stop start PONTIAC GRAND AM 1999 User Guide

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4-13
Passing
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. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two
-lane
highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the
passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in
judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can
suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the
worst of all traffic accidents
-- the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:

ªDrive ahead.º Look down the road, to the sides and to
crossroads for situations that might affect your passing
patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about
making a successful pass, wait for a better time.

Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines.
If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a
turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken
center line usually indicates it's all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid
line on your side of the lane or a double solid line,
even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.
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.

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. Time your move so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to move into the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have
a ªrunning startº that more than makes up for the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause you to cancel your pass,
you need only slow down and drop back again and
wait for another opportunity.

If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait
your turn. But take care that someone isn't trying to
pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle.
Remember to glance over your shoulder and check
the blind spot.

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4-15
If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System, or if
the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One
reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired
-- by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.

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4-17
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.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It's wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.

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4-39 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your Pontiac dealer. The arrows on your instrument
panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
flash, telling other drivers you're about to turn, change
lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.
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.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.

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4-40 When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance 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 transaxle fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake
adjustment. Each of these is covered in this manual, and
the Index will help you find them quickly. If you're
trailering, it's a good idea to review this information
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.
Towing A Trailer
(Except 3400 V6 Engine)
If your vehicle is equipped with the 2.4L L4 engine, it is
neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.

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5-7
10. 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.
11. If the SECURITY light flashes, wait until the light
stops flashing. Now start the vehicle with the good
battery and run the engine for a while.12. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
If it won't start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.
13. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent
electrical shorting. Take care that they don't touch
each other or any other metal.
A. Heavy Unpainted Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead Battery

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6-29 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.
If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system
-- for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
have to have new ones put in
-- be sure you get new
approved GM replacement parts. If you don't, your
brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes
can change
-- for the worse. The braking performance
you've come to expect can change in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery's label.
Vehicle Storage
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.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

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9-10
Specifications and Capacities 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications, Engine 6-60, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains, Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-16, 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steam 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Emergencies 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-10, 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Tilt 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-33, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunroof 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Restraint System 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank, Coolant 5-11, 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-6, 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Steering Wheel 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure Monitor System 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .