PONTIAC GRAND AM 1998 Owners Manual

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

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

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

Radio Reception .............................. 3-23
Radios
........................................ 3-7
Rain. Driving In
................................ 4- 18
Reading
Lamps ........................... 2-45. 2-46
Door Security Locks
........................... 2-6
Outside Seat Position .......................... 1-28
Safety Belt
Comfort Guides ..................... 1-31
Seatpassengers
.............................. l-28
Window Defogger ............................. 3-5
RearSeatCupholder
............................ 2-49
RearTowing
................................... 5-11
RearviewMirror
................................ 2-47
Inside Daymight
............................. 2-47
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-4
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-36
Recreational Vehicle Towing ...................... 4-30
Refrigerants.
Air Conditioning .................... 6-65
Fuel
Door Release ............................. 6-6
Trunk Release ................................ 2- 11
Remote Cassette Tape Player
...................... 3- 18
Rear
Remote Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 6-64
Parts
....................................... 6-66
Wheel
...................................... 6-48
Replacing Safety Belts
........................... 1-52
Reporting Safety Defects
......................... 8-10
Checking
.................................... 1-52
Child
....................................... 1-38
Head
........................................ 1-5
Replacing
Parts After a Crash ................... 1-52
System Check
................................ 7-31
Restraints Reverse. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-22
Reverse. Manual Transaxle
....................... 2-26
Right
Front Passenger Position .................... 1-21
Roadside Assistance
.............................. 8-6
Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-8
Rocking
Your Vehicle
Rotation. Tires
.....
safety Belt Extender
Safety Belts
.......
Adults ..........
Care ...........
~ ~~~~
........................... 5-34
........................... 6-43
............................ 1-52
............................. l-7
............................ 1-13
. . 6-53 .....................
Center Rear Passenger Position .................. 1-33
Children
.................................... 1-35
DriverPosition
............................... 1-13
Extender
.................................... 1-52
How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-13
IncorrectUsage
..... 1-16,l-17, 1-18, 1-19,l-50, 1-51
Larger Children
.............................. 1-49
Passenger Position
............................ 1-21
Questions and
Answers ........................ 1-12
Rear Comfort Guides
.......................... 1-31
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
............ 1-28
Rear Seat Passengers
.......................... 1-28
Reminder Light
.......................... 1-8, 2-57
Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-52
Right Front Passenger Position
.................. 1-21
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
................... 1-15
Smaller Children and Babies
.................... 1-35
Use During Pregnancy
......................... 1-20
Why They Work
............................... 1-9
LapBelt
.................................... l-34
Lap-Shoulder ........................... 1-15,
1-28
9-8

Safety Chains .................................. 4-38
Safety Defects. Reporting
........................ 8-10
Safety Warnings and Symbols
....................... 111
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4
Seat Adjuster
.............................. 1.2. 1-52
Seatback Latches
...................................... 1-5
RecliningFront
............................... 1-4
EasyEntry
................................. 1-6
ManualFront
................................. 1-2
Manual Lumbar Support
........................ 1-3
Power
....................................... 1-3
Rear
........................................ 1-7
Restraint Systems
.............................. 1 - 1
SeatControls
................................. 1-2
Securing a Child Restraint
............ 1-43.1-45. 1-47
Second Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................. 2-23
Second Gear, Manual Transaxle
.................... 2-25
Security System
................................ 2-13
Service
........................................ 6-2
Bulletins. Ordering
............................ 8- 12
Bulletins. Ordering in Canada
................... 8-1 1
Manuals. Ordering
............................ 8-12
Manuals. Ordering in Canada
................... 8- 11
Parts Identification Label
....................... 6-58
Publications. Ordering
......................... 8- 12
Publications, Ordering in Canada
................ 8-11
Work. Doing Your Own
......................... 6-2
Service and Appearance Care
...................... 6-1
Service and Owner Publications ................... 8- 12
Servicehblications
............................. 8-12
Servicing Your
Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ........... 1-27
Sheet Metal Damage
............................ 6-56
...
Seats Shift Lever
............................... 2.21. 2.25
Shiftspeeds
................................... 2-26
Shifting Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2-21
Into Park (P)
................................. 2-28
OutofPmk
.................................. 2-30
Shifting. Manual Transaxle
....................... 2-25
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
..................... 1-15
Signaling Turns ................................ 2-35
Skidding
.............. ................... 4-15
Sound Equipment. Adding
......... 2- 17.2.18.3.23. 6.59
Spare Tire. Compact
............................. 5-33
Specifications and Capacities
...................... 6-65
Specifications. Engine
........................... 6-65
Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
............... 8-5
Speedometer
................................... 2-55
SRS ......................................... 1-21
Stains. Cleaning
................................ 6-51
Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-32
Starting Your Engine .................. 2.16.2.17. 2.18
Steam
........................................ 5.14
Steering
...................................... 4-10
In Emergencies ............................... 4-12
Power
...................................... 4-10
Tips
........................................ 4-11
Variable
.................................... 4.10
Wheel. Tilt
.................................. 2-34
Steering Wheel Touch Controls
.................... 3-22
Storage Compartments
........................... 2-48
Storage. Vehicle
................................ 6-36
Stuck: In
Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-34
SunVisors .................................... 2-50
Sunglasses Storage
.............................. 2-49
Sunroof
....................................... 2-51
9-9

