light PONTIAC GRAND-AM 1996 Owners Manual

For example,
these symbols
me used on an
original battery:
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
ACID COULD BAllERY
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR FLAMES
FLAME
EXPLODE BAllERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
yorr passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN SEAT
BELTS
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
Op
AIR BAG p
These symbols
have
to do with
your lights:
SIGNALS e
TURN
PARKING
pf
LAMPS
RUNNING
' ' 0
DAYTIME *
LAMPS *
FOG LAMPS $0
These symbols
are
on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING FAN
These symbols are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE k
COOLANT - rd
TEMP -
BRAKE (0)
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
(e)
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may
see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
m
HORN )tr
SPEAKER
b
il'
FUEL
V
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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety b’elts
properly, It also tells you some things you should not do
with safety belts.
And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS),
or
air bag system.
- -
A CAUTION:
Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear
a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and
you’re not wearing
a safety belt, your injuries
can be much worse.
You can hit things inside the
vehicle or
be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash, you might
not be
if you are buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts
are fastened properly too. Your
vehicle has a light that
comes
on as a reminder to
buckle up. (See “Safety Belt
Reminder Light” in the
Index.)
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says
to
wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.
You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a
crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive.
But most crashes
are in between. In many of them,
people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk
away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt
or killed.
After more than
25 years of safety belts in vehicles,
the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter
... a lot!
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Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the
blink of an eye. If ‘you’re too close to an inflating
air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts
help keep
you in position for an air bag inflation
f,y4, - .Ex, in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even
?k with an air bag. The driver should sit as far back
p3 $% as possible while still maintaining control of the
vehicle.
An inflating
air bag can-seriously injure small
children. Always secure children properly in your
vehicle.
To read how, see the part of this manual
called “Children” and the caution label on the
right front passenger’s safety belt.’
AIR
BAG

,.
There is an air bag
readiness light on the
instrument panel,
which
shows AIR BAG.
The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See
“Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index
~
for more information.
. ,.. \. :.
\-
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Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s ‘safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be lsng enough
for you. The extender will
be just for you,
and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat
it is made t’o fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Sys’tems
Now and then, 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.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can
rin apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, gc . .I new one right away.
Also look
for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After
a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very
minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But
if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more s’evere crash, hen you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage.
also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New
parts and repairs
may be necessary even.if the belt wasn’t being used at
the time
of the collision,
If your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special
part of the safety belt that goes ‘through the seat to the
adjuster may need to be replaced.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system
parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this siction.
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Trunk Security Override
The remote trunk release is
equipped with an override
feature to help prevent
unauthorized entry into the
trunk when leaving the
vehicle unattended. The
switch is located on the
inside
of the trunk lid,
mounted to the trunk lid
latch.
To turn the override feature on, slide the switch all the
way to the right.
To turn the override. feature off, slide
the switch all the way to the left.
When the override is on, the mechanical remote trunk
release will not release the trunk lid. However, the
trunk
lid can still be opened with the key.
This lockout feature is only available on vehicles that do
not have the Keyless Entry System.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Pontiac has
a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there
are ways you can
help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so
don’t do it.
When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear
a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your
ignition.
If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your
key out also locks your transaxle.
And remember to lock
the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out
of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
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If you par^ in a lot where someone will be wawung
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it
up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave
your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable. in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, lie your trunk
Lock the glove box,
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
or
glove
box,
e Then take the door key with you.
Passlock TM
Your venicle 1s equipped with the Passlock
theft-deterrent system.
Passlock
is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system
,is armed once the key is‘removed from the ignition.
Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned
with a valid key. If a correct key is not used, fuel
is disabled.
During
normal operation, the THEFT SYS light will go
off after the engine is started. In the unlikely event that
the engine stalls and the THEFT SYS light flashes, wait
until the light stops flashing b’efose
trying to restart the
engine. Remember to release the key
from the START
position as soon as the engine starts. If after several tries
the vehicle still does
not start, the vehicle may need
service. At this time, you may
also want to check the
fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index).
See your Pontiac dealer for service.
If the THEFT SYS light comes on while the engine is
running, a problem
has been detected and the system
may need service. See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the Bontiac Roadsi4e Assistance
Program at 1-8OO-RBADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743.
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LOCK (B): Before you pur: the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is
in LOCK. It’s also the only position
in which you can remove the key. This locks your
steering wheel, ignition and transaxle
(on automatic
models).
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel,
ignition,
and transaxle (on automatic models), but does
not send electrical power to any accessories. Use this
position
if your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but
never
try to push-start your vehicle. A warning chime
will sound if you open the driver’s
door when the
ignition
is off and the key is in the ignition. 1
RUN (D): This position is where the key returns after
you
start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays
in the RUN position when the engine is running.
But even when the engine
is not running, you can use
RUN to operate your electrical power accessories, and
to display
some instrument panel warning lights.
START (E): This position starts your engine. When the
engine
starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return
to RUN for normal driving.
Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are on positions that allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio. On manual transaxle
vehicles, turning the key to
LOCK will lock the steering column and result in
a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause
a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to
OFF. Don’t press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it,
be sure it is 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.
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Acceleration Shift Speeds for 2.4L (Code T) Engine
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 krn/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 krn/h)
3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 h/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 lun/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or
more gears
to, keep the engine running smoothly or for
good performance.
NOTICE:
If you skip more than one gear when you
downshift, or if you race the engine when you
downshift, you can damage the clutch or
transaxle.
Up Shift Light
SHIFT
If you have a manual
transaxle, you have a
SHIFT light. This light will
show you when to
shift to
the next higher gear for best
fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift
to the next
higher gear
if weather, road and traffic conditions let
you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and
shift when the light comes on.
\,
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on
and off if you quickly change the position of the
accelerator. Ignore the
SHIFT light when you downshift.
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Parkiaag.’Brake handle. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will come on.
To release the parking brake hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull
the parking brake lever up until you
can press the release button. Hold the release button in
as you move the brake lever all the way down.
Driving with the parking, brake on can cause
your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to
replace them, and you could also damage other
To set the parking brake hold the .regular brake pedal If you are towing a trailer and are parking on my hill,
see “Towing
a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows
down with Your ‘ght foot* On the parking brake what to do first to keep the bailer from moving.
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Turn and Lane Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a %urn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the
turn is finished, the lever will return
automatically.
Q
A green arrow on the
instrument panel
will flash
in the direction of the turn
or lane change.
To signal a lane change; just raise or lower the lever
until the mow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when
you release it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
at twice the normal rate, a signal bulb may be burned
out.
If a bulb is burned,out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal
a turn, check for burned-out bulbs and then check
the fuse (see
"Fuses and Circuit Breakers" in the Index).
Headlamp High/Low Beam
To change the headlamps
from low
bearn to high or
high to
low, pull the turn
signal lever all
the way
toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this blue light on the
instrument panel also will
be on.
The headlamp highfiow beam indicator light may flash
if the Daytime Running Lights (Dm) system is
experiencing a problem or if a headlamp is
malfunctioning. ~
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