1996 PONTIAC GRAND-AM ECU

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want’to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itselfi.
Before you
start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety
chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and
mirror adjustment, If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then/apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the
same tirne.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load
is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes ,
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far b’ehind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer,
This
can help you avoid situations that require heavv braking
and sudden
turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ,ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because
you’re a good
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that
hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Thrns
I NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause th’e trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
~ ~~ ~~ ~~~
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider hms than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or
other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers.
Siggd well in advance.
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Towing Your Vehicle
Try to have a Pontiac dealer or a professional towing
service tow your Grand
Am. They can provide the right
equipment and know how to tow
your vehicle without
damage. See “Roadside Assistance”
in the Index.
If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it
was factory new by adding aftermaxket items like fog
lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these
instructions and illustrations may not be’correct.
Before
you do anything, turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
When you call, tell the towing service:
That your vehicle cannot be towed from the front or
rear with sling-type equipment, as described later in
this section.
That your vehicle has front-wheel drive.
0 The make, model and year of your vehicle.
Whether you can still move the shift lever.
If there was an accident, what was damaged.
When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator
know that this manual contains detailed towing
instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them.
L
,I A CAUTION:
I To help avoid injury to you or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
0 Never tow with damaged parts not fully
secured.
0 Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted
by the tow truck.
0 Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate
safety chains when towing it.
0 Never use J-hooks. Use T-hooks instead.
being towed.
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When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key
OFF. The steering wheel should be clamped in a
straight-ahead position, with
a clamping device
designed for towing service. Do not use the vehicle's
steering column lock
for this. The transaxle should be in
NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake released.
The ignition key must be in the
OFF position to keep the
automatic
door locks from locking during towing.
Don't have your vehicle towed on the front wheels,
unless
you 'must. If the vehicle must be towed on the
front wheels,' (see speed and distance restrictions
later in
this section) farther than 50 miles (80 km) your
transaxle will be damaged. If these limits must be
exceeded, then
the front wheels have to be supported on
a
dolly.
r
A vehicle can fall from a car carr if it isn't
adequately secured.
This can cause a collision,
1 serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The
' vehicle should be tightly secured with chains or
steel cables before it is transported.
Don't use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can
be cut by sharp
edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use
T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. Never use
J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and
suspension components.
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Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
- H
B
I
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment
of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop
or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
A. Wrench E. Extension
B. Jack F. Wing Bolt
C. Flat Road Tire G. Cover
D. Adapter H. Nut
Store the flat tire
in the compact spare tire compartment.
Place the tire in the compartment, then secure the
adapter, extension
and wing bolt. Place the cover and
nut on top of the flat tire. Store the jack and wheel
wrench
in the foam tray.
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Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper am away from the ‘
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver and pull the
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm.
For the proper type and size, see “Capacities and
Specifications”
in the Index.
windshield.
blade assembly
off the wiper arm.
Tires
We don’t make tires. Your new Pontiac comes with
highquality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If
you ever have questions about your tire warranty and
where to obtain service, see your Pontiac Warranty
booklet for details.
.-
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are
dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as
a result of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury.
Check all tires
frequently
to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires are more likely
to be
cut, punctured or broken
by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your
tread is badly worn, or
if your tires have
been damaged, replace
them.
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Used Replacement Wheels Tire Chains
A CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous.
You can’t know how it’s been used or
how many miles it’s been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause an accident.
If you have to
replace
a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
NOTICE:
If your Pontiac has P195/65R15 or P205/55R16
size tires, don’t use tire chains. They can damage
your vehicle.
If you have other tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you
must. Use only SAE
Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for
your tires. Install them on the front tires and
tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions.
If you ’can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them.
If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving
too fast or spinning
the wheels
with chains on will damage your
vehicle.
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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
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Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
I -800-ROADSIDD (I -800-762-3743)
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service
is
intended to.provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Pontiac's Roadside Assistance toll-free number is
staffed by
a team of technically trained advisors, who
are available
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We
take anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone
or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest Pontiac
dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles, at no expense to you:
0 Vehicle out of fuel
0 Keys locked in vehicle
0 Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
Change a flat tire
Jump starts
Courtesy Transportation --..See Pontiac Courtesy
Transportation section
for details
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