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The 1999 Pontiac Firebird Owner’s Manual
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Seats and Restraint Systems
This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SRS” system.
Features and Controls
This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
Your Driving and the Road
Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
Problems on the Road
This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
Service and Appearance Care
Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
Maintenance Schedule
This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
Customer Assistance Information
This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-12.
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Index
Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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How to Use this Manual
CAUTION:
Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning
to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you
do this, it will help you learn about the features and
controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find
that pictures and words work together to explain
things quickly.
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then
we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the
hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or
others could be hurt.
Index
A good place to look for what you need is the Index in
back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in
the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.
You will also find a circle
with a slash through it in
this book. This safety
symbol means “Don’t,”
“Don’t do this” or “Don’t
let this happen.”
Safety Warnings and Symbols
You will find a number of safety cautions in this book.
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you
about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore
the warning.
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In the notice area, we tell you about something that can
damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would
not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly.
But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid
the damage.
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION
and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in
different words.
These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
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Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
These symbols
are used on
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
warning and
indicator lights:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
driven:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
FUSE
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
TURN
SIGNALS
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
PROTECT
EYES BY
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
LIGHTER
HORN
SHIELDING
PARKING
LAMPS
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
BRAKE
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
BURNS
COOLANT
SPEAKER
FUEL
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
POWER
WINDOW
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
VENTILATING
FAN
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
AIR BAG
FOG LAMPS
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NOTES
✍
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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also
learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
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Seats and Seat Controls
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Rear Seat Passengers
Children
Child Restraints
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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About
Safety Belts -- and the Answers
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
Driver Position
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Right Front Passenger Position
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
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Larger Children
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Safety Belt Extender
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
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Seats and Seat Controls
This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust
them and also about reclining front seatbacks, seatback
latches and the folding rear seatback.
Manual Front Seat
CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is
moving. The sudden movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you
don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
Move the lever under the passenger’s front seat to
unlock it.
Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the
lever and try to move the seat with your body to make
sure the seat is locked into place. Be sure the lever
returns to its original position after moving the seat.
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4-Way Manual Seat
6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)
There are two levers at the front of the seat. The left
lever adjusts the seat forward and rearward. The right
lever adjusts the angle of the front of the seat.
The driver’s seat has three controls on the left side.
A: The front control makes the front of the seat go
up and down.
To adjust the seats forward and rearward, lift the lever
under the left front of the seat. Slide the seat to where you
want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat
with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.
B: The center control makes the whole seat go up and
down or forward and backward.
C: The back control makes the rear of the seat go up
and down.
To raise or lower the seat, lift the lever under the right
front of the seat and lean forward or backward.
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6-Way Power Seat with Lumbar/Lateral
Control (AQ9) (If Equipped)
In addition to the
power seat control
there are two other
switches that help
you change the shape
of your seat.
This switch is designed
to imitate the movements
of your seat cushion. It is
located on the left side of
the driver’s or the right
side of the passenger’s
seat cushion.
There is one lumbar support (the front switch) for the
lower back. There is also a side bolster switch (the rear
switch) that adjusts the sides of the seat around you to
give you lateral support.
To move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch
forward or rearward. To raise or lower the seat, push the
switch up or down. To raise or lower the front portion of
your seat, push the front of the switch up or down. To
raise or lower the rear portion of your seat, push the rear
of the switch up or down.
For lumbar support, push the front switch down to
inflate and up to deflate.
For lateral support, push the rear switch down to inflate
and up to deflate.
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The switch pads on the outer side of the seats “inflate”
Fully Articulating Sport Seat (If Equipped)
and “deflate” parts of your seatback.
If your vehicle has these seats, the driver’s seat has the
four-way manual seat adjuster. See “4-Way Manual
Seat” earlier in this section. The passenger seat has the
two-way manual seat adjuster. See “Manual Front Seat”
earlier in this section.
The two buttons that have “dots” inflate and deflate the
side bolster of the seatback. To inflate, press the raised
button. To deflate, press the indented button.
The two buttons without dots inflate and deflate the
lumbar (lower back area of the seatback) support. To
inflate, press the raised button. To deflate, press the
indented button.
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Reclining Front Seatbacks
If you have fully articulating sport seats, your recliner
lever looks like this.
To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of
the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where
you want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to
its original upright position.
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CAUTION:
Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is
in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle
up, your safety belts can’t do their job when
you’re reclined like this.
The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash you
could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the
belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt
forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
This could cause serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the vehicle is in
motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.
But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle
is moving.
Head Restraints
Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable
on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down
so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of
your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck
injury in a crash.
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Front Seatback Latches
Folding Rear Seatback
The front seatbacks fold
forward to let people get
into the back seat. To fold
a seatback forward, lift the
latch located on the lower
backside of the seatback.
When you return the seatback to its original position,
make sure the seatback is locked. The latch must be
down for the seat to work properly.
The rear seatback in your vehicle folds down to provide
more storage space.
CAUTION:
To fold the seatback down:
1. Pull forward on both levers.
2. Fold the seatback down.
To raise the seatback:
If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward
in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
to the person sitting there. Always press rearward
on the seatback to be sure it is locked.
1. Pull it up to the locked, upright position.
2. Be sure both latches hold the seatback in place.
Have them fixed if they don’t.
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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts
properly. It also tells you some things you should not do
with safety belts.
CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to
ride in any area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), or air bag system.
CAUTION:
Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear
a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and
you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries
can be much worse. You can hit things inside the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed. In the same crash, you might
not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your
safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts
are fastened properly too.
Your vehicle has a light that
comes on as a reminder to
buckle up. (See “Safety
Belt Reminder Light” in
the Index.)
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to
wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.
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You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a
crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast
as it goes.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive.
But most crashes are in between. In many of them,
people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk
away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt
or killed.
After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles,
the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat
on wheels.
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Put someone on it.
Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
doesn’t stop.
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The person keeps going until stopped by something.
In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...
or the instrument panel ...
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Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts -- and the Answers
Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an
accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?
A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you’re upside down. And your chance of
being conscious during and after an accident, so
you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if
you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to
wear safety belts?
A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in
most of them in the future. But they are
or the safety belts!
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag
system ever offered for sale has required the use of
safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air
bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why
safety belts make such good sense.
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Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
home, why should I wear safety belts?
Adults
A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an
accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and
your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver
doesn’t protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.
This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different rules for
smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in
your vehicle, see the part of this manual called
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of
home. And the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
40 mph (65 km/h).
“Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.
First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.
We’ll start with the driver position.
Safety belts are for everyone.
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Driver Position
This part describes the driver’s restraint system.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear
it properly.
1. Close and lock the door.
2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)
so you can sit up straight.
3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this
happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
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Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the
latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle
the belt.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.
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The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the
belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could
cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash.
On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you
pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is
too loose. In a crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase injury. The
shoulder belt should fit against your body.
A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly
as much protection this way.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if your belt is
buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash,
the belt would go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic
bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.
Always buckle your belt into the buckle
nearest you.
A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if you wear the
shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your
body would move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Also, the belt would apply too much force to the
ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure internal organs
like your liver or spleen.
A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should
be worn over the shoulder at all times.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In
a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the
belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted,
make it straight so it can work properly, or ask
your dealer to fix it.
A: The belt is twisted across the body.
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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be
seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
The belt should go back out of the way.
Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the
way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the
belt and your vehicle.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and
the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below
the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the
mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more
likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For
pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making
safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Here are the most important things to know about the
air bag system:
CAUTION:
Right Front Passenger Position
The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position”
earlier in this section.
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if
you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you
have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things
inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air
bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety
belts. All air bags -- even Next Generation air
bags -- are designed to work with safety belts,
but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to
work only in moderate to severe crashes where
the front of your vehicle hits something. They
aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear,
side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for
unrestrained occupants, Next Generation air
bags may provide less protection in frontal
crashes than more forceful air bags have
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
This part explains the Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) or air bag system.
Your vehicle has “Next Generation” frontal
air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another
air bag for the right front passenger.
Next Generation frontal air bags are designed to help
reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating
air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very
quickly if they are to do their job and comply with
federal regulations.
provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle
should wear a safety belt properly -- whether
or not there’s an air bag for that person.
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CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION:
Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air
bag system is designed for them. Young children
and infants need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide. Always secure
children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see
the part of this manual called “Children” and see
the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right
front passenger’s safety belt.
Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink
of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as
you would be if you were leaning forward, it could
seriously injure you. This is true even with Next
Generation frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep
you in position before and during a crash. Always
wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation air
bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
There is an air bag readiness
light on the instrument
panel, which shows
AIR BAG.
CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or
killed. This is true even though your vehicle has
Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for
adults, but not for young children and infants.
The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index
for more information.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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How the Air Bag System Works
The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument
panel on the passenger’s side.
Where are the air bags?
The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
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vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such
as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The
air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side
impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant.
CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an air
bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person. The path
of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t
put anything between an occupant and an air
bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other air
bag covering.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air
bag should have inflated simply because of the damage
to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and
how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or
near-frontal impacts.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which
inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related
hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the
right front passenger.
When should an air bag inflate?
An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate
only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a
wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is
about 12 to 18 mph (19 to 29 km/h). The threshold level
can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that
it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your
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How does an air bag restrain?
CAUTION:
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the
instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would
not help you in many types of collisions, including
rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because
an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air
bags should never be regarded as anything more than a
supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to
severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can’t get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or door.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger air bag.
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that
some people may not even realize the air bag inflated.
Some components of the air bag module -- the steering
wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel
for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short
time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated
air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from
seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it
stop people from leaving the vehicle.
Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they
inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag
system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system
won’t be there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include air bag modules and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
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Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing
and diagnostic module, which records information
about the air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness of the system, when
the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s
safety belt usage at deployment.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have information about
servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air bag
system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
Some modules also record speed, engine RPM, brake
and throttle data.
CAUTION:
For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape
or yellow connectors. They are probably part of
the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to do so.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the
right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel or both the air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
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Rear Seat Passengers
It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up!
Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear
seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others
in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
On convertible models, the shoulder belt may lock
if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this
happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it.
Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to
wear one properly.
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
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If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the
latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it.
3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the
release button on the buckle is positioned so you
would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if
you ever had to.
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On convertible models, the safety belt also locks if you
pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is
too loose. In a crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase injury. The
shoulder belt should fit against your body.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the
belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could
cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.
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Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes
infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither
the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler
changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints.
In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says children up to some age
must be restrained while in a vehicle.
Smaller Children and Babies
CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. This is true even though your vehicle
has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags
plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection
for adults, but not for young children and
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system
nor its air bag system is designed for them.
Young children and infants need the protection
that a child restraint system can provide. Always
secure children properly in your vehicle.
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Infants need complete support, including support for the
head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck
is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the
rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear-facing
restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be
distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body,
the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an
appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many
hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its
parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the
baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle.
CAUTION:
Smaller children and babies should always be
restrained in a child or infant restraint. The
instructions for the restraint will say whether
it is the right type and size for your child.
A very young child’s hip bones are so small that
a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it
should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the
child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply
force right on the child’s abdomen, which could
cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that
any child small enough for one is always properly
restrained in a child or infant restraint.
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CAUTION: (Continued)
at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby
will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on
your arms. The baby would be almost impossible
to hold.
Secure the baby in an infant restraint.
CAUTION:
Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a
vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a
crash. During a crash a baby will become so
heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Child Restraints
Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,
they should have protection provided by
appropriate restraints.
Q: What are the different types of add-on
child restraints?
A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic
types. When selecting a child restraint, take into
consideration not only the child’s weight and size,
but also whether or not the restraint will be
compatible with the motor vehicle in which it
will be used.
An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use
in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system
designed to restrain or position a child on a
continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed,
make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the
center of the vehicle.
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A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant
to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant
restraints are designed for infants of up to about
20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type
of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head,
neck and body can have the support they need in
a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two
parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and
the seat part is removable.
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A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a
child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These
forward-facing restraints are designed to help
protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to
18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in
height, or up to around four years of age. One type,
a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either
as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing
child seat.
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A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who
are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to
27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight
years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve
the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster
seats with shields use lap-only belts; however,
booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts.
Booster seats can also help a child to see out
the window.
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When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it
will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your
vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags.
This is because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the inflating air
bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint
in a rear seat.
Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in
your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
The instructions that come with the infant or child
restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s
manual and the child restraint instructions are important,
so if either one of these is not available, obtain a
replacement copy from the manufacturer.
You may secure a forward-facing child restraint
in the right front seat, but before you do, always
move the front passenger seat as far back as it
will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in
a rear seat.
Where to Put the Restraint
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at
General Motors therefore recommend that you put your
child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:
Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child
restraint properly.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move
around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in
the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.
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If your vehicle was first sold in the United States, don’t
use a top strap child restraint in a convertible, because
the anchor can’t be installed properly.
Top Strap
If your vehicle is not a convertible, ask your dealer to
install the top strap anchor, using a special kit the dealer
can obtain that has the correct anchor hardware and
installation instructions for vehicles built for sale in the
United States. The hardware, and the cost of installation
is free. You can install the anchor yourself, using the
instructions provided in the kit, but:
CAUTION:
The place where the anchor has to go is quite
close to your fuel tank. If the anchor isn’t
installed correctly, it can make a hole in the
fuel tank -- either then, or in a later collision.
Gasoline could leak out and be ignited, and
people in the vehicle or outside it could be badly
burned. Don’t install the anchor yourself unless
you know you can do it correctly.
If your child restraint has a top strap, it should
be anchored.
Vehicles First Sold in the United States:
Was your vehicle first sold in the United States? If so,
the label on the rear edge of the driver’s door will say
that the vehicle meets “all U.S. safety standards.”
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Vehicles First Sold in Canada:
CAUTION:
If your vehicle was first sold in Canada, the label on the
rear edge of the driver’s door will say that the vehicle
meets “all Canada safety standards.” Canadian law
requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top
strap, and that the strap be anchored. Cars first sold in
Canada are built to accept a top strap anchor, unless the
vehicle is a convertible. Don’t use a top strap child
restraint in a convertible, because the anchor can’t be
installed properly.
The place where the anchor has to go is quite
close to your fuel tank. If the anchor isn’t
installed correctly, it can make a hole in the fuel
tank -- either then, or in a later collision.
Gasoline could leak out and be ignited, and
people in the vehicle or outside it could be badly
burned. Don’t install the anchor yourself unless
you know you can do it correctly.
If your vehicle is not a convertible, ask your dealer to
install the top strap anchor, using a special kit the dealer
can obtain that has the correct anchor hardware and
installation instructions. The hardware, and the cost of
installation, is free. You can install the anchor yourself,
using the instructions provided in the kit, but:
Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top
strap, and that the strap be anchored.
If your child restraint has a top strap, your dealer
can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation
instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The
dealer can then install the anchor for you. This work will
be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the
anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.
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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier
part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the
child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint
when and as the instructions say.
1. Put the restraint on the seat.
Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or
neck, put it behind the child restraint.
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3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using
a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.
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Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat.
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part
about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure
to follow the instructions that came with the child
restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and
as the instructions say.
1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air
bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go
before securing a forward-facing child restraint.
(See “Seats” in the Index.)
Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never
put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:
2. Put the restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your
vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags.
This is because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the inflating air
bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint
in the rear seat.
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Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or
neck, put it behind the child restraint.
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5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. You may find it
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.
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Children who have outgrown child restraints should
Larger Children
wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly.
Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out
in a crash.
Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
people who are.
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CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt.
The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces.
In a crash, the two children can be crushed
together and seriously injured. A belt must be
used by only one person at a time.
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Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child’s face or neck?
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s
shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide.
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in
a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt’s force would then be applied right on the
child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s
pelvic bones in a crash.
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Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at
the time of the collision.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this section.
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
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Keys
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Hatch
Theft
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Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
Windows
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels (If Equipped)
Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The Instrument Panel--Your
Information System
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Content Theft-Deterrent System (Option)
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PASS-Key II
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions
Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual Transmission Operation
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Only)
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Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
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Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
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The ignition keys don’t have plugs. Instead, they have
bar-coded key tags. These tags may be removed by
your dealer or even before the vehicle is delivered to
your dealer.
This key is for
the ignition only.
Each door key plug has a code on it that tells your dealer
or a qualified locksmith how to make extra door keys.
Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your door
keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made using
these plugs.
If you need a new ignition key, contact your dealer who
can obtain the correct key code. Remember to carry the
pre-cut emergency key that Pontiac sends after delivery
(this service is not available in Canada). In an emergency,
call Pontiac Roadside Assistance at 1-800-ROADSIDE or
1-800-762-3743. (In Canada call 1-800-268-6800.)
This key is for the doors
and all other locks.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot
of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever
lock your keys inside. You may even have to
damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you
have extra keys.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
bar-coded plugs from the keys and gives them to the
first owner.
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Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers -- especially children -- can easily
open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won’t open it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
This may not be so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
To lock the door from the inside, slide the lock control
on the door rearward.
To unlock the door, slide the lock control on the
door forward.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your door key. If your vehicle has
the Content Theft-Deterrent System and it is armed,
unlocking and opening a door this way will set off the
alarm after seven seconds unless the ignition key is
inserted into the ignition. See “Content Theft-Deterrent
System” in the Index.
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Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
Last Door Closed Locking (If Equipped)
If you have power door locks, you can program your
vehicle to have a delayed locking of the doors. This lets
you and your passengers exit the vehicle after you’ve
pressed the power door lock switch. All of the doors will
lock once everyone has gotten out of the vehicle and
closed their doors.
Press the power door lock
switch located on the
driver’s door to lock or
unlock both doors at once.
When the power door lock switch is pressed, a chime
will sound three times, indicating that the Last Door
Closed Locking feature has been activated. Pressing the
LOCK switch again will lock the doors immediately.
Pressing the UNLOCK switch will cancel a previously
requested Last Door Closed Locking.
Operating the power door locks may affect the Content
Theft-Deterrent System (if you have this option). See
“Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.
The vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature
turned off. To turn this feature on, see “Feature
Customization” in the Index.
The lock switch works at all times, except when
Lockout Prevention (if equipped) is programmed. The
unlock switch only works when the ignition is in RUN,
ACC or Retained Accessory Power (RAP). (See
“Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.)
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Lockout Prevention (If Equipped)
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
To protect you from locking your keys in the vehicle,
this feature stops the power door locks from locking
when the keys are in the ignition and a door is open.
If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open,
a chime will sound five times as a reminder to take the
keys out of the ignition before locking the door. The
vehicle is shipped from the factory with this feature
turned on. If you would like to turn this feature off, see
“Feature Customization” in the Index.
If your vehicle is equipped, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m)
up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and
close the door.
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
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This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in
range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry
system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have
to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to
work, try this:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
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Alarm/Panic Mode
Operation
If you are involved in a panic situation, press the horn
The driver’s door will unlock automatically when
UNLOCK is pressed. If UNLOCK is pressed again
within five seconds, the passenger’s door will also
unlock. All doors will lock when LOCK is pressed.
symbol button on your remote keyless entry transmitter
and your vehicle’s horn will sound and the parking
lamps will flash. This will draw needed attention to you
and your vehicle. To turn this feature off, either push the
horn symbol button again or turn the ignition to ON.
