parking brake PONTIAC GRAND AM 1999 Owner's Manual

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5-18
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won't move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite end.
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.

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6-59
Fuse Usage
38) Automatic Transaxle
39) Powertrain Control Module
40) Anti
-Lock Brakes
41) Ignition System
42) Back
-Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle
Shift Interlock
43) Horn
44) Powertrain Control Module
45) Parking Lamps
46) Rear Defog, Daytime Running
Lamps, Climate Control System
47) Canister Vent Valve, Exhaust
Oxygen SensorsFuse Usage
48) Fuel Pump, Injectors
49) Generator
50) Right
-Hand Headlamp
51) Left
-Hand Headlamp
52) Cooling Fan
53) HVAC Blower (Climate Control )
54) Not Used
55) Not Used
56) Fuse Puller for Mini Fuses
57) Not Used

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7-15
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see ªParking
Brakeº in the Index if necessary) and the
regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.Brake
-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position,
but don't start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle's BTSI
needs service.

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7-16
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. The
key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is
in PARK (P).
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.

To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.

To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.

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7-18 Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
(Except GT Series)
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The parking brake is self
-adjusting and no manual
adjustment is required. You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
Brake System Inspection (GT Series Only)
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

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9-2
Body Lubrication Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-11, 2-27, 2-28, 4-29, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-9, 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kit 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center Console Storage Area 2
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb
Replacement 6-33, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing System Indicator Light 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Tire Pressure Light 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Passenger Seat Position 1-48 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-48 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-7
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Lumbar Support 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor, Engine Oil Life 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor, Oil Life 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Life Monitor 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-11
Pressure Monitor System 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used Replacement Wheel 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-24 , 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
Recreational Vehicle 4
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle From the Front 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle From the Rear 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-33, 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backing Up 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Following Distance 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Turns 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing 4
-33, 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle
Automatic 2
-20, 2-21, 2-22, 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Keyless Entry 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Lock 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-33, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visors, Sun 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .