steering wheel adjustment PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1996 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: PONTIAC, Model Year: 1996, Model line: BONNEVILLE, Model: PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1996Pages: 387, PDF Size: 18.71 MB
Page 203 of 387

Driving with a nailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before seffing 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 as
responsive as your vehicle
is by itself.
Before you start, check
the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, elec.ical connector,
lamps, 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 occasionally to,
be sure that the
load
is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are
still working.
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
tuns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
yuu’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.
I
I :
4-36
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Page 355 of 387

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are iqspections and services which should
be performed at least twice
a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s
service depkent or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs
are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a Pontiac service manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front- Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of we&, or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering hs d hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc.
Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
..-
,-’; .. :-: : :I . -. :;Exhaust System Inspe,ction
3 ,.
.’Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose
_.
connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat
build-up
in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle.
See “Engine Exhaust’’ in the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle Wage for interference or binding, and
for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any cables that have high effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses’ for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for
surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake
pans, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check pvking brake adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often if your cjriving habits
or conditions result in frequent braking.
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