wiper fluid PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1998 Owners Manual

For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from you to the
LO position. For high-speed wiping turn
the band further,
to HI. To stop the wipers, move the
band
to OW.
The wiper speed may be set for a long or short delay
between wipes.
This can be very useful in light rain or
snow.
Turn the band to choose the delay time. The
closer to LO, the shorter the delay.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor.
A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Keep in mind that damaged wiper blades may prevent
you from seeing well enough to drive safely.
To avoid
damage, be sure
to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them.
If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Windshield Washer
At the top of the turn signaVmultifunction lever, there’s
a paddle with the word
PUSH on it. To spray washer
fluid on the windshield, push the paddle for less than a
second. The wipers will clear the window and either stop or return to your preset speed. For more washer
cycles, push and hold the paddle.
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can
form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Some models have a WASHER FLUID warning that
indicates if the fluid level in the windshield washer
reservoir is low. See “Low Washer Fluid Warning Light”
in the Index.
2-39

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.
4-17

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle.\
This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it
shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-6
6-9
6-9
6-13
6- 17
6-20
6-23
6-26
6-26
6-27
6-28
6-32
6-32
6-40
Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your
Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine
Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Engine Coolant
Radiator Pressure Cap
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6-4 1
6-49
6-49
6-5
1
6-52
6-54
6-54
6-56
6-57
6-58
6-64
6-65
6-65 6-66
6-66
6-66
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care
of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
(If Equipped)
Sheet Metal Damage
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Engine Specifications
Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts
Vehicle Dimensions
6-1

Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or
windshield.
Clean the outside
of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder),
GM Part No. 1050011. The
windshield is clean
if beads do not form when you
rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper
blades and affect their performance. Clean the blade
by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During very cold, damp weather more
frequent application may be required. (See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often
with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle
in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand,
dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the
Index.) Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or
that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to
dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
6-52

At Least Twice a Year At Least Once a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning’’ in the Index.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See “Automatic Transaxle”
in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate
a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in
Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood,
rear
compartment, glove box door, console door and any
folding seat hardware.
Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed
to a corrosive environment.
7-32

Wheel Alignment
.................................. 6-47
Nut Torque ............................. 5-33, 6-65
Replacement ................................. 6-47
Wrench ..................................... 5-27
Express-Down ............................... 2-35
Windshield Washer ............................. 2-39
Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-31
Windows ..................................... 2-35
Power ...................................... 2-35
Fluid ....................................... 6-27
Windshield Wipers .............................. 2-38
Blade Replacement ........................... 6-40
Winter Driving ................................. 4-25
Wiper Blade Check ............................. 7-32
Wiper Blades, Cleaning .......................... 6-52
Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-58
Wrecker Towing ................................. 5-8
Wrench, Wheel ................................. 5-27
Bladecleaning ............................... 6-52
Fuses ...................................... 6-58
9-12