This feature will not work if your ignition is on or if the
transmitter is 30 feet (9 m) or more away from
your vehicle.
The hatch will unlock when the REAR 2X button is
pressed twice within five seconds, as long as the ignition
is turned to OFF. If the ignition is on, the REAR 2X
button will only work if the transmission is in PARK (P)
for an automatic transmission, or if the parking brake is
set on a manual transmission.
Transmitter Verification (If Equipped)
The system will turn on the interior lamps for about 40
seconds (or until the ignition is turned to RUN), when
you unlock the doors or hatch. The interior lamps will
go off when you lock the doors.
This feature provides feedback to the holder of the
remote keyless entry transmitter that a command has
been received by the keyless entry receiver. The parking
lamps will flash on every lock and unlock command and
the horn will sound only if the LOCK button is pressed
twice within five seconds. This allows for silent
operation of locking and unlocking unless a confirming
horn chirp is desired. Other options may be selected for
this feature (see “Feature Customization” in the Index).
Operating the remote keyless entry transmitter may
interact with the Content Theft-Deterrent System (if you
have this option). See “Content Theft-Deterrent System”
in the Index.
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3. Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN three times
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
quickly (within five seconds). The vehicle will
respond by locking the doors, unlocking the driver’s
door and releasing the hatch. Your transmitter is now
ready to match your vehicle. Leave the ignition
in RUN.
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters
matched to it.
4. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on
the first transmitter for up to 15 seconds. The vehicle
will respond as in Step 3.
5. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining transmitters.
6. When you have finished matching all of your
transmitters, replace the RADIO fuse.
Have each transmitter you intend to match ready for the
next steps. To match transmitters to your vehicle:
7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing
their buttons.
1. Turn the ignition to RUN, then to OFF. This will
disarm the Content Theft-Deterrent System (if your
vehicle has this option).
If the transmitters don’t work, or if you’d rather not
match the transmitters yourself, see your Pontiac dealer.
2. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is located in the
main fuse block, which is located on the left side of
your instrument panel. The RADIO fuse is located
on the lower right-hand corner of the panel. See
“Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index.
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Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about two years.
NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use care not to touch
any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage
the transmitter.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it’s probably time to change the battery.
Use one battery, type CR2032, or a similar type.
To replace the battery in the remote keyless
entry transmitter:
1. Carefully pry off the cover by inserting a dime
(or similar object) in the slot between the covers
and twist.
2. Lift off the back cover.
3. Remove and replace the battery. Use one battery,
type CR2032, or a similar type. Put the new battery
in printed side down.
4. Replace the cover. Make sure the cover is on tightly
so water won’t get in.
5. Check the transmitter operation. If the transmitter
does not work after battery replacement, it may need
to be resynchronized or matched to your vehicle. See
“Resynchronization” in the Index.
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Resynchronization
Hatch
CAUTION:
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security
method used by the remote keyless entry system. The
transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the
receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has
been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording
and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into
your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
To resynchronize the transmitter with the receiver, stand
close to your vehicle, and at the same time press and
hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the
transmitter for about eight seconds. The door locks
should cycle and the parking lamps should flash to
confirm synchronization. If this does not happen, you
may need to replace the battery in your transmitter or
match the transmitter to your vehicle.
If you must drive with the hatch open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and
the hatch:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in
the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
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This button only works when the ignition is in RUN,
ACC or when RAP is present. (See “Retained Accessory
Power” in the Index.)
Hatch Release
Your door key opens the hatch from the outside. If your
vehicle has the Content Theft-Deterrent System and the
system is armed, opening the hatch this way will trigger
the alarm. First disarm the system or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter to open the hatch.
NOTICE:
If you put things in the hatchback area, be sure
they won’t break the glass when you close it.
Never slam the hatch down. You could break the
glass or damage the defogger grid (if equipped).
Remote Hatch Release
Press the button under the
lamp control on the driver’s
side below the instrument
panel to unlock the hatch
from inside your vehicle.
On vehicles with the Content Theft-Deterrent System,
the remote hatch release button will not work while the
system is armed. See “Content Theft-Deterrent System”
in the Index.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
If you have an automatic transmission, your shift lever
must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to use the
remote hatch release. If you have a manual transmission
and the ignition is in RUN, you must set the parking
brake before you can use the remote hatch release.
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Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so
don’t do it.
Close all windows.
Lock the glove box.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you take the key with you, and you have an
automatic transmission, it will be locked. And remember
to lock the doors.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.
Content Theft-Deterrent System
(Option)
If your vehicle has this option, it has a theft-deterrent
alarm system. Once armed, the system will sound the
horn and flash the parking lamps if the vehicle is
broken into.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
Turning Off the Alarm
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key?
If you started the alarm by pressing the panic button on
the remote keyless entry transmitter, you must either
push that button again or turn the ignition to RUN to
stop the alarm.
If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.
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If the alarm is sounding due to the shock sensor or a
door or hatch opening, it can be turned off by either
turning the ignition with a proper key inserted or by
pressing any button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. If you use your remote keyless entry
transmitter to silence the alarm, additional things will
happen depending upon which button you press.
Shock Sensor
Pressing the UNLOCK button will turn the alarm
off, unlock the driver’s door and disarm the system.
Pressing the LOCK button will turn the alarm off,
keep the doors locked and keep the system armed.
Pressing the REAR 2X button will turn the alarm off
and keep the system armed. A second push of the
button (within five seconds) will unlock and disarm
the hatch only.
Coupe
Convertible
The shock sensor is what triggers the alarm when it
detects a blow to your vehicle. It is located over the
right rear wheelhouse near the spare tire in the hatch
area. There are two levels of alarms via the shock
sensor: Two horn blasts and parking lamp flashes for
non-threatening blows to the vehicle and a full
Pressing the panic button will turn the alarm off,
keep the doors locked and keep the system armed.
If the alarm is sounding because an incorrect ignition
key was used, press any button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter to turn the alarm off.
The alarm will stop by itself after two minutes.
two-minute alarm for harder blows to the vehicle. Its
sensitivity can be adjusted if more or less sensitivity is
desired. If sensitivity is increased too much, it may give
false alarms caused by gusts of wind or other natural
events that may shake the vehicle.
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To adjust, remove the label covering the adjustment
knob and adjust as desired. Turn the knob clockwise to
increase sensitivity and counterclockwise to decrease
sensitivity. The shock sensor is ignored by the alarm
system when the ignition is on, when the hatch is open,
when the alarm is disarmed or when it is customized to
be ignored and for five seconds after the horn sounds an
alarm or chirp. The shock sensor is ignored after
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking
If all the doors are closed, locking the vehicle with the
remote keyless entry transmitter will immediately arm
the system. The horn will chirp twice and the parking
lamps will flash, confirming that the system is armed.
If any door is open when the transmitter LOCK button
is pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode,
waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the
system will arm, the horn chirps twice and the parking
lamps will flash. If the hatch is open or ajar at the time
the system is arming, the horn will only chirp once.
triggering three full alarms until the system is rearmed.
Arming the System
The alarm system can be armed to detect break-ins by
locking your vehicle using the remote keyless entry
transmitter or by locking the doors with the power door
lock switch.
Power Door Lock Switch Locking
If any door is open when the power door lock switch is
pressed, the system goes into an armed wait mode,
waiting for the doors to close. Once they are closed, the
system will arm and the parking lamps will flash. If both
doors are closed when the lock switch is pressed, the
system assumes you are inside the vehicle, so it will not
arm. Locking the doors by using the manual door locks
will not arm the system.
Passive arming is also available, if you would like the
system to arm all by itself after the doors have been
closed for a short time. When the system is armed, a red
light on the top of the instrument panel will flash briefly
once every two seconds. If you return to your vehicle
and the red light is flashing two brief flashes every two
seconds, the system is armed and the shock sensor had
triggered a two-minute alarm. If the red light is flashing
three times every two seconds, the system is armed and
there was an intrusion that sounded the alarm. Horn
chirps and parking lamp flashes can be set to your
choice. See “Feature Customization” in the Index.
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Passive Arming
PASS-Key II
If the ignition was just turned off and a door was
opened, the system will arm six seconds after both doors
are closed, whether or not you lock them. In all other
cases, the system will wait 30 seconds after both doors
are closed before arming, allowing you time to get into
the vehicle and put the key in the ignition. The parking
lamps will flash when the system arms. Passive arming
is not enabled from the factory.
Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key II
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key II is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
It works when you insert
or remove the key from
the ignition.
Disarming the System
There are two ways to disarm the system:
Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter. If the horn chirps two or three
times when you unlock the car, the alarm sounded in
your absence. Two chirps means that the shock
sensor was set off and three chirps means that a door
or hatch was opened.
PASS-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS-Key II system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter
won’t work and fuel won’t go to the engine. If someone
tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key
during this time, the vehicle will not start. This
discourages someone from randomly trying different
keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make
a match.
Turn the ignition to RUN.
For more information on customizing the features
mentioned here, see “Feature Customization” in
the Index.
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See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the
The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the
engine does not start and the SECURITY light stays on
when you try to start the vehicle, the key may be dirty or
wet. Turn the ignition off.
PASS-Key II to have a new key made.
If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if
you turn it off. Your PASS-Key II system, however, is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key II system.
Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. The SECURITY light may remain on during this
time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the
Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first
ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or a
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key II ignition key, see
your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key II
to have a new key made. In an emergency, call the
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Center at
1-800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743.
(In Canada call 1-800-268-6800.)
locksmith who can service the PASS-Key II.
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work. The
SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have to wait
three minutes before trying another ignition key.
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Entering Programming Mode
Feature Customization (If Equipped)
To program features, your vehicle must be in the
programming mode. Follow these steps:
Your vehicle’s locks and lighting systems can be
programmed with several different features. The
features you can program depend upon the options that
came with your vehicle. The following list tells you the
features that can be programmed. Listed next to each
feature is the option you need to have on your vehicle in
order to be able to program that particular feature.
1. Put your key in the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition to RUN to disarm the Content
Theft-Deterrent System.
3. Turn the ignition to OFF.
Exit Lighting (available for all)
4. Remove the RADIO fuse. This fuse is in the main
fuse block, located on the left side of your
instrument panel. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers”
in the Index.
Delayed Illumination (available for all)
Last Door Closed Locking (if equipped with power
door locks)
5. Turn the ignition to ACC.
Lockout Prevention (if equipped with power door locks)
You should hear a chime to verify that the system is
in the programming mode. If the chime sounds once,
you will be able to program Exit Lighting, Delayed
Illumination, Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout
Prevention only. If the chime sounds twice and your
vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent
System, you will also be able to program Remote
Keyless Entry Verification, Arming Method,
Arming Verification, Driver’s Door Delay and
Shock Sensor Enable.
Remote Keyless Entry Verification (if equipped with
Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method (if equipped with
Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification (if equipped
with Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Driver’s Door Alarm Delay (if equipped with
Content Theft-Deterrent System)
Shock Sensor Enable (if equipped with Content
Theft-Deterrent System)
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Last Door Closed Locking and Lockout Prevention
Exit Lighting and Delayed Illumination
With Exit Lighting, your interior lamps will come on
for up to 25 seconds when the key is removed from
the ignition.
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 2.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Press the LOCK switch on the door.
With Delayed Illumination, your interior lamps will come
on and stay on for up to 25 seconds when entering your
vehicle and up to 5 seconds when leaving your vehicle.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Press the LOCK switch on the door until you hear
the number of chimes that correspond to the mode
selection you want.
Your vehicle comes with both features enabled
(Mode 4). To change the factory setting, do
the following:
These features are designed to help prevent your keys
from being locked in your vehicle.
1. Turn the courtesy lamps on by turning the instrument
panel brightness control knob all the way up.
Mode 1: Both Off (Doors will lock and unlock when
you press the power door lock switch.)
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
Mode 2: Lockout Prevention Only (If you leave your
keys in the ignition and leave through the driver’s door,
you won’t be able to lock the doors with the power door
lock switch.)
3. Turn the courtesy lamp switch off.
4. Turn the courtesy lamp switch from on to off until
you hear the number of chimes that correspond to the
mode selection you want.
Mode 3: Last Door Closed Locking Only (If the power
door lock switch is used to lock the vehicle while any
door is open, you will hear three chimes. The doors will
not lock until after all doors are closed.)
Mode 1: Both Off
Mode 2: Delayed Illumination Only
Mode 3: Exit Lighting Only
Mode 4: Both On
Mode 4: Both On (This combines Mode 2 and 3.)
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Remote Keyless Entry Verification
Mode 4: Lamps (Your parking lamps will flash every
time you press LOCK or UNLOCK.)
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 5.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
Mode 5: Lamps/Horn and Lamps/Lamps (Your lamps will
flash upon the first press on LOCK, your lamps will flash
and your horn will sound upon the second press on LOCK
and your lamps will flash upon any press on UNLOCK.)
1. Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 3.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
3. Press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter until you hear the number of chimes that
corresponds to the mode selection you want.
1. Press the LOCK button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
This feature provides feedback when the vehicle receives a
command from the remote keyless entry transmitter.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
Mode 1: All Off (The headlamps will not flash and the
horn will not sound to provide you feedback that a
lock/unlock command has been received by the remote
keyless entry transmitter.)
3. Press the LOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter until you hear the number of chimes that
corresponds to the mode selection you want.
Mode 2: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (Your horn will sound
briefly and your parking lamps will flash when you press
LOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Only your
parking lamps will flash when you press UNLOCK.)
Mode 1: All Off (No horn chirps or parking lamp flash.)
Mode 2: Horn and Lamps (Your parking lamps will
flash and your horn will chirp twice to verify the system
is armed using any arming method.)
Mode 3: Horn and Lamps (Your horn will sound briefly
and your parking lamps will flash every time you press
LOCK or UNLOCK.)
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Mode 3: Horn and Lamps/Lamps (If you use the remote
keyless entry transmitter to arm the system, your
parking lamps will flash and your horn will chirp twice
to verify that the system is armed. If it only chirps once,
the hatch is open or unlatched. If you use either the
power door lock switch or passive arming, only your
lamps will flash for verification.)
Mode 3:Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter/Power Door
Lock Switch (If you use either the remote keyless entry
transmitter or the power door lock switch to lock the
doors, the system will arm itself.)
Mode 4: Passive Arming and Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter/Power Door Lock Switch Arming (The
system will arm itself after all doors are closed plus
arming per Mode 3).
Mode 4: Lamps (When your vehicle arms, only your
parking lamps will flash for verification.)
Driver’s Door Alarm Delay and Shock Sensor Enable
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 4.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
Your vehicle comes with this feature set in Mode 3.
To change the factory setting, do the following:
1. Turn the parking lamps on and off.
1. Press the UNLOCK switch on the door.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
2. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number of
chimes tells you which mode your vehicle is set for.
3. Turn the parking lamps on and off until you hear the
number of chimes that corresponds to the mode
selection you want.
3. Press the UNLOCK switch on the door until you
hear the number of chimes that correspond to the
mode selection you want.
Mode 1: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Disabled (The
alarm will sound immediately if the driver’s door is
opened with your key and the shock sensor will not be
available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
Mode 1: Alarm System Off (The system will not arm.)
Mode 2: Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Lock
(When you lock your doors using the remote keyless
entry transmitter, the system will arm itself.)
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Mode 2: Eight-Second Delay and Shock Sensor
Disabled (The alarm will sound eight seconds after the
driver’s door is opened with your key and the shock
sensor will not be available to measure sharp blows to
your vehicle.)
New Vehicle “Break-In”
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Mode 3: Zero Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled (The
alarm will sound immediately after the driver’s door is
opened with your key and the shock sensor will be
available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
Mode 4: Eight-Second Delay and Shock Sensor Enabled
(The alarm will sound eight seconds after the driver’s door
is opened with your key and the shock sensor will be
available to measure sharp blows to your vehicle.)
Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Leaving Programming Mode
When programming is done, turn the ignition to OFF
and replace the RADIO fuse.
Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
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With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the
Ignition Positions
CAUTION:
switch to five positions.
ACC (A): Position in which you can operate your
electrical power accessories. Push in the ignition switch
as you turn it toward you.
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t
leave the keys in the vehicle with children.
LOCK (B): The only position from which you can
remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition
and automatic transmission.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch can’t be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P).
OFF (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and
automatic transmission, but does not send electrical
power to any accessories. Use this position if your
vehicle must be pushed or towed. A warning tone will
sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is
off and the key is in the ignition.
RUN (D): Position to which the switch returns after you
start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in RUN when the engine is running. But even
when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to
operate your electrical power accessories and to display
some instrument panel warning and indicator lights.
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START (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition will return to RUN for
normal driving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
Even if the engine is not running, ACC and RUN allow
you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the
radio and ventilation fan.
CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
Key Release Button
If you have a manual
transmission, your ignition
lock has a key release
button.
You must press the key release button to put the ignition key
in the LOCK position before you can take your key out.
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Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine
Starting Your Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START for about three to five seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try to help avoid draining your battery or
damaging your starter.
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the
floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if
the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that’s a
safety feature.
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3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops),
it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
Starting Your 5.7L V8 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep
the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine. After waiting about
15 seconds, repeat the normal starting procedure.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help
avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.
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When starting your engine in very cold weather (below
0 F or -18 C), do this:
NOTICE:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there. When the
engine starts, let go of the key. Use the accelerator
pedal to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until
your engine has run for a while.
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
2. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
Engine Coolant Heater
(Canada Only)
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is attached to the outside of the underhood
fuse box.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
In very cold weather, 0 F (-18 C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
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4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Automatic Transmission Operation
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If
you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”
in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a
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Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have
to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and
also release the shift lever button on floor shift console
models as you maintain brake application. Then move
the shift lever into the gear you wish. See “Shifting Out
of PARK (P)” in this section.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see
“Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.
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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:
NOTICE:
Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
(88 km/h), or you can damage your transmission.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or
THIRD (3) as much as possible.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are
going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
FIRST (1): This position (if equipped) gives you
even more power (but lower fuel economy) than
SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in
deep snow or mud. If the gearshift lever is put in first
gear, the transmission won’t shift into FIRST (1) until
the vehicle is going slowly enough.
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
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Manual Transmission Operation
NOTICE:
5-Speed
If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transmission.
This is your shift pattern.
Here’s how to operate
your transmission:
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transmission. Use your brakes or shift into
PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position
on a hill.
FIRST (1): Press the clutch and shift into FIRST (1).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
Maximum engine speed is limited to protect driveline
components from improper operation.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete
stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL (N) and let up on the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal to the floor as
you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into
SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
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THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way
you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch as
you press the accelerator pedal.
6-Speed
This is your shift pattern.
Here’s how to operate
your transmission:
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch
pedal and brake pedal, and shift into NEUTRAL (N).
NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or
idle your engine.
REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal and
shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal
slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete
stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL (N) and let up on the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped. Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving could damage your
transmission.
SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then,
slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
Also use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake,
for parking your vehicle.
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THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and
SIXTH (6): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4),
FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) gear the same way you do
for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
Shift Speeds
CAUTION:
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch
pedal and brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL (N).
If you skip more than one gear when you
downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle.
You could injure yourself or others. Don’t shift
down more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or
idle your engine.
REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal and
shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal
slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. If you shift
from SIXTH (6) into REVERSE (R), the shift lever
must be first placed in NEUTRAL (N) position centered
between SECOND (2) and THIRD (3) prior to shifting
into REVERSE (R).
