If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the
trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 10% of
the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you
have
a “weight-distributing” hitch, the
trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12% 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.
Total Weight on Your
Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to
the limit for cold tires. You’ll find these
numbers on the Certification 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.
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:
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.
The bumpers on your vehicle are
not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not
attach to the bumper.
Sa#ety Chains
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. Always leave just enough slack
so
you can turn with your rig. And, never
allow safety chains to drag on the .ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to
install, adjust and maintain them properly.
And 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.
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When your vehicle is being towed, have
the ignition key off. The steering wheel
should be clamped
in a straight-ahead
position,
with a clamping device designed
for towing service.
Do not use the
vehicle’s steering column lock for this.
The transaxle should be
in NEUTRAL
(N) and the parking brake released.
The ignition key must be in the OFF
position to prevent the automatic door
locks from locking during towing.
Don’t have your vehicle towed on the
front wheels, unless you must. If the
vehicle must be towed on the front
wheels, don’t go more than
35 mph
‘56 i. km/h) or farther than 50 miles
:SO km) or your transaxle will be
ilamaged. If these limits must be
:xceeded, then the front wheels have to
,e supported on a dolly.
,I 7
F
B
tc
Y
I
1
‘owing from the
?ont-Vehicle Hook-Up
efore hooking up to a tow truck, be sur(
1 read all the information in “Towing
our Pontiac” earlier
in this section.
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type
equipment because fascia/fog light
damage will occur. Use wheel-lift
or car carrier equipment. Additional
ramping may be required for car
carrier equipment.
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Towing from the
Rear-Vehicle Hook-Up
Before hooking up to a tow truck, be sure
to read all the information
in “Towing
Your Pontiac” earlier
in this section. Also
be sure to use the proper hook-up for
your particular vehicle.
NOTE: The ignition key must be in the
OFF position to avoid the automatic door
lock from locking during tow.
Attach T-hook chains on both sides of the
underbody just ahead of the wheels.
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type
equipment or rear bumper valance
will be damaged. Use wheel-lift or
car carrier equipment (additional
ramping may be required for car
carrier equipment). Use safety chains and wheel straps.
32
NOTICE:
Towing a vehicle over rough
surfaces
could damage a vehicle.
Damage
ground or vehicle to wheel-lift’
equipment.
To help avoid damage,
install a towing dolly and raise the
vehicle
until adequate clearance is
obtained between the ground md/w
wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or
J-hooks to suspension
componxmts
when using car carrier equipment.
Always
use T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook slots.
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Service & Appearance Care
N Remote Fuel Filler
Door Release
The remote fuel filler door release can
help keep your fuel
tank from being
siphoned. Always be sure the fuel door
is
closed and latched after refueling.
To open the fuel door (on the right rear
quarter panel),
pull the fuel access handle
on the floor by the driver's seat.
rn Filling Your Tank
The cap is behind a hinged door on the
right side of your vehicle. To take
off the
cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise).
While refueling, hang the cap inside the
fuel
door.
ProCarManuals.com
Service & Appearance Care
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your
Pontiac dealer is ready to advise
if you
think something should be added.
When to Change Engine
Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles
(6 km).
It’s below freezing outside and most
trips are less than
10 miles ( 16 km).
The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as
in door-to-door delivery, or
in stop-and-go traffic).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
[f any one of these is true for your
Vrehicle, then you need to change your oil
md filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or-
3 months -- whichever comes first.
[f none of them is true, change the oil
=very 7,500 miles (12 500 km,) or
12 months -- whichever comes first.
Change the filter at the first oil change
and at every other
oil change after that.
Engine Coolant Heater
(Engine Block Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big
help if
you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (- 18OC) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” (Engine Block Heater)
in
the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
lid you know that used engine oil
:ontains certain elements that may be
Inhealthy
for your skin and could even
:awe cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your skin
md nails with soap and water, or a good
land cleaner. Wash or properly throw
lway clothing or rags containing used
mgine oil. (See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil
products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the
mvironment.
