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset. See “How to Reset the Oil Change Light” in the Index.
yellowblue Check Gages Light Fuel Gage This warning light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left when the ignition is on. If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, check your gages to see if they are in the warning areas. Hatch Ajar Light This warning light should come on in your instrument panel for a three second bulb check when you first start your vehicle. If the light doesn’t come on, have it serviced.
yellowblue When the indicator nears E (empty), you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about. All these things are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage. D At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads F (full). D It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but it took more (or less) than half of the tank’s capacity to fill it.
yellowblue Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
yellowblue Comfort Controls Temperature Control Knob Turn the center knob to change the temperature of the air flowing from the system. Turn it toward the red (clockwise) for warmer air and toward the blue (counterclockwise) for cooler air. Air Control Knob OFF: The system is off. With this system you can control the heating, air conditioning and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section.
yellowblue BI-LEVEL: Air is directed through the upper air vents and the heater ducts. VENT: Air flows through the upper air vents. HEATER: This setting directs most of the air through the heater ducts and some of the air through the windshield defroster vents. BLEND: Air is directed through the windshield defroster vents and the heater ducts. DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air through the windshield defroster vents and some of the air through the heater ducts.
yellowblue Ventilation For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through your vehicle. 1. Turn the air control knob to vent. Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. 2. Turn the temperature control knob to a comfortable setting. 3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed. Defogging and Defrosting 1. Turn the air control knob to defrost. 2.
yellowblue 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. Ventilation System Your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the blower fan is running.
yellowblue Audio Systems Your Delco Electronics audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco Electronics system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
yellowblue Playing the Radio POWER-VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Display the time with the ignition off by pressing this button. When the radio is playing, press this knob to recall the station frequency. Finding a Station AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display shows your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends.
yellowblue While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE and BAL controls just as you do for the radio. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing. When the down indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. When the up arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of the tape.
yellowblue REV (5): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape reverses. You may select stations during REV operation by using SEEK or TUNE. FWD (6): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape. Press the button again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape advances.
yellowblue AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped) Playing the Radio POWER-VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station being played or to display the clock. If you press the knob when the ignition is off, the clock will show for a few seconds. Finding a Station AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2.
yellowblue 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons until SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that numbered button, the station you set will return. 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. Setting the Tone EQUALIZER: A seven-band equalizer is part of your audio system. Slide the levers up to boost or down to reduce frequency range. Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound to the left or right speakers.
yellowblue RDM (3): Press this button to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. The display will show RDM. Press RDM again to turn off random play. REV (5): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time. FWD (6): Press and hold this button to quickly advance within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time.
yellowblue You must first load the magazine with discs before you can play a compact disc. Each of the 12 trays holds one disc. Press the button on the back of the magazine and pull gently on one of the trays. Load the trays from bottom to top, placing a disc on the tray label side down. If you load a disc label side up, the disc will not play and an error will occur. Gently push the tray back into the magazine slot. Repeat this procedure for loading up to 12 discs in the magazine.
yellowblue All of the CD functions are controlled by the radio buttons except for ejecting the magazine. Whenever a CD magazine with discs is loaded in the changer, the compact disc symbol will appear on the radio display. If the CD changer is checking the magazine for CDs, the compact disc symbol will flash on the display until the changer is ready to play. When a CD begins playing, CD will appear in the bottom left corner and a disc and track number will be displayed.
yellowblue Playing a Compact Disc If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Equalizer, the following buttons are used for the trunk-mounted cd changer. PREV (1): Press this button to go back to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. Press PREV again to go to the previous track on the disc. NEXT (2): Press this button to advance to the next track on the disc. PROG (3): Press this button to select the next disc in the magazine.
yellowblue PREV (1): Press this button to go back to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. Press PREV again to go to the previous track on the disc. NEXT (2): Press this button to advance to the next track on the disc. RDM (3): Press this button to enter the random play mode. RDM will appear on the display. While in this mode, the tracks on the discs will be played in random order.
yellowblue Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCKR is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is removed. 1. Write down any three or four-digit number from 000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from the vehicle. 2. Turn the ignition to ACC or RUN. The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature.
yellowblue Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display. 2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 3. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree with your code. 4. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree with your code. 5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down.