Your six-speed manual transmission has a feature that
allows you to safely shift into REVERSE (R) while the
vehicle is rolling (at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)).
If you have turned your ignition off and want to park your
vehicle in REVERSE (R), you will have to move the shift
lever quickly to the right, then forward into gear.
This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear
for best fuel economy.
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If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or
more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for
good performance.
The light will come on under these conditions:
The engine coolant temperature is greater than
170 F (77 C),
you are going 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 km/h) and
you are at 35% throttle or less.
When the skip shift light is on, the gearshift lever will
let you shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) only. Once
you are in FOURTH (4), you can press the clutch again
and shift into another gear.
NOTICE:
If you skip more than one gear when you downshift,
or if you race the engine when you downshift,
you can damage the clutch or transmission.
Follow the shift speeds listed below when the
SKIP SHIFT light is on.
Computer-Aided Manual Transmission Shift Speeds
1st to 4th @ 15 mph (24 km/h)
Skip Shift Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
When this light comes on,
you can only shift from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4)
instead of FIRST (1) to
SECOND (2).
4th to 5th @ 25 mph (40 km/h)*
5th to 6th @ 49 mph (64 km/h)**
Each time you come to a stop, the engine’s Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) determines when to activate the
SKIP SHIFT upshift system. The SKIP SHIFT upshift
system is bypassed when you accelerate very quickly
from a stop.
This helps you get the best possible fuel economy.
*30 mph (48 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds.
**45 mph (72 km/h) when accelerating to highway speeds.
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Parking Brake
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the
release button. Hold the release button in as you move
the brake lever all the way down.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and
pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on,
the brake system warning light will come on.
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Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your parking brakes to overheat. You may have
to replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even
when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you’re pulling a trailer, see
“Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you
leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or others could
be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the
engine running unless you have to.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of your vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand,
your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into
PARK (P)” in the Index.
(Automatic Transmission Only)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a
Trailer” in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Your vehicle has a Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brake
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is
in RUN. See “Automatic Transmission” in the Index.
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If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
Parking Over Things That Burn
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive
gear you want.
5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual
transmission in REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the
parking brake.
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.
If your vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see “Towing
a Trailer” in the Index.
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Engine Exhaust
CAUTION:
Running Your Engine While You’re
Parked (Automatic Transmission)
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION:
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Idling the engine with the climate control system
off could allow dangerous exhaust into your
vehicle (see the earlier Caution under
“Engine Exhaust”).
Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.
Repairs weren’t done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place
this can happen is a garage. Exhaust -- with
CO -- can come in easily. NEVER park in a
garage with the engine running.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
(See “Blizzard” in the Index.)
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
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Windows
CAUTION:
Manual Windows
Turn the window crank handle to open and close each
door window.
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you’ve left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Power Windows (If Equipped)
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t
move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a
trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your limited-slip rear
axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice,
sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
Switches on the driver’s door control each window
when the ignition is on or when RAP is present.
(See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.)
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You can open the passenger’s window any amount by
pressing the switch and releasing it when the window
has lowered to the position you want.
Tilt Wheel
The switch for the driver’s window has an express-down
feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Quickly press and
release the bottom of the switch for the driver’s window
and the window will lower completely. You can also
open the driver’s window any amount by pressing the
switch again while the window is in the express-down
mode when it has lowered to the position you want.
To stop the window while it is lowering, press the top of
the switch. To raise the window, press and hold the top
of the switch.
Horn
To sound the horn, press either horn symbol on your
steering wheel.
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive.
If your horn sounds two or three chirps when unlocking
your vehicle with the remote keyless entry transmitter
(if equipped), the alarm was triggered while you were
away. Check the vehicle before entering.
You can also raise it to the highest level to give your
legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lever. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level,
then release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
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Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and
two downward (for left) positions. These positions
allow you to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up
or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will
return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel will flash in the
direction of the turn or
lane change.
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes your:
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer and
Passing Signal
Windshield Wipers
Windshield Washer
Cruise Control (Option)
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As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t
flash but just stay on as you signal a turn or lane change,
a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t
see your turn signal.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
with the wiper symbol on it, located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index).
For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold
it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the
band on MIST longer.
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or
snow. Turn the band to choose the delay time. The
closer to LO, the shorter the delay.
When the high beams
are on, this light on the
instrument panel also
will be on.
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away
from you to the LO position. For high-speed wiping,
turn the band further, to HI. To stop the wipers, turn the
band to OFF.
Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing
well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to
clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using
them. If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or
from high beam to low, pull the turn signal lever all the
way toward you. Then release it.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.
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Windshield Washer
Cruise Control (Option)
There is a paddle with the word PUSH on it at the top of
the turn signal/multifunction lever. To spray washer
fluid on the windshield, just push the paddle briefly. The
washer will continue to spray until you release the
paddle. The wipers will clear the window and wipe a
few more times before stopping or returning to the
previous setting. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in
the Index.
With cruise control, you can
maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more
without keeping your foot
on the accelerator.
CAUTION:
This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
When you apply your brakes or push the clutch pedal
(manual transmission), the cruise control shuts off.
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Setting Cruise Control
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So,
don’t use your cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes
in tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control.
Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads.
If you leave your cruise control switch on when
you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You
could be startled and even lose control. Keep the
cruise control switch off until you want to use it.
1. Move the cruise control switch to ON.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the optional
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage. (See
“Traction Control System” in the Index.) When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn
the cruise control back on.
3. Push in the SET button at the end of the lever and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
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Resuming a Set Speed
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and
then apply the brake or clutch pedal. This, of course, shuts
off the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it.
There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:
Push in the button at the end of the lever until you
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more,
you can move the cruise control switch from ON to
R/A (Resume/Accelerate) for about half a second.
To slow down in very small amounts, briefly push
the button. Each time you do this, you’ll go 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) slower.
You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and
stay there.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow
down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
There are three ways to go to a higher speed:
Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.
Push the button at the end of the lever, then release
the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now
cruise at the higher speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this to
be too much trouble and don’t use cruise control on
steep hills.
To increase your speed in very small amounts,
briefly move the switch to R/A and then release it.
Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
Move the cruise switch from ON to R/A. Hold it
there until you get up to the speed you want, and
then release the switch.
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Ending Out of Cruise Control
The main lamp control is a knob that works these lamps:
There are several ways to turn off the cruise control:
Headlamps
Step lightly on the brake pedal or push the clutch
pedal, if you have a manual transmission; or
Taillamps
Parking Lamps
License Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Move the cruise switch to OFF.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
This setting turns on your headlamps and other
operating lamps.
Exterior Lamps
This setting turns on your parking lamps and other
operating lamps without your headlamps.
Turn the knob to OFF to turn off the lamps.
Headlamps On Reminder
If you turn the ignition off and leave the lamps on, you
will hear a chime lasting up to five seconds. If the lamps
are still on when you open the driver’s door, the chime
will sound again.
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Headlamp Doors
Daytime Running Lamps
The headlamp doors are designed to open when you turn
the headlamps on and close when you turn the
headlamps off. The headlamp doors can be opened
without turning on the headlamps by turning the
headlamps on, then turning the switch back to the
parking lamps position.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
For Canadian vehicles, a light sensor on top of the
The headlamp doors should be open when driving in icy
or snowy conditions to prevent the doors from freezing
closed, and when washing the vehicle to help clean
the headlamps.
instrument panel automatically turns the headlamps on,
so be sure it isn’t covered.
The DRL system will not activate if the park brake is
engaged prior to turning the ignition on.
To open the headlamp doors manually:
1. Open the hood.
The DRL system will make your front turn signal lamps
come on when:
2. Remove the plastic cover from the retractor
motor knob.
the ignition is on,
the headlamp switch is OFF,
3. Turn the retractor motor knob counterclockwise until the
headlamp door is fully open. The knob will get harder
to turn when the headlamp door is all the way up.
the parking brake is released and
it is bright enough outside (on Canadian vehicles).
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps
will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps
won’t be on. Your instrument panel won’t be lit up
either. When you use your turn signals, the front turn
signal and the taillamp of the desired side will flash.
4. Replace the plastic cover on the retractor motor knob.
To manually close the headlamp doors, turn the lamps
off and turn the retractor motor knob clockwise. If the
headlamp doors aren’t working properly, see your dealer
for help.
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Your fog lamp switch is
For Canadian vehicles, when it’s dark enough outside,
your front turn signal lamps will go out and your
headlamps will come on. The other lamps that come on
with your headlamps will also come on. When it’s bright
enough outside, the regular lamps will go off, and your
front turn signal lamps will come on.
located on your console.
On a non-Canadian vehicle, the headlamps have to be
turned on manually when you need them. On Canadian
and non-Canadian vehicles, when the headlamps are
turned on, the front turn signal lamps will go out. When
you use your turn signals, the front turn signal lamp and
the taillamp on the desired side will flash.
To turn the fog lamps on, push the right side of the fog
lamp switch and a light on the switch will come on
indicating that the fog lamps are on. Push the left side of
the fog lamp switch to turn the fog lamps off.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Fog Lamps
Use your fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions. Your parking lamps must be on or your fog
lamps won’t work.
The fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam
headlamps come on. When the high-beam headlamps go
off, the fog lamps will come on again.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Content
Theft-Deterrent System and your fog lamp switch is on,
the fog lamps may flash to indicate operation of the
Content Theft-Deterrent System. See “Content
Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.
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Courtesy Lamps
Interior Lamps
When either door is opened, several interior lamps go
on. These lamps are courtesy lamps. They make it easier
for you to enter and leave your vehicle.
Instrument Panel Brightness Control
Courtesy lamps include two map lamps on the inside
rearview mirror and other lamps throughout the interior
of your vehicle.
To prevent battery rundown, your interior lamps will be
disabled about 10 minutes after the ignition is turned to
OFF. The 10-minute timer will be restarted if you do
any of the following:
Turn the ignition on.
Open either door.
Press any button on your remote keyless entry
transmitter (if equipped).
Turn the interior lamp switch from off to on.
Open the hatch.
The thumbwheel controls the brightness of your
instrument panel lights. Move the thumbwheel to
brighten or dim the lights. If you move the thumbwheel
all the way up, your courtesy lamps will come on.
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Delayed Illumination
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With delayed illumination, the courtesy lamps will come
on and stay on for 25 seconds after you close the doors
when entering the vehicle. They will also stay on for
five seconds after you close the doors when exiting the
vehicle. The times will be shortened if the ignition is
turned to RUN or if the power locks are activated. To
turn this feature on or off, see “Feature Customization”
in the Index.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain features
of your vehicle to continue to work up to 10 minutes
after the ignition key is turned to OFF.
Your convertible top, power windows and audio system
will work when the ignition key is in RUN or ACC.
Once the key is turned from RUN to OFF, these features
will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until either
door is opened.
Exit Lighting
Your power door unlock and remote hatch release
features will work when the ignition key is in RUN or
ACC or if either door is open. Once the key is turned to
OFF, these features will continue to work for up to
10 minutes. If either door is open and the ignition key
is off, these features will continue to work until both
doors have been closed for about 30 seconds or until the
theft-deterrent system arms. At that time, both the
power door unlock and remote hatch release features
will be disabled to enhance the security of the vehicle.
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition to help you see
while exiting the vehicle. To turn this feature on or off,
see “Feature Customization” in the Index.
Front Map Lamps
Your inside rearview mirror includes two map lamps.
Each lamp has its own switch. Use the switch closest to
the lamp to turn it on. The lamps will also go on when a
door is opened.
The power door lock function will work at all times
except when Lockout Prevention is enabled. See
“Lockout Prevention” in the Index.
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Power Remote Control Mirror
(If Equipped)
Mirrors
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
An inside rearview mirror is attached to your windshield.
The mirror has pivots so that you can adjust it.
You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull
the tab for night driving to reduce glare. Push the tab for
daytime driving.
Outside Manual Adjustable Mirror
Adjust the passenger’s side outside mirror by hand so
that you can just see the side of your vehicle when you
are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Manual Remote Control Mirror
Adjust the driver’s side outside mirror with the lever on
the door. Adjust the mirror so that you can just see the
side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a
comfortable driving position.
The power mirror control is on the driver’s door. To
adjust either mirror, move the center switch to L (left) or
to R (right). The center position is off. Then use the
touchpad to adjust the mirror.
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Convex Outside Mirror
Storage Compartments
Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the
driver’s seat.
Glove Box
To open the glove box, lift up on the lever. Use your
door key to lock and unlock it. The glove box has a
lamp inside.
CAUTION:
Front Console
To use the storage area, push the button in and pull up
on the console cover. It will open to the right.
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Cassette and Compact Disc Storage
You have a storage area for cassette and compact discs
in your console.
Map Pocket
Each door has a map pocket. There may also be a map
pocket on the back of the seats.
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Removing the Cargo Cover
Cargo Cover
1. Close the cover. If the cargo cover is not closed and
resting on the trim panel, it cannot be removed.
2. Pull the cover toward you to unsnap it. Then slide
the cargo cover along the groove in the trim panel.
Reverse the steps to install the cover.
Using the Cargo Cover
The cargo cover can be closed for hidden storage in the
rear area of your vehicle. It can also help reduce noise in
the vehicle when placed in the upright position, closing
out the rear-end area.
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When carrying large or heavy items, it is a good idea to
open the panel and place the items in the rear area.
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
Lift up the cover to open the ashtray. To remove it, lift
up on either side of the ashtray. If you have an automatic
transmission, the ashtray is near the front of your
console. If you have a manual transmission, the ashtray
is near your cupholder.
CAUTION:
An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If you remove the cover, always store it
outside the vehicle. When you put it back, always
be sure that it is securely reattached.
NOTICE:
Don’t put papers and other things that burn into
your ashtray. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking
materials could set them on fire, causing damage.
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To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go.
When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors.
You can also swing them to the side.
NOTICE:
Visor Vanity Mirror
Pull down the sun visor and lift the cover to expose
the vanity mirror.
Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to
back away from the heating element when it’s
ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
Accessory Plug
This plug is located behind a closed lid in front of the
parking brake on the console. The plug can be used to
connect electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
a CB radio. Be sure to follow the installation
instructions included with the equipment.
If you plug accessories into your cigarette lighter, such
as heating devices or air compressors, these accessories
should have a rated current of less than 15 amps.
Exceeding this limit will result in a blown fuse.
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Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels
(If Equipped)
NOTICE:
When using the accessory plug:
Removing the Twin-Lift Off Roof Panels
The maximum load of any electrical
equipment should not exceed 3 amps.
Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment
when not in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended periods can
drain your battery.
CAUTION:
Don’t try to remove the T-top panels while the
vehicle is moving. Trying to remove the T-top
panel while the vehicle is moving could cause an
accident. The panel could fall into the vehicle and
cause you to lose control, or it could fly off and
strike another vehicle. You or others could be
injured. Remove the T-top panel only when the
vehicle is parked.
We recommend that you see a qualified technician or
your dealer for the proper installation of your equipment.
Floor Mats
Your vehicle’s floor mats are custom-fitted to the floor
wells. Be sure the driver’s floor mat is in place. If it
isn’t, it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, brake
pedal or with the clutch pedal on manual transmissions.
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1. The door key unlocks the panels. The lock is over
the front door window. Turn the key
2. Then pull on the release handle to unlatch the panel.
Lift the outer edge of the panel and pull it toward
you. Then carry the panel to the rear of the vehicle
for storage.
counterclockwise to unlock the panel.
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Storing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels
CAUTION:
If the T-top panel is not stored properly, it could
be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden
maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured.
Whenever you store the T-top panel in the vehicle,
always be sure that it is stored securely in the
correct storage slot with the T-top handle closed.
1. Open the cargo cover completely. Place the panel in
the correct slot (DRIVER or PASSENGER) in the rear
area of your vehicle. Make sure the handle is open and
facing you when you put it in the storage slot.
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Installing the Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels
CAUTION:
An improperly attached roof panel may fall into
or fly off the vehicle. You or others could be
injured. After installing the roof panel, always
check that it is firmly attached by pushing up on
the underside of the panel. Check now and then
to be sure the roof panel is firmly in place.
Reverse the steps to install the T-top panels.
2. Push the handle closed to secure the panel in the slot.
To lock each panel in the storage area, use your
door key.
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1. When installing the panels to the roof, keep the
outboard edge of the panel raised about three inches
(8 cm) above the roof while placing the inboard edge
of the panel under the center roof.
2. After the inboard edge of the panel is in position under
the center roof rail, lower the outboard edge of the
panel into position, close the latch and lock the T-top.
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T-Top Sunshades
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to install the panels by sliding
them horizontally toward the center roof rail.
Doing so may cause the weatherstrips to be
aligned improperly, which may result in leaks
and possible damage to the weatherstrips.
NOTICE:
High pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle. Never spray water directly at
the roof panel joints. This will cause leaks.
1. Start with the panel marked DRIVER FRONT.
Unlatch the driver’s side T-top, raise it halfway and
close the latch handle.
2. With the top raised and resting on the center roof
rail, slide the flat edge of the sunshade panel (with
the vinyl side to the glass) between the glass and
plastic trim, making sure the edge marked DRIVER
FRONT is pointing to the front of the vehicle.
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3. Open the latch and close the T-top. Check to see if
there are any gaps showing. Unlatch the T-top and
adjust the sunshade as required.
5. Pull the sunshade back a little and remove the backing
paper from the velcro buttons. Push the sunshade
back into place, sticking the velcro to the glass.
4. Once the sunshade is installed properly, you can
stick the Velcro buttons on the glass for a proper fit
every time you install the sunshades. To do this, first
remove the T-top with the sunshade installed and
place it upside down on a table or bench. Take care
not to scratch the glass.
6. Install the T-top, close the latch and lock the
T-top. Repeat the above steps for the
passenger-side sunshade.
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Convertible Top (If Equipped)
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of your convertible top.
Lowering Your Convertible Top
NOTICE:
Don’t leave your convertible out with the top
down for any long periods of time. The sun and
the rain can damage your seat material and other
things inside your vehicle.
You can store the sunshades two different ways:
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. Shift an automatic
transmission into PARK (P) or a manual
When the T-tops are in use, store the sunshades in
their storage area in the rear of the vehicle, and make
sure the cargo cover is in its closed, upright position.
transmission into REVERSE (R). The ignition must
be in ACC or RUN. Lower both sun visors.
When you have the T-tops off and in their storage
slots, store the sunshades on the T-tops, in their
installed position.
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NOTICE:
NOTICE:
It is not recommended that you raise or lower the
top while the vehicle is moving.
It is not recommended to lower the top if your
vehicle is out in cold weather (0 F /-18 C or
lower), or you may damage top components.
NOTICE:
Don’t lower the top if it is damp or wet. When
the top is down, trapped water can cause stains,
mildew and damage to the inside of your vehicle.
Be sure to dry off the top before you lower it.
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3. Make sure there is
nothing or anyone on or
around the top. Push and
hold the down arrow ( )
on the convertible
NOTICE:
Before lowering the convertible top into the
storage area, be sure there are no objects in the
way of the folded, stored top. The weight of a
stored top on items in the storage area will cause
the convertible top back glass to break.
TOP switch.
2. Unlock the front of the convertible top by pushing on
the smaller part of the latch, then pulling down on the
larger part of the latch. Be sure the hook on the latch
that attaches into the hole at the windshield releases.
