power steering PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1999 Owners Manual

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Ignition Positions
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is
dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be
injured or even killed. They could operate power
windows or other controls or even make the vehicle
move. Don't leave the keys in the vehicle with children.
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions.NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in the ignition, in the OFF
position, you will hear a warning tone when you open
the driver's door.

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Windows
Power Windows
Switches on the driver's door panel control each of the
windows when the ignition is on or when retained
accessory power is active. In addition, each passenger
door has a control switch for its own window.Express
-Down Window
When the driver's window switch is held rearward
briefly, the window will lower completely. The window
can be opened in smaller amounts by pressing the switch
rearward and releasing it immediately.
To stop the window while it is lowering, press the
switch again, then release. To raise the window, hold the
switch forward.
Horn
Nearly the entire surface of the center pad of the
steering wheel is an active horn switch. Press anywhere
on the pad to sound the horn.

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First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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3-1
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you'll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be
sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3
-2 Comfort Controls
3
-6 Air Conditioning
3
-6 Heating
3
-7 Ventilation System
3
-8 Defogging and Defrosting
3
-9 Rear Window Defogger
3
-10 Audio Systems
3
-10 Setting the Clock for AM-FM Stereo
3
-10 Setting the Clock for All Systems Except
AM
-FM Stereo
3
-10 AM-FM Stereo
3
-12 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
(If Equipped)
3
-16 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Equalizer (If Equipped)3
-19 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
(If Equipped)
3
-22 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and
Equalizer (If Equipped)
3
-25 Theft-Deterrent Feature
3
-27 Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
3
-28 Understanding Radio Reception
3
-28 Tips About Your Audio System
3
-29 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
3
-30 Care of Your Compact Discs
3
-30 Care of Your Compact Disc Player
3
-31 Fixed Mast Antenna
3
-31 Power Antenna Mast Care

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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3-27
To unlock a secured radio, see ªUnlocking the
Theft
-Deterrent Feature After a Power Lossº earlier
in this section.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
H±23±0040±T
If your vehicle has this
feature, you can control
certain radio functions
using the buttons on your
steering wheel.SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to go to the next
higher or lower radio station and stay there. If a cassette
tape is playing, press the up arrow to search for the next
selection on the tape. Press the down arrow to search for
the previous selection on the tape. If a compact disc is
playing, press the up arrow to go to the start of the next
track. Press the down arrow to go to the start of the
current track if more than eight seconds have played. If
less than eight seconds have played, press the down
arrow to go to the previous track.
AM
-FM: Press this button to select AM, FM1 or FM2.
The band selected will show on the digital screen. The
frequency will also be displayed and, if the station is in
stereo, the stereo indicator will also be displayed. If a
cassette tape or compact disc is playing, the tape or disc
will stop playing and the radio will play.
PRESET: Press this button to hear the radio stations
that are set on your pushbuttons. If a cassette tape is
playing, press this button to play the other side of the
tape. If a compact disc is playing, press this button to
hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order.
Press this button again to turn off random play.

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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4-10
H±24±2258±S
To turn the system off,
press the TRACTION
CONTROL button located
on the console next to the
gear shift selector. An
indicator light in the
switch will turn off when
you turn TRACTION
CONTROL off.
The traction control system warning light will come on
and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button, the warning light will come
on
-- but the system won't turn off right away. It will
wait until there's no longer a current need to limit
wheel spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing
the button again. The traction control system warning
light should go off.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Magnasteer
(Option)
Your vehicle may be equipped with GM Magnasteer, a
steering system that continuously adjusts the effort you
feel when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease
when parking, yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds.
Your steering can be adjusted for an easier or more firm
setting. See your dealer for information.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the ªdriver lost controlº accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here's why:

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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 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-13 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-20 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-23 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-24 Engine Coolant
6
-27 Power Steering Fluid
6
-28 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-29 Brakes
6
-32 Battery
6
-33 Bulb Replacement6
-43 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-44 Tires
6
-52 Appearance Care
6
-52 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-57 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-57 Sheet Metal Damage
6
-59 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-60 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-61 Electrical System
6
-68 Replacement Bulbs
6
-69 Capacities and Specifications
6
-70 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-70 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located on the rear
passenger side of the engine compartment.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

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6-71 Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase 110.8 inches (281.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front 60.4 inches (153.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 60.3 inches (153.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 201.9 inches (512.8 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 74.6 inches (189.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 55.7 inches (141.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L36 Engine Accessory Belt
The L36 engine uses an engine accessory belt. This
diagram shows the features connected and the routing.
See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index for when to
check the belt.
A. Power Steering
B. Generator
C. Air ConditioningD. Crank
E. Coolant Pump
F. Idler

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6-72 L67 Engine Accessory Belt
The Supercharged 3800 (L67) engine uses two
accessory drive belts. The inner belt drives the
generator, power steering pump, coolant pump and air
conditioning. The outer belt drives the supercharger.
Each belt has its own tensioner and idler pulley. See
ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index for when to check
the accessory drive belts and the supercharger oil level.
Have your dealer check the oil level in the supercharger.
1. Front Belt
2. Back Belt
A. Generator
B. Power Steering PumpC. Crank
D. Supercharger
E. Coolant Pump
F. Air Conditioning

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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department 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 service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and 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.
Exhaust System Inspection
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 ªEngine Exhaustº in
the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.