1994 PONTIAC GRAND-AM brakes

1 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.
On a long uphill grade, use the highest
gear possible. If you cannot maintain
posted speeds, driving at a lower speed
may help avoid overheating your engine
and transaxle.
If you have a manual transaxle with fifth
gear, it’s better not to use fifth gear. Just
drive
in fourth gear (or, as you need to, a
lower gear).
Parking on Hills
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.
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 transaxle.
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 transaxle.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking
on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold
the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
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.
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NOTICE:
1 Windshield Washer
Fluid
To Add:
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID
ONLY. Add washer fluid until the bottle
is full.
a
e
a
a
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
3/4 full when it’s very
cold. This allows for
expansion, which could
damage the tank if
it is
completely
full.
Don’t use radiator antifreeze
in your windshield washer. It
can damage your washer
system and paint.
Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here; It is
filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level
in your master cylinder might
go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during
normal 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
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Service & Appearance Care
Brake Master Cylinder
(CONT.)
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.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level.
your brake warning light wil1,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 -- such as Delco
Supreme
11 @ (GM Part No. 1052535).
Use new brake fluid from a sealed
:ontainer only, and always clean the brak
fluid reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
e
0
Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind
of fluid. For
example, just a few drops
of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in your brake
system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that
they’ll have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage
paint,
so be careful not to
spill brake fluid on your
vehicle. If you
do, wash it off
immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the
Index.
3rake Wear
‘our Pontiac has front disc brakes and
ear drum brakes.
Xsc brake pads have built-in wear
ndicators that make a high-pitched
varning sound when the brake pads are
vorn and new pads are needed. The
ound may come and
go or be heard all
he time your vehicle is moving (except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal
irmly).
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NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result
in costly
brake repair.
_r
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.
Your rear drum brakes don't have wear
indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear
brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake
linings inspected.
Also, the rear brake
drums should be removed and inspected
each time the tires are removed for
rotation or changing. When you have the
front brakes replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete axle sets,
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
( 1600 km), so your brakes will adjust
properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther
than normal, your rear drum brakes may
need adjustment. Adjust them by backing
up and firmly applying the brakes a few
times.
Replacing Brake System
Parts
The braking system on a modern 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.
Vehicles we design and test have
top-quality
GM brake parts in them, as
your Pontiac does when
it is new. 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
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer 'work
properly. For example, if someon? 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.
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IC
Fuse Usage
Fuse
PRNDL
F/P INJ
STOP HAZ
CTSY
AIR BAG
INST
LPS
GAUGES HORN
ALARM
HTR-A/C
RDO
TURN
DR LK
TAIL LPS
WDO WIPER
ERLS DR UNLK
FTP
ACC
AIR BAG
IGN ECM
HDLP
Rating
(AMP. )
5
20
20
15
3
5
10
15
15
25
10
20
20
20
30
25
15
10
20,
30
15
20
20
Circuitry
Electronic PRNDL Display
Fuel Pump, Injectors
Stop/Hazard Lamps
Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Cigar Lighter
Supplemental Restraint System
Interior Lights Dimming
Gauges, Warning Lights, Rear Defog
Horns
Interior Lights, Chime, Auto Door Locks, Remote Keyless Entry Heater, Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes, Daytime
Running Lights (Canada)
Radio Power, Cruise Control
Turn Signal Lamps
Auto Door Locks
Tail Lamps, Marker Lamps, License Lamp, Fog Lamps
Power Windows (Circuit Breaker)
Windshield Wipers/Washers
Engine Controls, Back-up Lamps
Automatic Door Unlock (Remove
To Disable)
Flash-to-pass
(U.S.)
Rear Window Defogger, Power Seats, Antenna
(Circuit Breaker)
Supplemental Restraint System
ECM, Ignition System
Headlamps (Circuit Breaker)
1
213 b
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CHECK OR
SERVICE
Steering Column
Lock
WHAT TO DO
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to
turn the key to “LOCK”
in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the
key should turn to “LOCK” only
when
the shift lever is in “P’ (Park).
With a manual transaxle, the key
should turn to “LOCK” only when
the shift lever is in “R” (Reverse).
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 with the key button
depressed.
On all vehicles, the key
should come out only
in “LOCK.”
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Parking Brake and
Automatic
Transaxle
T“
(Park) Mechanism
Check
WHAT TO DO
cAuyoN:when, y.ou~are~~~doing.,~his’
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.,:
Re ready to apply the regular brake
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot
on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the
engine running and transaxle in “N”
(Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the “P’ (Park) mechanism’s
holding ability: Shift to
“P” (Park).
Then release all brakes.
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INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
Manual Transaxle
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the throttle linkage for
interference or binding, and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace
parts as needed.
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if
needed. See “Manual Transaxle” in the
Index.
A fluid loss may indicate a
problem. Check the system and repair if
needed.
INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Brake System
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for
wear and rotors for surface condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake
parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The parking brake is self-adjusting and
no manual adjustment is required. You
may need to have your brakes inspected
more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
NOTE: A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may need to serviced. Also, if the brake
system warning light stays
on or comes
on, something may be wrong with the
brake system. See “Brake System
Warning Light”
in the Index. If your
anti-lock brake system warning light
stays
on, comes on or flashes, something
may be wrong with the anti-lock brake
system. See “Anti-Lock Brake system
Warning Light” in
the Index.
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1994 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publications Order Form
in this book and mailing it with your check, money order or credit card information to Helm, lncorporated (address listed below).
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM
PRODUCT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS
Product Service Publications (PSP’s), are bulletins, letters \
and articles
published for trained dealer service personnel. See Service Publica-
tions listed previously in this section.
A cumulative index is published quarterly during the current model
year. The indexes list all PSP’s published by Pontiac in the model year.
PSP Index
Year Form Number Price
1994 PSPI-94-P ........................ . . Free
1993 PSPI-93-P
.......................... Free
1992 PSPI-92-P
.......................... Free
1991 PSPI-91-P
............................... Free
PSP Bound Bulletin Book (Complete Year Bulletins)
Year Description Form Number Price
1992 All PSP’S .................... S-92-PSP-4 15.00
1991 All PSP’S .................... S-91-PSP-4 15.00
For subscription information call Helm, lncorporated.
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis, repair and overhaul information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steer-
ing, body, etc.
Model Form Number Price
1994 Pontiac Grand Am
............. S-9410-N TBA*
NOTE: Please specify special body or engine types on order form.
Write information in the Form Number column. For example: Turbo,
Convertible.
*Price to be announced at a later date. Call 1-800-782-4356 for further information.
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for owners and intended
to pro-
vide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner’s
Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
1994 Pontiac Grand Am Owner’s Manual
In Portfolio: lncludes
Porffolio, Owner‘s Manual and Warranty Booklet.
1994 Pontiac Grand Am In-Portfolio
........ .10260946 $15.00
Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual.
1994 Pontiac Grand Am Without Portfolio
... .lo260961 $10.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past model Pontiac
vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model
name
of vehicle.
Address all inquiries to: HELM, INCORPORATED
PO. Box 07130 ~~ ~
Detroit, MI 48207
For
information and inquiriescall: 1-800-782-4356
253..
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