ECU PONTIAC GRAND AM 2004 Owner's Guide

Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so you can turn
with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you will be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. And because you may have
anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s
brake system. If you do, both systems will not work well,
or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
4-44

Bulb Replacement
For replacement bulb sizes, seeReplacement Bulbs on
page 5-49. For any bulb changing procedure not
listed in this section, contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
You or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the bulb
package.
Headlamps
1. Lift up on the two retaining clips which secure the
headlamp assembly.
5-47

Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P225/50R16 size tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class
“S” type chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
5-67

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
Store the flat tire in the compact spare tire compartment.
Place the tire in the compartment, then secure the
adapter and wing nut. Place the cover and the nut on
top of the flat tire. Store the jack and the wrench in the
foam tray.A. Nut
B. Cover
C. Wing Bolt
D. AdapterE. Wrench
F. Jack
G. Tool Tray
H. Flat Tire
5-75

Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
1-800-ROADSIDE (762-3743)
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Pontiac’s Roadside
Assistance toll-free number is staffed by courteous
and capable Roadside Assistance Representatives who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense
to you:
•Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to the
nearest service station.
•Lock-out Service (identication required):
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement
key will be covered within 10 miles.
•Emergency Tow:Tow to the nearest dealership for
warranty service or in the event of a
vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance when the
vehicle is mired in sand, mud or snow.
•Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. (The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
covered by a warrantable failure.)
•Jump Start:No-start occurrences which require a
battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
•Dealer Locator Service
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Pontiac’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representative:
•Your name, home address, and home telephone
number
•Telephone number of your location
•Location of the vehicle
•Model, year, color, and license plate number
•Mileage, Vehicle Identification Number and delivery
date of the vehicle
•Description of the problem
7-6

While we hope you never have the occasion to use our
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we are only a phone call
away. Pontiac Roadside Assistance: 1-800-ROADSIDE
(762-3743), text telephone (TTY) users, call
1-888-889-2438.
Pontiac reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Pontiac’s
judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency
or type of occurrence.
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Pontiac reserves the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notification.
Canadian Roadside Assistance
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
roadside assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book.
Courtesy Transportation
Pontiac has always exemplified quality and value in its
offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership
experience, we and our participating dealers are
proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer
support program for new vehicles.
The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail
purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the
Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation options
are available when warranty repairs are required. This will
reduce your inconvenience during warranty repairs.
Plan Ahead When Possible
When your vehicle requires warranty service, you
should contact your dealer and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment and advising
your service consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your inconvenience.
If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service
department immediately, keep driving it until it can be
scheduled for service, unless, of course, the problem is
safety-related. If it is, please call your dealership, let
them know this, and ask for instructions.
If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle
off for service, you are urged to do so as early in
the work day as possible to allow for same day repair.
7-7

Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-44
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-51
Top Strap...................................................1-42
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-43
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-41
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-71
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-78
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-81
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-84
Weatherstrips..............................................5-81Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-83
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-82
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-78
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-80
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-80
Cleaning Leather............................................5-80
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-80
Cleaning Tires................................................5-83
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-80
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-82
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-77
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-30
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Low Warning Light.......................................3-30
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-36
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
3

Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks on
Vehicles with a Manual Transaxle:................... 2-9
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks on
Vehicles with an Automatic Transaxle:.............. 2-9
D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-20
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-16
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8Dinghy Towing................................................4-33
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-34
Dome Lamp...................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-17
City...........................................................4-21
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-25
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-19
Winter........................................................4-26
Driving On Grades..........................................4-46
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-27
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-20
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-21
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-44
4

L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-17
Lap Belt........................................................1-28
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-14, 1-23
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-47
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-11
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
(Automatic Transaxle Only)...........................2-31
Lift Seat, Power............................................... 1-7
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-25
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
Change Engine Oil......................................3-35
Charging System.........................................3-26
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active Light....3-29Light (cont.)
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-28
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-30
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-36
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-31
Oil Pressure...............................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-25
Security.....................................................3-35
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-36
Up-Shift.....................................................3-26
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-35
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
Locks
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-11
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-15
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-30
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-36
8

Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-13
R
Radio Data System (RDS).......................3-43, 3-54
Radio Messages.............................3-41, 3-49, 3-59
Radios..........................................................3-38
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-70
Care of Your CDs........................................3-70
Radio with CD............................3-39, 3-43, 3-54
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-38
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-38
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-68
Understanding Reception..............................3-70
RDS Messages......................................3-48, 3-58
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-29
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-23
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-21
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-35
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-32
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-13
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-70
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-69
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-49
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-40
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-61
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-61
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-61
Replacing Parts...........................................1-61
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-19
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-31
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-14
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-34
11