yellowblue Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) VOLUME: Press the up or down arrow to increase or decrease volume. PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or compact disc when the radio is playing. MUTE: Press this button to silence the system. Press it again to turn on the sound. SEEK: Press the up arrow to tune to the next radio station and the down arrow to tune to the previous radio station.
yellowblue Understanding Radio Reception To help avoid hearing loss or damage: AM D Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. D Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
yellowblue Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use.
yellowblue You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended. Care of Your Compact Discs After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator.
yellowblue Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it’s cleaned from time to time. To clean the antenna mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna. 2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or equivalent solvent. 3. Wipe the cloth over the mast sections, removing any dirt. 4. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. 5. Make the antenna go up and down by turning the radio or ignition off and on. 6. Repeat if necessary.
yellowblue ✍ 3-24 NOTES
yellowblue Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving.
yellowblue Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving.
yellowblue Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: D D D D Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision Attentiveness. Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving.
yellowblue woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In a growing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, the limit is 0.08 percent. In some other countries, it’s even lower. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour).
yellowblue The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know.
yellowblue Control of a Vehicle Braking You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second.
yellowblue Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life.
yellowblue The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
yellowblue Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. Using Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you.
yellowblue If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. (See “Cruise Control” in the Index.) When the system is on, this warning light will come on to let you know if there’s a problem with your traction control system. See “Traction Control System Warning Light” in the Index.
yellowblue Braking in Emergencies With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves.
yellowblue Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem.
yellowblue Off-Road Recovery Passing You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again.
yellowblue D Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. D When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close.
yellowblue Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
yellowblue Driving at Night Here are some tips on night driving. D Drive defensively. D Don’t drink and drive. D Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. D Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. D Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead. D In remote areas, watch for animals. D If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.
yellowblue Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old. What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night.
yellowblue Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
yellowblue CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally. Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.
yellowblue Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road.
yellowblue City Driving Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: D Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. D Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next part, “Freeway Driving.”) D Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it.
yellowblue Freeway Driving At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
yellowblue The exit speed is usually posted. Here are some things you can check before a trip: Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are.
yellowblue Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
yellowblue If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. D Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. D Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill.
yellowblue D Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transmission, and you can climb the hill better. Winter Driving D Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. D As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident.
yellowblue 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 to be very careful.
yellowblue What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (32_F; 0_C) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there. Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road.
yellowblue If You’re Caught in a Blizzard D Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. D Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation.
yellowblue CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn’t collect there. Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that’s away from the wind.
yellowblue Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important information about the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can carry.
yellowblue If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages or anything else -- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going. CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash.
yellowblue Towing a Trailer CAUTION: If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well -- or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section.
yellowblue If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: D There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. D Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
yellowblue You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Pontiac Division Customer Assistance Center One Pontiac Plaza Pontiac, MI 48340-2952 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle.
yellowblue Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Safety Chains Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer.
yellowblue Driving with a Trailer Following Distance Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
yellowblue Making Turns NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
yellowblue Parking on Hills CAUTION: You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: D Start your engine; D Shift into a gear; and D Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3.
yellowblue Maintenance When Trailer Towing Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly.
yellowblue Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
yellowblue Hazard Warning Flashers Press the button in to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, or even if the key isn’t in. To turn off the flashers, pull out on the collar. Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn signals won’t work.
yellowblue Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. But please use the following steps to do it safely. CAUTION: Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: D They contain acid that can burn you. D They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
yellowblue 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump starting procedure. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P) before setting the parking brake. 3.
yellowblue CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelco FreedomR battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present.
yellowblue 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 5-6 8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step.
yellowblue 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. 12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal. 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while. 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
yellowblue Towing Your Vehicle CAUTION: To help avoid serious personal injury to you or others: D Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed. D Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds. D Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured. D Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the tow truck. D Always secure the vehicle on each side with separate safety chains when towing it. D Use only the correct hooks.
yellowblue Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. You may also find a LOW COOLANT warning light on your vehicle’s instrument panel (5.7L V8 engine only). Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode (5.7L V8 Engine Only) Should an overheated engine condition exist and the LOW COOLANT warning light is displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
yellowblue If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned.
yellowblue NOTICE: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. If your vehicle has the 5.7L V8 engine, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index. If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
yellowblue Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans B. Radiator Pressure Cap C.
