check engine PONTIAC GRAND-AM 1995 Owner's Manual

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which
is 180°F to 200°F (82°C
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24
h) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If
it's colder than 50 "F ( 10 "C), you may have to drive longer.
to
93°C).
To check the fluid level
1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
in PARK (P).
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
3. 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).
4. Let the engine run at idle €or three to five minutes. Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow these steps:
The automatic transaxle dipstick handle is red. Pull out
the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag
or paper towel.
1. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
2. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched
area.
3.
If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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How to Add Fluid Manual Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into
the cross-hatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper 1evel.It doesn’t
take much fluid, generally less than a pint (OSL).
Dun ’t overjill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label
is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
described under “How to Check.”
dipstick back in all the way.
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle
doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealer 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.
r NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
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. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
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Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked
on a level place and the transaxle is cool
enough
for you to rest your fingers on the transaxle case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and
2. Push it back in all the way and remove it.
clean it with a rag or paper towel.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be between the ADD and
FULL marks. (Note: Fluid may appear at the bottom
of the dipstick even when the fluid level
is several
pints low.)
4. If the fluid level is where it should be, push the
dipstick back in all the way and flip the handle
down. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as
described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
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 dipstick by flipping the handle up and
2. Add fluid at the dipstick hole.
then pulling the dipstick out.
Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick.
handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
3. Push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the
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Hydraulic Clutch Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is “Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid. Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct a leak. How to Check
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The proper fluid should be added if the level is at or
below the STEP mark on the reservoir cap. See the
instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the
Index.
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF ( 128 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
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Adding Coolant To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
FULL COLD mark, or a little higher.
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Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, 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.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. Add
enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in
the Index.
I I
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
1.
SAMPLE4UXSM072675
I
ENGINE ,/ 1k5 ASSEMBLY
CODE MODEL YEAR PLANT
This is the legal identifier for your Pontiac. 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. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very
helpful if you ever need to order parts.
On this label is:
your VIN,
the model designation,
paint information, and
a list of all production options and special
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
equipment.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Pontiac
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working
as they
should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Pontiac,
see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index.
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Replacement Bulbs
Back Up Lamps ............................ 2057
Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamps
........... 2057 NA
License Plate Lamp
......................... 194
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
............... 912
OUTSIDE LAMPS BULB
Halogen Headlamps
LowBeam ............................... 9006
High Beam ............................... 9005
Side Marker Lamps
Front ................................. 194NA
Rear
...................................... 24
TrunkLamp
................................ 906
Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamps .................. 2057
Fog Lamps ................................. 885
INSIDE LAMPS BULB
Ashtray .................................... 161
Without Sunroof ........................... 168
With Sunroof
............................ 214-2
Rear Reading Lamps
......................... 168
Underdash Lamp
............................ 194
Heater
& AK Control ........................ 161
High-Beam Indicator
......................... 161
Front Reading Lamps
Indicator Lamps
Charge. Oil. Fasten Safety Belts. ABS. Upshift. Low
Coolant. Brake.
Turn Signals. Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Service Engine Soon). Check Gages
..... 161
Glovebox Lamp ............................. 161
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Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part
D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perfom these underhood checks at eachfuelfill.
Engine Oil Level
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mix
if necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for
further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
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.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation
Check tire inflation. Make sure tires are inflated to the
pressures specified on the Tire-Loading Information
label located on the rear edge
of the driver’s door. See
“Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50
hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the Index for
further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Hydraulic Clutch System Inspection
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
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Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock -- BTSI
(Automatic Transaxle)
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of
PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs
service.
Steering Column Lock
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to LOCK
in each shift lever position.
0 With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK
(P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only with the key button depressed.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
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