tow PONTIAC GRAND AM 1998 Workshop Manual

Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe
vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth.
Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent Dry Spot and Soil
Remover. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from
your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in
the Index.)
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often.
A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
area immediately or it will set.
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner
on Fabric
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask
surrounding
trim along stitch or welt lines.
Mix powdered cleaner following the directions on
the container label to form thick suds.
Use suds
only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t
saturate the material and don’t rub it roughly.
As soon
as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the suds.
Wipe cleaned area with
a clean, damp towel or cloth.
Wipe with a clean cloth and let
dry.

Grime &om the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may
be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids
and Lubricants” in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is
to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays
of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the
Index.) Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to
dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a
soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches
and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid
hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soap to clean
exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under
“Washing Your Vehicle.”
6-54

Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to
remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.)
Your vehicle has a “basecoatlclearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to
the colored
basecoat. Always
use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoatlclearcoat
paint
finish.
I NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoaticlearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar,
tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as -possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their
toll over a period
of years.
You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged
or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry
with a soft clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface
of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage
the surface.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These brushes can also damage
the surface of these wheels.
6-55

Maintenance Schedule
I Short TripKity Definition I
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one
of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffk).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle. (With some models, you should never
tow a trailer.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.)
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine
oil to break
down sooner.
or other commercial application.
Short TripKity Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or
6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 OOO km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 0oO km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on
the following pages.
7-5

Maintenance Schedule
Long Tripmighway Definition
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short TripKity Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Do not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area
or used
off paved roads. Use the Short TripKity schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slower:
Long Tripmighway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 OOO km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and
Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 OOO km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,OOO Miles (166 0oO km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service
(or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on
the following pages.

1 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reach\
es 90°F
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and
filter
do not require changing.
Manual transaxle fluid doesn't require change.
(32°C) or higher.
51,000 Miles (85 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
54,000 Miles (90 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
(Continued)
DATE I
DATE I
DATE I

I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
(Also see footnote ++.)
99,000 Miles (165 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
0 Inspect spark plug wires (except 2.4L Code T engine).
0 Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Sewice.
An Emission Control Service.
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reach\
es 90°F
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
(32°C) or higher.
(Continued)
DATE
DATE
7-19
.. . .

I Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule I
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and
filter do not require changing.
Manual transaxle fluid doesn’t require change.
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
An Emission Control Sewice.
(See footnote #.)
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occ\
urs first).
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote #.)
(Continued)
DATE I
MILEAGE
DATE I
MILEAGE
7-25

I Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and
filter
do not require changing.
Manual transaxle fluid doesn’t require change.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Cl Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first).
See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.\
Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
MILEAGE
7-29

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