The switch is on the console in front of the gearshift
lever. The top will automatically lower into the
storage area.
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3. Install the two side covers by inserting the tab
Installing the Boot Cover
After lowering the convertible top, you may want to
install the boot cover. The three-piece boot cover is
stored in a bag in the hatch.
into the front seatbelt cover. Lower the covers onto
the vehicle.
4. Install the middle section of the cover by sliding the
tabs into the slots on the right side cover. Lower the
cover and insert the latch.
1. Flip the two convertible top latches to the
closed position.
5. Close the hatch.
2. Open the hatch and remove the two side covers and
middle section from the storage bag.
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Removing Your Boot Cover
2. Remove the two side pieces of the boot cover
by lifting the rear cover and sliding them out of
their slots.
1. Open the hatch. Remove the middle piece of the
cover by pushing in on the latch and lifting up on
the cover.
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Raising Your Convertible Top
1. It is recommended that you park on a level surface.
Set the parking brake firmly. If you have an
automatic transmission, shift into PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, shift into
REVERSE (R). The ignition must be in ACC,
RUN or RAP must be on. Lower both sun visors
and lower both windows at least three inches (8 cm).
If the boot cover is in place, it must be removed first.
NOTICE:
It is not recommended that you raise or lower the
top while the vehicle is moving.
3. Store each piece of the cover in its separate
compartment per graphic printed inside of the storage
bag. Store the bag in the hatch and close the hatch.
2. Push and hold the up
arrow ( ) on the
4. Disengage the two convertible top latches.
convertible TOP switch.
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NOTICE:
The convertible top may be tight when pushing
forward on the latch when your vehicle is new,
but it will loosen up with time. Make sure that
the hooks are properly aligned before using any
kind of force.
If your vehicle has a power loss, such as a dead battery,
you can still raise or lower the top manually by turning
the valve in the driver’s side of the hatch.
3. Pull down on the center opening and align the hooks
with the holes. Push forward on the larger part of the
latch until it clicks. Do not force the latch. If it is
hard to lock, the top is not properly aligned.
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Open the hatch and find the tab along the left side trim
panel. Lift up the tab and turn the valve counterclockwise
to release the hydraulic pressure. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK. You can now raise or lower your top manually.
Be sure to close the valve after installing your top so you
can raise or lower it electrically later.
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The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
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A. Fog Lamp Switch
B. Main Lamp Control
C. Air Vents
K. Storage Console
L. Rear Window Defogger Button
M. Convertible Top Switch (If Equipped)
N. Traction Control System Switch
O. Cigarette Lighter
D. Instrument Panel Cluster
E. Horn
F. Audio System
G. Glove Box
P. Shift Lever
Q. Ashtray (Automatic Transmission)
R. Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
S. Remote Hatch Release
H. Comfort Controls
I. Cupholders
J. Parking Brake Lever
T. Accessory Power Outlet
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Instrument Panel Cluster
5.7L V8 engine shown, 3800 V6 engine similar
Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast
you’re going, your engine’s rpms, about how much fuel you have left and many other things you’ll need to know to
drive safely and economically.
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The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has
Speedometer and Odometer
been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero.
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your
odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven,
in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers
(used in Canada).
To set the trip odometer to zero, press the TRIP
OIL/RESET knob on the instrument panel cluster.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in thousands
of revolutions per minute (rpm).
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be
set to the same reading the old one had. If it can’t be, then
it’s set at zero, and a label on the driver’s door must show
the old reading and when the new one was installed.
NOTICE:
Trip Odometer
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in
the red area, or engine damage may occur.
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When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly -- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 70 seconds. If the
driver’s belt is already
buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
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Air Bag Readiness Light
Voltmeter
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the air bag system, see “Air
Bag” in the Index.
You can read battery
voltage on your voltmeter.
If it reads less than 11 volts
or more than 16 volts while
your engine is running, and
it stays there, you may have
a problem with the
electrical charging system.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
Have it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone could drain your battery.
If you idle your engine for a while, the voltmeter
reading might move into the yellow zone. If the reading
stays in the yellow zone while you are driving, you may
have a problem with the electrical charging system.
Have it checked. While the voltmeter reads in the yellow
zone, your battery may not be able to power certain
electrical accessories, like ABS. (If this happens, your
ABS INOP light will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light” in the Index.)
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If you must drive a short distance with the voltmeter
reading in a warning zone, turn off all your accessories,
including your air conditioning and audio system.
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Brake System Warning Light
CAUTION:
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on
briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it
doesn’t come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready
to warn you if there’s
a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle”
in the Index.)
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Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
Traction Control System Warning Light
(Option)
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and it will stay
on for three seconds.
That’s normal.
This warning light should
come on briefly as you start
the engine. If the warning
light doesn’t come on then,
have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on
longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn
the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on
when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn
the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while you’re driving, your vehicle needs service. If the
light is on and the regular brake system warning light
isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have
anti-lock brakes. Adjust your driving accordingly.
If it stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
The traction control system warning light will come on
if you turn the system off by pressing the TCS button
located in front of the console, the warning light will
come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press
the button again. The warning light should go off.
(See “Traction Control System” in the Index for
more information.)
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
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Low Traction Light
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on.
This gage shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into
the red area, your engine
is approaching an
overheating condition.
If you have the traction control system, this light will also
come on when the system is limiting wheel spin. You
may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal.
Slippery road conditions may exist if the low traction
light comes on, so adjust your driving accordingly. The
light will stay on for a few seconds after the traction
control system stops limiting wheel spin.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop
your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
The low traction light also comes on briefly when you turn
the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on
then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when the
anti-lock brake system or traction control system is active.
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Low Coolant Light (5.7L V8 Engine)
NOTICE:
This warning light should
come on briefly while you
are starting your engine.
If the light doesn’t come
on, have it repaired.
Driving with the low coolant light on could cause
your vehicle to overheat. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index. Your vehicle could be damaged and
it wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
Your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant indicator
that is designed to detect when the coolant level drops
below a set limit. If the coolant level sensor (on the
radiator) detects that the level drops while the engine is
running, the low coolant indicator will light and remain
lit until the ignition is turned to OFF. Check coolant
level and add coolant as needed. The low coolant light
might stay on after filling the radiator. Turn the ignition
to OFF, then restart the engine to verify that the low
coolant light goes out. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
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This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transmission,
exhaust or fuel system of your vehicle or the
replacement of the original tires with other than
those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission controls
and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON
light to come on. Modifications to these systems
could lead to costly repairs not covered by your
warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass
a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
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If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light
Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.
If the Light Is On Steady
Light On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and
service may be required.
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been
left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A
few driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed.
Avoiding hard accelerations.
Avoiding steep uphill grades.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
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Are you low on fuel?
Oil Pressure Gage
As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may
not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of
air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The
system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this
condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. See
“Filling Your Tank” in the Index. It will take a few
driving trips to turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
“Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put
the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration
or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go
away once the engine is warmed up.) This will be
detected by the system and cause the light to turn on.
3800 V6 Engine
5.7L V8 Engine
This gage tells you there could be a problem with your
engine oil pressure.
The engine oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure
in psi (pounds per square inch) in the United States, or kPa
(kilopascals) in Canada, when the engine is running. On
the 5.7L V8 engine, oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi
(140 to 550 kPa). On the 3800 V6 engine, the oil pressure
should be between 20 and 120 psi (140 to 827 kPa). It
may vary with engine speed, outside temperature and oil
viscosity, but readings above the red area show the normal
operating range. Readings in the red area tell you that the
engine is low on oil, or that you might have some other oil
problem. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
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Low Oil Light
CAUTION:
Your vehicle is equipped
with an oil level monitoring
system. When you start
your engine, the warning
light will come on briefly.
If the light doesn’t come on,
have it repaired.
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
If the light stays on after starting your engine, your
engine oil level may be too low. You may need to add
oil. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
NOTICE:
The oil level monitoring system only checks the
oil level when you are starting your engine. It
does not keep monitoring the level once your
engine is running. Also, the oil level check only
works when the engine has been turned off long
enough for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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Oil Change Light
Service Vehicle Light
This OIL CHANGE light
should come on briefly as a
bulb check when you start
the engine. If the OIL
CHANGE light doesn’t
come on, have it serviced.
This warning light should
come on in your instrument
panel for a three-second
bulb check when you first
start your vehicle. If the
light doesn’t come on, have
it serviced.
If the OIL CHANGE light comes on and stays on
for 60 seconds after you start your vehicle, have the
oil changed.
This light will stay on steady if you have certain
non-emission related vehicle problems. These problems
may not be obvious and may affect vehicle performance
or durability. Consult a qualified dealership for
For additional information, see “Engine Oil, When to
Change” in the Index. After changing the engine oil, the
system must be reset. See “How to Reset the Oil Change
Light” in the Index.
necessary repairs to maintain top vehicle performance.
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Check Gages Light
Fuel Gage
This warning light will
come on briefly when you
are starting the engine.
Your fuel gage tells you
about how much fuel you
have left when the ignition
is on.
If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving,
check your gages to see if they are in the warning areas.
Hatch Ajar Light
This warning light should
come on in your instrument
panel for a three second
bulb check when you first
start your vehicle. If the
light doesn’t come on, have
it serviced.
This light will stay on steady if your hatch is open or
ajar and the ignition key is in RUN.
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When the indicator nears E (empty), you still have a
little fuel left, but you should get more soon.
Reduced Engine Power Light
(V6 Engine Only)
Here are four things that some owners ask about. All
these things are normal and do not indicate that anything
is wrong with the fuel gage.
The REDUCED ENG PWR
warning light should come
on in your instrument panel
for a three-second bulb
check when you first start
your vehicle.
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the
gage reads F (full).
It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage
reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but it
took more (or less) than half of the tank’s capacity
to fill it.
If the light doesn’t come on, have it serviced.
If the REDUCED ENG PWR warning light comes on, a
noticeable reduction in the vehicle’s performance may
occur. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed
while the REDUCED ENGINE PWR light is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
warning light stays on, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis
and repair.
The gage pointer may move while cornering, braking
or speeding up.
The gage may not indicate E (empty) when the
ignition is turned off.
Low Fuel Light
If your fuel is low, your vehicle’s CHECK GAGES light
on your instrument panel cluster will come on.
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Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be
sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
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Comfort Controls
Heating
Defogging and Defrosting
Rear Window Defogger
Ventilation System
Audio Systems
Setting the Clock
Monsoon AM-FM Stereo with Cassette
Tape Player and Equalizer
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
and Equalizer (If Equipped)
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Trunk Mounted CD Changer (If Equipped)
Theft-Deterrent Feature
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
Understanding Radio Reception
Tips About Your Audio System
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
Care of Your Compact Discs
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
Power Antenna Mast Care
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Temperature Control Knob
Comfort Controls
Turn the center knob to change the temperature of the
air flowing from the system. Turn it toward the red
(clockwise) for warmer air and toward the blue
(counterclockwise) for cooler air.
Air Control Knob
OFF: The system is off.
MAX: Provides maximum cooling or quick cool-down
on very hot days. This setting recirculates most of the air
inside your vehicle. If it is used for long periods of time
the air may become dry. This setting directs air through
the upper air vents.
With this system you can control the heating, air
conditioning and ventilation in your vehicle.
A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days. This setting
cools outside air and directs it through the upper air vents.
Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation
system described later in this section.
The air conditioner compressor operates in MAX, A/C,
bi-level, blend and defrost when the outside temperature
is above freezing. When the air conditioner is on, you
may sometimes notice slight changes in your vehicle’s
engine speed and power due to the operation of
the compressor.
Fan Control Knob
Turn the fan knob to select the force of air
you want.
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Heating
BI-LEVEL: Air is directed through the upper air
vents and the heater ducts.
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it.
VENT: Air flows through the upper air vents.
1. Turn the air control knob to heater.
HEATER: This setting directs most of the air
through the heater ducts and some of the air through the
windshield defroster vents.
2. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
BLEND: Air is directed through the windshield
defroster vents and the heater ducts.
During initial start-up only, if your vehicle is equipped
with an optional engine coolant heater, you can use it in
cold weather (around +20 F/-8 C or lower) to improve
heater performance on initial start up. See “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air
through the windshield defroster vents and some of the
air through the heater ducts.
Cooling
Bi-Level Heating
You may want to use bi-level heating on cool, but sunny
days. This setting directs cool air toward your body and
warmer air toward your feet.
The air conditioner works best if you keep your
windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows
just long enough for the hot air to escape.
1. Turn the air control knob to A/C for normal cooling.
For faster cooling turn the knob to MAX.
1. Turn the air control knob to bi-level.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
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Ventilation
Rear Window Defogger
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through
your vehicle.
The rear window defogger
uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the
rear window.
1. Turn the air control knob to vent.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Defogging and Defrosting
1. Turn the air control knob to defrost.
Press the button to turn on the defogger. An indicator
2. Turn the temperature control knob to the
desired setting.
light will come on to remind you that the defogger is on.
The defogger will turn off automatically after about 10
minutes of use. If you turn it on again, the defogger will
operate for about five minutes only. You can turn the
defogger off by pressing the button again. The indicator
light will go off when the system is turned off.
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
The side window defogging works equally as well in the
heater, blend and defrost modes.
Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle license
or a decal across the defogger grid on the rear window.
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Your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air
will also enter the vehicle when the blower fan is running.
NOTICE:
Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp
on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you
could cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
For mild outside temperature when little heating or
cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through
your vehicle.
1. Turn the air control knob to vent.
2. Turn the temperature control knob to a
comfortable setting.
Ventilation System
3. Turn the fan control knob to the desired speed.
Ventilation Tips
Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater
and defroster will work far better, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
fan control knob clockwise for a few moments
before driving off. This helps clear the intake ducts
of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of your windows.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.
Adjust the direction of airflow by moving the vents.
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Monsoon AM-FM Stereo with Cassette
Tape Player and Equalizer
Audio Systems
Your Delco Electronics audio system has been designed
to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure.
You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint
yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco
Electronics system can do and how to operate all its
controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the
advanced engineering that went into it.
If you have power door locks, your vehicle has a feature
called Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP,
you can play your audio system even after the ignition is
off. See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.
Setting the Clock
Included with the Monsoon AM-FM Stereo with
Cassette Tape Player and Equalizer are 8 (convertibles
only) or 10 high performance speakers and a powerful
8 channel amplifier. This feature requires power
windows and door locks. Please see your dealer
for details.
Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears. Press
and hold MIN until the correct minute appears. There
will be a two-second delay before the clock goes into
time-set mode, and the colon on the display will blink
while in this mode.
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Playing the Radio
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons until
SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that
numbered button, the station you set will return.
POWER-VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on
and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise.
Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume.
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
RECALL: Display the time with the ignition off by
pressing this button. When the radio is playing, press
this knob to recall the station frequency.
Setting the Tone
EQUALIZER: A seven-band equalizer is part of your
audio system. Slide the levers up to boost or down to
reduce frequency range.
Finding a Station
AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1
and FM2. The display shows your selection.
Adjusting the Speakers
BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle
position balances the sound between the speakers.
TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
choose radio stations. Push the knob back into its stored
position when you’re not using it.
FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
move the sound to the front or rear speakers. The middle
position balances the sound between the speakers.
SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to go to the next
higher or lower station and stay there.
PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let
you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to
18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2). Just:
Push these knobs back into their stored positions when
you’re not using them.
Playing a Cassette Tape
1. Turn the radio on.
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.
2. Press AM-FM to select the band.
3. Tune in the desired station.
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PREV (1): Press this button or the SEEK down arrow to
search for the previous selection on the tape. Your tape
must have at least three seconds of silence between each
selection for PREV or SEEK to work. The tape direction
arrow blinks during PREV or SEEK operation. Press
PREV or the SEEK down arrow to stop searching. The
sound will mute during PREV or SEEK operation.
While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE and BAL
controls just as you do for the radio. The display will
show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing.
When the down indicator arrow is lit, selections listed
on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. When the
up arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the
cassette are playing. The tape player automatically
begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of
the tape.
NEXT (2): Press this button or the SEEK up arrow to
search for the next selection on the tape. If you hold the
button, the player will continue moving forward through
the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of
silence between each selection for NEXT or SEEK to
work. The tape direction arrow blinks during NEXT or
SEEK operation. Press NEXT or the SEEK up arrow to
stop searching. The sound will mute during NEXT or
SEEK operation.
If E and a number appear on the radio display, the tape
won’t play because of an error.
E10: 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.
PROG (3): Press this button to play the other side of
the tape.
(4): Press this button to reduce background noise.
E11: The tape is broken. Try a new tape.
Note that the double-D symbol will appear on the display.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be
corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio
displays an error number, write it down and provide it to
your dealer when reporting the problem.
Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby
and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
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CLN: 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” in the Index. After you clean
the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to
reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to
show the indicator was reset.
REV (5): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly.
Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will
play the last selected station while the tape reverses. You
may select stations during REV operation by using
SEEK or TUNE.
FWD (6): Press this button to advance quickly to
another part of the tape. Press the button again to return
to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected
station while the tape advances. You may select stations
during FWD operation by using SEEK or TUNE.
CD Adapter Kits
It is possible to use a CD adapter kit with your cassette
tape player after activating the bypass feature on your
tape player.
AM/FM: Press this button to play the radio when a tape
is in the player.
TAPE/PLAY: Press this button to change to the tape
function when the radio is on. The tape symbol with an
arrow will appear on the display when the tape is active.
To return to playing the radio, press the AM-FM button.
To activate the bypass feature, use the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC.
2. Turn the radio off.
EJECT: Press this button to remove the tape. The radio
will play. EJECT may be activated with either the
ignition or radio off. Cassettes may be loaded with the
radio off if this button is pressed first.
3. Press and hold the TAPE/PLAY button for
three seconds. The tape symbol on the display will
flash for two seconds, indicating the feature is active.
4. Insert the adapter. It will power up the radio and
begin playing.
This override routine will remain active until EJECT
is pressed.
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Playing the Radio
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
and Equalizer (If Equipped)
POWER-VOL: Push this knob to turn the system on
and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise.
Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume.
RECALL: Press this button briefly to recall the station
being played or to display the clock. If you press the
knob when the ignition is off, the clock will show for a
few seconds.
Finding a Station
AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1
and FM2. The display shows your selection.
TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
choose radio stations. Push the knob back into its stored
position when you’re not using it.
If your vehicle is equipped with the AM-FM Stereo
with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer, included are
four speakers. Please see your dealer for details.
SEEK: Press the up or down arrow to go to the next
higher or lower station and stay there.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon AM-FM
Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (not
shown), included are 8 (convertibles only) or 10 high
performance speakers and a powerful 8 channel
amplifier. This feature requires power windows and
door locks. Please see your dealer for details.
PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let
you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to
18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2). Just:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press AM-FM to select the band.
3. Tune in the desired station.
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4. Press and hold one of the six numbered buttons until
SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that
numbered button, the station you set will return.
If you’re driving on a very rough road or if it’s very hot,
the disc may not play and E (error) and a number may
appear on the radio display. If the disc comes out, it
could be that:
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
The disc is upside down.
Setting the Tone
It is dirty, scratched or wet.
EQUALIZER: A seven-band equalizer is part of your
audio system. Slide the levers up to boost or down to
reduce frequency range.
