towing PONTIAC PONTIAC 1996 Owner's Manual

I Shbrt Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Change automatic transaxle fluid and,filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 "F
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found irftaxi, police or
delivery service. 8
If you do nut use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid andJilter
do not require changing.
51,000 Miles (85 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
I I I
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE ' SERVICED BY:
7-15
ProCarManuals.com

I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system
(QT every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first): See “Engine
Coolant”
in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service; ~~~~.~ ,~
An Emission Control Service.
I
,. .“,-*$ .J$?
0 Inspect spark plug -wires.
0 Replace spark plugs.
, I .. .. -. .,, .
An Emission Control Service.
c
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 O C) gr higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- = Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the jluid
and filter do not require changing,
’ . , ..VI -
.‘ . .: delivery service.
ProCarManuals.com

Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule
45,000 Miles (75 000 ,km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every
22 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate steering ball joints (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first).
, An Emission Control Service.
I DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED BY:^
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 OF
(32 O C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
delivery service.
rf you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid
and filter do not require chmg&g.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
ProCarManuals.com

0 Change automatic -transaxle fluid and filter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature reg,ularly reaches
90 "F
(32°C) or higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
' ,;
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
+-; I. !these conditions, the fluid and filter do not
require changing.
delivery service.
?ij- ..;, .'I
I I I
t-
,. I' ' ..
ACTUAL MILEAGE
L
SERVICED BY:
ProCarManuals.com

Clock. Setting the ................................ 3-5
ComfortControls
................................ 3-1
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-23
Compact Disc Player
....................... 3-14, 3-16
Compact Disc Player Errors
....................... 3- 15
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-33
Console Storage
................................ 2-39
Control
of a Vehicle ............................. ’ . 4-5
Convenience Net
................................ 2-40
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-38
Bleed Valves
................................. 5-20
Heater, Engine
............................... 2- 13
Recovery
Tank ............................... 5-16
Courtesy Lamps
................................ 2-34
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-7
Cruise Control ................................. 2-29
Cupholders
.................................... 2-38
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8- 1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-2
Coolant
................................. ....... 6-20
Coolingsystem
................................ 5-14
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users .......... 8-4
Damage, Finish ...... ..................... 6-62
Damage, Sheet Metal
............................ 6-62
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-33
Defects, Reporting Safety
..... i ................... 8-9
Defensive Driving ............................... 4- 1
Defogger, Rear Window
.......................... 3-4
Defoqging ..................................... 3-4
DeadBattery ................................... 5-2 Defrosting
................... ........ 3-4
Dimensions. Vehicle ........... .......... 6-75
Dolby@
B Noise Reduction ......... ........... 3-10
Dome Lamp
................................... 2-36
Door
Locks ..................................... 2-3
Drive Position. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2-16
Driver Position
............................ 1-10. 1-16
Driving
City
........................................ 4-19
Defensive
.................................... 4-1
Drunken
.............. ; ...................... 4-2
Freeway
.................................... 4-20
In a Blizzard
................................. 4-26
In Foreign Countries
............................ 6-4
In the Rain
.................................. 4-16
On Curves
.................................... 4-9
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-36
On Hill and Mountain Roads
...... ............. 4-22
OnSnowandIce
............................. 4-25
WetRoads
................................... 4-16
Winter
....................................... 4-24
With a Trailer ................................. 4-34
Drunken Driving
................................ 4-2
Electrical Equipment. Adding
........ 2-12.3-22. 6-64
Electrical System
............ .............. 6-64
Night
...................................... 4-14
Throughwater
............................... 4-18
.. ... 9-3
ProCarManuals.com

Engine .................................... 6.8. 6.9
Coolant ..................................... 6-20
Coolant Heater ............................... 2-13
Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-36
Cmhzt Temperatere Gage ..................... 2-5 1
Coolant Temperature Light ..................... 2-50
Exhaust ..................................... 2-23
Identification ................................ 6#-64
Overheating ................................. 5-12
Specifications ................................ 6-74
Starting Your ................................ 2- 11
Adding
..................................... 6-11
Additives ................................ ; .. 6-14
Checking ................................... 6-11
LevelCheck ................................. 7-36
Used ....................................... 6-15
Whentochange .............................. 6-15
Ew~l 6-3 Exhaust, Engine ................................ 2-23
Fan Knob, Climate Control System .................. 3-1
Filter, Engine Oil ............................... 6- 15
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle ................... 2-17
Flashers, Hazard Warning ......................... 5-1
FlatTue, Changing ............................. 5-23 Fluids and Lubricants ............................. 7-41
Fog Lamp Bulb Replacement ................ 6-42, 6-43
Fog Lamps ..................................... 2-33
Running While Parked ......................... 2-24
........................................
Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-57
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-4
Filter, Air ..................................... 6-16
Finishcare ..................................... 6-61
FinishDmage
................................. 6-62
Foreign Countries. Fuel ......................... 6-4
French Language Manual ........................... ii
Front Lamp
Bar Bulb Replacement ................. 6-38
Front Sidemarker Bulb Replacement ................ 6-40
Front Turn Signal Bulb Replacement ................ 6-40
FrontTowing ................................... 5-9
Fuel .......................................... 6-2
Filling Your Tank ............................... 6-4
Gage ....................................... 2-56
Canadian .................................... 6-3
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ..................... 6-65
bages
Engine Coolant Temperature ................ 2-51
Fuel
....................................... 2-56
GAM ....................................... 4-29
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle ................ 2-14
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-29
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratmg ...................... 4-29
Guide en Francpis .................. ............ ii
GVWR
......................... ....... 4-29
Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-1
Headlamps ..................................... 2-32
Bulb Replacement ........................ 6-31 6-34
High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-27
Wiring ..................................... 6-65
GloveBox .................................... 2-38
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-31
HeadRestraints ................................. 1-5
Aiming ..................................... 6-35
OnReminder ................................. 2-32
9-4 --
ProCarManuals.com

