1996 PONTIAC PONTIAC power steering

Power Windows The driver's window switch has an auto-down feature.
This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the rear of the switch,
and the driver's window will open
a small amount. If the
rear of the switch is pressed all the way down and
released, the window will
go all the way down.
To stop the window while it is lowering,
press the front
of the switch.
To raise the window, press and hold the
front
of the switch.
.. . ._ 1 , ..1; 'T On four-door models, the driver's window controls also
7; include a lock-out switch. Press LOCK OUT to stop
. >. -. c with the lock on. Push LOCK OUT again for normal
. ., .I -. .. front and rear passengers from using their window . switches. The drivercan still control all the windows .- ..
. 5' .. .. window operation. When the orange band on the switch
is showing, the passengers can operate their windows.
Switches on
the driver's door armrest control each of the . Horn
windows when the ignition is on. In addition, each
Press either horn symbol on your steering wheel to
passenger's door has a switch for its own window.
sound the horn.
2-25
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Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation
that requires hard braking.
If you have anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the
same time. However,
if you don’t have anti-lock, your
first reaction
-- to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it
down
-- may be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can
stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can’t respond to
your steering. Momentum will
carry it in whatever
direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling.
That could be off the road, into the very thing you were
trying to avoid, or into traffic.
If you don’t have anti-lock, use
a “squeeze” braking
technique.
This will give you maximum braking while
maintaining steering control. You do this by pushing on
the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease
off the brake pedal. This
will help you retain steering control. (If you
do have
anti-lock, it’s different: see “Anti-Lock Brakes” in
the Index.)
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine‘
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Variable Assist Steering
This steering system provides lighter steering effort for
parking and when driving at low speeds. Steering effort
will increase at higher speeds for improved road feel.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws
of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle gqing in the same direction. If you’ve ever
. . ,,: ., .. %
A,. .c .. j: tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
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When you lift the hood of the 3.1L L82 engine, you’ll see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Radiator Fill Cap
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap
E. Engine Oil Dipstick
E Automatic Transaxle Dipstick
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir
H. Air Cleaner
I. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
J. Battery (located under
Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir)
6-8
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When you lift the hood of the 3.4L LQl engine, you’ll see:
1
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Radiator Fill Cap
C. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap E.
Engine Oil Dipstick
F. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir
H. Air Cleaner
I. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
J. Battery (located under
Windshield
Washer
Fluid Reservoir)
6-9
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Radiator Pressure Cap Power Steering Fluid
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must
be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow.tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow
of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat,
an AC'thermostat
is recommended.
3.1L L82 Engine 3.4L LQ1 Engine
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
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How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the cap
and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap
and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again
and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine compartment is hot, the
level should be at the
H
mark. When it’s cold, the
level should be at the
C
mark. If the fluid is at the
ADD mark, you should
add fluid.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses
and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below..freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
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Fuse
15
Description
HVAC #I -- Air Temperature Valve
Motor, Trip Computer, Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) Module, HVAC Control
Assembly, Multifunction Lever Cruise
Control Switch
16 REAR DEFOG. -- HVAC Control
Assembly Rear Window
Defogger Switch
19 POWER ACCESSORY
#1 -- Antenna Relay, Power Mirror
Switch, Door Lock Switches, Door
Handle Switches
21 AIR BAG
-- Air Bag System
23 STOPLAMPS
-- TCCBrake Switch
, 24 CRUISE CONTROL
I 28 CTSY LAMPS -- Vanity Mirrors,
I/P Courtesy Lamps, UP Compartment
Lamp, Trunk Courtesy Lamp, Header Courtesy and Reading Lamp,
US Lighted
Rearview Mirror, Dome and Reading
Lamp, Quarter Courtesy Lamps
Fuse Description
29 WIPER -- Wiper Switch
30 TURN SIGNAL -- Turn Signal Flasher
32 POWER LOCKS -- Door Lock Relay
38 RADIO -- Radio, Steering Wheel
39 I/P ELECTRONICS IGNITION
37 ' AUXILIARY POWER
Radio Switches
FEED
-- Headlamp Switch, Cruise
Control Cut-Out Switch, Air Bag System, TCC/Brake Switch, Instrument
Cluster, Chime. Module, Second-Gear
Start Switch, Head-Up Display (HUD)
Switch, Daytime Running
Lamps (Dm) Module
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Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and’services which should be
performed at least twice
a year (for instance, each spring
and fall), You should let your
GM dealer’s service
department or other qualified service center do these
jobs.
Make’ sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may b’e
found in a Pontiac Service Manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering? Suspension aprd Rront-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 complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-of-position parts as well as open seams, .holes, loose connections
or other conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in
the floor.pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust’’ in
the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,
and for damage 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 hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
.‘ +
result in frequent braking.
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