brakes PONTIAC GRAND AM 1997 Owner's Manual

Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer
attached, on a hill.
If something goes wrong, your rig
could start to move. People can be injured, and both
your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your
rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK
(P) yet, or into a gear for a manual transaxle.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to PARK
(P), or REVERSE (R)
for a manual transaxle.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking
on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
0 Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
0 Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, belt, cooling system and brake adjustment.
Each
of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review these sections before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
4-41

Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Pontiac. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-4
6-5
6-8
6- 12
6-18
6- 19
6-2 1
6-23
6-24
6-28
6-28
6-28
6-29
6-30
6-34 Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Manual Transaxle Fluid
Hydraulic Clutch
Engine Coolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Thermostat
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery Bulb
Replacement
Halogen Bulbs
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Pontiac
Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac
Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Cleaning Tires
Sheet Metal Damage
Finish Damage
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Dimensions
6-35
6-35
6-49
6-50
6-54 6-55
6-55
6-55
6-56
6-57
6-5
8
6-5 8
6-63
6-64
6-65
6-65
6-65
6-1

NOTICE:
0 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.
three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is
completely full.
0 Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your
windshield washer.
It can damage your
0 Fill your washer fluid tank only
~ washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid.
6-30

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir 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
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.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
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 system.
I
BRAKE
U.S. Canada
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
6-31

What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
/d CAUTION:
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 proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. 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.
6-32

Brake Wear
Your Pontiac has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when 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 (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
I NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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.
See “Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection” in
Section
7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.”
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to
GM specifications.
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 brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7 of this
manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections”.
6-33

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
(1 600 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.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. 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 approved
GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone 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.
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 replacement 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.
6-34

Fuse
INT LPS
PWR ST
RDO IGN HTR-A/C
CRUISE
TAIL LPS
LTR WIPER
02
DR UNLK
Usage
Alarm Module (Illuminated Entry,
Warning Chimes, Overhead
Lamps, Map/Reading Lamps,
Glove Box Lamp, Trunk Lamp,
Radio, Power Mirrors), Anti-Lock
Brakes, Variable Effort Steering
Power Seat
Radio 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
Windshield Wipers/Washers Heated Oxygen Sensors
Automatic Door Unlock
Fuse
ALARM
FOG/FTP
PRNDL
DR LK
2
AIR BAG
HORN
INST STOP HAZ
PCM
DR LK
1
INST LPS
RR DEF HDLP
Usage
Automatic Transaxle, Automatic
Door Unlock, Alann Module
(Illuminated Entry, Warning
Chimes), Traction 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
Instrument Cluster Stoplamps, Hazard Lamps,
Anti-Lock Brakes
Powertrain Control Module
Door Locks, Remote Keyless Entry
Instrument Panel Lights,
Fog Lamps
Rear Window Defogger
Headlamps, Daytime Running
Lamps (Circuit Breaker)
6-61

Engine Compartment Fuse Block
F/P,INJR I IGN MOD 1 L b1
ABSiEVO PCM BATT I
Fuse
F/P INJ
ERLS
The engine compartment fuse block
is located on the
driver’s side
of the engine compartment, near the battery.
ABSEVO
Usage
Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors Back-up Lamps, Canister
Purge Valve, EGR, Automatic
Transmission, Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock,
Anti-Lock Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering, Air Conditioning Compressor, Park
Lock Solenoid
Anti-lock Brake Solenoids,
Variable Effort Steering
6-62

Fuse
IGN MOD
HVAC BLO
MOT
PCM BATT
CLG FAN
HDLP
STOP LPS PWR
ACC
RR DEFG
ABS
IGN
SW
Usage
Ignition System
Heater/Air Conditioner-High
Blower, Generator-Voltage Sense
Powertrain Computer
Engine Cooling Fan
Lighting Circuits
Power Accessories, Stop Lamp Circuits,
Rear Window Defogger
Anti-Lock Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering
Ignition Switch Circuits53
Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) Fuse Panel
Your steering wheel radio controls are protected by
fuses.
For service, contact your Pontiac
service department.
Replacement Bulbs
OUTSIDE LAMPS BULB
Back-up Lamps ......................... 2057
Front Parkingnurn Signal Lamps
........ 2057 NA
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
... ... 912
Halogen Headlamps
Low-Beam
....... ,.. ........... 9006
High-Beam
........................... 9005
Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamps
............. 2057
INSIDE LAMPS
Dome Lamp .... .........
BULB
. 161
6-63