trailer PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1994 Owners Manual

Features & Controls
Forward Gears (CONT)
D (Third Gear): This is like @ , but you
never
go into Overdrive.
Here are some times you might choose
“D’ instead of @ :
- When driving on hilly, winding roads
- When towing a trailer, so there is less
shifting between gears
- When going down a steep hill
2 (Second Gear): This position gives you
more power but lower
fuel economy. You
can use “2” on hills.
It can help control
your speed as you
go down steep
mountain roads, but
then you would also
want
to use your brakes off and on.
NOTICE:
Don’t drive in “2” (Second Gear) for
more than
5 miles (8 km), or at
speeds over
55 mph (88 km/h), or
you can damage your transaxle. Use
@ or “D’ as much as possible.
Don’t shift into “2” unless
you are
going slower than
65 mph
( 105 km/h), or you can damage
your engine.
1 (First Gear): This position gives you
even more power (but lower fuel economy) than
“2.” You can use it on
very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the selector lever is put
in “1,” the
transaxle won’t shift into first gear until
the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your front 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 transaxle.
Also,
if you stop when going uphill,
don’t hold your vehicle there with
only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transaxle. Use your brakes or shift
into
“P’ (Park) to hold your vehicle
in position on a hill.
Performance Shiftins
(OPTION)
Press “PERFORM SHIFT” to allow the
transaxle to shift at higher engine speeds,
increasing acceleration performance.
An
indicator light on the switch will glow
when performance shifting is in
operation.
Downshifts
will occur at a lower
percentage of accelerator application while
you’re
in the “PERFORM SHIFT” mode.
Press “NORMAL
SHIFT” to have the
transaxle shift at lower engine speeds,
increasing fuel economy.
An indicator
light on the switch will glow when normal
shifting
is in operation.
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Features & Controls
Parking Brake (CONT.)
To Release the Parking Brake:
This vehicle has a “push to release” park
brake pedal. Hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the
park brake pedal with your left foot. This
will unlock the pedal. When you lift your
left foot, the park brake pedal will follow
it to the released position. If you try to
drive
off with the parking brake on, the
brake light stays on and a chime sounds
until you release the parking brake or
recycle the ignition.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on
can cause your rear brakes to
overheat. You may have
to replace
them, and you could also damage
other parts
of your vehicle.
F You are Towing a Trailer and are
larking
on Any Hill:
ee “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. Tha
xtion shows what
to do first to keep the
+ailer from moving.
Shijiting Into “P”
(Park)
Steering Column Shift
Lever
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your
right foot and set the parking brake.
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Defensive Driving
Your
................
Part 4
Driving and the Road
.................................
DrunkenDriving ..................................................
'Control of a Vehicle
Bmking .. ......................................................
Anti-LackBrakes ................................................
SteeringTips ....................................................
Steering in Emergencies ...........................................
Passling ........................................................
I)rivin>g in the Rain .................................................
City Driving ......................................................
Freeway Driving ..................................................
DrivingatNight ...................................................
Before Leaving on a Long Trip .......................................
HillandMountainRoads ............................................
WhterDriving ....................................................
Towing a Trailer ...................................................
138
138
141
142
144
145
146
148
149 151
151
152
153
155
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Your Driving and the Road
If You’re Stuck in Deep
Snow
This manual explains how to get the
vehicle out of deep snow without
damaging it. See “Rocking Your Vehicle”
in the Index.
Towing a Trailer
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your
warranty.
To pull a trailer correctly,
follow the advice in this section, and
see your Pontiac dealer for
important information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Your Pontiac can tow
a trailer
if it is
equipped with proper trailer towing
equipment. To identify what the vehicle
trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information
in “Weight of
the Trailer” that appears later
in this section.
But trailering
is different than just driving
your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability, and fuel
economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to
be used
properly.
That’s the reason for this section. In it are
many time-tested, important trailering
tips and safety rules. Many
of these are
important for your safety and that of your
passengers.
So please read this section
carefully before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the
engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and tires are forced to work harder against the
drag of the added weight. The engine is
required to operate at relatively higher
speeds and under greater loads, generating
extra heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing
the pulling requirements.
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If You Do Decide to Pull a
Trailer
If you do, here are some important points.
0
0
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.
Consider using a sway control.
(You
can ask a hitch dealer about sway
controls.)
