engine PONTIAC GRAND-AM 1995 Workshop Manual

NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
So
use the recommended coolant.
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap
when the cooling system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly about
one-quarter turn to the left and then stop.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
5-18 -
ProCarManuals.com

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mix to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches
FULL COLD, or just above
the small cylinder at the base of the opening.
1
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is tight.
5-20
ProCarManuals.com

Fuel
I NOTICE: I
If you try to do your own service work without
knowing enough about it, your vehicle could be
damaged.
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher. It should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in
the United States and
CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These
fuels should have the proper additives, so you should not
have
to add anything to the fuel.
In the United States and Canada, it’s easy to be sure you
get the right kind
of gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see
UNLEADED right on the pump. And only unleaded
nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler neck.
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is
less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when
you drive.
If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine.
If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you
still hear heavy hocking, your engine needs service.
But don’t
worry if you hear a little pinging noise when
you’re accelerating
or driving up a hill. That’s normal,
and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid
of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock that means
you have a problem.
What about gasoline with blending materials that
contain oxygen (oxygenates), such as MTBE or alcohol?
6-2
ProCarManuals.com

MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is no
more than
15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel
that is no more than
10% ethanol is fine for your
vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol.
NOTICE:
Fuel that is more than 5% methanol is bad for
your vehicle. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal
parts in your fuel system and
also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be
covered under your warranty. And even at
5% or
less, there must be “cosolvents” and corrosion
preventers in this fuel to help avoid these
problems.
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with deposit control additives will
help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and
fuel system. That helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working properly. It’s
good for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for
cleaner air.
Many gasolines are now blended with oxygenates.
General Motors recommends that you use gasolines with
these blending materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. By
doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those
parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide
levels.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing
reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. General Motors
recommends that you use reformulated gasoline. By
doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those
parts
of the country that have high ozone levels.
You should ask your service station operators if their
gasolines contain deposit control additives and
oxygenates, and if they have been reformulated to
reduce vehicle emissions.
6-3
ProCarManuals.com

Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
U.S. or Canada, unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do
not use leaded gasoline. If you use even one tankful,
your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust
system can corrode, and your engine oil can deteriorate
quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor will be damaged.
All
of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LlH 8P7
Filling Your Tank
6-4
ProCarManuals.com

2.3L Quad 4 Engine (CODE D)
PO ??
When you open the hood, you'll see:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Engine Oil Dipstick
Automatic Transaxle Dipstick (if equipped)
Brake Fluid Reservoir
Air Cleaner
,? I, 4
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (if so equipped)
Battery
Windshield Washer Huid Reservoir
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil
Fill Cap
'il.
10. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
6-9
ProCarManuals.com

3.1L V6 Engine (CODE M)
P 9p P
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
Brake Fluid Reservoir
Air Cleaner
Battery
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil Dipstick
Engine Oil
Fill Cap
Engine Coolant Surge Tank
6-10
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Oil
CHECK
OIL
If the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on,
it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see
“CHECK OIL
Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be
warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan.
If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
2.3 L Engine Oil Dipstick
6-11
ProCarManuals.com

3.1 L V-6 Engine Oil Dipstick
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on
the
2.3L L-4 engine is located on the rear of the engine.
The dipstick on the
3.1L V-6 engine is located on the
front of the engine behind the fan.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
2.3L Quad 4: Adding Oil
6-12
ProCarManuals.com

3.1L V-6: Adding Oil When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must
use the right kind. This
part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all
the way
back in when
you’re through.
6-13
ProCarManuals.com