yellowblue CAUTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle. When it is cool, remove the coolant recovery tank cap and look at the dipstick. The coolant level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
yellowblue NOTICE: NOTICE: Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index. When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX-COOLR (silicate-free) coolant. If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result.
yellowblue How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank NOTICE: If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the FULL COLD mark add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information.) In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture.
yellowblue CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.
yellowblue CAUTION: Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
yellowblue How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (3800 V6 Engine) NOTICE: Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged. 5-18 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.
yellowblue 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. CAUTION: 3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valve. There is one bleed valve. It is located on the thermostat housing. You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
yellowblue 4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mixture.) If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close the valve after the radiator is filled. 5-20 5. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL COLD mark. 6. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
yellowblue 7. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. 8. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck. 9. Then replace the pressure cap.
yellowblue How to Add Coolant to the Radiator (V8 Engine Only) 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
yellowblue 3. Fill with the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture. 4. Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. 7. Shut the engine off and replace the pressure cap. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up like this. 5. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine and compartment. 6. Start the engine and allow it to run in idle for approximately four minutes. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator will be lower.
yellowblue If a Tire Goes Flat It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
yellowblue Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers. CAUTION: Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving: 1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2.
yellowblue On convertible models, you must also remove the trunk access panel. It’s at the upper back of the trunk. Turn the two wing fasteners under the trunk edge a quarter turn counterclockwise to remove the panel. If you have speakers in the trim panel, you may have to disconnect the wire from the speaker. The speaker wire may be long enough to remove the trim panel without disconnecting the wire. Find the plastic screw heads in the trim panel over the spare tire.
yellowblue Remove the wing nut and adapter and pull out the spare. The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel wrench (B).
yellowblue Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire The jack has a bolt at the end. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack bolt. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the lift head a little. If your wheel has a center cap, pry it off using the wheel wrench. If your vehicle has optional alloy wheels, each wheel has one locknut in place of the standard wheel nut. A special wheel lock key (removal tool) and instructions are located in the center console.
yellowblue 2. Position the jack under the vehicle. There is a notch in the vehicle’s rocker flange on the coupe model. Raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch nearest the flat tire. On convertible models, place the jack in a similar location.
yellowblue CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: Stay away from moldings or fender flanges to avoid damaging them. 3. Put the compact tire near you. 5-30 Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.
yellowblue 6. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. CAUTION: 4. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit. 5. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident.
yellowblue CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 8. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 7. Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
yellowblue 9. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross sequence as shown. CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 100 lb-ft (140 N·m).
yellowblue NOTICE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. 5-34 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.
yellowblue 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. Trim Panel 2. Bolt 3. Cover 4. Jack 5. Wing Nut 6. Adapter 7. Compact Spare Tire 8. Full-Size Tire 9. Carpet Flap 10. Tire Storage Bolt 11. Trunk Access Panel (Convertible Only) 12.
yellowblue Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
yellowblue If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow NOTICE: In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution. Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transmission back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
yellowblue ✍ 5-38 NOTES
yellowblue Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
yellowblue Service Doing Your Own Service Work Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service your vehicle than this manual can.
yellowblue CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. D Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task. D Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and other fasteners. “English” and “metric” fasteners can be easily confused. If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.
yellowblue It is recommended that the gasoline meet specifications which have been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system performance compared to other gasolines.
yellowblue To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to contribute to clean air.
yellowblue Filling Your Tank The cap is behind a hinged door on the driver’s side of your vehicle. CAUTION: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline. 6-6 To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
yellowblue CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as possible.
yellowblue Filling a Portable Fuel Container CAUTION: Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: D Dispense gasoline only into approved containers. D Do not fill a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or on any surface other than the ground.
yellowblue Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle located inside the vehicle below the instrument panel on the driver’s side. Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on the hood release located at the center of your hood. Lift the hood.
yellowblue When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine you’ll see: A. Engine Coolant Reservoir B. Battery C. Radiator Cap D. Engine Oil Fill Cap 6-10 E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped) F. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir G. Engine Cooling Fans H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir J. Engine Oil Dipstick K. Brake Fluid Reservoir L.
yellowblue When you open the hood of the 5.7L V8 engine you’ll see: A. B. C. D. Engine Coolant Reservoir Battery Engine Oil Dipstick Engine Oil Fill Cap E. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir F. Engine Cooling Fans G. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped) H. I. J. K.
