PONTIAC GRAND AM 1997 Owners Manual

Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
separate brochure provided by the dealer or call
1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.
Pontiac Courtesy Transportation
Pontiac strives to give you a worry free ownership of
your vehicle, and we realize the inconvenience of being
without a car.
So Pontiac has come up with a way to
eliminate any frustrations you might have when trying
to get a ride to work, or wondering how you will get
home. Well, your worries are over. Pontiac provides
no-cost transportation when you bring your
1997 Pontiac in for warranty service.
It applies to any repair covered under the
3 year/36,000 mile (60
000 km) limited warranty, and to
any 1997 Pontiac requiring repair as a result of product
recall or special policy situations. For same day service,
you are entitled to one-way shuttle service of up to
10 miles (16
km). If the vehicle requires multiple day
repairs, you're entitled to either a Pontiac loaner or
reimbursement for a rental car, up
to $30/day, for up
to five days.
Some state insurance regulations make it impractical to
rent vehicles to people under 21 years of age.
If you are
under
21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Pontiac
will reimburse you, up to $30/day, for any documented
transportation you receive.
In Canada, please consult your GM dealer for
information on Courtesy Transportation.
8-8

GM Participation in an Alternative
Dispute Resolution Program
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty
and Owner Assistance Information booklet for
information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Plan (CAMVAP). General Motors reserves the right to
change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its
participation in this program.
Both Pontiac and your Pontiac dealer are committed to
making sure you are completely satisfied with your new
vehicle. Our experience has shown that,
if a situation
arises where you feel your concern has not been
adequately addressed, the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure described earlier in this section is
very successful.
There may be instances where an impartial third party
can assist in arriving at a solution to a disagreement
regarding vehicle repairs or interpretation of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
To assist in resolving these
disagreements, Pontiac voluntarily participates in
BBB AUTO LINE. BBB AUTO
LINE is an out-of-court program
administered by the Better Business Bureau system to
settle automotive disputes. This program is available
free of charge to customers who currently own or lease a
GM vehicle.
If you are not satisfied after following the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure, you may contact the BBB using
the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the
following address:
BBB AUTO LINE
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite
800
Arlington, VA 22203- 1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
To file a claim, you will be asked to provide your name
and address, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
and a statement of the nature of your complaint.
Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and
other factors.
8-9

We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure before you resort to AUTO
LINE, but you
may contact the
BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt
to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary. If
this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will
be scheduled where eligible customers may present their
case to an impartial third-party arbitrator.
The arbitrator will make a decision which you may
accept or reject. If you accept the decision, GM will be
bound by that decision. The entire dispute resolution
procedure should ordinarily take about
40 days from the
time you file a claim until a decision is made.
Some state laws may require you to use this program
before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program
or
in the courts. For further information, contact the
BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Pontiac Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-PM-CARES.
Warranty Information
Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet
that contains detailed warranty information.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to
notifying General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and
if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA,
U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington,
D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
8-10

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO THE CANADIAN
GOVERNMENT
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited.
You may write to:
Transport Canada
Box 8880
Ottawa, Ontario K 1 G 3 J2
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO GENERAL MOTORS
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify
us. Please call
us at 1-800-PM-CARES or write:
Pontiac Division
Customer Assistance Center
One Pontiac Plaza
Pontiac,
MI 48340-2952 In
Canada, please call
us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors
of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Ordering Service and Owner
Publications
in Canada
Service manuals, service bulletins, owner’s manuals and
other service literature are available for purchase for all
current and past model General Motors vehicles.
The toll-free telephone number for ordering information
in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.
8-11

1997 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it\
in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR
1997 PONTIAC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
I
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PlEASE..CQMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FQLLOIWINO PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated * F.U. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles.
To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern ‘Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-Mastercard-Discover)

ORDER TOLL FREE
information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stockmg fee may be applied (Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST) 1-800-782-4356. Material cannot be returned for credit without.packing slip with return 1-800-782-4356
service. If further informatlon IS needed, write to the address s a own below or call (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) Orders will be mailed within 1 Omdays of receipt. Please allow ade uate time \
for postal
FAX Orders Only 1-31 3-865-5927 against the original order.
. ..
. .. NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the
.. . : name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
.d% : Mail completed order form to: HELM, INCORPORATED P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 .. .
I:: For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.
, (CUSTOMERS NAME) (ATTENTION)
, (STREET ADDRESS-NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)
(CITY) (STATE)
(ZIP CODE)
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.
.. ., , ,, , . AREA CODE
;M-PON-ORD97 and without incurring
I
L ,, .. . .
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in US. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable In US. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the U.S. order processing.

