inflation pressure PONTIAC GRAND AM 1999 Owners Manual

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2-56 Check Tire Pressure Light (If Equipped)
The tire pressure monitor system can alert you to a large
change in the pressure in one tire. After the system has
ªlearnedº tire pressures with properly inflated tires, the
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE light will come on if the
pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi (83 kPa) lower than
the other three tires. The tire pressure monitor system
won't alert you if the pressure in more than one tire is
low, if the system is not yet calibrated, or if the vehicle
is moving at less than 15 mph (25 km/h), faster than
75 mph (120 km/h), on rough roads or during turns.
The light may also come on if you are driving on
partially cleared pavement.When the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE light comes on,
you should stop as soon as you can and check all your
tires for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes
Flatº in the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all
four tires as soon as you can. See ªInflation
- Tire
Pressureº in the Index.
The light will stay on until you turn off the ignition or
reset the system. See ªTire Pressure Monitor Systemº in
the Index.
The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE light also comes on
briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the light
doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be there to
tell you if the pressure in a tire is low or high.
If the anti
-lock brake system warning light comes on,
the tire pressure monitor system may not be working.
See your dealer for service. (Also, see ªAnti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Lightº in the Index).

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4-31 Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear
NOTICE:
Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. Your
vehicle could be badly damaged and the repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Loading Your Vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire
-Loading Information label
found on the rear edge of the driver's door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight,
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory
-installed options.

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5-27
A. Nut
B. Cover
C. Wing Nut
D. AdapterE. Wrench
F. Jack
G. Spare Tire
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your
vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the
inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire
is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform
well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h) for distances up to
3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have
your full
-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. You
must calibrate the tire pressure monitor system after
installing or removing the compact spare. See ªTire Pressure
Monitorº in the Index. The system may not work correctly
when the compact spare is installed on the vehicle. Of course,
it's best to replace your spare with a full
-size tire as soon as
you can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in
case you need it again.
NOTICE:
When the compact spare is installed, don't take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on
the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel,
and maybe other parts of your vehicle.

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6-35
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on
the rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

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6-36
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:

Unusual wear

Bad handling

Rough ride

Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be
at 60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped)
The tire pressure monitor system can alert you to a large
change in the pressure of one tire. The system ªlearnsº
the pressure at each tire throughout the operating speed
range of your vehicle. The system normally takes
between 45 and 90 minutes of driving to learn the tire
pressures. This time may be longer depending on your
individual driving habits. Learning need not be
accumulated during a single trip. Once learned, the
system will remember the tire pressures until the system
is recalibrated.

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6-37
After the system has learned tire pressures with properly
inflated tires, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE light will
come on if the pressure in one tire becomes 12 psi
(83 kPa) lower than the other three tires. The tire pressure
monitor system won't alert you if the pressure in more
than one tire is low, if the system is not properly
calibrated, or if the vehicle is moving at less than 15 mph
(25 km/h), faster than 75 mph (120 km/h), on rough
roads or during turns. The light may also come on if you
are driving on partially cleared pavement.
The tire pressure monitor system detects differences in tire
rotation speeds that are caused by changes in tire pressure.
The system can alert you about a low tire
-- but it doesn't
replace normal tire maintenance. See ªTiresº in the Index.
If the anti
-lock brake system warning light comes on,
the tire pressure monitor system may not be working.
See your dealer for service. (Also, see ªAnti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Lightº in the Index).When the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE light comes on,
you should stop as soon as you can and check all your
tires for damage. (If a tire is flat, see ªIf a Tire Goes
Flatº in the Index.) Also check the tire pressure in all
four tires as soon as you can. See ªInflation
- Tire
Pressureº in the Index.
The light will come on and stay on until you turn off the
ignition or press the RESET button.
Don't reset the tire pressure monitor system without first
correcting the cause of the problem and checking and
adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the
system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the system
will not work properly and may not alert you when
a tire is low.

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6-39
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Don't include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if
you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
(See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.)

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7-13
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.

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9-10
Specifications and Capacities 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications, Engine 6-60, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains, Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starter Switch Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-16, 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steam 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Emergencies 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 4-10, 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel, Tilt 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stoplamp Bulb Replacement 6-33, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartments 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage, Vehicle 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun Visors 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunroof 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Restraint System 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank, Coolant 5-11, 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols, Vehicle v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp Bulb Replacement 6-6, 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tape Player Care 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEFTLOCK
3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt Steering Wheel 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure Monitor System 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and Rotation 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .