heating PONTIAC GRAND AM 1998 User Guide

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;
0 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.
Engine Cooling When mailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions.
See “Engine Overheating’’
in the Index.
Towing A Trailer
(Except
3100 V6 Engine)
Your vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow
a trailer.
4-42

Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5-2
5-2
5-3
5-8
5-14 Hazard Warning Flashers
Other Warning Devices
Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle
Engine Overheating 5-23 If a Tire Goes Flat
5-23 Changing a Flat Tire
5-33 Compact Spare Tire
5-34 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
5-1

Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a low
cooIant warning light
on your vehicle’s instrument
panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage”
and
“Low Coolant Warning Light” in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
A CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even
if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it
cools down. Wait until
there
is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the
hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine
if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine
is cool.
I NOTICE: I
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving
with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered
by your warranty.
5-14

LA CAUTION: I
-1 -
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them.
If you
do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine
if there is a leak. If you run
the
engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine
fire, and you could be burned.
Get
any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered
by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fan is running. If the
engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it
isn’t, your vehicle needs service.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at or above FULL COLD, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@
coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it. (See “Engine Coolant” in the
Index for more information.)
’ /$ CAUTION:
-
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system
can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant
surge
tank pressure cap -- even a little -- they
can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including the coolant
surge
tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the
cooling system and coolant surge
tank pressure
cap to cool if you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.
5-18

When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the
fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir
and for the proper fluid.
See “Owner Checks and
Services” and
“Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
How to Check
The proper fluid should be added if the level is at or
below the
STEP mark on the reservoir cap. See the
instructions on the reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL’ extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have
a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
J
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@
coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 OF (1 29 O C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
6-25

Surge Tank Pressure Cap
I NOTICE:
~~
Your pressure cap is an 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Power Steering Fluid
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat,
an ACDelco@
thermostat
is recommended.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-29

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details.
-
A CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating
as a result of too much friction.
You could have an airout and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could
cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when
your tires are cold.
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or
if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Overinflated tires are more likely to be
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the
rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
6-42

Easy Entry Seat ................................ 1-6
Electrical Equipment. Adding
...... 2.17. 2. 18.3.23. 6.59
Electrical System
............................... 6-59
Engine
.................................. 6.11. 6.12
Coolant ..................................... 6-25
Coolant Heater
............................... 2- 19
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-30
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-61
Exhaust
................. 2-1 1.2.31.2.32.4.29. 4.38
Fuse Block
.................................. 6-63
Identification
................................ 6-58
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-30
Overheating ................................. 5- 14
Running While Parked
......................... 2-32
Specifications
................................ 6-65
StartingYou ................................ 2-16
Engine Exhaust ............ 2.11.2.31.2.32.4.29. 4.38
EngineOil
.................................... 6-13
Adding
..................................... 6-15
Additives
................................... 6-18
Checking
................................... 6-14
Used
....................................... 6-18
WhatToUse
................................. 6-16
Whentochange
.............................. 6-18
Enhanced Traction System
......................... 4-9
Enhanced Traction System Active Light ......... 2.61. 4.9
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
....... 2.61. 4.9
Active Light
............................. 2.60. 4.9
Warning Light
........................... 2.60. 4.9
Exhaust. Engine
............ 2-1 1.2.31.2.32.4.29. 4.38
Exterior Lamps
................................. 2-42 Fabric
Cleaning
............................... 6-51
Fifth Gear.
Manual Transaxle ..................... 2-25
Filling a
Portable Fuel Container .................... 6-5
FillingYourTank ................................ 6-5
Filter. Air ..................................... 6-19
FinishC are .................................... 6-55
FinishDamage
................................. 6-56
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle ................... 2-24
First Gear. Manual Transaxle
...................... 2-25
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-2
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-23
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-36
FOgLmps
.................................... 2-44
Following Distance when Towing a Trailer
........... 4-39
Foreign Countries, Fuel
........................... 6-5
Fourth Gear. Manual Transaxle .................... 2-25
French Language Manual
11
Front Map Lamps ............................... 2-45
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-10
Fuel
.......................................... 6-3
Filling a Portable Container
...................... 6-5
Filling Your Tank .............................. 6-5
In Foreign Countries ......................... 6-5
.. ...........................
Gage ....................................... 2-67
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
........ .......... 6-60
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-61
Fuel ....................................... 2-67
GarmentHook ................................. 2-51
GAWR
....................................... 4-33
9-4

Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle ................ 2-21
Gear Positions. Manual Transaxle
.................. 2-25
Glove Box
.................................... 2-48
Graphic Equalizer
.............................. 3-12
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-33
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-33
Guide en Franpis
11
GVWR ....................................... 4-33
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-36
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Bulb Replacement ............................ 6-37
High/Low Beam Changer
...................... 2-35
On Reminder
................................ 2-42
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-5
Heating ........................................ 3-4
High-Beam Headlamps
.......................... 2-35
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-24
HillandMountainRoads
......................... 4-24
Hitches. Trailer
.............. .......... 4-38
Hood
Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-33
Hydraulic Clutch
............................... 6-24
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
........................... 6-24
Hydraulic Clutch System Check ................... 7-3 1
Hydroplaning .................................. 4-20
Y ..........................
Headlamps .................................... 2-42
Wiring
..................................... 6-59
Prop ....................................... 6-10 Ignition
Switch
................................ 2-14
Illuminated Entry
............................... 2-45
Inflation. Tire
.................................. 6-42
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-47
Inspections Brakesystem
................................ 7-35
Caliperffiuckle Maintenance
................... 7-35
Engine Cooling System
........................ 7-34
Exhaust Systems ............................. 7-34
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.......... .... 7-34
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7-34
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-34
Steering
.................................... 7-34
Suspension
.................................. 7-34
Throttle Linkage
.............................. 7-34
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-52
Brightness Control
............................ 2-44
Cleaning
.................................... 6-53
Cluster
..................................... 2-54
FuseBlock .................................. 6-60
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-44
Jack. Tire .................................. 5-24
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
..................... 7-31
Key Release Button
............................. 2-16
Keyless Entry System
............................ 2-7
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
9-5

Manual Transaxle ............................... 2- 16
Shifting
..................................... 2-25
Starting Your Engine
.......................... 2-16
Manual Transaxle Check
......................... 7-31
Manual Transaxle Fluid
.......................... 6-23
Methanol
...................................... 6-4
Mirrors
....................................... 2-47
ConvexOutside
.............................. 2-47
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-47
Manual Remote Control
............. .... 2-47
Power Remote Control
......................... 2-48
Visorvanity
................................. 2-50
Mountain Roads
................................ 4-24
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-34
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
.................... 2-22
Neutral. Manual Transaxle
........................ 2-25
New Vehicle “Break-In’’ ......................... 2-14
NightVision
................................... 4-17
Odometer .................................... 2-55
Odometer.
Trip .................................. 2-55
Off-RoadRecovery ............................. 4-13
Oil. Engine
.................................... 6- 13
Oil Pressure Warning Light
....................... 2-65
Outlet. Accessory Power
......................... 2-50
Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-23
Overheating Engine
............................. 5-14
Owner Checks
and Services ....................... 7-30
Owner Publications. Ordering
..................... 8-12
Owner Publications. Ordering
in Canada ............ 8-1 1 Paint
Spotting. Chemical
................. . . 6-56
Park Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-21
Shifting Into
................................. 2-28
Shifting Out
of ............................... 2-30
AtNight
.................................... 2-12
Brake
...................................... 2-27
Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-33
Lots
....................................... 2-13
Over Things That
Burn ........................ 2-31
WithaTrailer
................................ 4-41
Your Vehicle
................................. 2-30
Passenger Position
.............................. 1-21
Passing
....................................... 4-13
Passing When Towing a Trailer .................... 4-39
Passlock ...................................... 2-13
Passlock Warning Light
.......................... 2-66
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-34
Pontiac Cares Information ......................... 8-2
Power Door Locks
................................... 2-5
OptionFuses
................................ 6-59
Remote Control Mirror ........................ 2-48
Seat
......................................... 1-3
Steering
.................................... 4-10
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-29
Windows ................................... 2-33
Pregnancy. Use
of Safety Belts .................... 1-20
Problems on the Road
............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and Owner
................... 8-12
Parking
9-7