
...
dele you can learn about the many
tandard and optional features on our Pontiac. and information on
tarting. shifting and braking
. Also
!xplained are the instrument panel
nd the warning systems that tell you
’ everything is working properly ..
ind what to do if you have a problem .
Part 2
Features & Controls
Keys ..... ....................................................... 46
DoorLocks ........................................................ 47
Keyless Entry System
............................................... 50
GloveBox ........................................................ 54
Ignitionswitch
..................................................... 55
StartingYourEngine ................................................ 56
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block Heater) ............................ 58
Shifting the Automatic Transaxle ...................................... 59
Shifting the Five-Speed Manual Transaxle ............................... 64
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transaxle) ................................ 67
Windows
......................................................... 72
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ....................................... 73
CruiseControl
..................................................... 74
Lightcontrols
..................................................... 77
Battery Rundown Protection
.......................................... 80
Windshield Wipers .................................................. 81
Windshield Washer ................................................. 82
Mirrors ........................................................... 82
SunVisors ........................................................ 84
Instrumentpanel ................................................... 88
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................................... 93
ParkingBrake ...................................................... 66
45.0.
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Features & Controls
Bofh Transaxles (CONT.)
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 fuel injection system
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check
with your dealer.
If you don’t, your engine might not
perform properly.
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 Pontiac”
in the
Index.
Driving Through Deep
Standing Water
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. If you can’t
avoid deep puddles or standing
water, drive through them very
slowly.
I Engine Coolant Heater (Engine
Block Heater)
(OPTION)
[n very cold weather, 0°F (- 18°C) or
;older, the engine coolant heater can help.
You’ll get easier starting and better fuel
zconomy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be
plugged.
in a minimum of four hours prior
to starting your vehicle.
To Use the Coolant Heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
... 58
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3. Plug it into a normal, grounded
1 10-volt outlet. NOTICE:
After you’ve used the coolant
heater, be sure to store the cord as
it
was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don’t,
it
could be damaged.
L
How long should you keep the coolant
heater plugged in? The answer depends
on the weather, the kind of oil you have,
and some other things. Instead
of trying to
list everything here, we ask that you
contact
a Pontiac dealer in the area where
you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer
can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Shifting the Automatic
Transaxle
(3 or 4 Speeds)
Your Grand Am may be equipped with a
three speed automatic or a four speed
automatic transaxle. The shift lever is
located on the console between the seats.
There are six different positions for the
shift lever on the three speed automatic
and four speed automatic transaxles.
While PARK (P),
REVERSE (R) and
NEUTRAL (N) operate identically for
both transaxles, the forward gear
positions represent different geariirg and
operation. See “Forward Gears (Three
Speed)’’ or “Forward Gears
(Four Speed)”
later
in this section.
Three Speed
Park
P Park P Four Speed
Second
2 First 1
Third 3 Second 2
Overdrive D Drive D Neutral N
Neutral N Reverse
R Reverse R
59.0.
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I’
Comfort Controls & Audio Systems
w Climate Control System
With this system, you can control the
ventilation and heating
in your vehicle.
Your vehicle also has the flow-through
ventilation system described later
in this
section.
. . . 102
# : The left control knob sets the fan
speed. To select the force of air you want,
turn the knob. The fan is always running
unless the mode control is moved to
OFF.
Temperature Control: The center
control regulates the temperature of the
air coming through the system.
Mode Control: The right control knob
:hanges the functions of your system.
’(rr (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny
days. This setting brings
in the outside ai
but directs it
in two ways. The cool air is
directed to the upper portion
of your bod
through the instrument panel outlets, but
slightly warmer air is directed through th
heater ducts and defroster vents. At time:
this temperature difference may be more
apparent than others.
(rr (Vent): Use when outside
temperatures are mild, and little heating
or cooling
is needed. Air flow is through
the instrument panel outlets. Set the
center control knob to the temperature
desired.
A.
A.
p(rr (Heater): This setting directs air
ihrough the heater ducts toward your feet
and the floor, and some through the
windshield defroster vents.
[f you have the optional engine coolant
heater (engine block heater) and use it
during cold weather,
0°F (- 18 “C) or
lower, your heating system
will more
quickly provide heat because the engine
coolant is already warm.ed. See “Engine
Coolant Heater (Engine
Block Heater)’’
in the Index.
%?a FrJ (Blend): This setting divides air flow
equally between the heater ducts and the
windshield defroster vents.
(Defrost): This setting directs most
air through the windshield defroster vents,
and some through the heater ducts.
