
Hydraulic Clutch Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is “Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended
filled with hydraulic clutch fluid. Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
It isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won’t correct a leak. How to Check
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
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:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF ( 128 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they should.
6-22
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Brake Master Cylinder
Your brake master cylinder is here. It is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fl .uid level in
your master cylinder might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the fluid level goes back
up. The other reason is that
fluid
is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means
that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or
won’t work at all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’
your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a
leak. If you add fluid when your linings
are worn, then
you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake
linings.
You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work
is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
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What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme I1 @ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in
your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful
not
to spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care”
in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your Pontiac has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
6-29
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I
It’s all right to drive with your compact spar
though.
It was developed for use on Your vehicl
The following information relates to the system
developed by the- United
States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration which grades tires by
treadwear, traction
md temperature performance. (This
applies-only to vehicles sold in the United States-)
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are: A, B, and
C. They represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
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Temperature - A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overl'oaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger
car tires.
While the tires available as standard or optional
equipment on General Motors vehicles may vary with
respect to these grades, all such tires meet General
Motors performance standards and have been approved
for use on General Motors vehicles. All passenger type
(P Metric) tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However, if you notice unusual tire wear
or your vehicle pulling one way
or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset.
If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
ProCarManuals.com

Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you
use anything from a container to clean your
Pontiac, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Gasoline
Benzene Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous -- some more than others -- and
they can all damage your vehicle, too.
Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Alcohol
Laundry Soap
0 Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Pontiac
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth.
Your Pontiac dealer has two GM cleaners, a
solvent-type spot lifter and a foam-type powdered
cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well.
Do not use them on vinyl or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
0 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.
6-43
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I Fuse
PRNDL
F/P INJ
STOP
HAZ
CTSY
AIR BAG
- CIRCUIT PWR WDO
BREAKER
PWR ACC
BREAKER - CIRCUIT
Circuitry
Electronic PRNDL Display (Automatic Trans-
axle only)
Fuel Pump, Injectors
Stop/Hazard Lamps
Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Cigar Lighter
Sumlemental Inflatable Restraint
Fuse - ~~
INST LPS
GAUGES
HORN
ALARM
HTR-A/C
RDO
TURN
DR LK
TAIL LPS
WDO
WIPER
ERLS
DR UNLK
FTP
ACC
AIR BAG
PCM
CRUISE
HDLP
Circuitry
Interior Lamps Dimming
Gauges, Warning Lights, Rear Defog
Horns, Fog Lamps
Interior Lamps, Chime,
Auto Door Locks, Re-
mote Keyless Entry
Heater,
Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes,
Daytime Running Lamps (Canada)
Radio Power
Turn Signal Lamps
Auto Door Locks
Tail Lamps, Marker Lamps, License Lamp
Power Windows
Windshield Wipers/Washers
Engine Controls, Back-up Lamps
Auto Door Unlock (Remove to Disable)
Flash-to-pass
(U.S.)
Rear Window Defogger, Power Seats, Power
Sunroof (Circuit Breaker)
Supplemental Inflatable Restraint
Powertrain Control Module, Ignition System
Cruise Control
Headlamps (Circuit Breaker)
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7 Section 9 Index
Adding
Automatic Transaxle Fluid .................... 6-20
Brake Fluid ................................. 6-28
Electrical Equipment ............ 2- 14. 15. 3- 18. 6-5 I
Engine Coolant ......................... 5- 16. 6-24
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid ........................ 6-22
Manual Transaxle Fluid
....................... 6-2 1
Power Steering Fluid ......................... 6-26
Sound Equipment ............................ 3- I8
Windshield Washer Fluid
................. 2-38. 6-27
How Does It Restrain ......................... 1-21
Location ................................... 1-20
Readiness Light
........................ I - 19. 2-59
Servlcmg
................................... 1-23
What Makes It Inflate ......................... 1-2 I
What Will You See After It Inflates .............. 1-22
When Should
It Inflate ........................ 1-21
Aircleaner .................................... 6-17
Alignment and Balance. Tires
..................... 6-40
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-48
Engine Oil ...................... ........ 6-12
Air Bag
How It Works ............................... 1-20
..
System ..................................... 1-19
Air Conditioning ................................ 3-2
Antenna. Fixed Mast ............................ 3-19
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-22
Adding
............................... 5.16. 6.24
Checking
................................... 6-24
Anti-Lock
..................................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
......... 2.61. 4.6
Anti-Lock Brakes
............................... 4-6
Appearancecare ............................... 6-43
Appearance Care and Materials
.................... 6-50
Armrest. Storage ............................... 2-49
Ashtrays. Center Console
......................... 2-51
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-5
Auto Down Window ............ ........... 2-31
Automatic Door Locks ........... ............ 2-4
Automatic Overdrive Position
..................... 2-21
Automatic Transaxle
............................ 2-17
Automatic Overdrive Position .................. 2-21
First
(1) Position .......................... 2-20. 21
Drive
(D) Position ............................ 2-20
Neutral
(N) Position .......................... 2-19
Park (P) Position
............................. 2-18
Reverse
(R) Position .......................... 2-19
Second (2) Position
........................ 2-20. 21
Shifting
.................................... 2-17
Third
(3) Position ............................ 2-21
9-1
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