Supplemental Restraint System .................... 1-21
Surge Tank. Coolant
............................. 5- 18
Surge Tank. How
to Add Coolant .................. 5-18
Surge
Tank Pressure Cap ......................... 6-29
Symbols. Vehicle
.................................. v
Synchronization
................................ 2-10
Tachometer
.................................. 2-56
Taillamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 6-40
Theft-Deterrent Feature. CD Player
................ 3-20
Third Gear. Automatic Transaxle ................... 2-23
Third Gear. Manual Transaxle ..................... 2-25
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-34
Time, Setting the
................................ 3-7
Tirehading
................................... 4-33
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-33
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-48
Changing a Flat .............................. 5-23
Tapeplayercare
............................... 3-24
Theft
......................................... 2-12
THEFTLOCK"
................................ 3-20
Thermostat
.................................... 6-29
TiieChains
.................................... 6-49
Tires
......................................... 6-42
BuyingNew
................................. 6-45
Chains
..................................... 6-49
Cleaning
.................................... 6-56
Compactspare
............................... 5-33
Inflation
..................................... 6-42
Inflation Check
............................... 7-30
InspectionandRotation ........................ 6-43
Loading
.................................... 4-33 Pressure
.................................... 6-42
Temperature
................................. 6-47
Traction
.................................... 6-47
Treadwear
................................... 6-47
Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-46
Used Replacement Wheel
...................... 6-49
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-45
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-48
When
It's Time for New ....................... 6-45
TorqueLock
................................... 2-29
Torque, Wheel Nut
......................... 5-30, 6-65
From the Front
.......................... 4-30, 4-31
From
the Rear ............................... 4-32
Recreational Vehicle
.......................... 4-30
Towingal"
................................ 4-35
Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-8
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
............... 4-30
Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
................ 4-32
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-41
Engine Cooling
.............................. 4-42
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-42
Tongueweight
............................... 4-37
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-38
TopStrap
..................................... l-43
Trailer
Brakes
..................................... 4-38
Drivingwith ................................. 4-39
Hitches
..................................... 4-38
ParkingonHills
.............................. 4-41
SafetyChains
................................ 4-38
Towing
..................................... 4-35
Turnsignals
................................. 4-40
Weight
..................................... 4-36
9-10

Transaxle Automatic
................................... 6-20
Manual ..................................... 6-23
Transmitters, Keyless Entry ........................ 2-7
Transportation, Courtesy .......................... 8-8
Trip Odometer ................. . . 2-55
Trunk Lock
....................................... 2-11
Security Override ............................. 2-12
T& Lamp ................................... 2-46
"Y Users ............................. ... 8-5
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals ............... 2-35
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever ................... 2-34
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-40
underbody Flushing Service ..................... 7-33
Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-56
Up Shift Light ................................. 2-26
variable Effort Steering ....................... 4-10
Vehicle
Control
...................................... 4-6
Damagewarnings .............................. iv
Dimensions
................................. 6-66
Identification Number ......................... 6-58
Loading .................................... 4-33
Storage ..................................... 6-36
Ventilationsystem ............................... 3-6
Visor Vanity Mirrors ............................ 2-50
Visors, Sun .................................... 2-50
warning Devices ...............
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
Warranty Information
.............
Washer Fluid. Windshield .........
Washing Your Vehicle ............
Weatherstrips ...................
Wheel Alignment
...................
Nut Torque ...................
Replacement ..................
Used Replacement .............
Wrench ......................
Windows ......................
Auto-Down ..................
Lock Out Switch ..............
Power .......................
Windshield Washer ..............
Fluid ........................
................ 5-2
............... 2-56
............... 8-10
............... 6-30
............... 6-54
............. 6-54
............... 6-48
.......... 5.30. 6.65
............... 6-48
............... 6-49
............... 5-24
............... 2-33
............... 2-33
............... 2-33
............... 2-33
............... 2-37
........... 2.31. 6.30
FluidLevelCheck ............................ 7-30
Windshield Wiper .............................. 2-36
Blade Replacement ........................... 6-41
Winter Driving ................................. 4-26
Wiper Blade Check ............................. 7-31
Wiper Blade, Cleaning ........................... 6-53
Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-59
WreckerTowing ................................. 5-8
Wrench, Wheel ................................. 5-24
Fuses ...................................... 6-59
9-11

Service Station Checkpoints
3100 ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK P6-14
COOLANT
'IJRGE TANK 2.4L ENGINE
7-l6 / OIL EIP;;ICK
FUEL
HOOD
RELEASE P6-9
TIRES P6-42
REMOTE FUEL DOOR P6-6 TRUNK RELEASE P2-11
For detailed information, refer to the page number listed, or see the Index in the back of the owner's manual.
9-12 ~~ - . ~ ~~