
Features & Controls 
Oil  Warning  Light (CONT.) 
on with the ignition on, you  may  have 
a problem  with the fuse  or bulb.  Have 
it fixed right  away. 
0 Sometimes  when the  engine  is idling 
at  a stop,  the light  may blink 
on and 
off. This  is normal. 
0 If  you  make a hard  stop; the  light  may 
come 
on for  a moment. This  is  normal. 
NOTICE: 
Damage to your engine  from 
neglected oil problems can  be costly 
and  is 
not covered  by your  warranty. 
?heck Oil  Light 
’his light should come on briefly  when 
‘ou  turn  your ignition  key to 
RUN. It alsi 
omes 
on and stays on when  the oil level 
n your vehicle is low. If this happens, 
ark  your  vehicle 
in a level place, check 
our oil level  and bring  the engine oil  up 
its proper level.  See “Engine Oil” in th 
Idex. 
ENQINE 
SOON 
Oil  Pressure Gage 
The  oil pressure  gage  shows  the  engine 
oil  pressure 
in psi  (pounds  per  square 
inch)  when  the  engine is  running. 
Canadian  vehicles indicate  pressure  in 
kPa.  Oil  pressure  may  vary  with  engine 
speed, outside  temperature  and  oil 
viscosity,  but  readings  above the  red 
warning  zone indicate  the  normal 
operating  range. 
... 96 
ProCarManuals.com 

A reading in the  red  zone  may  be caused 
by  a dangerously  low  oil  level  or  other 
problem  causing  low  oil  pressure.  Have 
your  vehicle  serviced  immediately. 
NOTICE: 
Damage  to  your  engine  from 
neglected  oil  problems  can  be  costly 
and  is  not  covered 
by your  warranty. 
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3harging  System  Light 
'he  charging  system  light will come on 
riefly  when  you  turn  on 
the ignition,  but 
le  engine  is  not running, as  a check  to 
low  you 
it is working.  Then it should  gc 
ut. If it stays on  when  your  engine is 
Inning,  or  comes on  while  you  are 
riving,  you  may  have  a problem 
with thc 
lectrical  charging system. It  could 
tdicate  that  you  have  a loose generator 
rive  belt  or  another electrical  problem. 
ave 
it checked  right  away.  Driving  whih 
lis  light  is  on  could  drain  your  battery. 
'you  must  drive  a short distance  with thc 
ght on,  be certain to turn off all your 
xessories,  such as the  radio  and air 
mditioner. 
Voltmeter (OPTION) 
When your  engine  is  not running, this 
gage  shows  the  condition 
of your 
charging system. 
When  your  engine is  not running,  but the 
ignition  is  on  (in  the Run position), the 
gage  shows  your  battery's  state 
of charge 
in DC volts.  Readings between the red 
warning  zones  indicate  the normal 
operating  range. 
Readings  in  either red warning zone 
indicate  a possible  problem  in  the 
electrical  system.  Have your vehicle 
serviced  immediately. 
970.. 
ProCarManuals.com 

