1996 PONTIAC GRAND-AM brake

I
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
1
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin
to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is
room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins
to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly ste,ep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running
and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot
pressure
from the regular brake pedal. Do this until
the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
Shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any
areas yhere mud and other debris
can collect.
7-40
ProCarManuals.com

Part C: -Periodic Maintenance
Inspections connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in
the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehcle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
spxing and fall). You should let your GM dealer’+& ?::. Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
service department or other qualified service center ,:5; 4
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are fittings and clamps; replac\
e as needed.
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a Pontiac service manual. See “Service and Inspect the throt\
tle linkage for interference or binding, and
. ..,..
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for.damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or
.
lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage,
tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the colillplee exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-o€-position
parts as well as open seams, holes, loose fordamage
or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed.
Replace any cables that have high effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafhg, etc.
Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for. wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel
cylinders, capers, parking brake, etc. The parking brake
is
self-adjusting and no manual adjustment is required. You
may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your
driving habits or conditions result
in fi-equent braking.
7-41
ProCarManuals.com

0
Section 9 Index
I
I
Adapter Kit. Compact Disc .................. 3- 13. 3. 16
Air Bag ....................................... 1-20
How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-24
How it
Works ................................ 1-22
Location
................,..,................ l-22
Readiness Light ......................... 1-21. 2-55
Servicing ................................ .. 1-25
What Will You See After it Inflates
............... 1-24
When Should it Inflate
......................... 1-23
Air Cleaner ...................................... 6-16 Air Conditioning ................................ 3-4
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-62
Alignment and Balance, Tire
...................... 6-42
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-50
Antenna, Fixed ................................. 3-24
Antifreeze ................................ 5-16, 6-22
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light ................ 2-57, 4-6
Anti-Theft, Radio
.............................. 3-21
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-52
Arbitration
Program .............................. 8-8
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-47
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-23
Brakes
...................................... 4-6
Appearancecare
............................... 6-45 Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control
....... 3-23
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-24
Audio Systems
................................... 3-8
Auto-Down Window ............................ 2-30
Automatic Door Locks
............................ 2-4
Automatic Overdrive
............................ 2-20
Automatic Transaxle
............................. 2-18
Fluid
....................................... 6-17
Operation
.................................... 2-18
Park Mechanism Check ........................ 7-40
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-13
Check
...................................... 7-38
Shifting ..................................... 2-18
Battery
...................................... 6-32
Charging System Indicator Light
................. 2-56
Jump Starting ................................. 5-2
Replacement. Keyless Entry
..................... 2-7
Saver ...................................... 2-43
Warnings .................................... 5-2
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-8
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-8
.
.. .b... ... ...... :yv... .. ...
ProCarManuals.com

Brake Adjustment
................................... 6-31
Fluid .................... '. .................. 6-28
Master
Cylinder ............................... 6-28
Pedal Travel
................................. 6-31
Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-31
System Warning Light .................... 2-56, 6-29
Trailer ...................................... 4-37
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check .. ............... 7-39
Wear ....................................... 6-30
Brakes, Anti-Lock ............................... 4-6
Braking ......................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies .......................... 4-10
Break-In. New Vehicle ........................... 2-1 1
Brightness Control .............................. 2-41
BTSI Check ................................... 7-39
Bulb Replacement ......................... 6-33. 6-59
Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................ 8-6
Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-60
Carbon Monoxide ..................... 2-28.4-28. 4-37
Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7-37
Cassette Tape Player ............................ 3- 10
Cassette Tape Player Care ........................ 3-25
Cassette Tape Player Errors ....................... 3-1 1
Cassette Tape Player. Remote ...................... 3-19
CD Adapter Kits .......................... 3-13. 3-16
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ................. 3-2 1
Center Console Storage Area ...................... 2-46
Center Rear Passenger Position .................... 1-33
CertificatiorQTire Label ........................... 4-32
Parking ..................................... 2-24 Chains. Sagety
................................. 4-37 .
Chains. Tire ................................... 6-44
Changing a Flat Tire .............................. 5-21
Check Engine Light ............................. 2-60
Check Oil Light ................................ 2-64
Checking
Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-47
Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-51
Child Restraints ................................ 1-36
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-37
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-39
Securing in the Passenger Seat Position ........... 1-41
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-41
Top
Strap ................................... 1-37
Wheretoput ................................ 1-36
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-47
Circuit Breakers and Fuses ........................ 6-55
Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-16
Cl. eaning ...................................... 6-45
Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-50
Fabric ...................................... 6-46
Glass ....................................... 6-48
Inside of Yon Pontiac ......................... 6-45
Instrument Panel .............................. 6-48
Leather ..................................... 6-47
Outside of Your Pontiac ........................ 6-49
Spelcial Problems ............................. 6-46
Stains ...................................... 6-46
Tires ....................................... 6-50
Vinyl ....................................... 6-47
Wheels ..................................... 6-50
Windshield and Wiper Blades .................... 6-48
9-2 .
ProCarManuals.com

Lights Air
Bag Readiness ....................... 1.21. 2.55
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ............ 2.57. 4.6
Brake System Warning .................... 2.56. 6.29
Charging System Indicator ...................... 2-56
Check Engine ................................ 2-60
Check Oil ................................... 2-64
Enhanced Traction System Active ... .' ........ 2.59. 4-8
Enhanced Traction System Warning .......... 2-58. 4-9
Low Coolant Warning ......................... 2-60
Oil Pressure ................................. 2-63
Basslock" Warning ........................... 2-65
Safety Belt Reminder ...................... 1-7. 2-55
Litter Bag Hook ................................ 2-48
Loading Your Vehicle ........................... 4-32
Locks
Automatic Door ............................... 2-4
Cylinders ................................... 7-38
Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-38
Power Do'or ................. .. ................ 2-4
Rear Door Security ............................. 2-5
Steering Column Lock Check ................... 7-39
Low Coolant Warning Light ...................... 2-60
Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-42
Doof ..........................:............. 2-3
Trunk ....................................... 2-8
Lubrication.Servicq. Body ..... .. ........ e ......... 7-38 .
amtenance Record ............. ........ I ... , 7-44
. ~~
.. -7 . ........ .. .. .. .. , .. ' .. % ;.,- . .- .. b .. . ........ .... ... . .... ~ . I .I * ., &- :* t:. :.A :+;-.,:; q. .. .... .. .... ...
M . .
I . .. ..-. ~ .A 1'": j.
Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7-1
Long Tripmighway Definition
................... 7-5
Long Trip/Highway Intervals ; .................... 7-5
Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-37
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ 7-41
Recommended Fluids and .Lubricants ............. 7-42
Scheduled Maintenance S'ervices .................. 7-2
Short Tiip/City Intervals ........................ 7-4
Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-40
Maintenance. Nomal Replacement Parts ............ &62
Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-51
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-60
Manual Front Seat ............................... 1-1
Manual Lumbar Support .......................... 1-2
Manual Remote Control Mirror .................... 2-44
Manual Transaxle ............................... 2-21
Check ...................................... 7-38
Fluid ....................................... 6-20
shi€ting ..................................... 2-21
S tartkg Your Engine .......................... 2-13
Methanol ...................................... 6-3
Mirrors ......................................... 2-44
Convex Outside .............................. 2-45
Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-44
Manual Remote Control ........................ 2-44
Short Tiip/City Definition ....................... 7-4
Power Remote COII~~. ........................ 2-45
VisorVanity ................................. 2-48
Mountain Roads ................................. 4-23
Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-31
Neutral. Automatic Transaxle .................... 2-19
Neutral. Manual Transaxle ........................ 2-22
New Vehicle Break-In ........................... 2-11
NightV~sion
................................... 4-16
ProCarManuals.com

odometer ........ ... .... 2-53
Odometer. Trip
................... ....... 2-53
Off -Road Recovery ............................. 4- 12
Oil Pressure Light .............................. 2-63
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-20
Overhead Console
.............................. 2-46
Overheating Engine
............................. 5 - 12
Owner Checks and Services
....................... 7-37
Owner Publications, Ordering
..................... 8- 1 1
Oil. Engine .................................... 6-10
Paint Spotting, Chemical
........................ 6-51
Park
Automatic Transaxle
.......................... 2- 18
Shifting Into ................................. 2-25
Shifting Out of ................................ 2-27
AtNight ..................................... 2-9
Brake
....................................... 2-24
Parking
Brake Mechanism Check
....................... 7-40
Lots ....................................... 2-10 Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-28
With a Trailer
................................ 4-39
Your Vehicle, Manual Transaxle ................. 2-27
Passenger Position .............................. 1-26
Passlock" Warning Light
........................ 2-65
Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-41
Pontiac Cares Information ......................... 8- 1
Passing ....................................... 4-13
Passlock"
.................................... 2-10 Power
DoorLocks
................................... 2-4
Option Fuses ................................ 6-54
Remote Control Mirror ........................ 2-45
Seat
......................................... 1-2
Steering Fluid ................................ 6-26
Pregnancy, Use
of Safety Belts .................... 1-26
Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service and Owner
................... 8-11
Steering
.................................... 4-10
Windows ................................... 2-30
Radio
Reception .............................. 3-23
Reading Lamps
........................... 2-42, 2-43
Door Security Locks
........................... 2-5
Safety Belt Comfort Guides ..................... 1-30
Window Defogger
............................. 3-7
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight ................. 2-44
Reclining Front Seatbacks
......................... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing ....................... 4-29
Refrigerants,
Air Conditioning .................... 6-62
Cassette Tape Player
.......................... 3-19
Fuel Door Release ............................. 6-4
Trunk Release ................................. 2-8
Radios
........................................ 3-8
Rain,
DrivingIn ................................ 4-17
Rear
Outside Seat Position .......................... 1-27
Seatpassengers ...................,.......... l-26
Towing ..................................... 5-10
Remote
ProCarManuals.com

Tire Loading .................................... 4-32
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-32
Tires
......................................... 6-37
Alignment
and Balance ........................ 6-42
Buying New ................................. 6-40
Chains
..................................... 6-44
Changing a Flat
.............................. 5-21
Cleaning
.................................... 6-50
Compact Spare ............................... 5-3 1
Inflation
.................................... 6-38
Inflation Check
............................... 7-37
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-39
Loading
.................................. :.4-32
Pressure
.................................... 6-38
Temperature
.................................. 6-42
Traction
.................................... 6-42
Treadwe as ................................... 6-41
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-41
Used Replacement Wheel ...................... 6-44
Wear Indicators .............................. 6-40
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-43
When It’s Time for New
....................... 6-40
TopStrap ..................................... 1-37
T~rqueLock
................................... 2-26
I’orque, Wheel
Nut ......................... 5-28. 6-60
From the Front
............................... 4-29
From the Rear ............................... 4-31
Recreational Vehicle
.......................... 4-29
Trailer
...................................... 4-34
Vehicle
...................................... 5-7
rowing
Trailer
Brakes
..................................... 4-37
Driving on Grades ............................ 4-39
Driving with ................................. 4-38
Hitches ..................................... 4-37
Maintenance
When Towing ..................... 4-40
Parking on Hills
.............................. 4-39
Safety Chains
................................ 4-37
Tongueweight ............................... 4-36
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-36
Towing
..................................... 4-34
Turnsignals
................................. 4-39
Weight
..................................... 4-35
Automatic
................................... 6-17
Manual ..................................... 6-20
Transmitters, Keyless Entry
........................ 2-6
Transportation, Courtesy .......................... 8-7
Trip Odometer ................................. 2-53
TrUnk
Lock ........................................ 2-8
Security Override .............................. 2-9
TTY Users ..................................... 8-4
Turn Signal
and Lane Change Signals ............... 2-32
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ................... 2-31
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-39
Transaxle
Underbody Flushing Service
...................... 7-40
Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-51
Up Shift Light ............................ 2-23. 2.64
9-10
ProCarManuals.com