1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM engine

Surge Tank Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your pressure cap is an 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating.
When you replace your surge tank pressure cap, a GM
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.
Power Steering Fluid
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.

How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top of the reservoir clean, then 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.
The level should be at the
C mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
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
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid until the tank is
full.
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There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to
an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings
are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at
all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you add fluid
when your linings
are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings.
You should add
(or remove) brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough.
You or others could be burned, and. your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
I
BRAKE
U.S. Canada
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
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What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
/d CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work
at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just
a few
drops
of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care’’ in
the Index.
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
II 11111111 1111 111111 111 11111111 111111111111 111111111 11= e
bd SAMPLE4UXVM072675 bd
This is the legal identifier for your Pontiac. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side. You can see it if you
look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The
VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very
helpful
if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
your VIN,
0 the model designation,
paint information and
0 a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-on Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your Pontiac
unless you check with your dealer
first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your Pontiac, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Pontiac” in the Index.
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Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker
located in the instrument panel fuse block. An electrical
overload will cause the headlamps to go on and off, or
in
some cases to remain off. If this happens, have your
headlamp system checked right away.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools.
If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have
it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible links. This greatly reduces the chance of
damage caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure to
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have a
spare fuse, you can “borrow” one that has the same
amperage. Just pick a feature of your vehicle that you
can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace
it as soon as you can.
There are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the
instrument panel fuse block and the engine compartment
fuse block.
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Engine Compartment Fuse Block
F/P,INJR I IGN MOD 1 L b1
ABSiEVO PCM BATT I
Fuse
F/P INJ
ERLS
The engine compartment fuse block
is located on the
driver’s side
of the engine compartment, near the battery.
ABSEVO
Usage
Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors Back-up Lamps, Canister
Purge Valve, EGR, Automatic
Transmission, Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock,
Anti-Lock Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering, Air Conditioning Compressor, Park
Lock Solenoid
Anti-lock Brake Solenoids,
Variable Effort Steering
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Fuse
IGN MOD
HVAC BLO
MOT
PCM BATT
CLG FAN
HDLP
STOP LPS PWR
ACC
RR DEFG
ABS
IGN
SW
Usage
Ignition System
Heater/Air Conditioner-High
Blower, Generator-Voltage Sense
Powertrain Computer
Engine Cooling Fan
Lighting Circuits
Power Accessories, Stop Lamp Circuits,
Rear Window Defogger
Anti-Lock Brakes, Variable
Effort Steering
Ignition Switch Circuits53
Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) Fuse Panel
Your steering wheel radio controls are protected by
fuses.
For service, contact your Pontiac
service department.
Replacement Bulbs
OUTSIDE LAMPS BULB
Back-up Lamps ......................... 2057
Front Parkingnurn Signal Lamps
........ 2057 NA
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
... ... 912
Halogen Headlamps
Low-Beam
....... ,.. ........... 9006
High-Beam
........................... 9005
Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamps
............. 2057
INSIDE LAMPS
Dome Lamp .... .........
BULB
. 161
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