1995 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner’s Manual
Seats and Restraint Systems ...... F.-c-.,. ............................................... 1-1
This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts prop\
erly. It also explains the “SRS” system.
Features and Controls ............................................................... 2-1
This section explains how to start and operate your Pontiac.
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems .................................................. 3-1
This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your
audio system.
YourDrivingandtheRoad ........................................................... 4-1
ProblernsontheRoad ............................................................... 5-1
Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road\
and how to drive under different conditions.
This section tells you what to
do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine
overheating, etc.
Here the manual tells you how to keep your Pontiac running properly and looking good.
This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and \
what fluids and lubricants
to use.
This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service publications.
It
also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on pag\
e 8-4.
Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
Service and Appearance Care.. ....................................................... 6-1
Maintenanceschedule ............................................................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information ..................................................... 8-1
Index ........................................................................\
..... 9-1
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Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery;
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
ACID COULD BATTERY
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS
OR
FLAMES
SPARK
OR ,\I/,
COULD FLAME
EXPLODE BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for
you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN SEAT
BELTS
S
These symbols
have to
do with
your lights:
SIGNALS e
TURN
HIGH
LAMPSoR BEAM = =o
FOG LAMPS $0
These symbols
are
011 some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD WIPER
WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
a+
FAN w*
These symbols
are used
on
warning and
indicator lights:
COOLANT F-
ENGINE
TEMP
- k
CHARGING BATTERY
SYSTEM
BRAKE
(0)
RADIATOR COOLANT
a
FUEL
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
Wb
TEMP OIL &
ANTI-LOCK (@)
BRAKE
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
RELEASE RADIO
k
VOLUME a
CONDITIONING AIR 33
RELEASE TRUNK ru
t
LIGHTER m
SPEAKER
b
V
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Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS-Key@II (Personalized Automotive
Security System) theft
deterrent system.
PASS-Key@II is a passive
theft deterrent system. This
means you don’t have to do
anything different to arm or
disarm
the system.
It works when you insert
or remove the key from the
ignition. PASS-Key@II uses a resistor pellet in the
ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS-Key@II system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter an\
d
fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won’t
work and fuel won’t go
to the engine. If someone tries to
start your vehicle again or uses another key during this
time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone
from randomly trying different keys with different resistor
pellets in an attempt to make a match.
The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s
inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If
the
engine does not start and the SECURITY light is on, the
key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off. Clean and dry the key. Wait about
three minutes and try
again. The security light may remain on during this
time. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the
Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first
ignition key may be faulty. See your Pontiac dealer or a
locksmith who can service the PASS-Key@II.
If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work, and the
SECURITY light will flash. But you don’t have to wait
three minutes before trying another ignition key.
See your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service
the PASS-Key@II to have a new key made.
If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY light comes on,
you will
be able to restart your engine if you turn it off.
Your PASS-Key% system, however, is not working
properly
and must be serviced by your Pontiac dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key% system.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key@II ignition key, see
your Pontiac dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key@II
to have a new key made. In an
emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance
Program at 1-800-ROADSIB or
1-800-762-3743.
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New Vehicle “Break-In”
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:
Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (804 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
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 ”railer’’ in the Index for more
information.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
Ignition Switch
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions:
ACC (A): This position lets you use things like the
radio and windshield wipers when the engine is
off. To
use ACC, push in the key and turn it toward you. Your
steering wheel will stay locked.
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LOCK: Before you put the key into the ignition switch,
the switch is in
LOCK. It’s also the only position in
which you can remove
your key. This position locks
your ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a
theft-deterrent feature.
OFF (B): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering
wheel like LOCK. Use
OFF if you must have your
vehicle pushed or towed.
RUN (C): This position is where the key returns after
you start your vehicle. With the engine
off, you can use
RUN to display some of your warning and indicator
lights.
START
(D): This position starts your engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s
door when the ignition is in
OFF, LOCK or ACC and
the key is in the ignition.
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
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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To start your 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 vehicle 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. 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
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. Never drive through water that is slightly
lower than the underbody
of your vehicle. If you
can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
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Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
In very cold weather, 0 OF (- 1 8 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.
To use the coolant heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
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.
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.
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Automatic Transaxle
Your automatic transaxle may have a shift lever on the
steering column or on the console between the seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited
on automatic
transaxle vehicles, when you’re in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL
(N), to protect driveline components from
improper operation.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your front wheels, It’s the best
position
to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.
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