1994 PONTIAC GRAND-AM check engine

I Service & Appearance Care
Manual Transaxle
Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when
the engine
oil is changed. However, the
tluid
in your manual transaxle doesn't
require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little
diftlcult,
you may choose to have this done
at a Pontiac Dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow a11
the instructions here, or you could get a
false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little tluid can
darnage
your transaxle. Too much
can mean that some
of the tluid
could come out and fall
011 hot
engine parts or exhaust system,
starting a fire. Be sure
to get an
accurate reading
if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Check the tluid level only when your
engine IS off. the vehicle is parked on a
level place and the transaxle is
cool
enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transaxle case.
I
hen, Follow These Steps:
I Flip the handle up and the.n pull out
the dipstick and clean it with a rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way and remove
It.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick and
read the lower level. The fluid level
must be between the
ADD and FULL
marks. (Note: Fluid may appear at the
bottom
of the dipstick even when the
tluid level is several pints low.)
4. If the tluid level is where it should be,
push the dipstick back in all the way
and flip the handle down. If the fluid
level is low. add more fluid as
described
in the next steps.
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Service & Appearance Care
How to Check:
The proper fluid should be added if the
level is at or below the STEP mark on the
reservoir cap. See the instructions on the
reservoir cap.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant when
it is
low.
If you have a problem with engine
overheating, see “Engine Overheating”
in
the Index,
The proper coolant for your Pontiac will:
Give freezing protection down to
-34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 262°F
( 128 “C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they
should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets “GM Specification
1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825-M
with a complete coolant flush and refill. If
you use this mixture, you don’t need to
add anything else. NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix,
your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost
wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Too much water
in the
mix can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core and other parts.
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Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant:
When your engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at the
FULL COLD
mark, or a little higher.
To Add Coolant:
If you need more coolant, add the proper
mix at the surge tank, but only when the
engine
is cool.
‘hen replacing the pressure cap, make
Ire
it is tight.
C
189...
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Service & Appearance Care
V
P
I
E
b
S’
C
C.
P
A
I Surge Tank Pressure
Cap
NOTICE:
Your pressure 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.
irhen you replace your surge tank
ressure cap, a GM cap is recommended.
I Thermostat
lngine coolant temperature is controlled
y a thermostat in the engine coolant
ystem. The thermostat stops the flow
of
oolant through the radiator until the
oolant reaches a preset temperature.
Jhen you replace your thermostat, an
.C@ thermostat is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
How To Check Power
Steering Fluid
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.
0
0
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should be at the HOT
(H)
mark.
When the engine compartment is cool,
the level should be at the
COLD (C)
mark.
1
I
1
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
jetermine what kind
of fluid to use. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in
the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid
or making a complete fluid change,
always use the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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I
ENGINE / CODE 1994 MODEL YEAR PLANT
’ ASSEMBLY
I Vehicle Identification
Number
(VIN)
I’ Add-on Electrical
Equipment
NOTICE:
I
’his is the legal identifier for your
’ontiac. It appears on a plate in
the front
orner of the instrument panel,
on the
.river’s side. You can see it if you look
hrough the windshield from outside your ehicle. The VIN also appears on the
rehicle Certification and Service Parts
ibels and the certificates of title and
:gistration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the
:ngine code. This code will help you
dentify your engine, specifications, and
eplacement parts.
Service Parts
Identijiication Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire
cover. It’s very helpful
if you ever need to
order parts. On this label is:
0 your VIN,
0 the model designation,
0 paint information, and
a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed
from the vehicle.
Don’t add anything electrical to
your Pontiac unless you check with
your dealer first. Some electrical
equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be
covered by your warranty. Some
add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from
working as they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to your Pontiac, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the
Index.
211 ...
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Maintenance Schedule
Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Following are explanations of the services listed in Schedule I
and Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Section 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.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and code, see
“Engine Identification”
in the Index.
1.
2.
Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SH or SG
Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity. The “SH” or
“SG” designation may be shown alone or in combination
with others, such as “SH/CD,” “SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,”
etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine
Oil”
in the Index.
Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate suspension and steering
linkage. Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage, underbody
contact points and linkage.
3.
4.
5.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For proper
wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires following the
instructions
in this manual. See “Tires, Inspection &
Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires for uneven wear or
damage. If you see irregular or premature wear, check the
wheel alignment, Check for damaged wheels also.
Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection -- Inspect the
belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension. Replace
as needed. (Belts can have many small cracks
in individual
ribs without affecting performance.)
Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill the
system with new or approved recycled coolant conforming
to
GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant at the proper
mixture as specified. See “Coolant”
in the Index. This
provides proper freeze and boil protection, corrosion
inhibitor level and maintains proper engine operating
temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked, swollen or
deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose clamps. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Wash
the pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a pressure
test of both the cooling system and the pressure cap.
. . 230
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6. Transaxle Service -- For manual transaxles, fluid doesn’t
require changing. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.”
For automatic transaxles, 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.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service.
If you -do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles ( 166 000 km).
7. Spark Plug Replacement* -- Replace spark plugs with
the proper type. See “Replacement Parts” in the Index.
8. Spark Plug Wire Inspection (3.1L Code M engine
only)*?
-- Inspect for burns, cracks or other damage.
Check
the boot fit at the coils and at the spark plugs.
Replace wires as needed.
9. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* -- Replace every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or more often under dusty
conditions.
Ask your dealer for the proper replacement
intervals for your driving conditions.
1 O.Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection”? -- Inspect fuel
tank, cap and
lines (including fuel rails and injection
assembly) for damage or leaks. Inspect
fuel cap gasket for
an even filler neck imprint or any damage. Replace parts as
needed. Periodic replacement of the fuel filter is
not
required.
* An Emission Control Service.
3- 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 vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record”.
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Maintenance Schedule
Section B: Owner Checks and
Services
Listed below 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.
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 Section
D.
At Each Fuel Fill (It is important for you or
a service station attendant to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel fill.)
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Engine Oil Level
Engine Coolant
Level
Windshield
Washer Fluid
Level
WHAT TO DO
Check the engine oil level and add the
proper oil
if necessary. See “Engine
Oil”
in the Index for further details.
Check the engine coolant level and add
the proper coolant mix if necessary. See
“Coolant” in the Index for further
details.
Check the windshield washer fluid
level in the windshield washer tank and
add the proper fluid
if necessary. See
“Windshield Washer Fluid” in the
Index for further details.
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