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.
153...
ProCarManuals.com
Service & Appearance Care
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and
Change
A good time to check your automatic
transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil
is changed. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance
Services” in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose
to have this
done at a Pontiac Dealership Service
Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or you could get a
false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can
damage your transaxle.
Too much
can mean that some of the fluid
could come out and fall on hot
engine parts or exhaust system,
starting a fire. Be sure
to get an
accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking
the transaxle fluid level
if you have been
driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot
weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
,e at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
Set the vehicle warmed up by driving
ibout 15 miles
(24 km) when outside
iemperatures are above
50°F (10°C). If
it’s colder than 50°F
(IOOC), you may
have to drive longer.
To Check the Fluid Level
1. Keep the engine running. Park your
vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place
the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. 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).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to
five minutes.
ProCarManuals.com
Maintenance Schedule
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Starter Switch
WHAT TO DO
1. Before you start, be sure’ you have
enough room around the vehicle.
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.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try
to start the engine in each gear. The
starter should work only
in “F’”
(Park) or “N” (Neutral). If the starter
works
in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put
the shift lever in “N” (Neutral), 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.
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Brake-Transaxle
Shift Interlock
--
BTSI (Automatic
I‘ransaxle)
WHAT TO DO
1. Before you start, be sure you have
enough room around the vehicle. It
should be parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see
“Parking Brake”
in the Index if
necessary). 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
“P” (Park) with normal
effort. If the shift lever moves out of
“P’ (Park), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.
. . .234
ProCarManuals.com
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.
235
ProCarManuals.com
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.
237
ProCarManuals.com
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
263 ...
ProCarManuals.com
Index
Tachometer .................. 92
Voltmeter
.................... 97
Garment Hook
.................. 86
Gas Station Information
...... Last Page
Gasoline
...................... 173
Gasoline Tank. Filling Your
... 174. 2 I6
Gear Positions (see “Shifting the
Gearshift Lever (see “Shifting the
Transaxle”) ................... 59
GloveBox
..................... 54
Graphic Equalizer (see “Audio
Gross Axle Weight Rating
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Transaxle”) ................... 59
Systems”) .................... 11 1
(GAWR) .................... 197
(GVWR) .................... 197
Halogen Bulbs ................ 194
Hazard Warning Flashers ......... 148
Head Restraint .................. 10
H.eadlight
& Taillight. Removing
and Replacing ............ 195. 196
High-Low Beam Changer ...... 78
Instrument Panel Intensity
Control
.................... 79
“On” Reminder
............... 77
Headlights ..................... 77
Replacement Bulb ........ 195. 2 17
Wiring ..................... 2 i4
Heater (see “Comfort Controls”)
Heater,.Engine Block
.. 1 ...... 58. 182
iigh Beams .................... 78
3ighway Hypnosis
.............. 134
dill and Mountain Roads ......... 134
Hills. Parking
on ............... 145
Hood Release .................. 175
Safety Warning .............. 176
Warning. Overheated Engine
.... 94
Horn
.......................... 71
Hot Engine. Safety Warnings
...... 156
How The Air Bag System Works .... 23
How the Anti-Lock Brake
System Works ................ 123
Hydraulic Clutch
............... 187
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
........... 187
Hydroplaning
.................. 13 1
Identification Number. Vehicle .... 2 11
Idling Your Engine ............ 67. 70
Ignition
Key
........................ 46
Key Release Button
........... 55
Positions
.................... 55