yellowblue Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on. Then pull the hood down and close it firmly. Engine Oil If the LOW OIL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see “Low Oil Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder. The engine oil dipstick is the yellow loop near the back of the engine.
yellowblue Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. 5.7L V8 Engine When to Add Engine Oil 3800 V6 Engine If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
yellowblue NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged. The oil fill cap is located at the rear of your engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.
yellowblue As shown in the chart, if you have the 5.7L V8 engine, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it’s going to be 0_F (-18_C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. 5.
yellowblue As shown in the chart, if you have the 3800 V6 engine, SAE 10W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be colder than 60_F (16_C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. NOTICE: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol.
yellowblue Engine Oil Additives How to Reset the Oil Change Light Don’t add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added. After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset. With the ignition key in RUN with the engine turned off, push the TRIP/OIL RESET button located on the instrument panel for 12 seconds. The OIL CHANGE light will start to flash to confirm that the system is reset. The reset is complete when the OIL CHANGE light goes out.
yellowblue Engine Air Cleaner/Filter CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off. NOTICE: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter.
yellowblue Air Filter Replacement To remove the air filter: 2. Lift the cover and remove the air filter. 3. Replace the filter. 1. Unlatch the two clamps located on the front of the filter.
yellowblue Automatic Transmission Fluid When to Check and Change A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: 4. Close the cover without overlap (the clamp will not latch with overlap) and latch the clamps. D In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher.
yellowblue How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. NOTICE: To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180_F to 200_F (82_C to 93_C). Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50_F (10_C).
yellowblue Checking the Fluid Level D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: engine running. D With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). D With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). D Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more. 3800 V6 Dipstick 6-22 5.
yellowblue 1. The red transmission dipstick is located near the back of the engine. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again. 5.
yellowblue 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area, below the cross-hatched area for a cold check or in the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a hot check. 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle down to lock in place. 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.
yellowblue How to Check Then, follow these steps: Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
yellowblue How to Add Fluid When to Check and What to Use Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the filler plug hole. 3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated. Hydraulic Clutch The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is self-adjusting.
yellowblue Rear Axle Radiator Pressure Cap When to Check and Change Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. How to Check Lubricant If the level is below the bottom of the 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.
yellowblue Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with DEX-COOLR engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOLR extended life coolant. The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
yellowblue CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR coolant.
yellowblue Checking Coolant 5.7L V8 Engine Only If this light comes on and stays on, it means you’re low on engine coolant. Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be at COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or a little higher.
yellowblue CAUTION: Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the pressure cap -- even a little -when the engine and radiator are hot. Power Steering Fluid The power steering fluid reservoir is located toward the rear of the engine, on the driver’s side. Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
yellowblue How to Check Power Steering Fluid D When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be at the H (hot) mark. When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick. D When the engine compartment is cool, the level The level should be at the C (cold) mark.
yellowblue Adding Washer Fluid NOTICE: D When using concentrated washer fluid, D D Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until the tank is full. D 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. Fill your washer fluid tank only three-quarters full when it’s very cold.
yellowblue Brakes Brake Fluid There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.
yellowblue When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. Checking Brake Fluid What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Maintenance Schedule. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
yellowblue NOTICE: D Using the wrong fluid can badly damage D brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
yellowblue See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.” Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Brake Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
yellowblue Vehicle Storage Bulb Replacement If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. For the proper type of replacement bulb, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. CAUTION: Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.
yellowblue Headlamps Before replacing a headlamp bulb that does not light, check to make sure that the wiring connector is securely fastened to it. See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index to check the type of headlamp bulb you need to use before you begin to replace the headlamp bulb. You must replace a headlamp bulb with one that is exactly the same. To replace a headlamp: 1. Open the headlamp door by turning the headlamps on, then turning the switch back to the parking lamps position.
yellowblue 3. Remove the headlamp plate that holds the bulb to the housing by removing the two screws on top of the bulb with a TorxR screwdriver. 6-40 4. Pull out the bulb and disconnect the electrical connector. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
yellowblue Front Parking and Turn Signal Replacing the bulb: 1. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the access panel under the vehicle. Move the access panel out of the way. 1. Remove the two screws in the stoplamp lens. 2. Turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise. 3. Pull out the bulb from the socket. 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 2. Gently pull the assembly out, turn the bulb counterclockwise and remove the bulb from the back of the assembly. 3.
