warning PONTIAC GRAND-AM 1996 Owner's Guide

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
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.
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic
When your brake fluid falls
to a low level, your brake
warning light will 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
container only,
and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing
it.
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With the wrong kind,of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes
may not work well, or they
may not even work
at all, This could cause a
crash. Always use the moper brake fluid.
NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system park.
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. Don’t
let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
your vehicle, If you do, wash it off immediately.
See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
i ‘I I .- ’;/
Brake Wear
Your Pontiac has front disc brakes and sear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound whew the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(ex’cept when
you are pushing on.the brake pedal
firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that
sooner
or later your brakes wonY work well.
That could lead
to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
6-30
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Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B,
and C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on braking'(straightahead) traction tests
and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature - A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the
material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade
C corresponds to a level af performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades
€3 and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature gade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels osn your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the lo'ngest tire life and best overall performance.
In most cases, you..will not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However,
if you notice unusual tire wear
or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset.
If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when
driving on a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
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Appearance Care Don't use any of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. others can burst
into flame if you strike a Alcohol
match or get'them on a hot
part of the vehicle. Some are 0 Laundry Soap
dangerous
if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
Pontiac, be sure to follow the manufacturer's warnings
Reducing Agents
0 Bleach
and instructions. 'And always open your doors or
windows when you're cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
Gasoline
0 Benzene
Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
0 Lacquer.Thinner
0 Nail Polish Remover
,Cleaning the Inside of Your Pontiac
Use a vacuum cleaner often to 'get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth.
Your Pontiac dealer has two
GM cleaners, a
solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type powdered
cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well.
Do not use them on vinyl or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area
often. A
soft brush may be used'if stains are stubborn.
Use solvent-type cleaners in a well-ventilated area -
They can all be hazardous -- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
only. If you use them, don't saturate the staiqed area.
area immediately or it will set.
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Fuse
INT LPS
PWR
ST
RDO IGN
HTR-A/C
CRUISE
TAIL LPS
a Fuse Useage
PWR WDO Power Window (Circuit Breaker)
TURN Turn Signal Lamps
Useage
Alarm Module (Illuminated Entry,
Warning Chimes, Overhead
Lamps., MapJReading Lamps,
Glove Box Lamp, Trunk Lamp,
Radio, Power Mirrors), Anti-Lock
Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering,
Remote Keyless
Entry
Power Seat ?,,,. :. . . .- . - . .. .. Radi&-<-'&'.: ?.>I' ?;~-,~:-~~~,(l ,;,* , ' _. . . I' . &-:.*& . : ' . . I 8.. .~ . . .I d&
Heater/Air Conditioning Blower,
Daytime Running Lamps, Automatic Light Control
Cruise Control
Parking Lamps, Taillamps,
Sidemarker Lamps, License
Lamps, Instrument Panel Lights,
Headlamp
Warning Alarm
Cigarette Lighter
6-56
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Fuse
WIPER
02
,DR UNLK
ALARM
FOG/FTP
PRNDL
BR LK 2
AIR BAG
HORN
Usage
Windshield Wipers/Washers
Heated Oxygen Sensors Automatic
Door Unlock
Automatic Transaxle, Automatic
Door Unlock, Alarm Module
(Illuminated Entry, Warning
Chimes), TraGtion Telltale, Rear
Window Defogger, Remote
Keyless Entry
Fog Lamps
Instrument Cluster, Powertrain Computer, Park-Lock Solenoid,
Electronic
PRNDL
Door Locks
Air Bag-Power
Horn, Service Tool Power
Fuse Usage
INST Instrument Cluster
STOP
HAZ Stoplamps, Hazard Lamps,
Anti-Lock Brakes
PCM Powertrain Control Module
DR LK
1 Door Locks
INST
LPS Instrument Panel Lights, Fog
Lamps
RR DEF Rear Window Defogger
HDLP Headlamps, Daytime Running Lamps (Circuit Breaker)
Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
Fuse Panel .. - / , . . , ;';,,;'.[ -: .f-, .-.;'.A, Li-v. I , , ~ I , , .,$! ::.
