ECU PONTIAC GRAND AM 1998 Owner's Manual

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 itself.
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 time.
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 behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy 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 deal \
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.
4-39

To help avoid injury to you or others:
0 Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.
Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted
by the tow truck.
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.
Never use J-hooks. Use T-hooks instead.
being towed.
When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition
off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a
straight-ahead position, with
a clamping device
designed for towing service.
Do not use the vehicle’s
steering column lock for this. The transaxle should be
in
NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake released.
The ignition key must be OFF to keep the automatic
door locks from locking during towing. Don’t have your vehicle towed on the
front wheels,
unless you must.
If the vehicle must be towed on the
front wheels, see speed and distance restrictions later
in
this section, farther than 50 miles (80 km) your transaxle
will be damaged.
If these limits must be exceeded, then
the front wheels have to be supported on a dolly.
A vehicle can fall from a car carrier if it isn’t
adequately secured.
This can cause a collision,
serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The
vehicle should be tightly secured with chains
or
steel cables before it is transported.
Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut
by sharp
edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use
T-hooks inserted in the T-hook
slots. Never use
J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and
suspension components.
5-9

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
A CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment
of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop
or collision, loose
equipment
could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
I I
Store the flat tire in the compact spare tire compartment.
Place the
tire in the compartment, then secure the
adapter, extension (aluminum wheels only) and wing
bolt. Place the cover and nut on top
of the flat tire. Store
the jack and wheel wrench in the
foam tray.
m H
A. Wrench
B. Jack
C. Flat Road Tire
D. Adapter E.
Extension (Aluminum
E Wing Nut
G. Cover
H. Nut
Wheels Only)
5-31

6. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to reassemble
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement
To change your dome lamp bulb, grasp the center front
and center rear portion
of the housing and squeeze
firmly but gently. The housing should pop off.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a small
flat-head screwdriver under the side of the housing to
help pry it
off.
the taillamp.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver and pull the
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm.
For the proper type and size, see “Capacities and
Specifications”
in the Index.
blade assembly
off the wiper arm.
6-41

NOTICE: (Continued)
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
If you have other tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must.
Use only SAE
Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for
your tires. Install them on the front tires and
tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop
and retighten them,
If the contact continues,
slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or
spinning the wheels with chains on will damage
your vehicle.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them
on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous
if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
0 Gasoline
0 Benzene
0 Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
0 Acetone
0 Paint Thinner
0 Turpentine
0 Lacquer Thinner
0 Nail Polish Remover
They can
all be hazardous -- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
Don’t use any of these unless
this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
0 Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
0 Reducing Agents
6-50

Pontiac Cares
-/
PONTIAC
V
With PONTIAC CARES, you are never more than
a phone call away from having your concern taken
care of. The
PONTIAC CARES philosophy and elements are
designed to make you realize that Pontiac recognizes
you as a valuable customer, appreciates your purchase
decision,
and is dedicated to taking care of the most
important person ... YOU! PONTIAC CARES is: A
valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac, a feature
that offers
a multitude of benefits that can give you
safety, security, comfort and convenience.
8-2

Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
1 -800-ROADSILE (1-800-762-3743)
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled
in the Pontiac Roadside Assistance program. This value-added service
is
intended to provide
you with peace of mind as you
drive in the city or travel the open road.
Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is staffed
by a team of technically trained advisors, who
are available
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out
of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Pontiac dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
Fuel delivery
Keys locked
in vehicle
Tow to nearest dealership
for warranty service
Change a flat tire
Jump starts
Courtesy Transportation
-- See Pontiac Courtesy
Transportation section for details
8-6

We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the
following additional services depending on your needs:
Hotels
Glass replacement
0 Tire repair facilities
Rental vehicle or taxis
Airports or train stations
0 Police, fire department or hospitals
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Pontiac’s comprehensive warranty. However, when other services are utilized,
our advisors will
explain
any payment obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
Location of vehicle
Telephone number of your location
0 Vehicle model, year and color
0 Mileage of vehicle
0 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle license plate number Pontiac reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement
to an owner or driver when in Pontiac’s
judgement the claims become excessive in
frequency or
type of occurrence.
While we hope that you never have the occasion to
use
our service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we’re only a phone call
away. Pontiac Roadside Assistance
-- 1-800-ROADSIDI
or 1-800-762-3743.
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.
8-7