yellowblue Rear Lamps To change any rear bulb, you have to remove the entire housing. 1. Remove the trim panel from inside of the hatch for the side that you are replacing the bulb. 2. Pull the carpet back. 4. Pull the assembly out from the outside of the vehicle. 5. To remove a socket with a tab, press the tab and turn the socket counterclockwise. To remove a socket without a tab, turn the socket counterclockwise. 6. Pull out the bulb from the socket. 7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 3.
yellowblue Rear Sidemarker 3. Turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise and gently pull out. Replacing a rear sidemarker bulb: 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 1. Remove the screw from the sidemarker assembly. 2. To pull out the bulb housing, tilt the housing to remove the end with the tab.
yellowblue Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade Check” in Section 7 of this manual under Part B “Owner Checks and Services” for more information. 1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the windshield. Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. For the proper type and length, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the Index. 2.
yellowblue Wiper Blade Element Replacement To replace the wiper blade element, follow these steps: 1. Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw. 3. At the heel end of the wiper blade assembly, notched end of blade element last, slide the blade element into the blade claw sets. The plastic retainer caps will be forced off as the element is fully inserted. Make sure that all the claw sets are properly engaged in the slots of the blade element. 4.
yellowblue Tires Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details. CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. D Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction. You could have an air-out and a serious accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
yellowblue Inflation -- Tire Pressure The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). If you’ll be driving at high speeds (e.g.
yellowblue When to Check Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index for scheduled rotation intervals. How to Check Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them.
yellowblue After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading Information label. Make certain that all wheelnuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the Index. CAUTION: If you have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS tires, they must roll in a certain direction for the best overall performance. The direction is shown by an arrow on the sidewall.
yellowblue When It’s Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: D You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire. D You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber. D The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric.
yellowblue Uniform Tire Quality Grading CAUTION: Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same size and type tires on all wheels. It’s all right to drive with your compact spare, though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
yellowblue Treadwear Temperature -- A, B, C The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
yellowblue Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced.
yellowblue Used Replacement Wheels NOTICE: (Continued) CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel. Tire Chains NOTICE: If your vehicle has P235/55R16, P245/50ZR16 or P275/40ZR17 size tires, don’t use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because there’s not enough clearance.
yellowblue Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
yellowblue Here are some cleaning tips: D D D D Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set. Carefully scrape off any excess stain. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. D If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric 1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt. 2.
yellowblue Cleaning Vinyl Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Use warm water and a clean cloth. Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. D Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it more than once.
yellowblue Cleaning Glass Surfaces Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.) Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
yellowblue Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a vehicle washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.” Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
yellowblue Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
yellowblue Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels (If Equipped) Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then be applied. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners with acid or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could damage the surface.
yellowblue Finish Damage Chemical Paint Spotting 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. Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface.
yellowblue GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials PART NUMBER 994954 1050172 1050173 1050174 1050214 1050427 SIZE 23 in. x 25 in. 16 oz. (0.473 L) 16 oz. (0.473 L) 16 oz. (0.473 L) 32 oz. (0.946 L) 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) DESCRIPTION Polishing Cloth – Wax Treated Tar and Road Oil Remover Chrome Cleaner and Polish White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Vinyl Cleaner Glass Cleaner t Protectant Armor All Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner 1052929 16 oz. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner 1052930 8 oz. (0.
yellowblue Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Service Parts Identification Label You’ll find this label located on the rear edge of the driver’s door. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle.
yellowblue Electrical System Windshield Wipers Add-On Electrical Equipment The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical problem and not snow, etc., be sure to get it fixed. NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first.
yellowblue There are three fuse centers on your vehicle. One (main fuse block) is located behind a cover in the left side of your instrument panel. The other two are in the engine compartment. Open the cover on the boxes to expose the fuses. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size. If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have a spare fuse, you can borrow one.