Your steering wheel radio controls are protected
by fuses. For service, contact your Pontiac
service department.
. ._ .,~ \. ~, ' ' ~ .j_ . ,:: :?<. , x:'. -.
6-57
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0
Section 9 Index
I
I
Adapter Kit. Compact Disc .................. 3- 13. 3. 16
Air Bag ....................................... 1-20
How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-24
How it
Works ................................ 1-22
Location
................,..,................ l-22
Readiness Light ......................... 1-21. 2-55
Servicing ................................ .. 1-25
What Will You See After it Inflates
............... 1-24
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-23
Air Cleaner ...................................... 6-16 Air Conditioning ................................ 3-4
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-62
Alignment and Balance, Tire
...................... 6-42
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-50
Antenna, Fixed ................................. 3-24
Antifreeze ................................ 5-16, 6-22
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light ................ 2-57, 4-6
Anti-Theft, Radio
.............................. 3-21
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-52
Arbitration
Program .............................. 8-8
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-47
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-23
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
Appearancecare
............................... 6-45 Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-23
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-24
Audio Systems
................................... 3-8
Auto-Down Window ............................ 2-30
Automatic Door Locks
............................ 2-4
Automatic Overdrive
............................ 2-20
Automatic Transaxle
............................. 2-18
Fluid
....................................... 6-17
Operation
.................................... 2-18
Park Mechanism Check ........................ 7-40
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-13
Check
...................................... 7-38
Shifting ..................................... 2-18
Battery
...................................... 6-32
Charging System Indicator Light
................. 2-56
Jump Starting ................................. 5-2
Replacement. Keyless Entry
..................... 2-7
Saver ...................................... 2-43
Warnings .................................... 5-2
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-8
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-8
.
.. .b... ... ...... :yv... .. ...
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Brake Adjustment
................................... 6-31
Fluid .................... '. .................. 6-28
Master
Cylinder ............................... 6-28
Pedal Travel
................................. 6-31
Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-31
System Warning Light .................... 2-56, 6-29
Trailer ...................................... 4-37
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check .. ............... 7-39
Wear ....................................... 6-30
Brakes, Anti-Lock ............................... 4-6
Braking ......................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies .......................... 4-10
Break-In. New Vehicle ........................... 2-1 1
Brightness Control .............................. 2-41
BTSI Check ................................... 7-39
Bulb Replacement ......................... 6-33. 6-59
Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................ 8-6
Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-60
Carbon Monoxide ..................... 2-28.4-28. 4-37
Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7-37
Cassette Tape Player ............................ 3- 10
Cassette Tape Player Care ........................ 3-25
Cassette Tape Player Errors ....................... 3-1 1
Cassette Tape Player. Remote ...................... 3-19
CD Adapter Kits .......................... 3-13. 3-16
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3-2 1
Center Console Storage Area ...................... 2-46
Center Rear Passenger Position .................... 1-33
CertificatiorQTire Label ........................... 4-32
Parking ..................................... 2-24 Chains. Sagety
................................. 4-37 .
Chains. Tire ................................... 6-44
Changing a Flat Tire .............................. 5-21
Check Engine Light ............................. 2-60
Check Oil Light ................................ 2-64
Checking
Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-47
Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-51
Child Restraints ................................ 1-36
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-37
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-39
Securing in the Passenger Seat Position ........... 1-41
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-41
Top
Strap ................................... 1-37
Wheretoput ................................ 1-36
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-47
Circuit Breakers and Fuses ........................ 6-55
Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-16
Cl. eaning ...................................... 6-45
Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-50
Fabric ...................................... 6-46
Glass ....................................... 6-48
Inside of Yon Pontiac ......................... 6-45
Instrument Panel .............................. 6-48
Leather ..................................... 6-47
Outside of Your Pontiac ........................ 6-49
Spelcial Problems ............................. 6-46
Stains ...................................... 6-46
Tires ....................................... 6-50
Vinyl ....................................... 6-47
Wheels ..................................... 6-50
Windshield and Wiper Blades .................... 6-48
9-2 .
