low oil pressure PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1996 Owners Manual

Are you low on fuel?
As your engme 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. It
will take a few driving ,trips
to turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
“Fuel”
in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may
notice
this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you
put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration or
stumbling on acceleration. (These ’
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to
Imn on.
If you experience this condition, change the fuel brand
you use. It will require at least one full tank of the
proper fuel
to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment.
and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
Engine Oil Pressure 1,ig.ht
If you have a problem with
your oil, this light may
stay
on after you start your
engine,
or come on when
you are driving.
This may indicate that oil is not going through your
engine quickly enough to keep it cool. the engine could
be low on oil, or could have some other oil problem.
If you are driving, carefully pull over to a safe location
and stop to check the oil level. See “Checking Engine
Oil” in the Index.
If the engine oil is low, add oil as required. See “Adding
Engine
Oil” in the Index.
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I /r CAUTION:
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.
I NOTICE: Ir
r
~ ~~
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
- '
Check Oil Level Warning Light
CHECK OIL
LEVEL
This light indicates when
the engine
oil level is 1 to
1 1/2 quarts (0.95 L to
1.4 L) low. It will go on for
one to three seconds when
the ignition
is turned to the
RUN position, as a bulb
check to show you that the
system
is working.
If the light doesn't come on, have your oil level warning
svstem serviced.
:? ' .C. .:
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Even if you have a low oil level, the light will go off for
15 to 20 seconds. Then, if the oil level is low, and it has
been at least eight minutes
since your engine was last
running, the
CHECK OIL LEVEL light will come on
for
20 to 40 seconds. The eight-minute delay allows the
majority of the oil to drain back into the oil pan and
prevent a false low condition.
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL warning comes on, the oil
level should be checked at the oil dipstick. If the level is
low, the engine
oil should be brought up to the proper
level. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. After restoring the\

proper level and waiting for the eight-minute drainback,
the key can be turned to the
RUN position and the
CHECK OIL LEVEL warning light should only come
on as a bulb check.
Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows
the engine
oil pressure in psi
(pounds per square inch)
when
the engine is rwmhg.
Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in kPa (kiloPascals).
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the red
warning zone indicate the normal operating range.
A reading in the red zone may be caused by a,’
dangerously low
oil level or other problem causing low
oil pressure.
The CHECK GAGES light will go on and. a
warning ch@e
will sound, if you have this option.
Driving your
vehicle with low oil pressure can cause
extensive ,engine, damage.
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Head-Up. Display (Opth)
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
.your field
of view, it may take you more time to
see things
you need to see when it's dark outside.
Be sure to keep
the HUD image dim and placed
low
in your field of view.
If you have the optional Head-Up Display (HUD), you
can see some
of the driver information also mailable on
your instrument panel cluster. The infomation may be
displayed in English or metric units and appears
as a
reflection on the wjndshield. The
HUD shows:
Speedometer reading
Turn signal indicators
High-beam indicator symbol
CHECK GAGES message (for law oil pressure, high
coolant temperature,
low oil level and low fuel)
0 Low fuel warning symbol.
Q CHECK GAGES
I
I
km/h
MPH
HWD shows these images when they are lighted on the
instrument
panel.
When you sit straight in your seat, the HUD image will
appear slightly to the right.
When
the ignition key is turned to RUN, all possible
HUD images will come on, then the Head-Up Display
will operate
normally,,
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Driver Information Center
3 (-1 INFORMATION (I , J,
DRIVER TRIP
CHECK OIL LEVEL
WASHER FLUID
LOW COOLANT
CHECK QAOES
VOOD DOOR
TRUNK AJAR I
I
MlLES
888888
LAMP
MONITOR
TURN SIQNAL
BACK UP TAIL
BRAKE LAMP
TRIP
8 B 8 8.8
If you have the Driver Information Center, it gives you
important safety and maintenanc,e facts. When you turn
the ignition on, the entire center lights
up for a few
seconds. Then it goes to work.
. ..
..
.. -*
FUNCTION MONITOR: This lets you know if
you are low on fluids or have a problem with a
vehicle function:
CHECK OIL LEVEL: This message could mean
your oil level is low.
If it comes on for more than
three seconds, see "Check Oil Level
Warning Light" . ..
in the Index. - I
WASHER FLUID: This message means your
washer fluid tank is less than about
30% full. 'The
windshield portion of the vehicle outline
will also
glow.
