
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
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.
Service & Appearance Care
What Kind of Oil to Use
3eginning midyear 1993, oils of the
)roper quality for your vehicle will be
dentified with this new “starburst”
;ymbol. The “starburst” symbol indicates
hat the
oil has been certified by the
imerican Petroleum Institute
(API), and
s preferred for use in your gasoline
‘ngine.
(ou should look for this on the front of
he oil container, and use only oils that
lisplay this new symbol.
(ou should also use the proper viscosity
Iil for your vehicle, as shown in the
ollowing chart:
I 80
Recommended SAE Viscosity
Grade Engine Oils
For best fuel economy and cold starting,
select the lowest
SAE viscosity grade oil
for the expected temperature range.
HOT
WEATHER
LOOK FOR
ONE OF THESE
LABELS
SAE 5W-30 PREFERRED
COLD
WEATHER
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE low-30
GRADE
OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30
GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE
40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANOTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED.
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
4s shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
or your vehicle. However,
you can use
;AE 1OW-30 if it’s going to be 0°F
- 18 “C) or above. These numbers on an
)il container show its viscosity, or
hickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils,
uch as
SAE low-40 or SAE 20W-50.
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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.
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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.
... 188
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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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Index
Changing a Flat Tire ............. 162
“Check Gauges” Light
........... 100
Check Oil Light ................. 96
Engine Coolant .............. 188
Engine Oil Level
............. 179
Hydraulic Clutch
............. 187
Power Steering Fluid
......... 190
Safety Belt Systems
........... 42
Automatic ............... 184
Manual
.................. 186
Checking Things Under the Hood
. . 175
Checks
& Services. Owner ....... 232
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......... 209
Child Restraints
................. 33
Children and Safety Belts
......... 32
Circuit Breakers & Fuses ......... 2 12
Charging System Warning Light .... 97
Checking
Brake Fluid ................. 191
Transaxle Fluid
Cigarette Lighter ................ 86
City Driving
................... 132
Cleaner. Air
................... 183
Aluminum Wheels ........... 208
Antenna
.................... 1 18
Cassette Player and Tapes ...... 117
Compact Discs
.............. 11 8
Finish Damage .............. 209
Foreign Material
............. 209
Cleaning
Fabric ..................... 205
Glass ...................... 207
Inside of Your Pontiac ........ 204
Leather and Vinyl
............. 206
Outside of Your Pontiac
....... 208
Safety Belts
................. 207
Sheet Metal Damage
.......... 209
Special Problems
............ 206
Top of the Instrument Panel
.... 206
Underbody Maintenance
....... 209
Using Solvent Type Cleaner
.... 205
Warnings
........... 204.205. 207
Weatherstrips
............... 209
White Sidewall Tires
.......... 208
Windshield and Wiper Blades
... 207
Climate Control System .......... 102
Clock. Setting the
............... 107
Adding Fluid ................ 187
Checking Fluid
.............. 187
Coin Holder
.................... 86
Comfort Controls
............... 101
Air Conditioning System
...... 103
Climate Control System
....... 102
Defrosting
.................. 104
Heater
..................... 102
Ventilation
.................. 103
Clutch. Hydraulic
Compact Disc Player (see “Audio
Systems”)
Compact Spare Tire ............. 167
Control of a Vehicle
............. 122
Controlled-Cycle Windshield
Wipers ....................... 81
Convex Outside Mirror
........... 83
Coolant ....................... 188
Low Coolant Warning Light
..... 94
Safety Warnings. About
... 188. 189
Temperature Warning Light
..... 94
Thermostat ................. 190
Corrosion Protection
............ 209
Cruise Control
.................. 74
Cup Holders
.................... 85
Curves. Driving on
.............. 125
Checking & Adding .......... 188
Proper Mixture to Use
........ 188
Temperature Gage
............. 94
Customer Assistance Information . . 243
Daytime Running Lights ......... 77
Dead Battery: What to Do ........ 148
Defects. Safety. Reporting (see
“Safety Defects”)
Defensive Driving .............. 120
Defogger. Rear Window
......... 105
Defogging Your Windows
........ 102
Door Locks
..................... 47
Door. Remote Fuel Filler
......... 174
Downshifting
................ 62. 66
Driver Position .................. 17
Driving
At Night ................... 129
City
....................... 132
Controlling a Skid
............ 128
Defensive
.................. 120
Drunken
................... 120
Freeway
..................... 132
. 264
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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
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