The air is very humid. (If so, wait about an hour and
try again.)
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be
corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio
displays an error number, write it down and provide it to
your dealer when reporting the problem.
Adjusting the Speakers
BAL: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle
position balances the sound between the speakers.
PREV (1): Press this button or the SEEK down arrow to
go to the start of the current track if more than eight
seconds have played. If you hold the button or press it
more than once, the player will continue moving back
through the disc.
FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to
move the sound to the front or rear speakers. The middle
position balances the sound between the speakers.
Push these knobs back into their stored positions when
you’re not using them.
NEXT (2): Press this button or the SEEK up arrow to
go to the start of the next track. If you hold the button or
press it more than once, the player will continue moving
forward through the disc.
Playing a Compact Disc
Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The
player will pull it in. If the ignition and the radio are on,
the disc will begin playing. If you want to insert a disc
when the ignition is off, first press EJECT.
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RDM (3): Press this button to hear the tracks in random,
rather than sequential, order. The display will show
RDM. Press RDM again to turn off random play.
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer (If Equipped)
With the optional compact disc changer, you can play up
to 12 discs continuously. Normal size discs may be
played using the trays supplied in the magazine.
REV (5): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse
within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will
hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show
elapsed time.
The small discs (8 cm) can be played only with specially
designed trays.
FWD (6): Press and hold this button to quickly advance
within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume.
The display will show elapsed time.
RECALL: Press this button to see what track is
currently playing. Press RECALL again within five
seconds to see how long the track has been playing.
When a new track starts to play, the track number will
also appear. Press RECALL a third time and the time of
day will be displayed.
AM/FM: Press this button to play the radio when a disc
is playing. The disc will stop but remain in the player.
CD/PLAY: Press this button to change to the disc
function when the radio is on.
EJECT: Press this button to remove the disc or stop the
disc and switch to the radio. EJECT will work with the
radio off.
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You must first load the magazine with discs before you
can play a compact disc. Each of the 12 trays holds one
disc. Press the button on the back of the magazine and
pull gently on one of the trays. Load the trays from
bottom to top, placing a disc on the tray label side down.
If you load a disc label side up, the disc will not play
and an error will occur. Gently push the tray back into
the magazine slot. Repeat this procedure for loading up
to 12 discs in the magazine.
Close the door by sliding it all the way to the left. If the
door is left partially open, the changer will not operate
and an error will occur. When the door is closed, the
changer will begin checking for discs in the magazine.
This will continue for up to two minutes depending on
the number of discs loaded.
To eject the magazine from the player, slide the CD
changer door all the way open. The magazine will
automatically eject. Remember to keep the door closed
whenever possible to keep dirt and dust from getting
inside the changer.
Once you have loaded the discs in the magazine, slide
open the door of the compact disc (CD) changer. Push
the magazine into the changer in the direction of the
arrow marked on top of the magazine.
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All of the CD functions are controlled by the radio
buttons except for ejecting the magazine. Whenever a
CD magazine with discs is loaded in the changer, the
compact disc symbol will appear on the radio display. If
the CD changer is checking the magazine for CDs, the
compact disc symbol will flash on the display until the
changer is ready to play. When a CD begins playing, CD
will appear in the bottom left corner and a disc and track
number will be displayed. The disc numbers are listed
on the front of the magazine.
If the error occurred while trying to play a CD in the
compact disc player or changer, the following conditions
may have caused the error:
The road is too rough. The disc should play when the
road is smoother.
The disc is dirty, scratched or wet.
The disc is label side up. If so, load the disc label
side down.
The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
try again.
Compact Disc Errors
If E and a number appear on the display, an error has
occurred and the compact disc temporarily cannot play.
The CD changer door is open. Completely close the
door to restore normal operation.
The CD changer will send an error message to the
receiver to indicate:
An empty magazine is inserted in the CD changer.
Try the magazine again with a disc loaded on one of
the trays.
E30: Disc Label Side Up
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, please contact your dealer. If your radio
displays an error number, write it down and provide it to
your dealer when reporting the problem.
E34: CD Changer Door Open
E35: CD Changer Cartridge Empty
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Playing a Compact Disc
FWD (6): Press and hold this button to quickly advance
within a track. As the CD advances, elapsed time will be
displayed to help you find the correct passage.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon AM-FM
Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Equalizer, the
following buttons are used for the trunk-mounted
cd changer.
RECALL: Press this button to see what track is
currently playing. Press RECALL again within five
seconds to see how long the track has been playing.
When a new track starts to play, the track number will
also appear. Press RECALL a third time and the time of
day will be displayed.
PREV (1): Press this button to go back to the start of
the current track if more than eight seconds have played.
Press PREV again to go to the previous track on
the disc.
SEEK: Press the SEEK down arrow while playing a CD
to go back to the start of the current track if more than
eight seconds have played. If you press it again, the
changer will go to previous tracks. Press the SEEK up
arrow and it will go to the next higher track on the disc.
NEXT (2): Press this button to advance to the next track
on the disc.
PROG (3): Press this button to select the next disc in
the magazine. If a CD cannot be played, its number will
be skipped when selecting discs while using the
PROG button.
TAPE/PLAY: Press this button to play a CD if you have
a magazine loaded in the changer and the radio is
playing. To return to the radio while a CD is playing,
press AM-FM. You can also press this button to switch
between a cassette tape and CD, if both are loaded.
(4): Press this button to enter the random play
mode. RDM will appear on the display. While in this
mode, the tracks on the discs will be played in random
order. If you press PROG or SEEK while in the random
mode, discs and tracks will be scanned randomly. Press
this button again to turn off the random feature and
return to normal operation.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Monsoon AM-FM
Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer, the
following buttons are used for the trunk-mounted
CD changer.
REV (5): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse
within a track. As the CD reverses, elapsed time will be
displayed to help you find the correct passage.
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FWD (6): Press and hold this button to quickly advance
within a track. As the CD advances, elapsed time will be
displayed to help you find the correct passage.
PREV (1): Press this button to go back to the start of
the current track if more than eight seconds have played.
Press PREV again to go to the previous track on
the disc.
RECALL: Press this button to see what track is
currently playing. Press RECALL again within five
seconds to see how long the track has been playing.
When a new track starts to play, the track number will
also appear. Press RECALL a third time and the time of
day will be displayed.
NEXT (2): Press this button to advance to the next track
on the disc.
RDM (3): Press this button to enter the random play
mode. RDM will appear on the display. While in this
mode, the tracks on the discs will be played in random
order. If you press the number four preset button or
SEEK while in the random mode, discs and tracks will
be scanned randomly. Press this button again to turn off
the random feature and return to normal operation.
SEEK: Press the SEEK down arrow while playing a CD
to go back to the start of the current track if more than
eight seconds have played. If you press it again, the
changer will go to previous tracks. Press the SEEK up
arrow and it will go to the next higher track on the disc.
(4): Press this button to select the next disc in the
magazine. If a CD cannot be played, its number will be
skipped when selecting discs while using this button.
CD/PLAY: Press this button to play a CD if you have a
magazine loaded in the changer and the radio is playing.
To return to the radio while a CD is playing, press
AM-FM. You can also press this button to switch
between a CD in the compact disc player and a CD in
the trunk-mounted CD changer, if both are loaded.
REV (5): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse
within a track. As the CD reverses, elapsed time will be
displayed to help you find the correct passage.
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1. Write down any three or four-digit number from
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK is designed to discourage theft of your
radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio
functions whenever battery power is removed.
000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from
the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition to ACC or RUN.
3. Turn the radio off.
The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or
ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the
radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is
activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.
4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down
until --- shows on the display. Next you will use the
secret code number which you have written down.
When THEFTLOCK is activated, the radio will display
LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery
power is removed. If your battery loses power for any
reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code
before it will operate.
5. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display.
6. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree
with your code.
7. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree
with your code.
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature
8. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches the secret code you have written down.
The display will show REP to let you know that you
need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your
secret code.
The instructions which follow explain how to enter your
secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is
recommended that you read through all nine steps
before starting the procedure.
NOTE: If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse
between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to
time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4.
9. Press AM-FM and this time the display will show
SEC to let you know that your radio is secure.
Note that with the ignition off, the THEFTLOCK LED
indicator will flash, indicating a secured radio.
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Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a
Power Loss
Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature
Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than
15 seconds between steps:
Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than
15 seconds between steps:
1. Turn the ignition to ACC or RUN.
2. Turn the radio off.
1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display.
2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display.
3. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down
until SEC shows on the display.
3. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree
with your code.
4. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display.
5. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree
with your code.
4. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree
with your code.
6. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree
with your code.
5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches the secret code you have written down.
The display will show SEC, indicating the radio is
now operable and secure.
7. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches the secret code you have written down.
The display will show ---, indicating that the radio is
no longer secured.
If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will
appear on the display. You will have to wait an hour
with the ignition on before you can try again. When you
try again, you will only have three more chances (eight
tries per chance) to enter the correct code before
INOP appears.
If the code entered is incorrect, SEC will appear on the
display. The radio will remain secured until the correct
code is entered.
When battery power is removed and later applied to a
secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and LOC will
appear on the display.
If you lose or forget your code, contact your dealer.
To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the
Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier in
this section.
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VOLUME: Press the up or down arrow to increase or
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
decrease volume.
PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or
compact disc when the radio is playing.
MUTE: Press this button to silence the system.
Press it again to turn on the sound.
SEEK: Press the up arrow to tune to the next radio
station and the down arrow to tune to the previous radio
station. If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, the
player will advance with the up arrow and reverse with
the down arrow.
PRESET: Press this button to hear the radio stations
that are set on your pushbuttons. Pressing this button
while playing a tape will cause the tape to change sides.
If it is pressed while playing a CD, the CD random
feature can be turned off and on.
If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain
radio and compact disc functions using the buttons on
your steering wheel.
AM-FM: Press this button to select AM, FM1 or FM2.
If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, the tape or
disc will stop playing and the radio will play. If this
button is pressed with a CD in the CD changer, the disc
will go to the next selection.
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To help avoid hearing loss or damage:
Understanding Radio Reception
Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.
AM
Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably
and clearly.
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.
NOTICE:
Before you add any sound equipment to your
vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can
add what you want. If you can, it’s very
important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of
your vehicle’s engine, Delco Electronics radio or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been
added improperly.
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.
Tips About Your Audio System
Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable
until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher
volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud
and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by
adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe
sound level before your hearing adapts to it.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.
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The recommended cleaning method for your cassette
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
tape player is the use of a scrubbing action,
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.
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 (GM Part No. 12344789).
When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning
cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because
your unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature
and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. To
prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the
following steps.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN 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 it is the tape or the tape
player at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement
in sound quality, clean the tape player.
1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the TAPE/PLAY button for
three seconds. The tape symbol on the display
will flash for two seconds.
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s
recommended cleaning time.
When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape
detection feature is active again.
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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.
Care of Your Compact Discs
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 signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the
edge of the hole and the outer edge.
After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for
five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will
display --- to show the indicator was reset.
Care of Your Compact Disc 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.
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.
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Power Antenna Mast Care
Your power antenna will look its best and work well
if it’s cleaned from time to time. To clean the
antenna mast:
NOTICE:
Before entering an automatic car wash, turn off
your radio to make the power antenna go down.
This will prevent the mast from possibly getting
damaged. If the antenna does not go down when
you turn the radio off, it may be damaged or
need to be cleaned. In either case, lower the
antenna by hand by carefully pressing the
antenna down.
1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna.
2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or
equivalent solvent.
3. Wipe the cloth over the mast sections, removing
any dirt.
4. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
5. Make the antenna go up and down by turning the
radio or ignition off and on.
If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can
easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit
and follow the instructions in the kit.
6. Repeat if necessary.
NOTICE:
Don’t lubricate the power antenna. Lubrication
could damage it.
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NOTES
✍
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Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also
included many other useful tips on driving.
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Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
Steering
Off-Road Recovery
Passing
Loss of Control
Driving at Night
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
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City Driving
Freeway Driving
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Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Highway Hypnosis
Hill and Mountain Roads
Winter Driving
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer
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Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.”
On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means
“always expect the unexpected.”
Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might
do. Be ready for their mistakes.
Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable
of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough
following distance. It’s the best defensive driving
maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never
know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake
or turn suddenly.
Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on
the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving
task -- such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call,
reading, or reaching for something on the floor -- makes
proper defensive driving more difficult and can even
cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger
to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe
place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving
techniques could save your life.
Defensive Driving
The best advice anyone can give about driving is:
Drive defensively.
Please start with a very important safety device in your
vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.)
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The obvious way to solve the leading highway safety
problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then
drive. But what if people do? How much is “too much”
if the driver plans to drive? It’s a lot less than many
might think. Although it depends on each person
and situation, here is some general information on
the problem.
Drunken Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to
the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims
every year.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive
a vehicle:
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone
who is drinking depends upon four things:
Judgment
The amount of alcohol consumed
The drinker’s body weight
Muscular Coordination
Vision
The amount of food that is consumed before and
during drinking
Attentiveness.
Police records show that almost half of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, over 17,000 annual motor
vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use
of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured.
The length of time it has taken the drinker to
consume the alcohol.
According to the American Medical Association, a
180-lb. (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce
(355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a
BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the
same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses
of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces
(45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.
Many adults -- by some estimates, nearly half the adult
population -- choose never to drink alcohol, so they
never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, it’s
against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol.
There are good medical, psychological and
developmental reasons for these laws.
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woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a
man of her same body weight when each has the same
number of drinks.
The law in many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC
of 0.10 percent. In a growing number of U.S. states, and
throughout Canada, the limit is 0.08 percent. In some
other countries, it’s even lower. The BAC limit for all
commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent.
The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six
drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it
depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how
quickly the person drinks them.
But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of
0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of
many people are impaired at a BAC approaching
0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night.
All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05
percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a
collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC
of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a
collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of
this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!
It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if
the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces
or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s
BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who
consumes food just before or during drinking will have a
somewhat lower BAC level.
There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have
a lower relative percentage of body water than men.
Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a
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The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the
right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to
take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street?
A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able
to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness and
judgment can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol. You can have a serious -- or even
fatal -- collision if you drive after drinking.
Please don’t drink and drive or ride with a driver
who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if
you’re with a group, designate a driver who will
not drink.
There’s something else about drinking and driving that
many people don’t know. Medical research shows that
alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries
worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord or
heart. This means that when anyone who has been
drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, that
person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled
is higher than if the person had not been drinking.
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Control of a Vehicle
Braking
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work
at the places where the tires meet the road.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That’s reaction time.
Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But
that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver
and as long as two or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination
and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and
frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle
moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m).
That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and others
is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or
gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the
vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s
easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires
and road can provide. That means you can lose control
of your vehicle.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake
normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
If there’s a problem with the
anti-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light”
in the Index.
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The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and
road conditions.
Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet.
You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS.
You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
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Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti-lock brakes.
Traction Control System
(Option)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system for V8 engines works the rear brakes and for
V8 and V6 engines reduces engine power by closing the
throttle and managing engine spark to limit wheel spin.
Using Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel a
slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but
this is normal.
This light will come on
when your traction control
system is limiting wheel
spin. See “Low Traction
Light” in the Index. You
may feel or hear the system
working, but this is normal.
When your anti-lock system
is adjusting brake pressure
to help avoid a braking skid,
this light will come on. See
“Low Traction Light” in
the Index.
The traction control system may operate on dry roads
under some conditions, and you may notice a reduction
in acceleration when this happens. This is normal and
doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle.
Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration
in a turn, or an abrupt upshift or downshift.
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To turn the system off, press
the TCS button located at
the front of the console.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. (See “Cruise Control” in
the Index.)
When the system is on, this
warning light will come on
to let you know if there’s
a problem with your
traction control system. See
“Traction Control System
Warning Light” in the Index.
The light on the button will go off, and the traction
control system warning light will come on and stay on.
If the traction control system is limiting wheel spin
when you press the button, the light on the button will
go off and the warning light will come on -- but the
system won’t turn off right away. It will wait until
there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system on. But you can turn the traction control
system off if you ever need to. (You should turn the
traction control system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice or snow. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in
the Index.)
You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing
the button again. The light on the button should come
on, and the traction control system warning light
should go off.
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The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and
acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to
“Traction Control” in the Index.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it
to go, and slow down.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned
on the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
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Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective than
braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a
truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these
problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for
evasive action -- steering around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes. (See “Braking in
Emergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better to
remove as much speed as you can from a possible
collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or
right depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at
all times and wear safety belts properly.
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Off-Road Recovery
Passing
You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving.
The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a
two-lane highway waits for just the right moment,
accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes
back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane
highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the
passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in
judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can
suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the
worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:
“Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides and
to crossroads for situations that might affect your
passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever
about making a successful pass, wait for a better time.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines.
If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a
turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken
center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid
line on your side of the lane or a double solid line,
even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn
until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down
the roadway.
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Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass
while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing,
following too closely reduces your area of vision,
especially if you’re following a larger vehicle.
Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle
ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a
reasonable distance.
Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and
start your left lane change signal before moving out
of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough
ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal
and move back into the right lane. (Remember that
your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you
just passed may seem to be farther away from you
than it really is.)
When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,
start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t
get too close. Time your move so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to move into the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a
“running start” that more than makes up for the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause you to cancel your pass,
you need only slow down and drop back again and
wait for another opportunity.
Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time
on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the
next vehicle.
Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
Even though the brake lamps are not flashing, it may
be slowing down or starting to turn.
If you’re being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you
can ease a little to the right.
If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait
your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to
pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle.
Remember to glance over your shoulder and check
the blind spot.
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If you do not have traction control, or if the system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by
easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Loss of Control
Let’s review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and
constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving”
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking
(including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear).
Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You
may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle
is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues -- such as
enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a
“mirrored surface” -- and slow down when you have
any doubt.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If you have the traction control system, remember:
It helps avoid only the acceleration skid.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
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Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Driving at Night
Don’t drink and drive.
Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you can’t see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your
headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired
-- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or
by fatigue.
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Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Night Vision
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as
we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old
driver may require at least twice as much light to see the
same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your night
vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes
will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re
driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut
down on glare from headlamps, but they also make a lot
of things invisible.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your
eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night
blindness -- the inability to see in dim light -- and
aren’t even aware of it.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even
several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark.
When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver
who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring
directly into the approaching headlamps.
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Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
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CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or
a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until
your brakes work normally.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.
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Hydroplaning
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.
NOTICE:
If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or
standing water, water can come in through your
engine’s air intake and badly damage your
engine. Never drive through water that is slightly
lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you
can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or
more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on
the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone
poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the
water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you pass
another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room
ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted
by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth.
(See “Tires” in the Index.)
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Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:
City Driving
Know the best way to get to where you are going.
Get a city map and plan your trip into an
unknown part of the city just as you would for
a cross-country trip.
Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You’ll save time and energy.
(See the next part, “Freeway Driving.”)
Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is
there because the corner is busy enough to need it.
When a light turns green, and just before you start to
move, check both ways for vehicles that have not
cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.
One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for
what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to
traffic signals.
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At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to
check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to
blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to
the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check
your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as
necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
Freeway Driving
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay
in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your
“blind” spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways,
expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest
of all roads. But they have their own special rules.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same
speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the
left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
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Here are some things you can check before a trip:
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work -- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across North America.
