checking oil PONTIAC GRAND AM 1999 Owners Manual

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2-60
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems
can be costly and is not covered by your warranty.
Low Oil Light (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped
with a 3400 V6 engine, then
you will have a LOW OIL
light in your instrument
panel cluster.
This light will come on briefly when you start your vehicle.
If the light stays on after starting your vehicle, or comes
on and chimes while you are driving, your engine oil
level should be checked.
Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has
been shut off for several minutes and is on a level
surface. Check the oil level on your dipstick and bring it
to the proper level. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
NOTE: A false LOW OIL light may be generated when
parking on steep grades.
The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between when the key is on and
the engine is cranking. It does not monitor engine oil
level when the engine is running. Additionally, an oil
level check is only performed if the engine has been
turned off for a considerable period of time allowing the
oil normally in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.

6-
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-12 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-19 Thermostat
6
-20 Engine Coolant
6
-23 Power Steering Fluid
6
-24 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-25 Brakes6
-29 Battery
6
-30 Bulb Replacement
6
-35 Tires
6
-45 Appearance Care
6
-46 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-48 Care of Safety Belts
6
-49 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-51 Finish Damage
6
-52 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-53 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-54 Electrical System
6
-60 Replacement Bulbs
6
-60 Capacities and Specifications
6
-61 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-61 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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6-8
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important parts underhood.
To open the hood, first
pull the handle inside
the vehicle.

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3400 V6 Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on
the 2.4L L4 engine is located at the rear of the engine.
The dipstick on the 3400 V6 engine is located on the
front of the engine, behind the fan.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
2.4L V6 Engine Shown
3400 V6 Engine Similar

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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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Easy Entry Seat 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-17, 2-18, 3-19, 6-54 . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-18, 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-60, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-16, 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What To Use 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Life Monitor 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Active Light 2-54, 4-9 . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light 2-53, 4-9 . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETS (Enhanced Traction System) 4
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active Light 2-54, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-53, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses, Cleaning 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-18, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Reading Lamps 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .