PONTIAC GRAND AM 2003 Owners Manual

Playing a Cassette Tape
Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are
up to
30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes
longer than that are
so thin they may not work well in
this player. The longer side with the tape visible should
face to the right.
If the ignition is on, but the radio is
off, the tape can be inserted and will begin playing. If
you hear nothing but a garbled sound, the tape may not
be in squarely. Press the eject button to remove the
tape and start over.
While the tape is playing, use the VOL, BAL, FADE,
TONE, EQ and SEEK controls just as you do for
the radio. The display will show TAPE and an arrow
showing which side of the tape is playing. The
tape player automatically begins playing the other side
when it reaches the end of the tape.
Your tape bias is set automatically when a metal or
chrome tape is inserted. If you want to insert a
tape while the ignition is
off, first press the eject button
or push the RCL knob.
If an error appears on the display, see “Cassette Tape
Messages” later in this section.
DD 1 (Forward): Press this pushbutton to advance
quickly to another part
of the tape. Press this pushbutton
again to return to playing speed. The radio will play
while the tape advances. You may select stations during
forward operation by using TUNE, SEEK and SCAN.
While in forward mode, the display will show
FREQ and
FWD and two right arrows. If the radio is playing a
RDS station, the display will only show FREQ.
VA 2 (Side): Press this pushbutton to play the other
side of the tape.
4 44 (Reverse): Press this pushbutton to reverse the
tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed.
The radio will play the tape reverses. You may
select stations during reverse operation by using TUNE,
SEEK and SCAN.
EQ (Equalizer): Press EQ to select the desired
customized equalization setting while playing a cassette.
The equalization will be automatically set whenever
you play a cassette tape. See “EQ” listed previously for
more information.
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SEEK v : Your tape must have at least three
seconds of silence between each selection for seek to
work. Press the up or the down arrow to search for
the next
or the previous selection on the tape. You can
skip as many as nine selections up or down on the
tape. Choose how many selections you want to skip,
then press the SEEK arrow that many times. The
number of selections to be skipped will appear on the
display.
A SCAN v : Press and hold one of the arrows for
more than two seconds until SCAN appears on
the display and you hear a beep. The tape will go to the
next selection, play for a few seconds, then go on to
the next selection. The tape will scan in forward
only. Press this button again to stop scanning.
BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio when a
tape
is playing. The inactive tape or CD will remain
safely inside the radio for future listening.
CD TAPE: Press this button to switch between playing
a cassette tape and a compact disc,
if both are
loaded, when listening to the radio. The display will
show tape and CD symbols.
A (Eject): Press this button, located next to the
cassette tape
slot, to eject a tape. Eject may be
activated with either the ignition or radio
off. Cassettes
may be loaded with the radio and ignition
off if this
button is pressed first.
Cassette Tape Messages
If an error occurs while trying to play a cassette tape, it
could be for one of the following reasons:
TIGHT TAPE: This message is displayed when the
tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs.
Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down
and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a
pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat. If the hubs do not
turn easily, your tape may be damaged and should
not be used in the player. Try a new tape to make sure
your player is working properly.
BROKEN TAPE: This message is displayed when the
tape is broken. Try a new tape.
WRAPPED TAPE: This message is displayed when the
tape is wrapped around the tape head. Attempt to get
the cassette out. Try a new tape.
3-65

CLEAN PLAYER: If this message appears on the
display, the cassette tape player needs
to be cleaned. It
will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as
possible to prevent damage
to the tapes and player. See
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player on page 3-70.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be
corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an
error message, write it down and provide
it to your
dealer when reporting the problem.
CD Adapter Kits
It is possible to use a portable CD player adapter kit
with your cassette tape player after disabling the
tight/loose tape sensing feature on your tape player.
To disable the feature, use the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the CD TAPE button. The radio will
display READY and flash the cassette symbol.
4. Insert the adapter into the cassette slot. It will
power up the radio and begin playing.
The override feature will remain active until the eject
button is pressed.
Playing a Compact Disc
With the ignition on, insert a disc partway into the slot,
label side up. The player will pull
it in and the disc
should begin playing. If you want
to insert a CD when
the ignition is
off, first press the eject symbol or push the
RCL knob.
If you insert a CD with the radio off and
the ignition on, it will start
to play.
When the disc is inserted, the CD symbol will be
displayed.
If you select an EQ setting for your CD, it will
be activated each time you play a CD.
As each new track starts
to play, the track number will
appear on the display.
If an error appears on the display, see “Compact Disc
Messages” later in this section.
DD 1 (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to
advance quickly within a track. You will hear sound at a
reduced volume. Release it
to play the passage. The
display will show elapsed time.
RDM
3 (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the
tracks in random, rather than sequential, order.
RDM and the track number will appear on the display.
3-66

4 44 (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to
reverse quickly within a track. You will hear sound at a
reduced volume. Release it
to play the passage.
The display will show elapsed time.
EQ (Equalizer): Press EQ to select the desired
customized equalization setting while playing a compact
disc. The equalization will be automatically set
whenever you play a compact disc. See
“EQ” listed
previously for more information.
SEEK
v : Press the down arrow while playing a
CD to go
to the start of the current track if more
than eight seconds have played. Press the up arrow to
go to the next track.
If you press either arrow more
than once, the player will continue moving backward or
forward through the disc.
SCAN
v : Press and hold one of the arrows for
more than two seconds until SCAN and the track
number appear on the display and you hear a beep.
The disc will
go to the next track, play for a few seconds,
to stop scanning.
!!?% nn Y’ nn -“ ?e the next trxk Press this hL!ttQr! S@r!
RCL (Recall): Push this knob to see how long the
current track has been playing. To change the default
on the display (track or elapsed time), push the
knob until you see the display you want, then hold the
knob until the display flashes. The selected display
will now be the default, While elapsed time
is showing,
CD
TIME will appear on the display.
BAND: Press this button
to listen to the radio when a
CD is playing.
CD TAPE: Press this button
to switch between playing
a cassette tape and a compact disc
if both are
loaded, when listening to the radio. The inactive tape or
CD will remain safely inside the radio
for future
listening. The display will show tape and CD symbols.
A (Eject): Press this button, located next to the
CD slot, to eject a CD. Eject may be activated with either
the ignition or radio
off. CDs may be loaded with the
radio and ignition
off if this button is pressed first.
3-67

Compact Disc Messages
CHECK CD: If this message appears on the radio
display and the disc comes out, it could be for one of
the following reasons:
You’re driving on a very rough road. When the road
The disc is dirty, scratched, wet or upside down.
becomes smoother,
the disc should play.
The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
try again.
If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason,
try a known good
CD.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be
corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an
error message, write it down and provide
it to your
dealer when reporting the problem.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
(Non-RDS Radios)
THEFTLOCK@ is designed to discourage theft of your
radio. The feature works automatically by learning
a portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If the radio is moved to a different vehicle, it will
not operate and LOC will be displayed.
with THEFTLOCK@ activated, your radio will not
operate
if stolen.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
(RDS Radios)
THEFTLOCK@ is designed to discourage theft of your
radio. The feature works automatically by learning
a portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If the radio is moved to a different vehicle, it will
not operate and LOCKED will be displayed.
When the radio and vehicle are turned
off, the blinking
red light indicates that THEFTLOCK@ is armed.
With THEFTLOCK@ activated, your radio
will not operate
if stolen.
3-68

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain
radio functions using the buttons on your steering
wheel.
A SEEK v: Press the up or the down arrow to tune
to the next or to the previous radio station. If a
cassette tape or compact disc is playing, the player will
down arrow.
zwi\mn~~ \A!ith thp [Ip a.rrn\A/ a.nd reverse with the
PRESET: Press this button to play a station you have
programmed on the radio preset pushbuttons. Every
press of this button will take you to the next preset
station that you have prgrammed.
If a cassette tape is
playing, press this button to play the other side of
the tape.
BAND: Press this button to choose AM, FMI, FM2, or
XM1 or XM2, or DAB1 or DAB2. If a cassette tape
or compact disc is playing, it will stop and the radio
will play.
A VOLUME : Press the up or the down arrow to
increase or to decrease volume.
PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or
compact disc when listening to the radio.
MUTE: Press this button
to silence the system. Press it
again, or any other radio button, to turn on the sound.
3-69

Understanding Radio Reception
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range, however, can
cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try
reducing the treble
to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about
10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals,
causing the sound
to come and go.
XMTM Satellite Radio Service
XMTM Satellite Radio gives you digital radio reception
from coast
to coast. Just as with FM, tall buildings
or hills can interfere with Satellite radio signals, causing
the sound
to come and go. Your radio may display
"NO SIGNAL"
to indicate interference.
DAB Radio
DAB gives you digital radio reception. Just as with FM,
tall buildings or hills can interfere with radio signals,
causing the sound
to come and go. Your radio
may display
"NO SIGNAL" to indicate interference.
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged
mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and
extreme heat. If they aren't, they may not operate
properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. Your radio will display CLEAN
PLAYER to indicate that you have used your tape
player for
50 hours without resetting the tape clean
timer. If this message appears on the display, your
cassette tape player needs
to be cleaned. It will still play
tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible
to
prevent damage to your tapes and player. If you notice
a reduction in sound quality, try a known good
cassette to see
if the tape or the tape player is at fault.
If this other cassette has no improvement in sound
quality, clean the tape player.
3-70

For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive
cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape
head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The
recommended cleaning cassette is available through
your dealership.
The broken tape detection feature of your cassette tape
player may identify the cleaning cassette as
a
damaged tape, in error. To prevent the cleaning cassette
from being ejected, use the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the CD TAPE button for five
seconds. READY
will appear on the display for five
seconds.
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s
recommended cleaning time.
After the cleaning cassette is ejected, the broken tape
detection feature will be active again.
You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type
cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt
to
clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on
its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner
may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type
cleaner. The use
of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type
cleaning cassette is not recommended.
After you clean the player, press and hold the eject
button for five seconds
to reset the CLEAN PLAYER
indicator. The radio will display CLEANED
to show the
indicator was reset.
Cassettes are subject
to wear and the sound quality
may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette
tape is in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Care of Your CDs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust.
If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen
a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution
and clean it, wiping from the center
to the edge.
Be sure never
to touch the side without writing when
nanaiing aiscs. Pick up aiscs by grasping ihe ouier
edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
3-71

Care of Your CD Player
The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to
the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics
with lubricants internal
to the CD mechanism.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged. If the mast should ever
become slightly bent, you can straighten it
out by hand.
If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals,
you should replace it.
Check occasionally
to be sure the mast is still tightened
to the fender. If tightening is required, tighten by
hand, then with
a wrench one quarter turn.
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System
Your XMTM Satellite Radio antenna is located on the
roof of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of
snow and ice build up for clear radio reception.
The performance of your XM system may be affected
if
your sunroof is open.
DAB Radio Antenna System
Your DAB antenna is located on the roof of your
vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build
up for clear radio reception.
If your vehicle is purchased in Canada and driven
into the United Stated the DAB radio antenna system
will not function. DAB radio reception is available
in Canada only.
The performance of your DAB antenna may be affected
if your sunroof is open.
Chime Level Adjustment
Chime level adjustment is only available on RDS radios.
The volume level of the vehicle’s chimes can be
controlled by the radio. To change the volume level,
press and hold pushbutton
6 with the ignition on and the
radio power
off. The chime volume level will change
from the normal level
to loud, and LOUD will be
displayed on the radio. To change back
to the default or
normal setting, press and hold pushbutton
6 again.
The chime level will change from the loud level
to normal, and NORMAL will be displayed.
3-72

Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
Your Driving. the Road. and Your Vehicle .......... 4-2
Defensive Driving
........................................... 4.2
Drunken Driving
............................................. 4.2
Control of
a Vehicle ........................................ 4-6
Braking
......................................................... 4-6
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
..................... 4-9
Steering
...................................................... 4-1 1
Passing ....................................................... 4-14
Loss of Control ............................................. 4-15
Driving at Night
............................................ 4-17
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
.................. 4-19
Off-Road
Recovery
....................................... 4-13 City Driving
.................................................. 4-21
Freeway Driving
........................................... 4.22
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
....................... 4-23
Highway Hypnosis
........................................ 4.24
Hill and Mountain Roads
................................ 4-25
Winter Driving
.............................................. 4.26
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ........ 4-31
Towing
.......................................................... 4.32
Towing Your Vehicle
..................................... 4.32
Recreational Vehicle Towing
........................... 4.32
Loading Your Vehicle
.................................... 4-35
Towing a Trailer
........................................... 4.37
4-
1