PONTIAC GRAND-AM 1994 Owners Manual

Service & Appearance Care
V
P
I
E
b
S’
C
C.
P
A
I Surge Tank Pressure
Cap
NOTICE:
Your pressure cap is an 18 psi
( 124 kPa) pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed to prevent
coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating.
irhen you replace your surge tank
ressure cap, a GM cap is recommended.
I Thermostat
lngine coolant temperature is controlled
y a thermostat in the engine coolant
ystem. The thermostat stops the flow
of
oolant through the radiator until the
oolant reaches a preset temperature.
Jhen you replace your thermostat, an
.C@ thermostat is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power
Steering Fluid
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.
0
0
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be at the HOT
(H)
mark.
When the engine compartment is cool,
the level should be at the
COLD (C)
mark.
1
I
1
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
jetermine what kind
of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in
the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid
or making a complete fluid change,
always use the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
... 190
ProCarManuals.com

NOTICE:
1 Windshield Washer
Fluid
To Add:
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID
ONLY. Add washer fluid until the bottle
is full.
a
e
a
a
When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.
Don’t
mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage your
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water doesn’t clean as
well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer
fluid tank
only
3/4 full when it’s very
cold. This allows for
expansion, which could
damage the tank if
it is
completely
full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze
in your windshield washer. It
can damage your washer
system and paint.
Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here; It is
filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level
in your master cylinder might
go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are put
in, the fluid level goes
back up. The other reason
is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system.
If it is,
you should have your brake system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner or later
your brakes won’t work well, or won’t
work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top
off’ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid
won’t correct
a leak. If you add fluid
191 ...
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
Brake Master Cylinder
(CONT.)
when your linings are worn, then you’ll
have too much fluid when you get new
brake linings. You should add (or remove)
brake fluid, as necessary, only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level.
your brake warning light wil1,come on.
See “Brake System Warning Light” in the
Index.
What to Add:
When you do need brake fluid, use only
DOT-3 brake fluid -- such as Delco
Supreme
11 @ (GM Part No. 1052535).
Use new brake fluid from a sealed
:ontainer only, and always clean the brak
fluid reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
e
0
Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind
of fluid. For
example, just a few drops
of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in your brake
system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that
they’ll have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage
paint,
so be careful not to
spill brake fluid on your
vehicle. If you
do, wash it off
immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the
Index.
3rake Wear
‘our Pontiac has front disc brakes and
ear drum brakes.
Xsc brake pads have built-in wear
ndicators that make a high-pitched
varning sound when the brake pads are
vorn and new pads are needed. The
ound may come and
go or be heard all
he time your vehicle is moving (except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal
irmly).
ProCarManuals.com

NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result
in costly
brake repair.
_r
Some driving conditions or climates may
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied or lightly applied. This does
not mean something is wrong with your
brakes.
Your rear drum brakes don't have wear
indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear
brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake
linings inspected.
Also, the rear brake
drums should be removed and inspected
each time the tires are removed for
rotation or changing. When you have the
front brakes replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete axle sets,
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could
be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake
stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If
you rarely make a moderate or heavier
stop,
then your brakes might not adjust
correctly. If
you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make a few moderate
brake stops about every
1,000 miles
( 1600 km), so your brakes will adjust
properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther
than normal, your rear drum brakes may
need adjustment. Adjust them by backing
up and firmly applying the brakes a few
times.
Replacing Brake System
Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have
to be of
top quality and work
well together if the
vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have
top-quality
GM brake parts in them, as
your Pontiac does when
it is new. When
you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake
linings wear down and you have to have
new ones put
in -- be sure you get new
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer 'work
properly. For example, if someon? puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front
and rear brakes can change, for the worse.
The braking performance you've come to
expect can change
in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
193...
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
Battery
Every new Pontiac has a Delco Freedom@
battery. You never have to add water to
one of these. When it’s time for a new
battery, we recommend a Delco
Freedom’ battery. Get one that has the
catalog number shown on the original
battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle
for
25 days or more, take off the black,
negative
(-) cable from the battery. This
will help keep your battery from running
down.
Contact your dealer to learn how to
prepare your vehicle for longer storage
periods.
Jump Starting
For jump starting instructions, see “Jump
Starting”
in the Index.
I
r
I Halogen Bulbs
... 194
ProCarManuals.com

