PONTIAC GRAND-AM 1996 Owners Manual

3. Check both sides of
the dipstick, and
read the lower level. The fluid
level must be in the
cross-hatched area.
How to Add 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 pmper
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 prope; level. It doesn’t
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
take much fluid, generally less than a pint (OSL).
dipstick back in all the way. Don’t overfill. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label
is made especially for your automatic transaxle.
Darnage caused
by fluid other than DEXRON@-111
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under
“How to Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the’way.
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Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
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 tJransaxle
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil. is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle Then, foll\
ow these steps:
doesn't require
changing.
case.
How to Check
Because this operation can b'e a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership
Service Department.
iG Jf you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the , .,..!%$i- k%4nstructions here, or you could get a false reading on the
,> , . ".
dipstick.
I
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 yuur
transaxle fluid.
1, The manual transaxle dipstick is white and is located
on the driver's side rear of the engine. Flip the
handle up and then pull out the dipstick and clean it
with a rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way and remove it.
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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
then pulling the dipstick out.
2. Add fluid at the dipstick hole.
Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level. up
to
I the FULL mark on the dipstick.
3. Push the dipstick back in all the way; then flip the
handle down to lock the dipstick in place.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
I
?, ’ -.
i ” ,
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When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule
to determine how
often you should check the
fluid level
in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for
the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks
and Services” and
“Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants” in the
How tu Check
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 cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free) engine
coolant.
This coolant is designed to remain in your
vehicle
for 5 years or 100,000 miles (166 000 h),
whichever occurs first. 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.
A Sol50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Pontiac will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 9 F ( 129 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
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NOTICE:
When adding coolant it is important that you use
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored, silicate-free)
coolant meeting
GM Specification 6277M.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner --,at
30,000 miles
(50 000 km)'or 24 months whichever
occurs first.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL TM (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze that meets GM Specification
6277M, which won't damage aluminum parts. Use
GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer) (GM Part
No. 3634621) with any complete coolant change. If you
use this mixture, you don't need to add anything else.
.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water,
or some other
liquid like alcohol, can bo'il before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle's coolant warning'
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, 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 5060 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL (orange-colored,
silicate-free) antifreeze.
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NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water
in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add cooldnt more than four times a year,
have
your dealer check your cooling system,
I NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located on the passenger side
of the engine compartment.
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A CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank 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 surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the FULL
COLD mark, or a little higher.
If this light comes on,
means you’re low on engine
coolant.
See “LOW coolant Warning
Light” in the Index.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
surge tank, but only when the engine is cool.
I A 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 replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is tight.
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Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE: ~~ ~
Your pressure cap is an 15 psi l(105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating,
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system, The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches
a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat,
an AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and
repaired.
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Windshield Washer Fluid -
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing. Open
the cap labeled
WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
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~~~
~~~~ NOTICE:
~ ~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
e 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 3/4 full
when it’s very cold, This allows for
expansion, which could damage the tank
if
it is completely full.
windshield washer.
It can damage your
washer system and paint,
Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with
DOT-3 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 reas’on is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system, If it is, you should have
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