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Engine .................................... 6-8. 6.9
Coolant ..................................... 6-22
Coolant Heater ................................ 2-16
Codant Level Check ........................... 7-37
Exhaust ..................................... 2-28
Fuse Block .................................. 6-58
Identification ................................. 6-53
Oil Level Check .............................. 7-37
Overheating .................................. 5-12
Ruining While Parked ......................... 2-29
Specifications
................................ 6-61
Starting
..................................... 2-13
Engineoil
.................................... 6-10
Adding ..................................... 6-12
Additives ................................... 6-14
Checking .................................... 6-11
Used ....................................... 6-15
WhatToUse ................................. 6-13
When to Change
.............................. 6-15
Enhanced Traction System Active Light
........ : 2-59. 4-8
. Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... 2-59
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light ........ 2-58. 4-9
Ethanol ........................................ 6-3
Exhaust. Engine ................................. 2-28
'Fabric
Cleaning ............................... 6-46
Fifth Gear. Manual Transaxle ..................... 2-21
Filling Your Tank ................................. 6-4
Filter, Air ..................................... 6-16
FinishDamage
................................. 6- 51
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle ................... 2-20.
FinishC .. .................................... 6-49 First
Gear. Manual Transaxle ....................... 2-21
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-21
Fluids and Lubricants .......................... 7-42
Fog Lamp Bulb Replacement ..................... 6-35
FogLamps ..................................... 2-41
Foreign Countries. Fulel ........................... 6-3
Fourth Gear. Manual Transaxle .................... 2-21
FrenchLanguageManual
11
FrontTowing ................................... 5-9
Fuel .......................................... 6-2
FillingYourTank .............................. 6-4
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-3
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-55
.. ...........................
Gage ....................................... 2-65
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-59
Fuel ........................................ 2-65
Speedometer .................................. 2-53
Tachometer .................................. 2-54
Garment
Hook ................................. 2-48 .....
GAWR ....................................... 4-32 ~ . >T ..
Gear Positions, Aut'omatic Transaxle ................ 2- 1.8
Gear Positions, Manual Transaxle .................. 2-21
GloveBox
.................................... 2-46
Graphic Equalizer .............................. 3-14
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-32
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-32
Guide en Fraqais ................................. ii
GW ....................................... 4-32
9-4
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Halogen Bulbs ................... .... 6-33
Hazard Warning Flashers
................... ... 5-1
Head Restraints ................................. 1-5
Headlamps ..................................... 2-39
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-33
HighLow Beam Changer
...................... 2-32
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance .............. 8-4
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-32
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-23
Hill
and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-23
Hitches, Trailer
................................. 4-37
Checking Things Under
......................... 6-6
Hydraulic Clutch
............................... 6-21
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
........................... 6-22
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
................... 7-38
OnReminder
................................ 2-40
Wiring
...................................... 6-54
.Heating
.................. ; ..................... 3-5
Hood Prop
........................................ 6-7
Release
........................................ 6-6
Horn ......................................... 2-30
Hydroplaning .............................. : .... 4-19
Ignition Switch
................................ 2- 11
Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-42
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-44
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-41,
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-38
Inspections
BmkeSystem ................................ 7-41
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle
Seal .................... 7-41 Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-41
Suspension
................................... 7-41
Steering .................................... 7-41
Throttle Linkage
............................... 7-41
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-50
Brightness Control ............................ 2-41
Fuse Block
.................................. 6-55
Interior Lamps ................................. 2-41
Cleaning
.................................... 6-48
Cluster
2-52 .....................................
Jack. Tire .................................... 5-23
Jump Starting
................................... 5-2
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-38
Key Release Button
............................. 2-13
Keyless Entry System
............................ 2-6
Keys .......................................... 2-1
Labels Certification/”ire ............................. 4-32
Service
Parts Identification ..................... 6-53
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-32
Vehicle Identification Number
: .................. 6-53
Lamps ........................................ 2-39
Fog
........................................ 2-41
Interior
..................................... 2-41
On Reminder ................................ 2-40
Latches, Seatback
................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-5
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-26
Lighter
....................................... 2-47
9-5
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