yellowblue Main Fuse Block Fuse Usage STOP/HAZARD Hazard Flashers, Brake Switch Assembly TURN B/U Traction Control Switch, Back/Up Lamp Switch, Turn Flasher, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Module Fuse Usage STG WHEEL CNTRL Steering Wheel Controls RADIO ACCY Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier, Power Antenna, Remote CD Player (Hatch) TAIL LPS Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Module, Headlamp Switch HVAC HVAC Selector Switch, Rear Defogger Switch/Timer PWR ACCY Parking Lamp Relay, Hatch Release Relay, Power
yellowblue Fuse Usage Fuse Usage CIG/ACCY Cigarette Lighter, Data Link Connector (DLC), Auxiliary Accessory Wire IP DIMMER DEFOG/SEATS Rear Defogger Switch/Timer, Rear Defogger Timer/Relay, Power Seats IGN Aftermarket Use Only STG WHEEL CNTRL Steering Wheel Controls Door Illumination Lamp (Right-Hand, Left-Hand), Headlamp Switch, Fog Lamp Switch, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Control Assembly, PRNDL Illumination Lamp, Ashtray Lamp, Radio, Rear Window Defogger Switch/Timer, Traction Control Switch (T
yellowblue Underhood Electrical Center Fuse PCM BAT FUEL PUMP AIR PUMP LH HDLP DR RH HDLP DR HORN ABS BAT-1 H/L DR HORN ABS BAT-2 Fuse and Relay Center 1 Fuse ABS BAT SOL TCS BAT COOL FAN Usage Anti-Lock Brake System Traction Control System Cooling Fan Control COOL FAN Relay FOG LAMP HORN FAN #3 FAN #2 FAN #1 Usage Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Fuel Pump A.I.R.
yellowblue Fuse and Relay Center 2 Fuse Usage ENG SEN Mass Air Flow Sensor, Heated Oxygen Sensor, Skip Shift Solenoid (V8 Only), Reverse Lockout Solenoid, Brake Switch STRTR Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Clutch Pedal Switch ABS IGN Anti-Lock Brake System Module PCM IGN Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ETC Electronic Throttle Control (V6 Only) ENG CTRL Ignition Module (V6 Only), Automatic Transmission, Charcoal Canister Purge Solenoid Fuse Usage INJ Fuel Injectors (Not used for V6) (LH i
yellowblue Fuse Usage I/P-1 HVAC Blower Control and Relay IGN Ignition Switch, Relay and Starter Enable Relay I/P-2 Instrument Panel Fuse Center Relay Description AIR SOL Air Solenoid AIR PUMP Air Pump A/C COMP Air Conditioning Compressor FUEL PUMP Fuel Pump STARTER Starter IGN Engine Controls, Cruise Controls, Air Conditioning Replacement Bulbs Back-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3155 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Cooling System 3800 V6 With Manual Transmission . . . . 11.6 quarts (11.0 L) With Automatic Transmission . . . 11.4 quarts (10.8 L) 5.7L V8 With Manual Transmission . . . . 11.9 quarts (11.3 L) With Automatic Transmission . . 11.8 quarts (11.2 L) Crankcase Oil and Filter Change . . . 3800 V6 (VIN K) 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) 5.7L V8 (VIN G) 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.8 gallons (63.6 L) Manual Transmission Five-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.
yellowblue Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1163C Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75-60 Engine Oil Filter 3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PF47 5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PF44 Fuel Filter 3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G627 5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue ✍ 6-74 NOTES
yellowblue Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance.
yellowblue Introduction Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your vehicle.
yellowblue How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs. CAUTION: Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous.
yellowblue Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km). See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” following. Footnotes [ The U.S.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance j – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 22,500 Miles (37 500 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher. – In hilly or mountainous terrain. – When doing frequent trailer towing.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. j See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) (Continued) – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km). Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher. – In hilly or mountainous terrain. – When doing frequent trailer towing.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued) Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for any damage. Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote[.) j j 67,500 Miles (112 500 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) j Rotate tires.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance j Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher. – In hilly or mountainous terrain. – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher. – In hilly or mountainous terrain. – When doing frequent trailer towing.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 97,500 Miles (162 500 km) j Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. j See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) j Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control Service. j Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service.
yellowblue Scheduled Maintenance 150,000 Miles (240 000 km) j Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap. An Emission Control Service.
yellowblue Part B: Owner Checks and Services Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check Listed in this part 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. Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
yellowblue Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) Wiper Blade Check Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades, Cleaning” in the Index. Weatherstrip Lubrication Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
yellowblue Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake. NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3.