Blizzard ...................................... 4-28
Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-35
Fluid
....................................... 6-31
Mastercylinder
.............................. 6-31
Parking
..................................... 2-27
PedalTravel
................................. 6-35
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-35
System Wanzing Light
.................... 2-58, 6-32
Trailer
...................................... 4- 38
Transaxle
Shift Interlock Check .................. 7-32
Wear
....................................... 6-34
Brakes,Anti -Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4- 6
Braking
in Emergencies .......................... 4-10
Break-In. New Vehicle .......................... 2-14
Brightness Control .............................. 2-44
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-36
Back-up Lamps
.............................. 6-40
CHMSL
.................................... 6-39
Dome Lamp
................................. 6-41
Headlamps
.................................. 6-37
BTSICheck
................................... 7-32
Taillamps
................................. 6-40
CaIiperKnuckle Maintenance Inspection
........... 7-35
Canadian Roadside Assistance
...................... 8-8
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-65
Carbon Monoxide
.......... 2- 11.2.31.2.32.4.29. 4.38
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-30
Cassette Tape Player
................... 3.9.3.12. 3.18
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-24
Cassette Tape Player
Errors .................. 3 . 10. 3. 15 CD Adapter
Kit ........................... 3.12. 3.15
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3-20
Center Console Cupholder
........................ 2-49
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-48
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement
... 6-39
Center Rear Passenger Position .................... 1-33
CertificationLabel
.............................. 4-33
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-38
Chains.
Tire ................................... 6-49
Changing
a Flat Tire ............................. 5-23
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-62
Check
Oil Light ........................... 2.66. 6.13
Checking
Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-52
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-56
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-43
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-45
Securing
in the Passenger Seat Position ........... 1-47
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-47
Where to Put
................................ 1-42
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-49
Circuit Breakers
and Fuses ....................... 6-60
Cleaner,
Air ................................... 6-19
Cleaning
...................................... 6-50
AluminumWheels
............................ 6-55
Fabric
...................................... 6-51
Glass
....................................... 6-53
Inside
of Your Pontiac ......................... 6-51
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-53
Leather
..................................... 6-52
Outside
of Your Pontiac ........................ 6-54
Special Problems
............................. 6-52
ChildRestraints
................................ 1-38
TopStrap
................................... 1-43
Stains ...................................... 6-51
9-2

Labels Certification
................................. 4-33
Service
Parts Identification ..................... 6-58
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-33
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-58
Lamps
........................................ 2-42
Exterior
.................................... 2-42
Fog
........................................ 2-44
Interior
..................................... 2-44
OnReminder
................................ 2-42
Latches. Seatback
................................ 1-5
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-6
Leaving
Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-29
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1.23. 2.57
Brake System Warning .................... 2.58. 6.32
Charging System Indicator
...................... 2-58
CheckEngine
................................ 2-62
Check Oil
.............................. 2.66. 6. 13
Enhanced Traction System Active
............ 2.61. 4.9
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
..... 2.60. 4.9
ETS Active
.............................. 2.61. 4.9
ETSWarning
............................ 2.60. 4.9
Interior
..................................... 2-44
Low Coolant Warning
.................... 2.62. 6.28
Oil Pressure Warning .......................... 2-66
PasslockWarning
............................. 2-66
Safety Belt Reminder
...................... 1.8. 2.57
Upshift .................................... 2-66
Litter Bag Hook ................................ 2-50
Lighter
....................................... 2-49
Lights
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2.59. 4.7
Loading
Your Vehicle ........................... 4-33
Locks
Automatic Door ............................... 2-5
Cylinders ................................... 7-31
Door
........................................ 2-4
Ignition Column Lock Check .................... 7-33
Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-31
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-5
Rear Door Security
............................. 2-6
Trunk ...................................... 2-11
Low Coolant Warning Light ................. 2.62. 6.28
Lubricants and Fluids
.......................... 7-36
Lubrication Service.
Body ...................... 7-31
Maintenance.
Normal Replaeement Parts ........... 6-66
Maintenance Record ............................ 7-38
Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7-1
Introduction
.................................. 7-2
Long TripMghway Definition
................... 7-6
Long TripMghway Intervals
..................... 7-6
Owner Checks and Services
..................... 7-30
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-34
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-36
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-4
Short TripKity Definition
....................... 7-5
Short Trip/City Intervals
........................ 7-5
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-56
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-42
Making
Turns When Towing a Trailer ............... 4-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-62
Manual Front Seat ............................... 1-2
Manual Lumbar Support
.......................... 1-3
Manual Remote Control Mirror
.................... 2-47