fuel PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1996 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For example, these symbols are used on
an
original battery:
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BURNS AVOID
SPARKS
OR
FLAMES
SPARK
OR ,\I/,
COULD
RAM€
EXPLODE BATTERY
These symbols are
important
for you and
your passengers whenever your
vehicle
is
driven:
f-l DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN SEAT
BELTS
e?
AIR BAG p
These symbols
have to do with your lights:
SIGNALS e
TURN
PARKING
p$ LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
$0
These symbols are on some of
your controls:
WIPER Q
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
VENTILATING
FAN - )
These symbols are used on
warning
and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
- e-
TEMP -
CHARGING I-1
BATTERY
SYSTEM
BRAKE
(0)
COOLANT a
ENGINE OIL e,
PRESSURE
ANTI~LOCK (@)
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you
may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
m
HORN )tr
SPEAKER
b
FUEL p3
v
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PASS-Key@ I1
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key
II
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
II is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
It works when you insert
or remove the key from
the ignition.
PASS-Key
II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder
in your vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
11 system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts
down the vehicle’s starter and
fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won’t
work and fuel won’t go to
the engine. Lf someone tries to
start your vehicle again or uses another key during
this
time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone
fiom randomly trying different keys with different resistor
pellets
in an attempt to make a match.
The ignition key, must be clean and dry before it’s
inserted in the ignition
or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the SECURITY light
is on, the
key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.
Ciean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this
time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the
Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first
ignition key may be faulty.
See your Pontiac dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS-Key
Q.
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work and the
SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have to wait
three minutes before trying another ignition key.
! 2-15
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Engine CoolantKeater (Option)
In very cold weather, 0" F (- 18 O C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater
can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should
be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting you vehicle.
To use the coolant heater:
'' 1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt AC outlet.
A. CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong
kind
of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into
a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
,
4. After you've used the coolant heater? be sure to store
the cord as it was before to keep it away fiom moving
engine parts.
If you don't, it could be damaged.
How long should YQU keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your Pontkc dealer
in the area where you'll be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for
that particular mea.
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NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn’t covered by your warranty.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
(D): This position is for
normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:
- Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h), push your
- Going about 35 mph (56 h/h) or more, push the
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
accelerator
all the way down.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it seems not to shift gears as you
go faster,
something may be wrong with
a transaxle system
sensor.
If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged.
So, if this happens, have
your, vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you
can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than
35 mph (56 kdh) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE
(0) for higher speeds.
DRIVE (D): This position
is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power
and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (@).
Here are some times you might choose DRIVE (D)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (@):
- When driving on hilly, winding roads
- When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears
- When going down a steep hill
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SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy.
You can use SECOND (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 SEC.OND (2) for more than
5 miles (8 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(88 kdh), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (0) or
DRIVE (D) as much as possible.
Don't shift into
SECOND (2) unless you are going
slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), dr you can
damage your engine.
%IRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but
lower he1 economy) than
SECOND (2). You can use it on
very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector
lever
is put in FIRST (l)? 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 PARK (P)
to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.
2-24
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Performance Shifting (Option) Computer Command Ride (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.
Vehicles equipped with computer command ride provide
improved passenger ride
comfort under a variety of road
and driving conditions.
Downshifts will occur at a lower percentage of accelerator
application while you're
in the PERFORM SHIFI' mode.
Press NORMAL SHIFT to have the transaxle shift at
lower engine speeds, increasing fuel economy.
An I
indicator light on the switch will glow when normal
shifting is in operation. For normal driving conditions, press the
TOURING
RIDE button to get a more refined comfortable ride.
When driving conditions require improved handling,
press the PERFORM
RIDE button to get a firm ride.
This mode minimizes how much the passenger compartment leans in
turns, and decreases the
up-and-down motion
of the front and rear of the vehicle
during acceleration or braking.
Note that even
in the TOURING RIDE mode, the
system
will adjust to rapid cornering, acceleration
or braking.
If the computer command ride detects a problem in the
system, the lights on the TOURING
RIDE and
PERFORM RIDE buttons will both come on. If this
happens, have your vehicle serviced.
2-25
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Instrument Panel Clusters
Your -ent panel clusters are designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll how how
fast you’re
going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.
Your Pontiac
is equipped with one of these instrument panel clusters, which includes indicator warning\
lights and
gages that
are explained on the following pages.
m111
izlamam
0
FUEL ONLY UNLEIDEO 5%
Cluster with Gages
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
CHECK
Your Pontiac is
equipped with.a
, ' .
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition and
emission control systems.
This system is called OBD 11 (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
(In Canada, OBD 11 is replaced by
Enhanced Diagnostics.) The CHECK ENGINE light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent, which may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle.
This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE: 1.
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run
as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running.
If ,the light doesn't come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
0
0
Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected.
A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service is required.
Light On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
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If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
0 Avoid liard accelerations.
~ .I.<.’.) . .e ,,- .I - ..
L:‘:’r’ j. , 0 Avoid steep uphill grades.
0 If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of wgo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “E
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash,, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Put your vehicle in PARK (P), Turn the
key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the engine.
If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On
Steady” following. If the light is still flashing follow the
previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your dealer or
qualified service center for service.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction b’y considering the following:
Did
you just put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the
cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap
has been left off or improperly installed. This will
allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips should turn the light off.
Rid you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
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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.
3 71
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