Illuminated Entry/Exit System ...... 49
Lights”) ...................... 93
Restraints”
) .................... 33
Inflation. Tires ................. 199
Inside Rearview Mirror
........... 82
Inspections. Owner
............. 232
Instrument Panel
................ 8E
Instrument Panel Warning Lights .... 91
Indicator Lights (see “Warning
Infant Restraint (see “Child
lack. Tire .................... 162
Key Release Button
............. 55
Cane Change Indicator
........... 73
‘ump Starting .................. 148
Ceyless Entry System ............ 50
Ceys .......................... 46
Lap-Shoulder Safety Belt ......... 18
Front
....................... 18
Rear
........................ 27
Use by Children
........... 29. 40
Latches. Seatback
............... 11
Lighter. Cigarette ................ 86
Charging System .............. 97
Daytime Running Lights
........ 77
Fog Lights ............... 79. 196
Headlights
................... 77
Headlights Reminder
.......... 77
Control .................... 79
Parking
..................... 77
Reading
..................... 79
Bulbs .. - ......... i .... 195. 196
Replacement Bulbs ....... 2 17. 218
Shift ..................... 65. 99
Trunk ....................... 80
Turn Signal .................. 73
Warning Lights ............... 93
Lights
Check Gages ................ 100
Instrument Panel Intensity
Removing & Replacing
ProCarManuals.com
Lights on Reminder .............. 77
Loading Your Vehicle
........... 197
Locks. Door
.................... 47
Automatic Door Lock .......... 48
Rear Door Security Locks
...... 49
Low Battery
................... 149
Low Oil Pressure Warning
...... 95. 96
Lubricants and Fluids
............ 238
Lumbar Support
.................. 9
Maintenance Record ........... 240
Maintenance Schedule
........... 223
Maintenance Services. Scheduled
. . 225
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...... 100
Manual 4-Way Adjustable Seat ...... 8
Manual Front Seat ................ 8
Manual Lumbar Support
........... 9
Manual Transaxle
Adding Fluid ............ 187. 215
Checking Fluid
.............. 186
Parking
..................... 69
Shifting
..................... 64
Starting Your Engine
........... 56
Upshift Indicator Light
......... 67
Master Cylinder. Brake .......... 191
Methanol in Gasoline ........ 171. 172
Mileage Indicator (see “Odometer
Mirrors
& Speedometer”)
Convex Outside .............. 83
Inside Manual Daymight
....... 82
Manual Remote Control
........ 83
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Power Remote Control ......... 84
Mountain Driving
............... 134
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Requirements .................. 54
Night Driving
.................. 129
Night Vision
................... 129
Octane Requirements (see “Fuel
Requirements”) ............... 17 1
Odometer
& Speedometer ......... 92
Off Road Recovery
............. 127
Oil. Engine
.................... 179
Pressure Gage ................ 96
Quality
.................... 180
Thickness .................. 180
Used Oil
................... 182
When to Change
.............. 182
Operation of Lights .............. 77
Outside Rearview Mirrors
......... 83
Overheated Engine
.............. 156
Overheated Engine Coolant Warning
Light ......................... 94
Owner Checks
& Services ........ 232
Oil Warning Light ............... 95
Parking
On Hills .................... 145
With the Engine Running
.... 68. 70
Parking Brake
................... 66
Over Things That Burn ......... 69
Park . Shifting Into ............ 60. 67
Passenger Belts (see “Safety Belts”)
Passenger Side Cup
Holder/Storage Area ............ 85
Passing
....................... 127
Polishing and Waxing (see
Power Door Locks ............... 48
Power Mirrors
.................. 84
Power Seat Controls
............... 9
Power Steering Fluid ............ 190
Power Window Lock-Out Switch ... 72
Power Windows
................. 72
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts
During ....................... 26
Problems on the Road
........... 147
Publications (see “Service
Publications”) ................ 250
Radiator Overheating
(see “Overheated Engine”) ....... 156
Radio (see “Audio Systems”)
..... 106
Reading Lights
.................. 79
Rear Door Security Locks
......... 49
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
... 30
Rear Seat. Split Fold-Down ........ 11
Rear Window Defogger
.......... 105
Rearview Mirrors ................ 82
Reclining Seatbacks
............... 9
Recommended Fluids
& Lubricants 238
Remote Fuel Filler Door
......... 174
Remote Trunk Release
............ 53
Replacement Brakes
............. 193
“Appearance Care”)
267 . .
ProCarManuals.com