At the  entrance  there is usually  a  ramp 
that  leads  to  the  freeway.  If you  have  a 
clear  view  of the  freeway  as you  drive 
along 
the entrance  ramp,  you  should 
begin  to check  traffic.  Try  to determine 
where  you  expect 
to blend  with  the  flow. 
Try  to  merge  into  the  gap at close 
to the 
prevailing  speed.  Switch  on  your  turn  signal,  check  your  mirrors  and  glance 
over  your  shoulder  as  often  as necessary. 
Try  to  blend  smoothly  with  the  traffic 
flow. 
Once  you  are on  the  freeway,  adjust  your 
speed  to  the  posted  limit  or to the 
prevailing  rate  if  it’s  slower.  Stay  in  the 
right  lane  unless  you  want  to pass. 
Before  changing  lanes,  check  your 
mirrors.  Then  use  your  turn  signal. 
Just  before  you  leave  the  lane,  glance 
quickly  over  your  shoulder  to make  sure 
there  isn’t  another  vehicle  in  your  “blind” 
spot. 
Once  you  are  moving on the  freeway, 
make  certain  you  allow  a  reasonable  following  distance.  Expect  to move 
slightly  slower  at  night. 
When  you  want  to leave  the  freeway, 
move  to the  proper  lane  well 
in advance. 
If you-miss  your exit do  not;  under  any 
circumstances, stop  and  back 
up. Drive  on 
to the  next exit. 
The exit ramp  can  be curved, sometimes 
quite  sharply. 
The exit  speed is usually  posted. 
Reduce  your  speed  according to  your 
speedometer,  not to your  sense  of  motion. 
After  driving for any distance  at higher 
speeds,  you  may  tend  to think  you are 
going  slower than you actually are. 
Before Leaving  on a 
Long  Trip 
Make  sure you’re  ready.  Try  to be  well 
rested.  If 
you must  start when  you’re  not 
fresh 
-- such as after  a day’s work -- 
don’t  plan to make too many  miles  that 
first  part  of  the journey.  Wear comfortable 
clothing  and shoes  you can easily drive 
in. 
Is  your  vehicle  ready for a long trip?  If 
you  keep it serviced and maintained,  it’s 
ready  to go.  If it needs service,  have it 
done before starting out.  .Of course, you’ll 
find experienced and  able service experts 
in Pontiac dealerships  all across North 
America.  They’ll be ready and willing  to 
help  if you need  it. 
Here are some  things  you can check 
before  a  trip: 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Windshield  Washer  Fluid: Is the 
reservoir full?  Are all windows clean 
inside and outside? 
Wiper  Blades:  Are  they in good 
shape? 
Fuel, Engine  Oil. Other  Fluids:  Have 
you  checked all levels? 
Lights:’ 
Are they  all working? Are the 
lenses clean? 
Tires:  They are vitally  important to a 
safe, trouble-free  trip. Is the tread 
good  enough for long-distance 
driving? 
Are the tires all inflated  to 
the recommended pressure? 
Weather  Forecasts:  What’s  the 
weather  outlook along your route? 
Should you delay  your trip a short 
time  to avoid  a  major  storm system? 
Maps: Do you  have  up-to-date  maps? 
133... 
ProCarManuals.com 

Here are some  cleaning  tips: 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Always  read  the  instructions on the 
cleaner  label. 
Clean  up stains  as soon  as  you  can 
-- 
before  they  set. 
Use  a clean  cloth  or  sponge,  and 
change  to  a clean  area  often.  A soft 
brush  may  be  used  if  stains are 
stubborn. 
Use  solvent-type  cleaners  in a 
well-ventilated  area  only.  If  you use 
them,  don’t saturate  the  stained  area. 
If a ring  forms  after spot  cleaning, 
clean  the  entire area  immediately  or 
it 
will  set. 
Using  Foam-Type  Cleaner 
on  Fabric 
0 Vacuum  and  brush  the  area  to  remove 
any loose  dirt. 
0 Always  clean a whole  trim  panel  or 
section.  Mask  surrounding  trim  along 
stitch  or  welt  lines. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Mix  Multi-Purpose  Powdered Cleaner 
following  .the directions  on the 
container label. 
Use  suds  only and apply  with a clean 
sponge. 
Don’t  saturate  the material. 
Don’t  rub 
it roughly. 
As soon as you’ve  cleaned  the section, 
use a sponge to remove the suds. 
Rinse 
the section with a  clean,  wet 
sponge. 
Wipe  off  what’s left  with  a slightly 
damp  paper  towel 
or cloth. 
Then  dry  it  immediately  with a blow 
dryer  or 
a heat lamp. 
NOTICE: 
Be careful  with a hair  dryer  or  heat 
lamp.  You could scorch  the fabric.  ~ 
0 Wipe with a 
clean cloth. 
Using  Solvent-Type 
Cleaner  on  Fabric 
First, see  if  you  have  to use  solvent-type 
cleaner  at all.  Some  spots and stains  will 
clean  off  better 
with just water  and mild 
soap. 
If  you  need  to use  a solvent: 
0 
0 
Gently scrape excess soil  from the 
trim  material  with  a clean, dull knife 
or  scraper.  Use  very  little cleaner, light 
pressure and  clean cloths (preferably 
cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at 
the  outside 
of the stain, “feathering” 
toward  the  center.  Keep changing to  a 
clean  section  of  the cloth. 
When  you  clean a stain  from  fabric, 
immediately  dry  the area with  an  air 
hose,  hair  dryer,  or  heat  lamp to help 
prevent  a cleaning ring.  (See the 
previous  NOTICE.) 
205 . 
ProCarManuals.com 