Low Oil Level ............................. 2-55
Safety Belt Reminder ...................... 1-6, 2-46
Service Engine Soon .......................... 2-52
Loading
Your Vehicle ........................... 4-28
Automatic Door ............................... 2-4
. Cylinders ................................... 7-37
Key Lock Cylinder Service ...................... 7-37
Steering Column Lock Check ................... 7-39
Trunk ....................................... 2-7
Low Coolant Warning Light ...................... 2-51
Low Fuel Light
.............. ................. 2-57
Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-41
Lubrication Service,
Body ........................ 7-37
Oilwarning
................................. 2-54
Security .................................... 2-56
Locks
......................................... 2-3
Door ......................................... 2-5
PowerDoor .................................. 2-3
Window
.................................... 2-25
LowOilLevelLight
............................ 2-55
Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ........... 6-75
Maintenance Record ............................ 7-43
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long TripkIighway Definition
.................... 7-5
Long Trip/Highway Intervals ................ 7.5. 7-26
Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-36
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants ............. 7-41
Scheduled Maintenance Services
.................. 7-3
ShorCTrip/City Definition ....................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Intervals
.................... 7-4. 7-6
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-40 Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-62
Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-37
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-52
Manual Front
Seat ............................... 1-1
Methanol ...................................... 6-3
Mhn ....................................... 2-37
ConvexOutside
.............................. 2-38
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2~37
Manualoutside
.............................. 2-37
Power Outside
............................... 2-37
Visor Vanity
.......................... : ...... 2-41
MMT ...................................,..... 6-3
Mode Knob, Climate Control System ................. 3-2
MountainRoads ................................ 4-22
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-26
Net. Convenience
.............................. 2-40
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-15
New Vehicle "Break-In" ......................... 2-10
Nightvision
................................... 4-15
Odometer .................................... 2-45
Odometer.
Trip ................................. 2-45
Off-Road Recovery
............................. 4-11
Oil. Engine .................................... 6-10
Oil Warning Light .............................. 2-54
Overheating Engine ............................. 5-12
Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-36
Owner Publications, Ordering ..................... 8-12
ProCarManuals.com

Paint Spotting. Chemical .... ... 6-62
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2- 14
Shifting Into
................................. 2- 19
Shifting Out of
............................. 2-22
AtNight
..................................... 2-8
Brake
...................................... 2-18
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-39
Lots
........................................ 2-8
Over Things That
Bum ........................ 2-23
With a Trailer ................................. 4-37
Passenger Position
......................... 1-30. 1-34
Passing 4-12
PASS-Key
II .................................. 2-8
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................... 7-40
Pontiac Cares Program ............................ 8-1
Power
..... FJ.
Parking
......... ....... .......... ...... Accessory Outlet ..- ...... 0: ... ;. y i. .; . * J;? . ....... . !. ... ..w 'X . 2-42 ........
Antenna Mast Care ............................ 3-24
Antenna Service .............................. 7-36
DoorLoc
ks ................................... 2-3
Option Fuses
................................ 6-65
Outside Mirror
............................... 2-37
Seat
......................................... 1-2
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-24
Steering ..................................... 4-9
Windows
................................... 2-25
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts
.................... 1-30
Problems
on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications. Service and 'Owner ................... 8- 11
T
RadiaGr .............. ......... 5-19
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... 6-24
Radio Reception
................................ 3-22
Radios
........................................ 3-5
Rain. Driving
In ................................ 4-16
Reading Lamps
................ . . 2.35. 2.36
Rear
Lamp
Bar Bulb Replacement .................... 6-47
Outside Seat Position
.......................... 1-36
Safety Belt Comfort Guides ..................... 1-39
Seat Passengers
.............................. 1-36
Window Defogger
............................. 3-4
Rearview Mirror. Inside Daymight
................. 2-37
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-3
Recovery Tank. Coolant
.......................... 5-16
Refrigerants. Air Conditioning
.................... 6-75
Remote Lock Control
................................. 2-4
Trunk Release ................................. 2-7
Towing ..................................... 5-10
Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 6-72
Parts ....................................... 6-75
Wheel
...................................... 6-54
Replacing Safety Belts ........................... 1-62
Reporting Safety Defects
.......................... 8-9
Restraints
Checking
................................... 1-62
Child
....................................... 1-44
Head ......................................... 1-5
Replacing Parts After a Crash .................... 1-62
Systemcheck
................................ 7-37
Reverse. Automatic Transaxle
..................... 2-15
Right Front Passenger Position
....... .. ....... 1-30. 1-34
9-7
ProCarManuals.com