Don't tow a trailer at
all during the
first
1000 miles ( 1600 km) your new
vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first
500 miles
(800 km) that you tow a trailer, don't
drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and don't
make starts at
full throttle. This helps
your engine and other parts of
your
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
0 Obey speed limit restrictions when
towing a trailer. Don't drive faster than
the maximum posted speed for trailers
(or no more than
55 mph (90 km/h)) to
save wear on your vehicle's parts.
Three important considerations have to do
with weight:
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
1,000 pounds (450 kg). But even that can
be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan
to use your
rig. For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and how
much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer
are all important. And,
it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have
on your vehicle.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering
information or advice, or you can write
us at:
Customer Assistance Center
Pontiac Division
One Pontiac Plaza
Pontiac,
MI 48340-2952
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited,
Customer Assistance Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
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Your Driving and the Road
A B
Weight of the Trailer
Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an
important weight to measure because
it
affects the total capacity weight of your
vehicle. The capacity weight includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo
you
may carry in it, and the people who will
be riding in the vehicle. And if you will
tow a trailer,
you must subtract the
tongue load from your vehicle’s capacity
weight because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more
information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity. If
you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, thc
trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 10% of
the total loaded trailer weight
(B). If you
have a “weight-distributing” hitch, the
trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12% of
the total loaded trailer weight
(B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh
the trailer and then the tongue, separately,
to see if the weights are proper. If they
aren’t,
you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in
the trailer.
Total Weight on Your
Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to
the limit for cold tires. You’ll find these
numbers on the Certification 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.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few
reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:
0 Will you have to make any holes in
the body of your vehicle when
you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes iater when
you remove the hitch. If
you don’t
seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into
your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index).
Dirt and water can, too.
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The bumpers on yaur vehicfe are not
intended for hitches.
Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use
only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not
attach to the bumper.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains- between
your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of.the
trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to
the road
if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety
chains. Always leave just enough slack
so
you can turn with your rig. And, never
allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to
install, adjust and maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not
try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do both brakes systems
won’t work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
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
so
responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you
start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
Eonnector, lights, tires and mirror
adjustment.
If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer
moving and then apply ‘the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure the brakes
are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionakky to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and any trailer brakes are still
working.
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Your Driving and the Road
Driving with a Trailer
(CONT.)
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This can
help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up
ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And,
because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll
need to
go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to
your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the trailer
to the left, just move that hand to the left.
To move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
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.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher and
extra wiring. The green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you
signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lights will also
flash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green 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. Your
vehicle has bulb warning lights.
When you plug trailer lights into your
vehicle’s lighting system, its bulb warning
lights may not let
you know if one of your
lights goes out.
So, when you have trailer
lights plugged
in, be sure to check your
vehicle and trailer lights from time
to time
to be sure they’re all working. Once you
disconnect the trailer lights, the bulb
warning lights again can tell you if one
of
your vehicle lights is out.
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 to “D”
(Drive) and reduce your speed to around
45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility
of engine and transaxle
overheating.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill. If
something goes wrong, your rig could
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Parking on Hills
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Apply your regular brakes, but don’t
shift into
“P” (Park) yet.
Have someone place chocks under the
trailer wheels.
When the wheel chocks are in place,
release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
Reapply the regular brakes. Then
apply your parking brake, and then shift to
“F”’ (Park).
Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking
on a Hill
1.
2.
3.
4.
Apply your regular brakes and hold
the pedal down while you:
0 Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
Let up on the brake pedal.
Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
of the chocks.
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, belt(s),
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 these sections before. you
start your trip.
Check periodically to
see that all hitch
nuts and bolts are tight.
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If No Steam Is Coming
From Your Engine
If you get the overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when you:
0 Climb a long hill on a hot day.
0 Stop after high speed driving.
0 Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with
no
sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the
highest fan speed and open the
window as necessary.
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to “N”
(Neutral).
If you no longer have the overheat
warning, you can drive. Just to be safe,
drive slower for about ten minutes. If the
warning doesn’t come back on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop,
and park your vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign of steam, you can
idle the engine for two or three minutes
while you’re parked, to see
if the warning
stops.
But then,
if you still have the warning,
TURN
OFF THE ENGINE AND GET
EVERYONE OUT
OF THE VEHICLE
until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to
get service help right away.
11
Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood,
here’s what you’ll see:
(A) Coolant recovery tank
(B) Radiator pressure cap
(C) Electric engine fan
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