They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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Highway Hypnosis
Hill and Mountain Roads
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with the
same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road,
the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against
the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less
than a second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
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If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
CAUTION:
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to
do all the work of slowing down. They could get
so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would
then have poor braking or even none going down
a hill. You could crash. Always have your engine
running and your vehicle in gear when you
go downhill.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
CAUTION:
If you don’t shift down, your brakes could get so
hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let your engine
assist your brakes on a steep downhill slope.
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Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down
to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transmission, and you can climb the hill better.
Winter Driving
Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay in your own lane.
As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could
be something in your lane, like a stalled car or
an accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that warn
of special problems. Examples are long grades,
passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area
or winding roads. Be alert to these and take
appropriate action.
Here are some tips for winter driving:
Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your vehicle.
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Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll
have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be
very careful.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will
be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
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What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about
freezing (32 F; 0 C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index.
Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.
Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow -- drive with caution.
Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until
you hit a spot that’s covered with ice. On an otherwise
clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas
where the sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees,
behind buildings or under bridges. Sometimes the
surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice
ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not to
brake while you’re actually on the ice, and avoid
sudden steering maneuvers.
If you have traction control, keep the system on. It will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a
slippery road. Even though your vehicle has a traction
control system, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your
driving to the road conditions. See “Traction Control
System” in the Index.
If you don’t have the traction control system, accelerate
gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you
accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish
the surface under the tires even more.
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Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard
you’ve been stopped by the snow.
Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body
insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor
mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or
tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with your
vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help
and you can hike through the snow. Here are some
things to do to summon help and keep yourself and
your passengers safe:
Turn on your hazard flashers.
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
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Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn’t collect there.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
NOTICE:
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground will damage drivetrain components.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
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Loading Your Vehicle
The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle.
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.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it
out. Don’t carry more than 100 lbs. (45 kg) in your
rear area.
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If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages or anything else -- they will go as fast as
the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or
if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
CAUTION:
Put things in the rear area of your vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.
Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life
of your vehicle.
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Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what the
vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer”
that appears later in this section. But trailering is
different than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, durability and
fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
Towing a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the
brakes may not work well -- or even at all. You
and your passengers could be seriously injured.
You may also damage your vehicle; the resulting
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the
steps in this section. Ask your dealer for advice
and information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
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Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers (or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h)) to
save wear on your vehicle’s parts.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight of the trailer tongue
Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
It should never weigh more than 1,500 lbs. (680 kg)
under normal driving conditions. It should never weigh
more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg) when driven on
long grades at high ambient temperatures
Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
(above 90 F/ 32 C). But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
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You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at:
Pontiac Division
Customer Assistance Center
One Pontiac Plaza
Pontiac, MI 48340-2952
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must
add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle
will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you have a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent
of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
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Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Safety Chains
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading label at the rear edge of the driver’s door
or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be
sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
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.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock
brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake systems won’t work well,
or at all.
The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt
and water can, too.
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Driving with a Trailer
Following Distance
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll 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.
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(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.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
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When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
If you are towing a trailer and you have an automatic
transmission with overdrive, you may prefer to drive in
THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D)
(or, as you need to, a lower gear). Or, if you have a
manual transmission with FIFTH (5) (or SIXTH (6))
gear and you are towing a trailer, it’s better not to use
FIFTH (5) (or SIXTH (6) ) gear. Just drive in
FOURTH (4) (drive in FIFTH (5) if you have a
six-speed manual transmission) or, as you need to, a
lower gear.
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel
will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash,
telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes
or stop.
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Parking on Hills
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
CAUTION:
Start your engine;
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet, or into gear for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to PARK (P), or REVERSE (R)
for a manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
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Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belts, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start your trip.
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
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Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
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5-8
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Hazard Warning Flashers
Other Warning Devices
Jump Starting
Towing Your Vehicle
Engine Overheating
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5-22
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Cooling System
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
Compact Spare Tire
If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
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Press the button in to make
your front and rear turn
signal lamps flash on
and off.
Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, or even if the key isn’t in.
To turn off the flashers, pull
out on the collar.
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals won’t work.
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Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
Jump Starting
The ACDelco Freedom battery in your vehicle
has a built-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. But please use the following steps to do it safely.
CAUTION:
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle.
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or
all of these things can hurt you.
If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
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2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries.
CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the
parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the
jump starting procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) before setting the
parking brake.
Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter. Turn off all lamps that aren’t needed as well
as radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. In addition, it could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
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5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too.
CAUTION:
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) and negative (-) will go to a heavy
unpainted, metal engine part. Don’t connect
positive (+) to negative (-) or you’ll get a short that
would damage the battery and maybe other parts,
too. And don’t connect negative (-) to negative (-)
on the dead battery, as this can cause sparks.
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t
need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom
battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if
a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could
be present.
CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
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6. Connect the red
8. Now connect the black
negative (-) cable to
the good battery’s
positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of
the vehicle with the dead
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
negative (-) terminal.
Don’t let the other end
touch anything until the
next step. The other end
of the negative (-)
cable doesn’t go to the
dead battery.
It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of
the vehicle with the dead battery.
7. Don’t let the other end
touch metal. Connect
it to the positive (+)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.
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12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent
9. Attach the cable at least
18 inches (45 cm) away
from the dead battery,
but not near engine parts
that move. The electrical
connection is just as
good there, but the
electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch
each other or any other metal.
chance of sparks getting
back to the battery is
much less.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it
won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.
A. Heavy Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead Battery
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Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel-lift
or car-carrier equipment.
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See “Roadside
Assistance” in the Index.
Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.
Use only the correct hooks.
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Engine Overheating
NOTICE:
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. You may also find a
LOW COOLANT warning light on your vehicle’s
instrument panel (5.7L V8 engine only).
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life monitor. See “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode (5.7L V8 Engine Only)
Should an overheated engine condition exist and the
LOW COOLANT warning light is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven
to a safe place in an emergency; you may drive up to
50 miles (80 km). Towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
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If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
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2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.
NOTICE:
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving -- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE or
THIRD (3) for automatic transmissions.
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. If your vehicle has
the 5.7L V8 engine, see “Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode” in the Index.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
If there’s still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while you’re parked. push down the accelerator
until the engine speed is about twice as fast as normal idle
speed for at least three minutes while you’re parked. If you
still have the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down. If your vehicle has
the 5.7L V8 engine, see “Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode” listed previously in this section.
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
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Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
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CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
When it is cool, remove the coolant recovery tank cap
and look at the dipstick. The coolant level should be at
the FULL COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak
in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump
or somewhere else in the cooling system.
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NOTICE:
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” in the Index.
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner -- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to
see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If
they aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
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How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
NOTICE:
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at the FULL COLD mark add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL engine
coolant at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine
Coolant” in the Index for more information.)
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and the proper coolant
mixture.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOL coolant.
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CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
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CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to
turn the pressure cap.
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1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(3800 V6 Engine)
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure
cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t
press down while turning the pressure cap.)
NOTICE:
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure could cause your
engine to overheat and be severely damaged.
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2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
3. After the engine cools, open the coolant
air bleed valve.
There is one bleed valve. It is located on the
thermostat housing.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
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4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL
coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck.
(See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.)
5. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the
FULL COLD mark.
6. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air
bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close the
valve after the radiator is filled.
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7. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
9. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressure cap line up like this.
8. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the level reaches the
base of the filler neck.
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How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(V8 Engine Only)
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure
cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t
press down while turning the pressure cap.)
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
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3. Fill with the proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture.
7. Shut the engine off and replace the pressure cap.
Be sure the arrows on the cap line up like this.
4. Continue to fill the radiator up to the base of the
filler neck.
5. Rinse or wipe the spilled coolant from the engine
and compartment.
6. Start the engine and allow it to run in idle for
approximately four minutes. By this time, the
coolant level inside the radiator will be lower. Add
more of the proper mixture through the filler neck
until the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” 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.
8. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the proper level.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
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Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission shift
lever in PARK (P), or shift a manual
transmission to FIRST (1) or
REVERSE (R).
The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
3. Turn off the engine.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite end.
The equipment you’ll need is in the rear area behind the
trim panel on the passenger’s side.
First you must remove the cargo cover. See “Cargo
Cover” in the Index.
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If you have speakers in the trim panel, you may have to
disconnect the wire from the speaker. The speaker wire
may be long enough to remove the trim panel without
disconnecting the wire.
On convertible models, you must also remove the trunk
access panel. It’s at the upper back of the trunk. Turn the
two wing fasteners under the trunk edge a quarter turn
counterclockwise to remove the panel.
Find the plastic screw heads in the trim panel over the
spare tire. (See “Compact Spare Tire” in the Index for
more information about the compact spare.) Use a coin
or a key to turn the screw heads until the slots point
front and back to the unlock position. Gently lift the trim
panel’s front forward edge and remove the panel.
To remove the jack and wheel wrench, loosen and
remove the bolt and remove the plastic cover.
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Remove the wing nut and adapter and pull out the spare.
The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) and wheel
wrench (B).
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Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire
The jack has a bolt at the end. Attach the wheel wrench
to the jack bolt.
Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the lift
head a little.
1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts.
Don’t remove them yet.
If your wheel has a center cap, pry it off using
the wheel wrench.
If your vehicle has optional alloy wheels, each wheel
has one locknut in place of the standard wheel nut. A
special wheel lock key (removal tool) and instructions
are located in the center console. Attach the wheel lock
key to the socket of the wheel wrench. Remove the
locking wheel nut by turning counterclockwise.
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2. Position the jack under the vehicle. There is a notch
in the vehicle’s rocker flange on the coupe model.
Raise the jack head until it fits firmly into the notch
nearest the flat tire. On convertible models, place the
jack in a similar location.
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CAUTION:
Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is
dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you
could be badly injured or killed. Never get under
a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.
CAUTION:
Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly
positioned can damage the vehicle and even make
the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and
vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head
into the proper location before raising the vehicle.
Stay away from moldings or fender flanges to avoid
damaging them.
3. Put the compact tire near you.
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6. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces and
spare wheel.
CAUTION:
4. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough room for the spare
tire to fit.
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the 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 the 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.
5. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.
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CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you
do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could
fall off, causing a serious accident.
8. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
7. Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the
nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand
until the wheel is held against the hub.
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9. Tighten the wheel nuts
firmly in a criss-cross
sequence as shown.
CAUTION:
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose
and even come off. This could lead to an accident.
Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have
to replace them, be sure to get new original
equipment wheel nuts.
Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to
100 lb-ft (140 N·m).
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Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
NOTICE:
CAUTION:
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
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.
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Replace the jack, wheel wrench and flat tire using the
storage instructions. When you replace the trim panel,
be sure to tuck it under the weatherstrip.
1. Trim Panel
2. Bolt
3. Cover
4. Jack
5. Wing Nut
6. Adapter
7. Compact Spare Tire
8. Full-Size Tire
9. Carpet Flap
10. Tire Storage Bolt
11. Trunk Access Panel (Convertible Only)
12. Knob
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Compact Spare Tire
NOTICE:
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).
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.
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. 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.
Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles.
And don’t mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare
tire and its wheel together.
NOTICE:
Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using
them can damage your vehicle and can damage
the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your
compact spare.
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If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
NOTICE:
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your
wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can
help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must
use caution.
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see “Tire Chains” in the Index.
CAUTION:
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transmission or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you’re
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle has
traction control, you should turn the system off. (See
“Traction Control System” in the Index.) Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear
(or with a manual transmission, between FIRST (1) or
SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels as
little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you
shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in
the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that may free your vehicle. If that doesn’t
get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed
out. If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
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NOTES
✍
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
Service
Fuel
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6-46
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6-55
6-57
6-58
6-59
6-61
Bulb Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care of Safety Belts
6-3
6-5
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid
Hydraulic Clutch
Rear Axle
Thermostat
Engine Coolant
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
6-6
6-8
6-9
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
6-12
6-18
6-20
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6-27
6-27
6-28
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6-32
6-34
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Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels (If Equipped)
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6-73
Underbody Maintenance
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Battery
6-
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Doing Your Own Service Work
Service
If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll
want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service your vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service
and Owner Publications” in the Index.
Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to
be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for
all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and
GM-trained and supported service people.
We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, see “Servicing Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle” in the Index.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. See “Maintenance Record” in the Index.
6-2
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Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise
and affect windshield washer performance. Check with
your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of
your vehicle.
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and
other fasteners. “English” and “metric”
fasteners can be easily confused. If you use
the wrong fasteners, parts can later break
or fall off. You could be hurt.
Fuel
The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number
(VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. You will
find the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel.
(See “Vehicle Identification Number” in the Index.)
If you have the 3800 V6 engine (VIN Code K), use
regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher.
If you have the 5.7L V8 engine (VIN Code G), use
premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher
for best performance. You may use middle grade or
regular unleaded gasolines, but your vehicle may not
accelerate as well.
6-3
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If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
It is recommended that the gasoline meet specifications
which have been developed by the American
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle may fail a smog-check test. (See “Malfunction
Indicator Lamp” in the Index.) If this occurs, return to
your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis to
Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and
endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
Association for better vehicle performance and engine
protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification
could provide improved driveability and emission
control system performance compared to other
gasolines. For more information, write to:
American Automobile Manufacturer’s Association,
7430 Second Ave, Suite 300, Detroit MI 48202.
Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91
(at least 89 for middle grade and 87 for regular). If the
octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage
your engine.
determine the cause of failure. In the event it is
determined that the cause of the condition is the type of
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not
the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not
recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing
MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your
emission control system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Pontiac dealer for service.
If you’re using fuel rated at the recommended octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs
service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging
noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill.
That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher
octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant
knock that means you have a problem.
6-4
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To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that
you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with
the specifications described earlier.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to
find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
NOTICE:
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty.
6-5
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Filling Your Tank
To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let
go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
The cap is behind a hinged door on the driver’s side of
your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns
violently, and that can cause very bad injuries.
Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling
your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from gasoline.
6-6
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When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the way.
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index.
6-7
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Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.
Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Don’t smoke while pumping gasoline.
6-8
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Hood Release
To open the hood, first pull
the handle located inside the
vehicle below the
instrument panel on the
driver’s side.
Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on the
hood release located at the center of your hood.
Lift the hood.
6-9
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When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine you’ll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Radiator Cap
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Oil Dipstick
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)
Dipstick (If Equipped)
F. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Cooling Fans
6-10
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When you open the hood of the 5.7L V8 engine you’ll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Battery
E. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Cooling Fans
C. Engine Oil Dipstick
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)
K. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(If Equipped)
6-11
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Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps
are on.
Then pull the hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL light on the
instrument panel comes on,
it means you need to check
your engine oil level
right away.
For more information, see “Low Oil Light” in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
The engine oil dipstick is the yellow loop near the back
of the engine.
NOTE: Do not check the 5.7L engine oil level after the
engine has sat overnight. A higher than normal reading
might be obtained. Check oil level with the oil warm.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
6-12
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Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5.7L V8 Engine
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
3800 V6 Engine
6-13
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What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
NOTICE:
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
The oil fill cap is located at the rear of your engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
6-14
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As shown in the chart, if you have the 5.7L V8 engine,
SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can
use SAE 10W-30 if it’s going to be 0 F (-18 C) or
above. These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils,
such as SAE 20W-50.
5.7L V8 Engine
6-15
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As shown in the chart, if you have the 3800 V6 engine,
SAE 10W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can
use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be colder than 60 F
(16 C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold,
you should use SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20 F (-29 C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
3800 V6 Engine
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How to Reset the Oil Change Light
Engine Oil Additives
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
With the ignition key in RUN with the engine turned off,
push the TRIP/OIL RESET button located on the
instrument panel for 12 seconds. The OIL CHANGE light
will start to flash to confirm that the system is reset. The
reset is complete when the OIL CHANGE light goes out.
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to
change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage,
but on engine revolutions and engine operating
temperature. When the computer has calculated that the
oil needs changing, the Oil Life Monitor will indicate
that a change is necessary. The mileage between oil
changes will vary depending on how you drive your
vehicle -- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
(whichever occurs first) without an oil change.
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.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil. So, if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner. Remember to reset
the OIL CHANGE Light whenever the oil is changed.
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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
If the air cleaner/filter 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/filter in place when
you’re driving.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
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Air Filter Replacement
To remove the air filter:
2. Lift the cover and remove the air filter.
3. Replace the filter.
1. Unlatch the two clamps located on the front of
the filter.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) 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.
Uses such as high performance operation.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
4. Close the cover without overlap (the clamp will not
latch with overlap) and latch the clamps.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
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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).
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
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 (10 C), drive the
vehicle in AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady
for 10 minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Checking Transmission Fluid Cold
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. 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
transmission fluid.
A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight hours or more with the engine off and is used
only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five
minutes if outside temperatures are 50 F (10 C) or
more. If it’s colder than 50 F (10 C), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low
during a cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
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.
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Checking the Fluid Level
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow
these steps:
Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
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 minutes or more.
3800 V6 Dipstick
5.7L V8 Dipstick
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1. The red transmission dipstick is located near the
back of the engine. Flip the handle up and then
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.
5.7L V8 Transmission Dipstick
3800 V6 Transmission Dipstick
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3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross-hatched area for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a hot check.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON -III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock in place.
DEXRON -III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.”
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a
reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for
a hot check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill.
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn’t require changing.
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Then, follow these steps:
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. 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
transmission fluid.
6-Speed (5-Speed Similar)
1. Remove the filler plug.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
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How to Add Fluid
When to Check and What to Use
Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off” your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct a leak.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
“Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
How to Check
The proper fluid should be added if the level is below
the plastic step on the reservoir. See the instructions on
the reservoir cap.
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Rear Axle
Radiator Pressure Cap
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 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.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.
Standard Differential
Use SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM
Part No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM
Specification 9986115.
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.
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low, use SAE 75W-90
Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or
equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. To
completely refill after draining, add 4 ounces (118 ml)
of Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (GM
Part No. 1052358) or equivalent. Then fill to the bottom
of the filler plug hole with the Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
When you replace your thermostat, a GM thermostat
is recommended.
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Engine Coolant
NOTICE:
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL extended life coolant.
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner -- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
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.
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to -34 F (-37 C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 F (129 C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL coolant which won’t damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don’t need to add anything else.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
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NOTICE:
CAUTION:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
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Checking Coolant
5.7L V8 Engine Only
If this light comes on and stays on, it means you’re low
on engine coolant.
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, check the dipstick on the cap of the
coolant recovery tank. The coolant level should be at
COLD, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the
level on the dipstick should be up to HOT, or a
little higher.
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but only
when your engine is cool. If the tank is very low or
empty, also add coolant to the radiator. See “Engine
Overheating” in the Index for information.
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Power Steering Fluid
CAUTION:
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located toward
the rear of the engine, on
the driver’s side.
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the pressure cap -- even a little --
when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.
CAUTION:
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
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When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the H (hot) mark.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then 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.
When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be at the C (cold) mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
The level should be at the C (cold) mark. If necessary,
add only enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
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Adding Washer Fluid
NOTICE:
When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
Fill your washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is full.
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There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
Brakes
Brake Fluid
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work
at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT-3
brake fluid.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
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When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Checking Brake Fluid
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should
be above the plastic seam in the reservoir (A). If it isn’t,
have your brake system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is above the plastic seam (B), near the
base of the filler neck.
