engine PONTIAC PONTIAC 1995 Repair Manual

When to Change Engine OiI
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop and go traffic).
0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you
need to change your
oil and filter every 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever comes first.
your
vehicle.
If none of them is true, change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have
to park outside in very cold weather,
0°F (-18°C) or
colder. If your vehicle has
this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment.
If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station
or a local recycling
center for help.
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~~~ NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging
engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage
it. Always
have the
air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level
is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealer Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle.
Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting
a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
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Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level
if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
Get
the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km)
when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If it's
colder
than 50°F ( 1O"C), you may have to drive longer.
To check the fluid level
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
running.
in
PARK (P).
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK
(P).
Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow these
steps:
3.1L
L82 (Code M) Engine 3.4L LQl (Code X) Engine
1. The transaxle fluid dipstick handle is the red loop
near the back of the engine. Pull out the dipstick and
wipe
it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
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3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine 3.4L LQ 1 (Code X) Engine
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched
area.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the
dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it
to the proper level.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a pint
(OSL). Don’t overfiZ1. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled
DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transaxle. Damage
caused by fluid other than
DEXRON@-III is not covered
by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
described under
“How to Check.”
dipstick back in all the way.
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Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating
or if you need to add coolant to your
radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128 “C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half
clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM Specification 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with
a complete coolant flush
and refill. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant flush and refill.
If you use
this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.
I NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
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Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the
COLD mark or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to the HOT mark or a little
higher.
If this light comes on, it
means you’re low on engine
coolant.
To Add Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper mix at the
coolant recovery tank.
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Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows
on
the cap line up with the overflow tube on the
radiator filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an A@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
3.1L L82 (Code M) Engine 3.4L LQl (Code X) Engine
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
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What to Add Brake Wear
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
@ Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in
your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced.
0 Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful
not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle.
If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the Index. Your
Pontiac has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(except when you are pushing on
the brake pedal
firmly).
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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Underbody Maintenance Chemical Paint Spotting
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust Some weather and atmospheric conditions CZUI create
control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not a chemical fallout, Airborne pollutants can fall upon
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This
underbody parts such as %el lines, frame, floor pan, and damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
exhaust system even though
they have corrosion discolorations,
and small irregular dark spots etched
protection. into the
paint surface.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Pontiac
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud will repair, at
no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
and other debris can collect.
Dirt packed in closed areas new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
Your dealer or an underbody vehicle
washing system whichever comes first.
can
do this for you.
Fiberglass Springs
1 NOTICE: I
Don’t use corrosive or acidic cleaning agents,
engine degreasers, aluminum cleaning agents or other harsh solvents to clean fiberglass springs;
they’ll damage the springs.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
UXSMJ72675 Ictn)
4-
-- ~
1995
PLANT MODEL YEAR
ASSEMBLY
This is the legal identifier for your Pontiac. It appears on
a plate
in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side. You can see it
if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The
VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very
helphl if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
yoLlrvIN,
the model designation,
0 paint information, and
a list of all production options and special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Pontiac
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment
can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other
components
from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Pontiac, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index.
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