If you change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from
the filter before disposal. Don’t ever
dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash,
pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle
it by taking it to a place that
collects used
oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or
a local
recycling center for help.
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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)
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ProCarManuals.com
At Least Once a Month At Least Once a Year
WHAT TO DO I’
Tire Inflation Check tire inflation. Make sure they are
inflated to the pressures specified on the
Tire-Loading Information label located
on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See
“Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should
be done every
15 hours of tape play. See
“Audio Systems” in the Index for
further details.
I I
Lt Least Twice a Year
SERVICE I
WHAT TO DO
Hydraulic Clutch Check the fluid level in the clutch-
System Inspection 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.
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Key Lock
Cylinders
Body ‘Lubrication
WHAT TO DO
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with
the lubricant specified in Section
D.
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also
lubricate all hinges and latches,
including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, console
door and any folding seat hardware.
Section
D tells you what to use.
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Index
Adding
Brake Fluid ................. 192
Electrical Equipment
..... 107. 2 11
Engine Coolant
.......... 159. 189
Engine Oil
.................. 18 1
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid ........ 187
Power Steering Fluid
..... 190. 216
Transaxle Fluid
Automatic ........... 185. 215
Manual
.............. 187. 215
Windshield Washer Fluid
...... 191
Air Bag Readiness Light .......... 22
Air Bag (Supplemental Restraint
System - SRS) ................. 21
Air Cleaner .................... 183
Air Conditioner
................ 103
Alcohol. Driving Under the
Influence of .................. 120
Alcohol
in Gasoline ......... 17 1. 172
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...... 208
Antenna. Fixed
Mast ............ 118
Antifreeze
..................... 188
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
... 123
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light ................. 99
Appearance Care and Materials
.... 204
Ashtray and Lighter
.............. 86
Audio Systems
................. 106
AM/FM Stereo Radio ......... 108
AM/FM Stereo Radio
with
Cassette Player ............. 109
AM/FM Stereo Radio with
Cassette Player and Graphic
Equalizer
.................. 11 1
AM/FM Stereo Radio with
Compact Disc Player ........ 11 3
Care of Audio Systems
........ 11 7
Delco LOC II@
.............. 115
Radio Reception. For the Best
. . 117
Setting the Clock
............. 107
Automatic Door Locks ............ 48
Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt
(see “Safety Belts”)
Automatic Transaxle
Adding Fluid ............ 185. 215
Checking Fluid
.............. 184
Shifting
..................... 59
Starting Your Engine
........... 56
Battery .................. 148. 194
Jump Starting
........... 148. 194
Rundown Protection
........... 80
Voltmeter
.................... 97
BBB Auto Line
................ 245
Blizzard. If You’re Caught In a
.... 137
Block Heater. Engine
......... 58. 182
Blowout. Tire
.................. 16 1
Brakes
....................... 123
Adjustment ................. 193
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
. 123
Brake Pedal Travel
........... 193
Fluid
...................... 191
Master Cylinder ............. 191
Parking
..................... 66
Rear Drums
................. 192
Replacement
................ 193
Warning Light
................ 98
Wear Indicators
.............. 192
Brakes. Anti-Lock .............. 123
Brake System Warning Light
....... 98
Anti-Lock Brake System
....... 99
Standard Brakes
.............. 99
Brakenramaxle Shift Interlock
..... 69
Warning Light
................ 99
Braking
....................... 123
Braking in Emergencies
.......... 125
,‘Break-in", New Vehicle
Braking Technique .............. 123
Normal Driving ............... 54
When Towing a Trailer ........ 141
Buckling Up (see “Safety Belts”)
Bulb Replacement
Fog Lights .............. 196. 217
Headlight
............... 195. 217
Taillight
................ 196. 217
Capacities & Specifications ...... 215
Carbon Monoxide
in Exhaust . . 70. 138
Cassette Tape Player (see “Audio
Center Passenger Position ......... 27
Chains. Safety
................. 143
Chains. Tire
................... 203
Systems”) C
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