If these come on, see "Windshield Washer
Fluid"
in the Index.
LOW COOLANT This message means your
coolant level has fallen to about half
full. If it comes
on, see "Engine Coolant" in the Index.
CHECK GAGES: If this light comes on and stays
on while you are driving, check your gages for fuel,
coolant temperature, oil pressure or battery voltage.
~. h I_ - I e:. ..
SECURITY: You'll get a DOOR AJAR message if a
door is not fully closed. The vehicle outline will show
you which door it is. You
will also get a HOOD AJAR
or TRUNK AJAR message if the hood or the trunk isn't
fully closed. The vehicle outline will
also show you
these are
ajar. ;,. . . ,--. . ,(/,,:-I.. - : , , .. , .. . . . .! _.
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The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to
your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend
to think you are going
slower than
you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
. must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. We,ar comfortable clothing and
shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to
go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealers all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help,if you need
it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
0 Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
0 Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses dean?
0 Tires: They are vitally irnportmt to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
0 Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Supercharger Oil
Unless you are
technically qualified and have the proper
tools, you should let
your dealer or a
qualified service
center perform this
maintenance.
When to Check
Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every
36 months, whichever occurs ,first.
What Kind of Oil to Use
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index
and use only the recommended oil.
How to Check and Add Oil
Check oil only when the engine is cold. Allow the
engine to cool two to three hours after running.
If you remove the supercharger oil fill plug while
the engine
is hot, pressure may cause hot oil to
blow out
of the oil fill hole. You may be burned.
Do not remove the plug until the engine cools.
1. Remove the wiring harness shield.
2. Clean the area around the oil fill plug before
removing it.
3. Remove the oil fill plug using a Torx@ drive.
4. The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads of the inspection hole.
5. Replace the oil plug with the O-ring in place. Torque
6. Replace wiring harness shield. to
88 lb-in (10 N-m).
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Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric
Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim phel or section. Mask
surrounding
trim along stitch or welt lines.
Mix’Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the
directions
on the container label.
Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t
rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the
suds.
Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
Wipe
off what’s left with .a slightly damp paper towel
or cloth.
Then
dry it immediately with a blow dryer.
Wipe with a clean cloth.
I
Using ,Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all,
Some spots and stains will clean off better with just
water
and mild soap.
If you need to use a solvent:
Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with a
clean, dull knife or scrapex Use very little cleaner, light
pressure and clean cloths (preferably cheesecloth).
Cleaning should
start at the outside of ‘the stain,
“feathering” toward the center. Keep changing to
a clean section of the cloth.
area with
a blow dryer to help ‘prevent a cleaning ring.
0 When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry the
Special Cleaning Problems
Greasy or Oily - Stains
Stains caused by grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe
polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic
creams, vegetable oils,
wax ,crayon, tar and asphalt can
be removed as follows:
0 Carefully scrape off excess stain.
Follow the solvent-type instructions descriw earlier.
ShOe.-pohh, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain if
left on a-vehicle’s seat fabric. They should be removed
as soon as possible. Be carefbl, because the cleaner
will dissolve them and
may cause them to spread.
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Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
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.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents.
Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or
that contain acid or abrasives.
All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry
on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid
suyface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your
vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Pontiac by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance
Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
Your Pontiac has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint f~sh: The
clearcoat gives more depth
d gloss to the colored basecoat.
Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and
made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish
or leave swirl marks.
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.
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Listed below are owner checks and services which Check the wilidshield washer fluid level in the
should be performed at the intervals specified to help windshield washer
ta~& and add the proper fluid if
pnsure the safety, dependability and emission control
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the
performance
of your vehicle. Index for further details.
Be sure
any necessary repairs are completed at once. At Least Once a Msnth
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Tire Inflation Check
Part D. Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
At Each Fuel Fill See “Tires” in the Index for further detaik
It is important for you or a service station attendant to 1 Cassette Deck Service
peq5or-m these underhood checks at each fuel fill. Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should.be done every
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary.
See “Engine Oil“ in the Index for
Ik-tlier details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level ad add the proper
coolant mix if necessary. See “Engine Coolm? in the
Index for further
details.
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further
details.
Power Antenna Service
Clean power antenna mast. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
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