1996 PONTIAC GRAND-AM service

3.
,.
- ‘1 . -
On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and
try to start the engine. The starter should work only
‘bt
when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the
floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
.. .. I ’ . . . i. pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
(Automatic Transaxle),
’. n . .I .L I . I_ , .:
When you ald d,,,rg this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does,
you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level
surface,
..A +
., .. ,. 1 f‘ .1
2.
3.
Firrnly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index
if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of
PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs
service.
Steering Column Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the key to
LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn
to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in
REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to
LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button.
On
all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
7-39
ProCarManuals.com

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

Part E: Maintenance Record Any, additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on
After the scheduled services are performed, record the the following record pages. Also, you should retain all
date, obmeterrea$ing and who performed the smvice maintenance receipts. your owner information portfolio
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. is a convenient place to store them.
I
I
F
DATE
Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
~~
READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED -
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
DATE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED SERVICED BY READING
7-45
ProCarManuals.com

Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
Here you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you
need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety
defects.
This section includes information
on:
0 The Pontiac Cares Program
The Customer Satisfaction Procedure
0 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users
0 Roadside Assistance
0 Courtesy Transportation t
0 BBB Auto Line -,Alternative Dispute Resolution
0 Reporting Safety Defects
Service and Owner Publications
/ '. 'I -
Program
Pontiac Cares
With the PONTIAC CARES program, you are never
more than a phone call away from having your concern
taken care
of.
8-1
ProCarManuals.com

The PONTIAC CARES philosophy and elements are
designed to make you realize that Pontiac recognizes
you
as a valuable customer, appreciates your purchase
decision, and is dedicated to taking care
of the most
important person
. .. YOU! PONTIAC CARES is: A
valuable feature that comes with every Pontiac, a feature
that offers
a multitude of benefits that can give you
safety, security, comfort and convenience.
What makes up Pontiac Cares?
A 3 year/36,000 mile Bumper to 1
Roadside Assistance
Courtesy Transportation
All of these elements combine to mal
B ;urnper Warranty
e your driving
experience
an enjoyable one, and are discussed in
greater detail further in your owner's manual. Pontiac is
focusing on the changing needs of our customers and
is committed in
giving you an exceptional level of
customer care throughout
the ownership experience,
Our goal
is to create total customer enthusiasm in our
product
and our services, and make you the most
satisfied customer
in the world.
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
deder and Pontiac. Normally9 any concern YOU may
have with
your vehicle can be h&dled by your selling
or servicing dealer. Your dealer has the facility, trained
technicians, special tools
and up-to-date information to
promptly address any issue which may arise. Pontiac has
empowered its dealers to make 'my decisions and repair
vehicles, and they are eager to resolve your concern to
ProCarManuals.com

your complete satisfaction. If your concern has not been
resolved to
your satisfaction, take the following steps:
STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member
.., . ..L ..
. ., ..
In the Bahamas: 1-800-389-0009
0 In Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua and ,fie British
Virgin Islands: 1-800-534-0122
of dealer management. Normally, concerns can be
quickly resolved at that level.
If the matter has already
been reviewed with the Sales, Service,
or Parts Manager, In other overseas locations, call GM North American
contact the owner
of the dealership or the General Export Sales in Canada at 1-905-644-4112
0 In all other Caribbean countries: 1-809-763-1315
Manager.
STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of
dealership management, it appears your concern cannot
be resolved by the dealership without further help,
contact the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center by
calling 1-800-PM-CARES. In Canada, contact
GM
of Canada Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa by
calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854
(French).
For help outside
of the United States and Canada, call
the following numbers as appropriate:
In Mexico: (525) 625-3256
In Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) or
In the U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994
In the Dominican Republic: 1-800-75 1-4135
(English) or 1-800-751-4136 (Spanish)
1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)
For prompt assistance, please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance
Representative:
e Your name, address, home and business telephone
numbers
Vehicle Identification Number (This is available
from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at
the top left of the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.)
0 Dealership name and location
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
Nature of concern
ProCarManuals.com