Specifications and Capacities .......... ... 6-73
Specifications. Engine
........................... 6-74
Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
............... 8-4
Speedometer
................................... 2-45
SRS
......................................... 1-23
Starter Switch Check
.......................... 7-38
Starting Your Engine
............................. 2- 11
Steam
........................................ 5- 12
Steering
....................................... 4-9
Column
Lock Check .......................... 7-39
In Emergencies
............................... 4-10
Power
....................................... 4-9
Tips
......................................... 4-9
Variable Assist
........ ; ....................... 4-9
Wheel, Tilt
................................... 2-26
Wheel Touch Controls
......................... 3 -2 1
Storage Compartments
........................... 2-38
Storage, Vehicle
................................. 6-30
Stuck
In Sand. Mud, Ice or Snow .................. 5-34
SunVisors .................................... 2-41
Supplemental Restraint System
.................... 1-23
Sustained Interior Illumination
.................... 2-34
Symbols. Vehicle
.................................. v
Tachometer .................................. 2-45
Taillamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 6-46
Tapeplayercare
............................... 3-23
Temperature
Knob, Climate Control System ........... 3-1
Theft-Deterrent Feature,
CD Player ................ 3- 19
Theft
.......................................... 2-8
Stains. Cleaning
.......... ........... 6-57
Sunroof ....................................... 2-42
THEFTLOCK
............. ......... 3-19
Thermostat .................................... 6-24
Third Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-16
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-26
Time. Setting the
................................ 3-5
Tire Chains .................................... 6-56
Tire Loading
................... ......... 4-28
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-28
Tires
......................................... 6-48
Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-54
Buying New
................................. 6-52
Chains
........... ................... 6-56
Changing
a Flat .............................. 5-23
Cleaning
.................................... 6-62
Compact Spare
............................... 5-33
Inflation
..................................... 6-49
Inflation Check
............................... 7-36
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-50
Loading
.... ................................. 4-28
Pressure ..................................... 6-49
Temperature ................................. 6-54
Traction
.................................... 6-53
Treadwear
................................... 6-53
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-53
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-51
Wheel Replacement
............................ 6-54
When It’s Time for New . . ....... .... 6-51
TopStrap
..................................... 1-45
Torque Lock
................................. ., .. 2-22
Torque, Wheel Nut
.............................. 5-30
TowingaTrailer
................................ 4-30
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-7
c-
ProCarManuals.com

Trailer Brakes
..................................... 4-34
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-36
Hitches ..................................... 4-33
ParkingonHills
. ............................. 4-37
Safety Chains
.............. ................. 4-34
. Driving With ................................ 4-34
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-37
Tongueweight
............................... 4-32
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-33
Weight
..................................... 4-32
Transmitters, Remote Lock Control
.................. 2-4
Transportation, Courtesy
.......................... 8-7
Trip Calculator
................................. 2-57
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-45
Access Panel
................................ 2-39
Release, Remote
............................... 2-7
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-27
Turn Signal On
Chime ........................... 2-27
Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
................... 2-26
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-36
Towing
..................................... 4-30
Turnsignals
................................. 4-36
Tr~nk
......................................... 2-7
Lock
........................................ 2-7
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-39
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-62
Underhood Electrical Center ................. 6-68, 6-70
Vehicle
Control
...................................... 4-5
Damage Warnings .............................. iv Dimensions
........................ ... 6-75
Identification Number ......................... 6-64
Loading .................................... 4-28
Storage
..................................... 6-30
Ventilation System
............................... 3-3
Visor Vanity Mirrors ............................ 2-41
Visors, Sun
.................................... 2-41
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
............... 2-46
Washer Fluid, Windshield
........................ 6-25
Weatherstrips
................... .......... 6-60
warning
Devices
................................ 5-2
Washing Your Vehicle
.......... ............ 6-60
Wheel Alignment
.................................. 6-54
NutTorque
.................................. 5-30
Wrench
..................................... 5-25
Windows
..................................... 2-25
Auto-Down
................................. 2-25
LockOut
................................... 2-25
Power
...................................... 2-25
Windshield Washer
............................. 2-28
Fluid
.................................. 2-28. 6-25
Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-36
Windshield Wiper
.............................. 2-28
Blade Replacement
........................... 6-48
Winter Driving
................................. 4-24
WreckerTowing
................................. 5-7
Replacement
................................. 6-54
Fuses ...................................... 6-65
Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-65
Wrench. Wheel
................ ............ 5-25
9-10
ProCarManuals.com