maintenance PONTIAC GRAND AM 1997 Workshop Manual

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
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. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
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.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Manual Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.
See “Manual Transaxle” in the Index. Check for leaks.
A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.
See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair
if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in
Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, trunk lid,
glove box door and console door. Part
D tells you what
to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
7-42

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center
do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a GM service manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust’’ in
the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or
excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise
control cables.
7-45

Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The parking brake is self-adjusting and
no manual
adjustment is required.
You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection
If you operate your vehicle in a highly corrosive
environment, as indicated by the shaded areas on the
map following this text, your vehicle may require
additional brake service. Refer to the appropriate
GM
Service Bulletin for the proper caliper inspection
procedure. As necessary, caliper pins and knuckle brake
pad abutments should be lubricated at every other tire
rotation. Also, see your
GM dealer’s service department
or qualified service center for additional information.
7-46

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any
additional information from “Owner Checks and
Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on
the following record pages. Also, you should retain all
maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio
is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
I DATE I READING I SERVICED BY I MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
7-49

Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
DATE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
SERVICED
BY READING
7-50

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)

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

GloveBox .................................... 2-50
Graphic Equalizer
.............................. 3- 13
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-33
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-33
Guide en Frangais
11
GVWR ..................................... 4-33
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs .............................. 6-35
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamps
.................................... 2-43
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-36
Highbow Beam Changer
...................... 2-36
OnReminder
................................ 2-43
Wiring
..................................... 6-59
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-5
Heating
........................................ 3-5
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-36
Highway Hypnosis
........ .......... ... 4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads
....................... 4-24
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-38
Hood
Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8
Prop
........................................ 6-9
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn ......................................... 2-34
Hydraulic Clutch
............................... 6-23
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
........................... 6-23
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
................... 7-42
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-20 Ignition
Switch
................................ 2-14
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-42
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-48
Inspections
........................................
Brake System ................................ 7-46
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-45
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7-45
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-45
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-45
Steering
.................................... 7-45
Suspension
.................................. 7-45
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-45 .
Windshield Wiper Blade ............ ....... 7-42
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-54
Brightness Control
............................ 2-45
Cleaning
.................................... 6-52
Cluster
..................................... 2-56
Fuse Block
.................................. 6-60
Interior Lamps
................... ......... 2-45
Illuminated
Entry
............................... 2-46
Caliperfiuckle Maintenance
................... 7-46
Jack. Tire
..........
Jump Starting ......
......... 5-24
.......... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-42
Key Release Button
.................. ....... 2-16
Keyless Entry System
............. .......... 2-7
Keys
............. ...... ...... 2-2

Labels Certification
................................. 4-33
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-58
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-33
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-58
Lamps
........................................ 2-43
Exterior
.................................... 2-43
Fog
........................................ 2-45
Interior
..................................... 2-45
On Reminder
................................ 2-43
Latches. Seatback
................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-6
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
....... 2-30
Lights Lighter
....................................... 2-51
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-22, 2-59
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-61, 4-7
Brake System Warning
.................... 2-60, 6-31
Charging System Indicator ...................... 2-60
CheckEngine
................................ 2-65
Check Oil
.............................. 2-68, 6-12
Enhanced Traction System Active
............ 2-63, 4-9
ETS Active
.............................. 2-63, 4-9
ETS Warning
........................... 2-62, 4-10
Interior
..................................... 2-45
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2-64, 6-27
Oil Pressure Warning
.......................... 2-67
PasslockWarning
............................. 2-69
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1-8, 2-59
Upshift
.................................... 2-69
Litter Bag Hook
................................ 2-52
Loading Your Vehicle ........................... 4-33
Enhanced
Traction System Warning Light
.... 2-62, 4-10 Locks
Automatic Door
....................... 2-5
Cylinders
................................... 7-42
Door
........................................ 2-4
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-42
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-5
Rear Door Security
............................. 2-6
Steering Column Lock Check
................... 7-44
Trunk
...................................... 2-10
Low Coolant Warning Light
................. 2-64, 6-27
Lubricants and Fluids
.......... .............. 7-47
Lubrication Service. Body
... .............. 7-42
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts
........... 6-65
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-49
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Introduction
.................................. 7-2
Long Tripmighway Definition
................... 7-6
Long Tripmighway Intervals
..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-41
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-45
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-47
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Short Trip/City Definition
....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals ........................ 7-5
Maintenance, Underbody
......................... 6-56
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-41
Making
Turns When Towing a Trailer ............... 4-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-65
Manual Front Seat
............................... 1-2
Manual Lumbar Support
........................ 1-3
Manual Remote Control Mirror
. . ... . . 2-49
9-6

Manual Transaxle ........... ............... 2-16
Check
.................................... 7-42
Fluid
....................................... 6-21
Shifting
..................................... 2-25
Starting Your Engine
.......................... 2- 16
Methanol
...................................... 6-4
Mirrors
....................................... 2-48
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-48
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-48
Manual Remote Control
........................ 2-49
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-49
Visor Vanity
................................. 2-52
MountainRoads
................................ 4-24
Multifunction Lever
....................... 2-35
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
.................... 2-22
Neutral. Manual Transaxle
.............. ...... 2-25
New Vehicle “Break-In”
....................... 2- 13
Nightvision
................................... 4-17
Odometer
.................................... 2-57
Odometer. Trip
................................. 2-57
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4- 13
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6-12
Oil Pressure Warning Light
....................... 2-67
Outlet. Accessory Power
......................... 2-52
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-23
Overheating Engine
............................. 5- 14
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-41
Owner Publications. Ordering
..................... 8- 12
Owner Publications. Ordering in Canada
............ 8- 11 Paint
Spotting. Chemical
... .... 6-56
Park Automatic Transaxle
...................... 2-21
Shifting Into
................................. 2-29
Shifting Out of
............................... 2-31
AtNight
............... ................ 2-12
Brake
.................................... 2-28
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-44
Lots ....................................... 2-12
Over Things That Bum
........................ 2-32
With a Trailer
................................ 4-41
Yourvehicle
................................. 2-31
Passenger Position
....... ................... 1-21
Passlock
...................................... 2-13
Passlock Warning Light
.......................... 2-69
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-45
Pontiac Cares Information
..... ... ........ 8-2
Power
DoorLocks
................................... 2-5
Option Fuses
................................ 6-59
Remote Control Mirror
........................ 2-49
Seat
......................................... 1-3
Steering
.................................... 4-11
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-28
Windows
................................... 2-34
Pregnancy. Use
of Safety Belts .................... 1-20
Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner
................... 8-12
Parking
Passing
....................................... 4-13 .
9-7