wiper fluid PONTIAC GRAND AM 1998 Owners Manual

Windshield Washer To wash your windshield, pull the stalk with the windshield
washer symbol toward you until the washers
begin. When
the lever is pulled with the wipers in Om, the wipers will
continue to work until you return the lever to OFF. If your
vehicle
is equipped with the controlled cycle wipers, the
wipers will automatically shut off after you release the lever
if no speed was selected.
A CAUTION:
I
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
2-37

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or
turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to
go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes
are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield
wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder
to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge
of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in good shape and keep
your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing
areas
on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
4-18

The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must
start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to
go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things
you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a &~rt
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-23

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

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
wwking properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anythng 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 coverings,
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.
7-31

Tires ............ ....... .......... 6-56
Wheels ..................................... 6-55
Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-53
Climate Control System ........................... 3-2
Clock, Setting the ................................ 3-7
Clutch Fluid. Hydraulic .......................... 6-24
Clutch. Hydraulic ............................... 6-24
Comfort Controls ................................ 3-2
Compact Disc Adapter Kit ................... 3-12. 3-15
Compact Disc Care ............................. 3-25
Compact Disc Player ............................ 3-16
Compact Spare Tire ............................. 5-33
Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6
Convenience Net ............................... 2-49
Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-47
Coolant ....................................... 6-25
Adding ...................... ..... 5-18. 6-28
Checking ................................... 6-27
Heater. Engine ............................... 2-19
SurgeTank .................................. 5-18
Surge Tank Pressure Cap ....................... 6-29
Cooling System ................................ 5- 16
Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-8
Cruise Control ................................. 2-38
Cupholder ..................................... 2-49
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users ......... 8-5
Customer Assistance Information ................... 8-3
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . .............. 8-3
Damage. Finish ............................... 6-56
Damage. SheetMetal ............................ 6-56
Vinyl ........................... ........ 6-52
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning ......... 3-2
Daytime Running Lamps ..................... 2-43
Dead Battery ................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety ........................ 8-10
Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window .......................... 3-5
Defogging ..................................... 3-4
Defrosting ..................................... 3-4
Dimensions. Vehicle ............................ 6-66
Dolby B Noise Reduction ................... 3.11. 3.14
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement .................... 6-41
DoorLocks ..................................... 2-4
DriverPosition ................................. 1-13
Driving
Backing Up
When Towing a Trailer ............ 4-39
City ........................................ 4-21
Defensive .................................... 4-2
Drunken ..................................... 4-3
Freeway .................................... 4-22
InaBlizzard ................................. 4-28
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
IntheRain .................................. 4-18
Making Turns When Towing a Trailer ............. 4-40
Night ...................................... 4-16
OnCurves .................................. 4-11
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-41
On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-24
On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-27
Passing When Towing a Trailer .................. 4-39
Throughwater ............................... 4-20
WetRoads .................................. 4-18
Winter ...................................... 4-26
WithaTrailer ................................ 4-39
DrunkenDriving ................................ 4-3
Following Distance When Towing a Trailer ........ 4-39
9-3

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