Defogging Windows
To defog the windshield, turn all three
control knobs to the far right.
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Air Conditioning
System (OPTION)
The air conditioner and heater work best
if you keep your windaws closed while
using them. Your vehicle also has the
flow-through ventilation system
described later
in this section.
% : The left control knob sets the fan
speed. To select the force of air you want,
turn the knob. The fan is always running
unless the mode control is moved to
OFF.
Temperature Control: The center
control regulates the temperature of the
air coming through the system.
Mode Control: The right knob changes
the functions of your system.
A.ir Conditioning
Your system has three air conditioner
settings. Before using your air conditioner
on
very hot days, open the windows long
enough to let hot inside air escape. This
reduces the amount of work your air
conditioner’s compressor will have to do,
which should help fuel economy.
MAX: Use for maximum cooling. This
setting recirculates much of the air inside
your vehicle
SO it maximizes your air
conditioner’s performance and your
vehicle’s fuel economy. The air
is directed
out through the instrument panel vents.
A/C: Use for normal cooling on hot days.
This setting cools outside air and directs
it
through the instrument panel outlets.
he
lH (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny
days. This setting brings
in the outside air,
but directs
it in two ways. The cool air is
directed to the upper portion of your body
through the instrument panel outlets, but
slightly warmer air is directed through the
heater ducts and defroster vents. At times
this temperature difference may be more
apparent than others.
The air conditioner compressor operates
in five air conditioning positions when the
outside temperature is higher than about
40°F (4.5”C).
The five positions for air conditioniqg are
MAX (Maximum), NORM (Normal.), B/L
(Bi-Level), ;j’ VENT and
%@ (Defrost). .. ._.
1. . ;>. w >%:
Ventilation
Use when outside temperatures are mild,
and little heating or cooling
is needed.
Turn the right knob toH (Vent). Air
flow is directed through the instrument
panel outlets. Set the center knob to the
temperature desired.
i.
IOS...
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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems
I Heating
Turning the right control knob to
(Heater) and the center control knob
clockwise
will send heated air through the
heater ducts toward your feet and the
floor, and some through the defroster
vents.
I ;j’ (Vent) and wo (Heater) are
economical positions because the air
conditioner compressor doesn’t
run in
these two settings. This reduces engine
load, resulting
in improved fuel economy.
If either setting fails to keep you
comfortable, or causes your windows to
fog up, turn
the right control knob to one
of the air conditioning positions, or to
%-$ (Defrost).
If you have the optional engine coolant
heater (engine block heater) and use
it
during cold weather, 0” F (- 18 O C) or
lower, your heating system
will more
quickly provide heat because the engine
coolant is already warmed. See “Engine
Coolant Heater” (Engine Block Heater)
the Index.
%?a pjd (Blend): This setting,divides air flow
Zqually between the heater ducts and the
windshield defroster vents.
Defrosting
Thew (Defrost) setting directs most air
through the defroster vents, and some
through the heater ducts.
Defogging Windows with
Air Conditioning System
To defog the windshield, turn all three
control knobs to the far right.
To defog the side windows, turn the right
control knob to pi (Bi-Level) and the
fan control knob to HIGH. Aim the side
vents toward the side windows. For
increased air flow to the side vents, close
the center vents.
A0
. . . IO4
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1
1
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a
f
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0
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('
C
0
tl
'OPTION)
The rear window defogger uses a
varming grid to remove fog from the rear
vindow. Press the defogger switch. The
ndicator light
will glow. If your vehicle is
raveling under
45 mph (70 km/h), the
ear window defogger will turn off
utomatically after about
10 minutes of
lse. If
you press the switch again after the
irst cycle is over, the defogger
will come
In for additional 5 minutes each time. If
'our vehicle is traveling over
45 mph
70 km/h), the defogger will operate
ontinuously.
You can turn the defogger
iff by turning off the ignition or pressing
?e switch again.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle licenst
across the defogger grid on the rear
window.
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.
Flow-Through Ventilation
System
Your Pontiac's flow-through ventilation
system supplies outside air into the
vehicle when
it is moving. Outside air
will also enter the vehicle when the heater
or the air conditioning fan is running.
105...
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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems
:/ow-Through Ventilation
;ystem
(CONK)
entilation 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, reducin
the chance of fogging the inside of
your windows.
When you enter a vehicle in cold
weather,
turn the fan control knob to
HIGH 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.
Audio Systems
The following pages describe the audio
systems available for your Pontiac, and
how to get the best performance from
them. Please read about the system
in
your vehicle.
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