fi NOTES
8-14

ORDER TOLL FREE
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only)
1-800-782-4356
(Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-31 3-865-5927
Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receict. Please allow ade uate time for postal
service. If further information is needed, write to the address s a own below or call
1-800-782-4356. Material cannotbe returned for credit without,packing slip with return
information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocktng fee may be applied
agamst the orlglnal order.
, .. ..
I:.. NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the
: Mail completed order form to:
. . . .. name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
For purchases outside USA. please write to the above address for quotation.
I
8: :. (CUSTOMERS NAME) (ATTENTION)
... ~~~ ~~~~
.. T'.: '. (STREET ADDRESS-NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)
(STATE)
l 1
(ZIP CODE)
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.
1 i
AREA CODE
3M-PON-ORD97 *(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring
..
obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)
P
A
Y
M
E
N
T
I
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in US. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable In US. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $1 1.50 plus the
US. order processing.

v Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Outlet ......................... 2-52
Adapter Kit. CD
........................... 3-13. 3-16
Adding Equipment to Your Vehicle
.................. 6-3
Adjuster. Seat
.............................. 1-2. 1-48
AirBag
....................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-25
Howitworks
................................ 1-23
Location
.................................... 1-23
Readiness Light
......................... 1.22. 2-59
Servicing
................................... 1-27
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-25
What Will You See After it Inflates
............... 1-25
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-24
Air Cleaner
.................................... 6-18
Air Conditioning ................................ 3 -3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-65
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-47
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-55
Antenna, Fixed
................................. 3-26
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-24
Anti-Lock
........................................
Brake System Warning Light ................ 2-61. 4-7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Anti-Theft. Radio
.............................. 3-21
Appearancecare
............................... 6-49
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-57
Arbitration Program
........... ............ 8-9
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-51
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-23
Audio Equipment. Adding
......... 2.17.2.18.3.24. 6.58
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-8
Auto-Down Window
....... ................. 2-34
Automatic Door Locks
............................ 2-5
Automatic Transaxle
Check
................................ . . 7-42 ~
Fluid ................................... 6-19
Operation
................... ............ 2-21
Overdrive
................................... 2-23
Park Mechanism Check
........................ 7-44
Shifting
..................................... 2-21
Starting Your Engine
.......................... 2-16
Backing Up When Towing
a Trailer ............... 4-39
Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement
................. 6-39
Battery
....................................... 6-34
Charging System Indicator Light
................. 2-60
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Replacement. Keyless Entry
..................... 2-9
Saver
...................................... 2-47
Warnings
.................................... 5-3
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-9
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
.................... 4-23
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-9
Blizzard ...................................... 4-28
9-1

Brake Adjustment
.......... ........ ... 6-34
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-30
Parking
..................................... 2-2 8
Pedal Travel
................................. 6-34
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-34
System Warning Light
.................... 2-60, 6-31
Trailer
...................................... 4-38
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-43
Wear
....................................... 6-33
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4- 11
Break-In. New Vehicle
.......................... 2- 13
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-45
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-35
Back-up Lamps
.............................. 6-39
CHMSL
.................................... 6-38
DomeLamp
................................. 6-40
Headlamps .................................. 6-36
Taillamps
................................. 6-39
Fluid
....................................... 6-30
BTSICheck
................................... 7-43
c aliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection ........... 7-46
Canadian Roadside Assistance
...................... 8-8
Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-64
Carbon Monoxide
.......... 2-10.2-32,2-33,4-29,4-38
Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7-41
Cassette Tape Player
.................. 3-10.3-13. 3-19
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-25
Cassette Tape Player Errors .................. 3-1 1. 3- 15
CD Adapter Kit ........................... 3-13. 3-16 CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature
................. 3-21
Center Console Cupholder
........................ 2-50
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-50
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement
... 6-38
Center Rear Passenger Position
.................... 1-33
Certification Label
.............................. 4-33
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-38
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-49
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-22
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-65
Check Oil Light
........................... 2-68. 6-12
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-48
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-56
Child Restraints
................................ 1-36
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
........... 1-39
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position
.......... 1-41
Securing in the Passenger Seat Position
........... 1-43
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-43
TopStrap
................................... 1-38
WheretoPut
................................ 1-37
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-51
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-59
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-18
Cleaning
...................................... 6-49
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-55
Fabric
...................................... 6-50
Glass
....................................... 6-53
Inside of Your Pontiac
......................... 6-50
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-52
Leather
..................................... 6-52
Outside
of Your Pontiac ........................ 6-54
Special Problems
............................. 6-51
Stains
...................................... 6-51
Tires ....................................... 6-55
9-2