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NOTICE:
CAUTION:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. 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. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
When you have the front or rear brake pads replaced,
have the other brakes inspected, too.
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).
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
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See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system -- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in -- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change -- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -- very carefully -- make a
few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
The park brake system has separate brake linings that do
not self adjust for wear. If the park brake lever pulls up
more than eighteen clicks, the parking brakes need
adjustment. See your dealer.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom
battery. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original
battery’s label.
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Vehicle Storage
Bulb Replacement
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
For the proper type of replacement bulb, see
“Replacement Bulbs” in the Index.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section contact your dealer’s service department.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
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.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
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Headlamps
Before replacing a headlamp bulb that does not light,
check to make sure that the wiring connector is securely
fastened to it.
See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index to check the type
of headlamp bulb you need to use before you begin to
replace the headlamp bulb. You must replace a
headlamp bulb with one that is exactly the same.
To replace a headlamp:
1. Open the headlamp door by turning the headlamps
on, then turning the switch back to the parking lamps
position. See “Headlamp Doors” in the Index.
2. Remove the bezel using a Phillips screwdriver on the
three main screws.
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3. Remove the headlamp plate that holds the bulb to the
housing by removing the two screws on top of the
bulb with a Torx screwdriver.
4. Pull out the bulb and disconnect the
electrical connector.
5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
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Replacing the bulb:
Front Parking and Turn Signal
1. Remove the two screws in the stoplamp lens.
1. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the
access panel under the vehicle. Move the access
panel out of the way.
2. Turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise.
3. Pull out the bulb from the socket.
4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
2. Gently pull the assembly out, turn the bulb
counterclockwise and remove the bulb from the back
of the assembly.
3. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
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Rear Lamps
To change any rear bulb, you have to remove the
entire housing.
1. Remove the trim panel from inside of the hatch for
the side that you are replacing the bulb.
2. Pull the carpet back.
4. Pull the assembly out from the outside of the vehicle.
5. To remove a socket with a tab, press the tab and turn
the socket counterclockwise. To remove a socket
without a tab, turn the socket counterclockwise.
6. Pull out the bulb from the socket.
7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
3. Remove the wing nuts.
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Rear Sidemarker
3. Turn the bulb and socket counterclockwise and
gently pull out.
Replacing a rear sidemarker bulb:
4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
1. Remove the screw from the sidemarker assembly.
2. To pull out the bulb housing, tilt the housing to
remove the end with the tab.
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1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade
Check” in Section 7 of this manual under Part B “Owner
Checks and Services” for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in
the Index.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
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3. At the heel end of the wiper blade assembly, notched
end of blade element last, slide the blade element
into the blade claw sets. The plastic retainer caps
will be forced off as the element is fully inserted.
Make sure that all the claw sets are properly engaged
in the slots of the blade element.
Wiper Blade Element Replacement
To replace the wiper blade element, follow these steps:
1. Locate the heel end of the wiper blade assembly that
has the two notches held by the wiper blade claw.
4. Install the wiper blade assembly on the wiper arm.
For information on wiper blade replacement length and
type, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in
the Index.
2. Hold the wiper blade assembly with one hand and
pull the element gently with the other hand.
(Replacement blade elements have three plastic caps
which retain two metal strips. Do not remove these
caps before the element is installed).
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Tires
CAUTION: (Continued)
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.
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.
CAUTION:
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.
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 “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
See “Inflation -- Tire Pressure” in this section for
inflation pressure adjustment for higher
speed driving.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Inflation -- Tire Pressure
NOTICE:
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.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
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:
If you’ll be driving at high speeds (e.g., speeds of
100 mph (160 km/h) or higher), where it is legal, set the
cold inflation pressure to the maximum inflation
pressure shown on the tire sidewall, or to 38 psi
(265 kPa), whichever is lower. See the example below.
When you end this high-speed driving, return to the cold
inflation pressure shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label.
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:
Example:
You’ll find maximum load and inflation pressure
molded on the tire’s sidewall, in small letters, near the
rim flange. It will read something like this: Maximum
load 690 kg (1521 lbs.) @ 300 kPa (44 psi) Max. Press.
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards.
For this example, you would set the inflation pressure
for high-speed driving at 38 psi (265 kPa).
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When to Check
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
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 Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See “When It’s Time for New Tires” and
“Wheel Replacement” later in this section for
more information.
If you don’t have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C
tires or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS tires, use
the rotation pattern shown above for your tires.
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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 wheelnuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” 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
If you have P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires
or P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS tires, they
must roll in a certain direction for the best overall
performance. The direction is shown by an arrow on the
sidewall. Because these tires are directional, they should
be rotated as shown here. These tires should only be
moved from front to rear and rear to front on the same
side of the vehicle.
“Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.)
Don’t include the compact spare tire in your
tire rotation.
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When It’s Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire-Loading Information label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating,
traction, ride and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an “MS”
(for mud and snow).
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
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Uniform Tire Quality Grading
CAUTION:
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system does
not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production tires.
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
It’s all right to drive with your compact spare,
though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial-ply
tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
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Treadwear
Temperature -- A, B, C
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Traction -- AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
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Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer if any of these conditions exist.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
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Used Replacement Wheels
NOTICE: (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or
how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires.
Tire Chains
If you have other 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 rear 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.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has P235/55R16, P245/50ZR16 or
P275/40ZR17 size tires, don’t use tire chains.
They can damage your vehicle because there’s
not enough clearance.
NOTICE: (Continued)
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Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can.
Appearance Care
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces
with a clean, damp cloth.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
Gasoline
Benzene
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
Naphtha
Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent Dry Spot and Soil
Remover for cleaning fabric and carpet. They will clean
normal spots and stains very well. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer.
(See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.)
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous -- some more than
others -- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
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Here are some cleaning tips:
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black),
egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and
blood can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area with cool water.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.
2. If a stain remains, follow the multi-purpose interior
cleaner instructions described earlier.
If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the
entire area immediately or it will set.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat
the area with a water/baking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner
on Fabric
1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
4. Let dry.
2. Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask
surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
3. Mix powdered cleaner following the directions on
the container label to form thick suds.
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. First, clean with cool water and allow to dry
completely.
4. Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t
saturate the material and don’t rub it roughly.
3. If a stain remains, follow instructions for
Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner.
5. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the suds.
6. Wipe cleaned area with a clean, damp towel or cloth.
7. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.
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Cleaning Vinyl
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have to do it more than once.
Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you
don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a
vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer for this product.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the
leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your
dealer for this product.
Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive
cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.
CAUTION:
Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned
immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the
finish, it can harm the leather.
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
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Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. (See
“Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.)
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Cleaning a Removable Roof Panel
Special care is necessary when cleaning, removing
and/or storing the roof panel.
Flush with water to remove dust and dirt, then dry
the panel.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
Clean the panel with GM Glass Cleaner. Leave the
cleaner on the panel for one minute, then wipe the
panel with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials.
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Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a vehicle
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow
instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.”
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don’t use strong soaps or
chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See
“Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.) Don’t
use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that
contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be
flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface,
or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
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Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for a
few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire vehicle,
then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
To protect the convertible top:
After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
completely dry before you lower it.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Don’t get any cleaner on the vehicle’s painted finish;
it could leave streaks.
If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager if the equipment could damage
your top.
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade. Use
a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge. A
chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush
can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Don’t use
detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents.
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Cleaning Aluminum or
Cleaning Tires
Chrome-Plated Wheels (If Equipped)
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care to
wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted
surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle.
Petroleum-based products may damage the paint
finish and tires.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners
with acid or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because
you could damage the surface. Do not use chrome polish
on any wheels other than chrome-plated wheels.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
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Finish Damage
Chemical Paint Spotting
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Pontiac
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan
and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
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GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBER
994954
SIZE
DESCRIPTION
Polishing Cloth – Wax Treated
Tar and Road Oil Remover
Chrome Cleaner and Polish
White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
Vinyl Cleaner
USAGE
23 in. x 25 in.
16 oz. (0.473 L)
16 oz. (0.473 L)
16 oz. (0.473 L)
32 oz. (0.946 L)
23 oz. (0.680 L)
Exterior polishing cloth
Removes tar, road oil and asphalt
1050172
1050173
Use on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
Removes soil and black marks from whitewalls
Cleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
1050174
1050214
1050427
Glass Cleaner
Protects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas , plastic,
rubber and vinyl
1052918**
1052925
8 oz. (0.237 L)
16 oz. (0.473 L)
Armor All Protectant
Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner
Cleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
1052929
1052930
16 oz. (0.473 L)
8 oz. (0.237 L)
2.5 sq. ft.
Wheel Cleaner
Capture Dry Spot Remover
Synthetic Chamois
Silicone Tire Shine
Finish Enhancer
Spray on and rinse with water
Attracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric
Shines vehicle without scratching
12345721
12345725
12377964*
12377966*
12377984*
12 oz. (0.354 L)
16 oz. (0.473 L)
16 oz. (0.473 L)
16 oz. (0.473 L)
Spray on tire shine
Removes dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
Removes light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
Removes contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
Cleaner Wax
Surface Cleaner
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
* For exterior use only.
**Not recommended for use on instrument panels.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label located on the rear edge of the
driver’s door. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order
parts. On this label is:
your VIN,
the model designation,
paint information and
a list of all production options and
special equipment.
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. 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.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
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Windshield Wipers
Electrical System
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem and
not snow, etc., be sure to get it fixed.
Add-On Electrical Equipment
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
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.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers protect the power windows and other
power accessories. When the current load is too heavy,
the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the
circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links in the wiring itself. This
greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by
electrical problems.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle” in the Index.
Headlamps
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker.
An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and
off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have
your headlamp wiring checked right away.
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The other two are in the engine compartment. Open the
There are three fuse centers on your vehicle. One (main
fuse block) is located behind a cover in the left side of
your instrument panel.
cover on the boxes to expose the fuses.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have a
spare fuse, you can borrow one. Just pick some feature
of your car that you can get along without -- like the
radio or cigarette lighter -- and use its fuse, if it is the
size you need. Replace it as soon as you can.
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Main Fuse Block
Fuse
Usage
STG WHEEL
CNTRL
Steering Wheel Controls
RADIO ACCY
Delco Monsoon Radio Amplifier,
Power Antenna, Remote CD
Player (Hatch)
TAIL LPS
HVAC
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module, Headlamp Switch
HVAC Selector Switch, Rear
Defogger Switch/Timer
PWR ACCY
Parking Lamp Relay, Hatch
Release Relay, Power Mirror
Switch, Radio, Shock Sensor,
Instrument Cluster
Fuse
Usage
COURTESY
GAUGES
Body Control Module (BCM)
STOP/HAZARD Hazard Flashers, Brake Switch
Assembly
Body Control Module (BCM),
Brake-Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI), Instrument
Cluster, Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Module
TURN B/U
Traction Control Switch, Back/Up
Lamp Switch, Turn Flasher,
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Module
AIR BAG
Air Bag
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Fuse
Usage
Fuse
Usage
CIG/ACCY
Cigarette Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC), Auxiliary
Accessory Wire
IP DIMMER
Door Illumination Lamp
(Right-Hand, Left-Hand),
Headlamp Switch, Fog Lamp
Switch, Instrument Cluster, HVAC
Control Assembly, PRNDL
Illumination Lamp, Ashtray Lamp,
Radio, Rear Window Defogger
Switch/Timer, Traction Control
Switch (TCS), Convertible
Top Switch
DEFOG/SEATS Rear Defogger Switch/Timer,
Rear Defogger Timer/Relay,
Power Seats
IGN
Aftermarket Use Only
STG WHEEL
CNTRL
Steering Wheel Controls
ACCY
Aftermarket Use Only
WIPER/WASH
Wiper Motor Assembly,
Wiper/Washer Switch
RADIO
Body Control Module (BCM),
Radio, Amplifier, Steering Wheel
Controls-Radio
BATT
Aftermarket Use Only
WINDOWS
Power Windows Switch
(Right-Hand, Left-Hand),
Express-Down Module,
Convertible Top Switch
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Underhood Electrical Center
Fuse
Usage
PCM BAT
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)
FUEL PUMP
AIR PUMP
Fuel Pump
A.I.R. Pump Relay and
Bleed Valve
LH HDLP DR
RH HDLP DR
HORN
Left Headlamp Door Module
Right Headlamp Door Module
Horn Relay
ABS BAT-1
H/L DR HORN
ABS BAT-2
Anti-Lock Brake System Module
Horn and Headlamp Doors
Anti-Lock Brake and Traction
Control System
COOL FAN
Relay
FOG LAMP
HORN
FAN #3
FAN #2
Cooling Fan Relays
Description
Fog Lamps
Fuse and Relay Center 1
Usage
Fuse
Horn
ABS BAT SOL
TCS BAT
COOL FAN
Anti-Lock Brake System
Traction Control System
Cooling Fan Control
Cooling Fans
Cooling Fans
Cooling Fans
FAN #1
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Fuse
Usage
ENG SEN
Mass Air Flow Sensor, Heated
Oxygen Sensor, Skip Shift
Solenoid (V8 Only), Reverse
Lockout Solenoid, Brake Switch
STRTR
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), Clutch Pedal Switch
ABS IGN
PCM IGN
Anti-Lock Brake System Module
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)
ETC
Electronic Throttle Control
(V6 Only)
ENG CTRL
Ignition Module (V6 Only),
Automatic Transmission, Charcoal
Canister Purge Solenoid
Fuse and Relay Center 2
Usage
Fuse
INJ
Fuel Injectors (Not used for V6)
(LH injectors for V8 Ignition
Module)
A/C CRUISE
ENG CTRL
Air Conditioning Compressor
Relay, Cruise Control Switches
and Module
INJ
Fuel Injectors (All for V6) (RH
injectors for V8 and Ignition
Module)
Engine Controls, Fuel Pump,
Powertrain Control Module
(PCM), A.I.R. Pump and
Cooling Fans
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Fuse
I/P-1
IGN
Usage
Replacement Bulbs
Back-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3155
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921
Front Parking and Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . 3157NAK
Headlamp
HVAC Blower Control and Relay
Ignition Switch, Relay and Starter
Enable Relay
I/P-2
Instrument Panel Fuse Center
Description
High Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4701
Low Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4703
Sidemarker Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Tail Lamp Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Tail/Stop/Turn Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3057
Relay
AIR SOL
AIR PUMP
A/C COMP
FUEL PUMP
STARTER
IGN
Air Solenoid
Air Pump
Air Conditioning Compressor
Fuel Pump
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Index for more information.
Starter
Engine Controls, Cruise Controls,
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . See the refrigerant
information label under the hood.
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Refill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Overhaul
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.8 quarts (8.3 L)
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.8 quarts (10.2 L)
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Cooling System
3800 V6
Engine Specifications
Type
With Manual Transmission . . . . 11.6 quarts (11.0 L)
With Automatic Transmission . . . 11.4 quarts (10.8 L)
5.7L V8
With Manual Transmission . . . . 11.9 quarts (11.3 L)
With Automatic Transmission . . 11.8 quarts (11.2 L)
Crankcase
VIN Engine Code K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3800 V6
VIN Engine Code G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.7L V8
Fuel Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Injection
Valve Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In-Head
Displacement
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 cubic inches (3791 cc)
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 cubic inches (5662 cc)
Firing Order
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6-5-4-3-2
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Wheel Nut Torque . . . . . . . . . . . 100 lb-ft (140 N·m)
Thermostat Starts
Oil and
Filter Change . . . 3800 V6 (VIN K) 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
5.7L V8 (VIN G) 5.5 quarts (5.2 L)
Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.8 gallons (63.6 L)
Manual Transmission
Five-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4 quarts (3.2 L)
Six-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarts (3.8 L)
Rear Axle Lubricant . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75 quarts (1.7 L)
to Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 -184 F (81 -85 C)
NOTE: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be
sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your dealer.
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Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Firebird/Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193.3 (491.1)
Trans AM/GT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193.7 (491.3)
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74.4 inches (189.0 cm)
Height
Coupe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.0 inches (131.2 cm)
Convertible
Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1163C
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75-60
Engine Oil Filter
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PF47
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PF44
Fuel Filter
Firebird/Formula . . . . . . . 52.7 inches (134.0 cm)
Trans Am/GT . . . . . . . . . . 52.4 inches (133.1 cm)
Wheelbase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.1 inches (256.6 cm)
Front Tread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60.7 inches (154.2 cm)
Rear Tread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60.6 inches (154.0 cm)
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G627
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GF578
PCV Valve
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CV892C
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CV895C
Radiator Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RC24
Spark Plug
3800 V6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-921 (0.060 inch gap)
5.7L V8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-931 (0.060 inch gap)
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hook
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 inches (610 cm)
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NOTES
✍
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Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
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7-4
7-5
7-17
Introduction
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Scheduled Maintenance
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7-23
7-25
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Part E: Maintenance Record
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
7-
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Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your dealer
for details.
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“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you
what should be checked and when. It also explains
what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in
good condition.
How This Section is Organized
This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services”
shows what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex, so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer’s service department or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections”
explains important inspections that your dealer’s service
department or another qualified service center
should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
lists some recommended products to help keep your
vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their
equivalents, should be used whether you do the work
yourself or have it done.
CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know-how
and the proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician do the work.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” provides a place
for you to record the maintenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be
sure to write it down in this part. This will help you
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
If you are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want to get the service
information. See “Service and Owner Publications”
in the Index.
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This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know
that GM-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine GM parts.
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle
in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly
how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances
only a few times a week. Or you may drive long
distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may
use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive
it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read the
following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your dealer.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within
legal driving limits.
use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index.
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Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
* Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter -- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The system won’t detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
OIL CHANGE light comes on. Remember to reset
the Oil Life Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For
more information, see “Oil Change Light” in the Index.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in Part C of this schedule.
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Scheduled Maintenance
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
DATE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.
Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote .)
Change automatic transmission 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.
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Scheduled Maintenance
– When doing frequent trailer towing.
– Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
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Scheduled Maintenance
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Change automatic transmission 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 in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
Replace engine air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket
for any damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote .)
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Scheduled Maintenance
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
DATE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.
Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote .)
Change automatic transmission 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.
(Continued)
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Scheduled Maintenance
45,000 Miles (75 000 km) (Continued)
– When doing frequent trailer towing.
– Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe conditions listed previously and,
therefore, haven’t changed your automatic transmission fluid, change both the
fluid and filter. Manual transmission fluid doesn’t require change.
SERVICED BY:
SERVICED BY:
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
DATE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
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Scheduled Maintenance
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Change automatic transmission 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 in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
(Continued)
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Scheduled Maintenance
60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued)
Replace engine air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket
for any damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote .)
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
DATE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.
Replace filter if necessary.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote .)
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Scheduled Maintenance
Change automatic transmission 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 in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
SERVICED BY:
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Scheduled Maintenance
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Change automatic transmission 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 in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the
fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
Replace engine air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.
Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket
for any damage. Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote .)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
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Scheduled Maintenance
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor.
See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.)
Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
DATE
Inspect spark plug wires.
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service.
Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven’t changed your automatic transmission fluid,
change both the fluid and filter. Manual transmission fluid doesn’t
require change.
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Scheduled Maintenance
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
DATE
ACTUAL
MILEAGE
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or 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
the cooling system and pressure cap.