Headlight Bulb
Replacement
For the type of bulb, see “Replacement
Bulbs”
in the Index.
1. On the driver’s side only, unscrew the
butterfly fastener. Then lift the plate.
Both Sides:
2. Twist the bulb assembly
counterclockwise 1/6 turn and pull out
the bulb assembly.
3. Unclip the bulb assembly from the
wiring harness.
4. Reverse steps 1-3 to replace the bulb
assembly and headlight housing.
195...
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
Taillight Bulb
Replacement
For the type of bulb, see “Replacement
Bulbs” in the Index.
1. Pull back the trunk trim.
2. Carefully push one end of the plastic
taillight brace in while pulling the
brace toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Gently wiggle the bulb out of the
socket.
4. Replace the bulb.
5. Reverse the steps to reassemble the
taillight.
Fog Light Bulb
Replacement
Don’t change your fog light bulbs unless
you have the proper aiming equipment.
See your Pontiac dealer
if you have any
further questions.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Replacement blades come in different
types and are removed in different ways.
Here’s how to remove the type with a
release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away
from the windshield.
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver
and pull the blade assembly off the
wiper arm.
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on
the wiper arm.
. . . 196
ProCarManuals.com

I Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how
much weight it may properly carry. The
Tire-Loading Information label found on
the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you
the proper size, speed rating and
recommended inflation pressures for the
tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number
af people that can be in your vehicle and
the total weight that you can carry. This
weight is called the Vehicle Capacity
Weight and includes the weight of all
xcupants, cargo, and all
lonfactory-installed options.
The other label is the Certification label,
found on the rear edge of the driver’s
door. It tells you the gross weight capacity
of your vehicle, called the GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed
the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either
the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you
should spread it out. Don’t carry more
than
132 lbs. (60 kg) in your trunk.
I NOTICE: 1
Your warranty does not cover parts
or components that fail because of
overloading.
[f you put things inside your vehicle -
like suitcases, tools, packages, or
mything else
- they will go as fast as the
Jehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep
going.
197.. .
ProCarManuals.com

Service & Appearance Care
rn Loading Your Vehicle
(CONT.)
Tires
Ne don’t make tires. Your new vehicle
:omes with high quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. These tires are
warranted by the tire manufacturers and
their warranties are delivered with every
new Pontiac. If your spare tire is a
different brand than your road tires, you
will have a tire warranty folder from each
of these manufacturers.
. . . 198
ProCarManuals.com

Inflation - Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label which is on the rear edge
of the driver’s
L
NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air
door shows the correct-inflation pressures
for your tires, when they’re cold. “Cold”
means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than a
mile.
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation
or overinflation is all
right. It’s not. If your tires don’t
have enough air (underinflation)
0 Too much flexing
0 Too much heat
0 Tire overloading
0 Bad wear
0 Bad fuel economy.
I P
C
c
SI
I
,
(oierinflation), you can get:
0 Unusual wear
0 Bad handling
0 Rough ride
Needless damage from road
hazards.
Yhen to Check
lheck your tires once a month or more.
Ion’t forget your compact spare tire. It
ilould be at 60 psi (420 Pa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to
:heck tire pressure. Simply looking at the
ires will not
tell you the pressure,
:specially if you have radial tires
--
which may look properly inflated even if
[hey’re underinflated.
;.. :.?
[f your tires have valve caps, be sure to
put them back on. They help prevent
leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
. . 1. .
,,
ProCarManuals.com