1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE Owners Manual

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly.
0 Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in
a crash.
Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
people who
are.
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt. The
belt can’t properly spread the impact forces.
In a
crash, the two children can be crushed together
and seriously injured.
A belt must be used by
only one person
at a time.
A:
What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the
child is so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child’s face or neck?
Move the child toward the center
of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder belt still is
on the child’s
shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide.
If the
child is sitting in a rear seat outside position,
see
“Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If
the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still
very close to the child’s face or neck, you might
want
to place the child in the center seat position,
the one that has only a lap belt.
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A CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here
a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behinc
the child.
If the child wears the belt in this way, il
a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt's force would then be applied right on the
child's abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and
snug on the hips, just touching
the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in
a crash.
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Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you
should
use it.
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you
go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and
use it
only for the seat it is made to fit.
To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep
a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After
a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be
if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat
parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at
the time of the collision.
If your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special
part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the
adjuster may need to be replaced.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in
this section.
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& NOTES
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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Pontiac, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything
is
working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-4
2-9
2- 14
2-16
* 2-16
2-18
2-19
2-20
2-2
1
2-23
2-24
2-28
2-29
2-30
2-33
2-33
2-34 Keys
Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry Trunk
Theft
Universal Theft-Deterrent
PASS-Key@
I1
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions
Starting
Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transaxle Operation Computer Command Ride
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK (P)
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Parking Over Things That Bum
Engine Exhaust 2-34
2-3
5
2-3 6
2-36
2-37
1 2-43
~ 2-46
2-48
2-50
2-55
2-56
2-56
2-57
2-5 8
2-64
2-77
2-80
2-82 Running
Your Engine While You’re Parked
Windows
Horn
Tilt Wheel
Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Sun Visors
Air Inflator
System
Accessory Power Outlet
Sunroof
Instrument Panel
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
Head-Up Display
Driver Information Center
Electronic Compass
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Keys
A CAI JTION:
I
Leaving young children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous
for many reasons.
A child or others could be badly injured or
even kille'd.
They could operate power windows or other
controls
or even make the vehicle move, Don't
leave the keys in
a vehicle with young children.
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The ignition keys are for the
ignition only. When a
new Bonneville is delivered, the dealer removes
the plugs from the keys, and gives them to the first
owner. However, the ignition key
may not have a plug.
If the ignition key doesn’t have a plug, it will have a
bar-coded key tag.
Each plug
or tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or
a qualified locksmith how to make extra
keys. Keep the
plugs or the tags in a safe place. If you lose your keys,
you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using these
plugs or the tag.
If you. need a new key, contact your Pontiac dealer who
can obtain
the correct key code. Remember to carry the
pre-cut emergency key which Pontiac sends after
delivery. In an emergency, call Pontiac Roadside
Assistance at 1-800-ROADSIm or 1-800-762-3743.
NOTICE:
Your Pontiac has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. But you can have
a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside.
You may even have to
damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you
have extra keys.
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