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 
ProCarManuals.com 

Highway  Hypnosis ........... 134 
.Hill and  Mountain ............ 134 
In  a Foreign  Country 
.......... 172 
In  the  Rain 
.................. 13C 
Logg  Distance ............... 132 
Loss  of Control 
.............. 128 
On  Curves 
.................. 125 
Passing 
.................... 127 
Skidding 
................... 128 
Through  Deep  Standing  Water 
... 58 
Winter  Driving .............. 136 
With  a Trailer 
............... 144 
Driving.on  Snow or Ice .......... 136 
Drunken  Driving 
............... 120 
Easy-Entry  Seat ................ 11 
Electrical  Equipment.  Adding 
. 107.  2 1 1 
Emergencies.  Braking .. .. ........ 125 
Emergencies  on  the  Road 
......... 147 
Emergencies.  Steering 
in ......... 126 
Emergency  Starting 
.. i .......... 148 
Emergency  Towing 
............. 152 
Engine  Coolant  Heater  (Engine  Block  Heater) 
....... : ..... 58. 182 
Engine  Coolant  Temperature 
Warning  Light ................. 94 
Engine  Identification 
............ 2  11 
Engine  Oil 
.................... 179 
Additives ................... 182 
Checking 
& Adding .......... 179 
Disposing  of Used  Oil 
........ 182 
Engine  Coolant  (see “Coolant”) .... 188 
Energy  Conserving ........... 18 I 
Filter .................. 182.  22C 
Kind  of Oil  to Use 
............ 18C 
Pressure- Gage ................ 9f 
Warning  Light 
................ 95 
When  to Change ............. 182 
Engine Overheating ............. 156 
Engine Specifications 
............ 2  19 
Engine.  Starting 
................. 56 
Automatic  Transaxle ........... 56 
Manual Transaxle ............. 56 
2.3L  Quad  4 Engine 
........... 56 
3.lL V6 Engine ............... 57 
Ethanol in Gasoline ......... 17 1. 172 
Exhaust 
Dangerous  Gas in 
......... 70.  138 
Pirking  with the Engine 
Running ................ 67. 69 
Expectant  Mothers.  Use  of Safety 
Belts ......................... 26 
Expressway  Driving 
............. 132 
Extender.  Safety Belt 
............. 42 
Exterior  Appearance  (see “Appearance 
Care”) ....................... 204 
Fabric  Cleaning (see “Appearance 
Care”) ...................... 204 
Filling  the Fuel  Tank 
........ 174.  2 16 
Filter.  Oil 
................ 182.  220 
Finish  Damage 
................. 209 
Flashers.  Hazard  Warning 
........ 148 
Flat  Tire 
...................... 161 
Flooded  Engine ................. 57 
Flow-Through  Ventilation System . . 105 
Fluid 
‘Brake ...................... 192 
Capacities 
.................. 215 
Hydraulic  Clutch 
............. 187 
Power Steering 
.......... 190. 216 
Transaxle 
Automatic ........... 184.  215 
Manual 
.............. 186.  215 
Windshield  Washer 
........... 191 
Fluids 
& Lubricants ............. 238 
Fog Lights 
................. 79.  196 
Freeway  Driving 
............... 132 
French  Language  Manual 
.......... 2 
Fuel 
......................... 171 
Alcohol 
in Fuel .......... 17 1. 172 
Capacity 
................... 216 
Exhaust  Warnings 
......... ..70. 138 
Filling  Your  Tank 
......... 1 .. 174 
Fuels 
with Alcohol ....... !7 1. 172 
Gage 
........................ 93 
In  Foreign Countries .......... 173 
Remote  Fuel  Filler  Door 
........ 53 
Requirements 
............... 171 
Fuse  Usage  Chart ............... 213 
Fuses 
& Circuit  Breakers ......... 212 
Gages 
Coolant  Temperature .......... 94 
Fuel ........................ 93 
Oil Pressure .................. 96 
265 
E 
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 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
1 
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