weight PONTIAC GRAND-AM 1996 Owners Manual

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transaxle
Models Only) -
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the.
engine running, Your vehicle
could move
suddenly if the shift lever
is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire.
You or others could
b’e injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless
you have to,
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running,
be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you’ve moved the
shift lever into the PARK (P)
I
position, hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if
you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without first pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully
locked into PARK
(P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
If you are parking’on a hill and you don’t shift your
transaxle into
PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force
on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. YOU may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P), This is called “torque lock.” To
prevent torque l’ock, set &e parking brake and then shift
into
BARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s
seat.
To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in
the Index.
When you
are ready to drive, move the shift lever out Qf
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does opcus, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours
a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the transaxle,
so you can pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P).
2-26
ProCarManuals.com

Drunken Driving
Death,'and injury associated with drinking and drivingis
a national tragedy. It's the number one contributor to the
highway death
toll, claiming thousands of victims every
year.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to-drive
a
vehicle:
0 'Judgment
Muscular Coordination :.2.
.',, * Vision
Attentiveness.
Police records
show that almost half of dl motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol.
In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, sortle 18,000 annual motlor
vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use
of alcohol, with more
than 300,000 people injured.
.Many adults -- by some estimates, nearly half the adult
population
-- chbose never to drink alcohol, so they
never
tirive after drinking. For persons under 21, it's
against
the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. ,
There are good medical, psychological and
developmental reasons
for these laws.
The obvious way to solve this highway safety problem
is for people never to
drink alcohol and then drive. But
what if people do? How much is "too much" if the
driver plans to drive? It's a lot less than many might
think. Although it depends
on each person and situation,
here is some general information on the prbblem.
The Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC) of someone
who'is drinking depends upon
four things:
e The amount of alcohol consumed
The drinker's body weight
The amount of food 'that is consumed before and
during drinking
consume the alcohol.
The length of time it 'has taken the drinker to
According to the
American. Medical Association, a
180-lb. (82 kg) person who elrinks three 12-ounce (355
nil) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of
about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same
BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of
wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45
ml) df a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka,
I.
ProCarManuals.com

ts. For examd
~~
It’s the amount of alcohol that coun e, if
the same person drank three double martinis (3 &nces
or
90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s
BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who
consumes
food just before or during drinking will have a
somewhat lower BAC level.
There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have
a lower relative percentage of body water than men.
Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a
man of her same body weight when each has the same
number of drinks.
The law in many
U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC
of
0.10 percent. In a growing number of U.S. states, and
throughout Canada, the limit is
0.08 percent. In some
other countries, it’s even lower. The BAC limit for all
commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent.
The BAC will be over
0.10 percent after three to
six drinks (in one hour).
Of course, as we’ve seen, it
depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how
quickly the person
drinks them.
But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAlC
of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills
of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching
0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All
drivers are impaired at BAC levels above
0.05 percent.
Statistics show that the chance
of being in a collision
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a
collision. At
a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of
this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of
0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!
4-3
ProCarManuals.com

Loading Your Vehicle
/@!!!I OCCUPANTS VEHICLE CAP. WT.

TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION
FRT. CTR. RR. TOTAL LBS. *KG
. ..
MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE
CAPACITY WEIGHT XXX COLD TIRE
TIRE SIZE SPEED PRESSURE
FRT.
RTG PSI/KPa
RR.
SPA.
IF TIRES ARE,HOT, ADD 4PS1/28KPa
SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label
found on 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 of 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 occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory-installed
options.
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI-
SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION
MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
CABLE- U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE
STANDARDS IN EFFElCT ON THE DATE OF
The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver's door. It tells you the GVMrR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWa includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the
GVWa for your vehicle, or the Gruss
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
4-32
ProCarManuals.com

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control.
Also, overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.
I NOTICE: I
I
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else -- they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you stop or turn quickly, or if
there
is a crash, they'll keep going.
A CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and
injure people in
a sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash. 3 ' :: ,.." . . ;.-. . ,. .,_.. i- , . .: .'. . . .. , , ..? - >. . . . . . . . . .. . .. - ' . .q. ..
0
0
0
0
0
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle
so that some of them are
above the tops
of the seats.
Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Don't leave
a seat folded down unless you
need to.
ProCarManuals.com

Towing a Trailer
A CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when
you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the
brakes may not
work well -- or even at all.. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
Pull
a trailer only if you have followed all the
steps in this section.
Ask your Pontiac dealer for
advice and information about towing
a trailer
with your vehicle.
Pulling
a traikr improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and
see yumr Pontiac
dealer for important information about towing
a
trailer with your vehicle.
Bo not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a
2.4L (Code T) engine.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with a
3.1L (Code M) -engine and proper trailer towing
equipment,
To identify what the vehicle trailering
capacity
is for your vehicle, you should read the
information
in "Weight of the Trailer'' that appears later
in this section. But trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle
by itself. Trailering means changes
in handling, durability, md fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used propetly.
That's the reason for this
part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safe% rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,
wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder
against
the drag of the added weight. The engine is
required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under
greater loads, generating extra heat. What,'s more, the
trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing
the gulling requjsernents.
1'
4-34
ProCarManuals.com

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight
of the trailer,
There are many different laws, including speed limit
’ restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your
rig will be legal, not only where you live but Weight of the Trailer
also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this
inforrnation can be state or provincial police. How heavy can a trailer safely be? the weight
of the trailer tongue
and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
0 Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg). But
dealer about sway Controls’. even that can be
too heavy.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles It depends on how YOU plan
to use Your fig. For
(1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, exmPle,
speed, altitude, road grades, outside
axle or other parts could
be damaged. temperature and how much your vehicle
is used to pull a
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 h/h) and
don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the advice, Or-You Can write
US at:
heavier loads. Pontiac Customer Services Department
Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed Pontiac, Mi\
chigan 48340-2952 trailer are
all important. And,
it can also depend on any 0 Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. One Pontia\
c Plaza
for trailers (or no more than 55 mph (90 lun/hj) to
save wear on your vehicle’s parts. In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
4-35
ProCarManuals.com

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total capacity
weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry
in
it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And
if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue _.
load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight,
too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about
yow vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
B
If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer
tongue
(A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer
weight
(€3). If you have a “weight-distributing” hitch,
the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12% of the total
loaded
trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights me
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply
by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the
recornended pressure for cold tires. You’ll find these
numbers on
the Certification label at the rear edge of the
driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index. Then be sure you don’t
go over the GVW limit
for your vehicle, including the weight
of the trailer r
tongue.
.’ . :
4-36
ProCarManuals.com

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want’to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itselfi.
Before you
start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety
chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and
mirror adjustment, If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then/apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the
same tirne.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load
is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes ,
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far b’ehind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer,
This
can help you avoid situations that require heavv braking
and sudden
turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ,ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because
you’re a good
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that
hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Thrns
I NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause th’e trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
~ ~~ ~~ ~~~
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider hms than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or
other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers.
Siggd well in advance.
4-38
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com