SERVICED BY:
An Emission Control Service.
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Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
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.
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the
Index for further details.
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 Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See “Tires” in the Index for further details.
At Each Fuel Fill
Cassette Deck Service
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Engine Coolant Level Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL
coolant mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
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Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. (See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.)
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Manual Transmission Check
Body Lubrication Service
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
“Manual Transmission Fluid” in the Index. Check for
leaks. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired if needed.
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, headlamp door
assemblies, rear compartment, console doors and any
folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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Starter Switch Check
Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transmission)
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the
RUN position, but don’t start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move the shift
lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the
shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle’s
BTSI needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway
and try to start the engine. The starter should work
only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
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Ignition Transmission Lock Check
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transmission, the key should turn to
LOCK only when you press the key release button.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release all brakes.
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
7-20
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Exhaust System Inspection
Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system
and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
7-21
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Throttle System Inspection
Brake System Inspection
(Except 3800 Series V6 Engine)
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
Rear Axle Service
Check the gear lubricant level in the rear axle and add
if needed. See “Rear Axle” in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the axle and repair it
if needed.
7-22
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Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from
your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer Solvent
GM Optikleen Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
System
(GM Part No. 12345347 or
equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine Oil
Engine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity.
To determine the preferred
Power Steering
System
GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884 - 1 pint,
1050017 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
Transmission
DEXRON -III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine,
see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
Automatic
Transmission
DEXRON -III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Engine Coolant
50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only
GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL
or Havoline DEX-COOL
Coolant. See “Engine Coolant”
in the Index.
Key Lock
Cylinders
Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
Engine Oil.
Hydraulic Brake Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid
System
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
7-23
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USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Floor Shift
Linkage
Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
Secondary Latch, equivalent) or lubricant meeting
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Release Pawl
Rear Axle
(Standard
Differential)
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No.
12378261) or equivalent meeting
GM Specification 9986115.
Hood and
Door Hinges
Multi-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Rear Axle
(Limited-Slip
Differential)
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic
Weatherstrip
Conditioning
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
Axle Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12378261) or equivalent
meeting GM Specification
9986115. With a complete drain
and refill add 4 ounces (118 ml)
of Limited-Slip Axle Lubricant
Additive (GM Part No. 1052358
or equivalent) where required.
See “Rear Axle” in the Index.
7-24
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Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the
boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or
“Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.
Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
READING
DATE
SERVICED BY
MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
7-25
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Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
READING
DATE
SERVICED BY
MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
7-26
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Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
Here you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service
publications and how to report any safety defects.
8-2
8-3
8-3
8-5
Pontiac Cares
8-10
8-11
8-12
Courtesy Transportation
Warranty Information
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
Ordering Service and Owner Publications
in Canada
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users
Customer Assistance Offices
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
8-12
8-5
8-7
8-13
8-13
8-8
8-9
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
Canadian Roadside Assistance
8-
8-1
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The PONTIAC CARES philosophy and elements are
designed to make you realize that Pontiac recognizes
you as a valuable customer, appreciates your purchase
decision, and is dedicated to taking care of the most
important person ... YOU! PONTIAC CARES is: A
Pontiac Cares
valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac, a feature
that offers a multitude of benefits that can give you
safety, security, comfort and convenience.
With PONTIAC CARES, you are never more than
a phone call away from having your concern taken
care of.
8-2
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What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
A 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) Bumper to
Bumper Warranty
Customer Assistance
Roadside Assistance
Courtesy Transportation
All of these elements combine to make your driving
experience an enjoyable one and are discussed in greater
detail in your owner’s manual. Pontiac is focusing on
the changing needs of our customers and is committed
to giving you an exceptional level of customer care
throughout your ownership experience. Our goal is
to create total customer enthusiasm in our product and
our services and make you the most satisfied customer
in the world.
8-3
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Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer and to Pontiac. Normally, any concerns with the
sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be
resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments.
Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all
concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your
concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the
following steps should be taken:
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order
to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the
following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
Vehicle Identification Number (This is available
from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate
at the top left of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.)
STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member of
dealership management. Normally, concerns can be
quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already
been reviewed with the sales, service or parts manager,
contact the owner of the dealership or the
Dealership name and location
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
When contacting Pontiac, please remember that your
concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility. That
is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you have
a concern.
general manager.
STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of
dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help, contact
the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center by calling
1-800-PM-CARES (1-800-762-2737). In Canada, contact
GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in
Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French).
STEP THREE -- Both General Motors and your dealer
are committed to making sure you are completely
satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if you
continue to remain unsatisfied after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you must file
with the GM/BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any
additional rights you may have. Canadian owners refer
to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
8-4
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The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to
settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the
interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Although you are required to resort to this informal dispute
resolution program prior to filing any court action, use of
the program is free of charge and your case will generally
be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree with the
decision given in your case, you may reject it and proceed
with any other venue for relief available to you.
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or
speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs),
Pontiac has TTY equipment available at its Customer
Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with
Pontiac by dialing: 1-800-833-PONT (7668).
(TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)
Customer Assistance Offices
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone
number or write them at the following address:
Pontiac encourages customers to call the toll-free number
for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to
Pontiac, the letter should be addressed to Pontiac’s
Customer Assistance Center.
BBB Auto Line
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
United States
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 436008
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
Pontiac, MI 48343-6008
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.
1-800-PM-CARES (1-800-762-2737)
1-800-833-7668 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-ROADSIDE (762-3743)
8-5
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Canada
Caribbean Numbers
General Motors of Canada Limited
1-800-496-9992 (English) Puerto Rico
1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) Puerto Rico
1-800-751-4135 (English) Dominican Republic
1-800-751-4136 (Spanish) Dominican Republic
1-800-496-9994 U.S. Virgin Islands
1-800-389-0009 Bahamas
1-800-534-0122 Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua & B.V.I.
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
1-800-263-3777 (English)
1-800-263-7854 (French)
1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800
If toll free service is not available in the Caribbean,
call Puerto Rico 1-787-763-1315.
All Overseas Locations
GMODC - Customer Communication Centre
169-007
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Telephone: 905-644-4112
Fax:
905-644-4866
8-6
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This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. When
calling from outside Canada, please dial 1-905-644-3063.
All TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver or
passenger adaptive
equipment you may require
for your vehicle (hand
controls, wheelchair/scooter
lifts, etc.).
8-7
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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 Roadside Assistance Program
Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-free number is
staffed by a team of technically trained advisors, who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Pontiac dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
Fuel delivery
Keys locked in vehicle
Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
Change a flat tire
Jump starts
Security While You Travel
1-800-ROADSIDE (1-800-762-3743)
Courtesy Transportation -- See Courtesy
Transportation section for details
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside
8-8
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We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the
following additional services depending on your needs:
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.
Hotels
Glass replacement
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’re only a phone call away.
Pontiac Roadside Assistance -- 1-800-ROADSIDE
or 1-800-762-3743.
Tire repair facilities
Rental vehicle or taxis
Airports or train stations
Police, fire department or hospitals
Canadian Roadside Assistance
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Pontiac’s comprehensive warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our advisors will
explain any payment obligations you might incur.
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive
Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
separate brochure provided by the dealer or call
1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following information to give the advisor:
Location of vehicle
Telephone number of your location
Vehicle model, year and color
Mileage of vehicle
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle license plate number
8-9
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Transportation Options
Courtesy Transportation
Warranty service can generally be completed while you
wait. However, if you are unable to wait Pontiac helps
minimize your inconvenience by providing several
transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,
your dealer can offer you one of the following:
Pontiac has always exemplified quality and value in its
offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership
experience, we and our participating dealerships 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.
Shuttle Service
Participating dealerships can provide you with shuttle
service to get you to your destination with minimal
interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a one
way shuttle ride to a destination up to 10 miles from
the dealership.
Plan Ahead When Possible
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
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 it is
determined that your vehicle cannot be scheduled into
the service department immediately and is still
operative, you are encouraged to drive the vehicle until
scheduling can be accomplished.
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs,
reimbursement up to $30 per day (five days maximum)
may be available for the use of public transportation
such as taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange
transportation through a friend or relative,
reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses up to
$10 per day (five day maximum) may be available.
Claim amounts should reflect actual costs and be
supported by original receipts.
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.
8-10
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Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Please contact your dealer for specific information about
availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements
will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.
When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight
warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you
with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental
vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of
$30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that
you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state,
local and rental vehicle provider requirements.
Requirements vary and may include minimum age
requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc. You are
responsible for fuel usage charges and may also be
responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage
or rental usage beyond the completion of the repair.
Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the
Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your
dealer for details.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any
time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at
its sole discretion.
Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
General Motors and participating dealerships reserve
the right to deny a rental vehicle to anyone not
possessing a valid motor vehicle operators license in
their name, anyone who is under the influence of alcohol
or drugs, or anyone whose mental or physical abilities
are impaired so as to be unable to operate a motor
vehicle safely.
Additional Program Information
Courtesy Transportation is available during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but it is not
part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate
booklet entitled “Warranty and Owner Assistance
Information” furnished with each new vehicle provides
detailed warranty coverage information.
Warranty Information
Courtesy Transportation is available only at
participating dealerships and all program options, such
as shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer.
Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet
that contains detailed warranty information.
8-11
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REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO THE CANADIAN
GOVERNMENT
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to
notifying General Motors.
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
8-12
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REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO GENERAL MOTORS
Ordering Service and Owner
Publications in Canada
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify
us. Please call us at 1-800-PM-CARES (762-2737),
or write:
Service manuals, owner’s manuals and other service
literature are available for purchase for all current and
past model General Motors vehicles.
The toll-free telephone number for ordering information
in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 436008
Pontiac, MI 48343-6008
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
8-13
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1999 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 PONTIAC
SERVICE MANUALS
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $20.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA–MasterCard–Discover)
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ORDER TOLL FREE
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only)
1-800-551-4123
(Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST)
FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927
Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal
service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call
1-800-551-4123.Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return
information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied
against the original order.
VEHICLE MODEL
NAME
PUBLICATION FORM
PRICE
EACH*
TOTAL
PRICE
ITEM DESCRIPTION
QTY.
NUMBER
YEAR
1
9
9
9
1999
$90.00
$50.00
$20.00
$15.00
Service Manual
Car & Light Truck
Transmission Unit Repair
1999
1999
1999
Owner’s Manual In Portfolio
Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio
G
M
TOTAL MATERIAL
Check or Money
Order payable to
Helm, Inc. (USA funds
only — do not send cash.)
MasterCard
VISA
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the
name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
Mail completed order form to:
HELM, INCORPORATED P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.
Michigan Purchasers
add 6% sales tax
P
S
H
I
U.S. Order Processing
$6.00
A
Y
M
E
N
T
Canadian Postage
(See Note Below)
GRAND TOTAL
(CUSTOMER’S NAME)
(ATTENTION)
Discover
P
Account
Number:
(STREET ADDRESS—NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)
T
O
Check here if your billing address
is different from your shipping
address shown.
Expiration
Date mo/yr:
(CITY)
(STATE)
(ZIP CODE)
(
)
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE
AREA CODE
GM-PON-ORD99
*(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the
U.S. order processing.
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NOTES
✍
8-16
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Section 9 Index
Accessory Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58
Air Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
How Does it Restrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24, 2-79
Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
What Makes it Inflate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
When Should it Inflate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Air Conditioning Refrigerants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Arming the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Disarming the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Passive Arming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power Door Lock Switch Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Shock Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Alignment and Balance, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Antenna, Power Mast Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Anti-Lock
Appearance Care Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-63
Arbitration Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Audio Equipment, Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Audio Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Automatic Transmission
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . 2-38
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Park Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Running Engine While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Shifting Into PARK (P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37
Shifting Out of PARK (P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Torque Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27, 7-22
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
BBB Auto Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Before Leaving On A Long Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Blizzard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-81, 4-7
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
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Brake
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37
Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
CD Adapter Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb Replacement . . . . 6-41
Certification/Tire Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Chains, Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Check
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34
Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36
Pedal Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37
Replacing System Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-80
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Transmission Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . 2-30, 7-19
Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36
Brakes, Anti-Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Brightness Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
BTSI Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30, 7-19
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41
Front Parking/Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39
Rear Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42
Rear Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock . . . . . . . . . . 2-30, 7-19
Engine Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Parking Brake Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Restraints System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Starter Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
Tires Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Windshield Washer Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Wiper Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Check Gages Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Securing in a Rear Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-44
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-39
Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
Circuit Breakers and Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Canada, Ordering Service and Owner Publications . . . 8-14
Canadian Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Carbon Monoxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11, 2-41, 4-30, 4-36
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-56
Cassette Deck Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
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Cleaner, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18
Cleaning
Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-66
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60
Installing the Boot Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69
Lowering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-66
Raising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-71
Removing the Boot Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-70
Convex Outside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30
Heater, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
Recovery Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82
What to Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Aluminum Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60
Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Glass Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Inside of Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Interior Plastic Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Outside of Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59
Removable Roof Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Special Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56
Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Cleaning, Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Clock, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Compact Disc Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Compact Disc Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Content Theft-Deterrent System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Control
Damage, Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Damage, Sheet Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Daytime Running Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50
Dead Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Defects, Reporting Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Defogger, Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Defogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Dimensions, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-73
Dolby B Noise Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Loss Of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
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Coolant Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Door
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Coolant Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11, 2-41, 4-30
Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-69
Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Oil Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Starting Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
What Kind to Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
When to Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
Ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exhaust, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11, 2-41, 4-30
Exterior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49
Last Closed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Drive, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Driver Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Driving
City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Drunken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Freeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
In the Rain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
On Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
On Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
On Snow and Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27
Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
DRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50
Drunken Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Fabric/Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Feature Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Driver’s Door Alarm Delay/Shock Sensor Enable . . . 2-21
Entering Programming Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Exit Lighting/Delayed Illumination . . . . . . . . . . 2-19, 2-53
Last Door Closed Locking/Lockout Prevention . . . . . 2-19
Leaving Programming Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Remote Keyless Entry Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Theft-Deterrent Arming Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Theft-Deterrent Arming Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Electrical Equipment, Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20, 6-65
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10, 6-11
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18
Check Gages Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
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Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33, 2-34
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Filling Your Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Filter, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
First Gear, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
First Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32, 2-33
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Flat Tire, Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59
Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51
Folding Rear Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Foreign Countries, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Fourth Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33, 2-34
French Language Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Front Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Front Map Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53
Front Parking/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . 6-41
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Filling a Portable Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Filling Your Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Low Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-69
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-86
GAWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Gear Positions, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . 8-7
Graphic Equalizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7, 3-11
Gross Axle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Guide en Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
GVWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
Release, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-39
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Heating, Bi-Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
High-Beam Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
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Hitches, Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Hood
Key in the Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Key Lock Cylinders Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Key Release Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Keyless Entry
Checking Things Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
How to Reset the Oil Change Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26
Hydraulic Clutch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Resynchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Inflation, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Inspections
Labels
Certification/Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Service Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Tire-Loading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Lamps
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Exhaust Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Throttle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-74
Brightness Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-76
Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
Daytime Running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50
Delayed Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19, 2-53
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19, 2-53
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51
Front Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
Latches, Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Leaving Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-38
Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
Lights
Air Bag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24, 2-79
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-81, 4-7
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-80
Jack, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
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Check Gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
Hatch Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
Low Coolant Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-83
Low Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
Low Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87
Low Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82, 4-9
Oil Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-88
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
Safety Belt Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9, 2-78
Service Engine Soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-84
Service Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-88
Skip Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Traction Control System Off Warning . . . . . . . . . 2-81, 4-9
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
Loading Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Key Lock Cylinder Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Last Door Closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Lockout Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Low Coolant Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-83
Low Oil Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87
Lubricants and Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
Lubrication Service, Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Maintenance, Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Maintenance When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-84
Manual
Control, Climate System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Four-Way Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Fully Articulating Sport Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Lumbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Manual Transmission
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Five-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
Parking Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
Six-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
Skip Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Map Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Convex Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Inside Day/Night Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Manual Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Outside Manual Adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Power Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Visor Vanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58
MMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
Main, Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-73
Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
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Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Neutral, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Neutral, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33, 2-34
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Night Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-73
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Passive Arming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Pass-Key II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Persons with Disabilities, GM Mobility Program . . . . . . . 8-7
Pontiac Cares Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Power
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
Odometer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
Odometer, Trip/Oil Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Oil
Change Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-88
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
How to Reset the Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
Low Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87
Pressure Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-86
Overdrive, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . 5-9
Overheating Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Owner Publications, Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Accessory Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58
Antenna Mast Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Four-Way Lumbar Driver’s Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Option Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
Remote Control Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Six-Way Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Six-Way Seat with Lumbar/Lateral Control . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
Power Door Lock Switch Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Power, Retained Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53
Power Steering Fluid
How to Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
What to Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
When to Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Problems on the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Paint Spotting, Chemical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Park
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Parking
At Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36
Brake Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
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Radiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Radiator Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6, 3-10
Rain, Driving In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Rear
Restraints
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50
Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Top Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-40
Retained Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53
Reverse, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Reverse, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33, 2-34
Right Front Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Roadside Assistance, Canadian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Rocking Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48
Axle Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-56
Seat Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27, 7-22
Rear Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42
Rear Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43
Rearview, Inside Day/Night Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
Reclining Front Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
Recovery Tank, Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Remote
Hatch Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Keyless Entry Transmitter Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Replacement
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-73
Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . 1-50
Replacing Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Driver Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50
How to Wear Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Incorrect Usage . . . . . 1-18, 1-19, 1-20, 1-21, 1-48, 1-49
Lap-Shoulder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15, 1-29
Larger Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47
Questions and Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Rear Seat Passenger Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Reminder Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9, 2-78
Replacing After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50
Right Front Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
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Safety Belts (Continued)
Vehicle Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-88
Smaller Children and Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9, 2-78
Why They Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Safety Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Safety Defects, Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Safety Warnings and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Seatback Latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Seatback, Reclining Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seats
Work, Doing Your Own . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Service Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Shifting
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Into PARK (P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Out of PARK (P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Shock Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Signaling Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44
Sixth Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
Skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Skip Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
Sound Equipment, Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Spare Tire, Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Specifications, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
SRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Stains, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Audio Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
In Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Wheel, Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
Folding Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Four-Way Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Fully Articulating Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Manual Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Power Four-Way Lumbar, Driver’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Seat Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Securing a Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42
Six-Way Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Six-Way Power with Lumbar/Lateral Control . . . . . . . . 1-4
Second Gear, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Second Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32, 2-33
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Bulletins, Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-84
Manuals, Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Owner Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Publications, Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
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Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Cassette/Compact Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Front Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Map Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
Storage, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58
Supplemental Restraint System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Symbols, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Inflation Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Uniform Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51
Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
When It’s Time for New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50
Top Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-40
Torque Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Torque, Wheel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Towing
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Traction
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Control System Off Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 2-83, 4-9
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
Low Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82, 4-9
Trailer
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Driving on Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Driving with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Engine Cooling When Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Maintenance When Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Parking on Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Safety Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
Total Weight on Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
Tape Player Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Theft-Deterrent Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
THEFTLOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27
Third Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33, 2-34
Third Position, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Tilt Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
Time, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54
Tire Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46
Alignment and Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
Buying New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54
Changing a Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47
9-11
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Trailer (Continued)
Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Transmission Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
Transmission Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
Transmitters, Matching to Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Transmitters, Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Transportation, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Trip
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Recreational Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Ventilation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Visor
Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58
Vanity Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-79
Before Leaving On A Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
Oil Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
TTY Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Twin Lift-Off Roof Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59
Installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59
Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61
T-Top Sunshades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
Warning Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-78
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Washer Fluid, Windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Wheel
Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
Nut Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53
Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42
Windshield Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45
Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Wiper Blade Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Wiper Blades, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
Wiring, Headlamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
Wrench, Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Underbody Flushing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Underhood Electrical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-69
Vehicle
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Damage Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-73
9-12
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