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Glove Box
P’ !
, :.. 3-
Use one of the vehicle’s keys to lock and unlock the
glove box.
To open, pull the glove box handle toward
you.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Pontiac has a number
of theft deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can
help.
Key in the Ignition
If you walk away from your vehicle with the keys
inside, it’s an easy target for
joy riders or professional
thieves
-- so don’t do it.
When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from.the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your
key out also locks your transaxle. And remember to lock
the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out
of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock
it up and take your keys.
But what
if you have to leave your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box.
Lock the glove box. , I, ’ .- ’;
0 Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
0 Then take the door key with you.
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New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Switch
NOTICE:
Your modern Pontiac doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But
it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
0
0
0
Don’t drive at any one.speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (804 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the first 200
miles (322 km) or so. During this time your
new brake linings aren’t yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this “breaking-in’’ guideline every
time
you get new brake linings.
Don’t tow
a trailer during “break-in.” See
“Towing
a Trailer” in the Index for more
information.
A E
W
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the
switch to five positions:
ACCESSORY (A): This is an “on” position in which
you can operate some
of your electrical power
accessories. Press
in the ignition switch as you turn the
top
of it toward you.
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LOCK (B): This is the only only position in which you
can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel,
ignition and transaxle (on automatic models).
OFF (C): This unlocks the steering wheel, ignition, and
transaxle (on automatic models), but does not send
electrical power to any accessories. Use this position
if
your vehicle must be pushed or towed, but never try to
push-start your vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if
you open the driver’s door when the ignition is
off and
the key is in the ignition.
RUN (D): This is an “on” position to which the switch
returns after you start your engine and release the
switch. The switch stays in the RUN position when the
engine
is running. But even when the engine is not
running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical
power accessories, and to display some instrument panel
warning lights.
START (E): Use this for starting the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are ON positions that allow
you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the
radio.
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)
The key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the
key release button is used.
To remove the key turn the key to the OFF position.
Press the key release button while turning the key from
OFF to LOCK. Keeping your finger on the button, pull
the key straight out.
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I NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure it is all the
way in. If it is, then
turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. But turn the key only with
your hand. Using
a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch.
If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
Starting Your Engine
Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter or
number for your engine.
You will find the VIN at the top
left of your instrument panel. (See “Vehicle
Identification Number” in the Index.) Follow the proper
steps to start the engine.
Automatic transaxle:
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
-- that’s a
safety feature.
To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK
(P) only when your
vehicle
is stopped.
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Manual transaxle:
The gear selector should be in neutral. Hold the clutch
pedal to the floor and
start the engine. Your vehicle
won’t start
if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down
-- that’s a safety feature.
To start your 2.3 Liter engine:
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than 15
seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
I
2. If it doesn’t start right away, and if the weather is
very cold (below
-20” F, or -29” C), push the
accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the way down
while you turn the key to START.
Do this until the
engine starts. As soon as it does, let
go of the key.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal
all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds.
This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. If the car starts briefly but
then stops again, do the same thing, but this time
keep the pedal about one-quarter of
the way down
for five or six seconds.
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 Vehicle’’ in the Index.
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To start your 3.1 Liter engine:
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but then stops), it
could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding
it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds.
If the car starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but
this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
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 Vehicle” in the Index.
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Driving Through Deep Standing Water To use the coolant heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
NOTICE: 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt outlet.
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.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
In very cold weather, 0" F (- 18 O C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
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I NOTICE: I
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.
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 your 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
(Three or Four 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 gearing
and operation. See “Forward Gears (Three Speed)” or
“Forward Gears (Four Speed)’’ later in this section.
Three SpeFd Automatic
1.
.. . ..b
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