yellowblue Ignition Transmission Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. D With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). D With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button. On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key to LOCK without pressing the button.
yellowblue Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed in this part are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Proper procedures to perform these services may be found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
yellowblue Throttle System Inspection (Except 3800 Series V6 Engine) Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables. Rear Axle Service Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add if needed. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the axle and repair it if needed.
yellowblue Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine Oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
yellowblue USAGE Floor Shift Linkage FLUID/LUBRICANT USAGE (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2 Category LB or GC-LB. Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release Pawl LubriplateR Lubricant Aerosol Rear Axle (Standard Differential) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. Rear Axle (Limited-Slip Differential) SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No.
yellowblue Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
yellowblue Maintenance Record DATE 7-26 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
yellowblue Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects.
yellowblue Pontiac Cares With PONTIAC CARES, you are never more than a phone call away from having your concern taken care of. 8-2 The PONTIAC CARES philosophy and elements are designed to make you realize that Pontiac recognizes you as a valuable customer, appreciates your purchase decision, and is dedicated to taking care of the most important person ...
yellowblue What Makes Up Pontiac Cares? D A 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) Bumper to Customer Satisfaction Procedure Bumper Warranty D Customer Assistance D Roadside Assistance D Courtesy Transportation All of these elements combine to make your driving experience an enjoyable one and are discussed in greater detail in your owner’s manual. Pontiac is focusing on the changing needs of our customers and is committed to giving you an exceptional level of customer care throughout your ownership experience.
yellowblue Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Pontiac. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur.
yellowblue The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Although you are required to resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to filing any court action, use of the program is free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days.
yellowblue Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 All Overseas Locations GMODC - Customer Communication Centre 169-007 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Telephone: 905-644-4112 Fax: 905-644-4866 8-6 Caribbean Numbers 1-800-496-9992 (English) Puerto Rico 1-800-496-9993 (Sp
yellowblue GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities This program, available to qualified applicants, can reimburse you up to $1,000 toward aftermarket driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may require for your vehicle (hand controls, wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.). This program can also provide you with free resource information, such as area driver assessment centers and mobility equipment installers.
yellowblue Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program Security While You Travel 1-800-ROADSIDE (1-800-762-3743) As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside 8-8 Assistance program. This value-added service is intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive in the city or travel the open road. Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is staffed by a team of technically trained advisors, who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
yellowblue We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the following additional services depending on your needs: D Hotels D Glass replacement D Tire repair facilities D Rental vehicle or taxis D Airports or train stations D Police, fire department or hospitals In many instances, mechanical failures are covered under Pontiac’s comprehensive warranty. However, when other services are utilized, our advisors will explain any payment obligations you might incur.
yellowblue Courtesy Transportation Transportation Options Pontiac has always exemplified quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealerships are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Pontiac helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options.
yellowblue Courtesy Rental Vehicle When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider requirements.
yellowblue REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors.
yellowblue REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-PM-CARES (762-2737), or write: Service manuals, owner’s manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and past model General Motors vehicles. Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center P.O.
yellowblue 1999 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.
yellowblue ORDER TOLL FREE (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) 1-800-551-4123 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927 1 9 9 9 PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call 1-800-551-4123. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery.
yellowblue ✍ 8-16 NOTES
yellowblue Section 9 Index A ccessory Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 How Does it Restrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27 How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Brake Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34 Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Pedal Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Replacing System Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Cleaner, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61 Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61 Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59 Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Door Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 Last Closed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Drive, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31 Driver Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33, 2-34 Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Filling Your Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Filter, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18 Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue K Hitches, Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 Hood Checking Things Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 How to Reset the Oil Change Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Check Gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89 Hatch Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52 Low Coolant Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-83 Low Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90 Low Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue N eutral, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30 Neutral, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33, 2-34 New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Night Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-73 O dometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77 Odometer, Trip . . . . . . . .
yellowblue R adiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18 Radiator Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27 Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20 Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6, 3-10 Rain, Driving In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18 Rear Axle Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Safety Belts (Continued) Smaller Children and Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32 Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9, 2-78 Why They Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 Safety Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 Safety Defects, Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Cassette/Compact Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Front Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Map Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55 Storage, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue Trailer (Continued) Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Transmission Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20 Transmission Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24 Transmitters, Matching to Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .