1996 PONTIAC PONTIAC torque

Torque Lock Shifting Out of PARK (P)
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out
of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift
into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s
seat.
To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in :.
the Index. I
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill
to take some of the
pressure
from the transaxle. so vou can pull the shift
lever out
of PARK (P).
1 .:
Your Pontiac has .a brake-transaxle shift interlock.
You must fully apply your regular brakes before you
can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the
I RUN position. See “Automatic Transaxle Operation”
in the Index.
If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on
, the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P),
. while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the
.. . shift lever button if you have a console shift. Then move
the
shift lever out of PARK (P), being sure to press the
shift lever button
if you have a console shift. .
If y’ou ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of
PARK (PI; try this:
1. Turn the key to the OFF position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and shift to the drive gear you want.
5. Have the vehicle’ fixed as soon as you can.
ProCarManuals.com

9. Tighten the wheel nuts
firmly in a crisscross
sequence
as shown.
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
'
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose
and even come
off. This could lead to an accident.
Be sure
to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have
to replace them, be sure to get new
GM original
equipment wheel nuts.
Stop somewhere as soon as,you can and have
the nuts tightened with
a torque wrench to
100 lb-ft (140'N.m).
NOTICE:
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and
to the proper
torque specification.
Don't
try to put the wheel cover on your compact spare
tire.
It won't fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until
you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
I NOTICE:
Wheel covers won't fit on your compact spare. If
you try to put a wheel cover on your compact
spare,
you could damage the cover or the spare.
ProCarManuals.com

Brake Wear
Your Pontiac has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn
and new pads
are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal
fldy).
The brake wear warning sound means that sooner
or later
your brakes won't work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have
your vehicle serviced.
I NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could
result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something
is wrong with
your brakes.
Free movement
of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers
for movement, brake pads for wear, and evenly torque
wheel nuts in the proper sequence to
GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal navel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign
of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
6-29
ProCarManuals.com

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in
the Index.
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to-which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come
off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or
a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt ‘off. (See
“Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.)
/ I
I 1 I
Then It’s Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only
11/16 inch (I .6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
ll.
You needknwt.re if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see. the indicators at three or more places
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
~~
around the tire.
tire’s rubber.
6,’ . 1. ‘ 1 enough to show cord or fabric. -. . . ..
;C I ., The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
-1 P. The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because
of the size or location
of the damage.
6-51
ProCarManuals.com

Specifications and Capacities .......... ... 6-73
Specifications. Engine
........................... 6-74
Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance
............... 8-4
Speedometer
................................... 2-45
SRS
......................................... 1-23
Starter Switch Check
.......................... 7-38
Starting Your Engine
............................. 2- 11
Steam
........................................ 5- 12
Steering
....................................... 4-9
Column
Lock Check .......................... 7-39
In Emergencies
............................... 4-10
Power
....................................... 4-9
Tips
......................................... 4-9
Variable Assist
........ ; ....................... 4-9
Wheel, Tilt
................................... 2-26
Wheel Touch Controls
......................... 3 -2 1
Storage Compartments
........................... 2-38
Storage, Vehicle
................................. 6-30
Stuck
In Sand. Mud, Ice or Snow .................. 5-34
SunVisors .................................... 2-41
Supplemental Restraint System
.................... 1-23
Sustained Interior Illumination
.................... 2-34
Symbols. Vehicle
.................................. v
Tachometer .................................. 2-45
Taillamp Bulb Replacement
....................... 6-46
Tapeplayercare
............................... 3-23
Temperature
Knob, Climate Control System ........... 3-1
Theft-Deterrent Feature,
CD Player ................ 3- 19
Theft
.......................................... 2-8
Stains. Cleaning
.......... ........... 6-57
Sunroof ....................................... 2-42
THEFTLOCK
............. ......... 3-19
Thermostat .................................... 6-24
Third Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-16
Tilt Steering Wheel
............................. 2-26
Time. Setting the
................................ 3-5
Tire Chains .................................... 6-56
Tire Loading
................... ......... 4-28
Tire-Loading Information Label
................... 4-28
Tires
......................................... 6-48
Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-54
Buying New
................................. 6-52
Chains
........... ................... 6-56
Changing
a Flat .............................. 5-23
Cleaning
.................................... 6-62
Compact Spare
............................... 5-33
Inflation
..................................... 6-49
Inflation Check
............................... 7-36
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-50
Loading
.... ................................. 4-28
Pressure ..................................... 6-49
Temperature ................................. 6-54
Traction
.................................... 6-53
Treadwear
................................... 6-53
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-53
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-51
Wheel Replacement
............................ 6-54
When It’s Time for New . . ....... .... 6-51
TopStrap
..................................... 1-45
Torque Lock
................................. ., .. 2-22
Torque, Wheel Nut
.............................. 5-30
TowingaTrailer
................................ 4-30
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-7
c-
ProCarManuals.com

Trailer Brakes
..................................... 4-34
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-36
Hitches ..................................... 4-33
ParkingonHills
. ............................. 4-37
Safety Chains
.............. ................. 4-34
. Driving With ................................ 4-34
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-37
Tongueweight
............................... 4-32
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-33
Weight
..................................... 4-32
Transmitters, Remote Lock Control
.................. 2-4
Transportation, Courtesy
.......................... 8-7
Trip Calculator
................................. 2-57
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-45
Access Panel
................................ 2-39
Release, Remote
............................... 2-7
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-27
Turn Signal On
Chime ........................... 2-27
Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
................... 2-26
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-36
Towing
..................................... 4-30
Turnsignals
................................. 4-36
Tr~nk
......................................... 2-7
Lock
........................................ 2-7
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-39
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-62
Underhood Electrical Center ................. 6-68, 6-70
Vehicle
Control
...................................... 4-5
Damage Warnings .............................. iv Dimensions
........................ ... 6-75
Identification Number ......................... 6-64
Loading .................................... 4-28
Storage
..................................... 6-30
Ventilation System
............................... 3-3
Visor Vanity Mirrors ............................ 2-41
Visors, Sun
.................................... 2-41
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
............... 2-46
Washer Fluid, Windshield
........................ 6-25
Weatherstrips
................... .......... 6-60
warning
Devices
................................ 5-2
Washing Your Vehicle
.......... ............ 6-60
Wheel Alignment
.................................. 6-54
NutTorque
.................................. 5-30
Wrench
..................................... 5-25
Windows
..................................... 2-25
Auto-Down
................................. 2-25
LockOut
................................... 2-25
Power
...................................... 2-25
Windshield Washer
............................. 2-28
Fluid
.................................. 2-28. 6-25
Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-36
Windshield Wiper
.............................. 2-28
Blade Replacement
........................... 6-48
Winter Driving
................................. 4-24
WreckerTowing
................................. 5-7
Replacement
................................. 6-54
Fuses ...................................... 6-65
Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-65
Wrench. Wheel
................ ............ 5-25
9-10
ProCarManuals.com