1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM instrument panel

Turn and Lane Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is finished, the lever will return
automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel will flash in the
direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.
A warning chime signal will come on
if you have left
your turn signal on for more than
3/4 mile (1 km).
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows flash
rapidly, a signal bulb may be burned out and other
drivers won’t see your turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index). If the arrows still do not flash,
have your Pontiac Dealer service department check the
bulb in the instrument panel.
Headlamp High/Low Beam
To change the headlamps
from low beam to high or
high to low, pull the turn
signal lever all the way
toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams are
on, a light on the instrument
panel
also will be on.
The headlamp high/low beam indicator may flash
if the
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) system is experiencing
a problem
or if a headlamp is malfunctioning.
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Exterior Lamps
Headlamps
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Rotate the turn signal lever middle ring up one position
to turn on:
Parking Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps
0 Taillamps
0 License Plate Lamps
0 Instrument Panel Lights Rotate the turn signal lever middle ring up two positions
to
turn on:
Headlamps
0 Parking Lamps
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Rotate the switch to
OFF to turn all of the lamps off.
Lamps On Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and turn off the
ignition while leaving the lamps
on, you will hear a
warning chime.
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Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front
of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
The DRL system will make your high-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when:
The engine is running,
0 The headlamp switch is in the OFF position,
The light sensor detects daytime light,
0 The parking brake is released and
The shift lever is not in PARK (P) on an
automatic transaxle.
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker,
park lamps
and instrument panel lights will not be
illuminated.
The DRL and the ALC systems will remain off any time
your automatic transaxle vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is engaged.
The DRL and the ALC systems will remain
off any time
your manual transaxle vehicle is in NEUTRAL (N) and
the parking brake is engaged.
Automatic Light Control (ALC)
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic light sensor
on top of the instrument panel under the defroster grill,
so be sure it is not covered which will cause the
nighttime lights to be on continuously.
When it is dark enough outside, your ALC will turn
on
your low-beam headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, park lamps and instrument panel lights.
There is a 20-second delay in the transition between
daytime and nighttime operation
of the DRL and the
ALC systems.
If the light sensor senses a reduction in
lighting that lasts longer than
20 seconds, it will activate
the nighttime lamps. If you are driving through a
parking garage, heavy overcast weather, a tunnel or
fueling your vehicle in a low light area, the ALC will
turn on your low-beam headlamps at a normal
brightness along with the taillamps, sidemarker, park
lamps and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights
will be dimmer.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need
it.

Fog Lamps
The button for your fog
lamps is beside the
instrument panel
intensity control.
Push the button to turn the fog lamps
on. An indicator
light on the button will glow when the fog lamps are on.
When using fog lamps, the parking lamps or low-beam
headlamps must be on.
The fog lamps will turn off whenever the high-beam
headlamps
are turned on. When the high beams are
turned off, the fog lamps will come on again.
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Intensity Control
You can brighten or dim your instrument cluster lamps
by rotating the instrument panel intensity control switch.
Rotate the switch all the way to the right to turn on the
interior courtesy lamps. Rotate the switch to the left to
turn
off the instrument cluster lamps and displays.
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NOTICE:
Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating, If you do, it won’t be able to
back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
To clean the center console ashtray, remove the ashtray
and empty it. The ashtray can be placed
in the rear
cupholder for the rear passengers to use. The ashtray can
also be placed inside the center console for storage.
When the ashtray
is removed, you can also use this tray
as a cupholder. The ashtray can be stored in the center
console storage area when not in use.
NOTICE:
Don’t put papers and other things that burn into
your ashtrays. If
you do, cigarettes or other
smoking materials could set them
on fire,
causing damage.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You
can also swing them to the side.
Your vehicle may also have a plastic extension which
pulls out of the main visor to increase protection
from glare.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Open the cover to expose the vanity mirror.
Accessory Power Outlet
If you have an accessory power outlet, you can plug in
an additional electrical accessory. The outlet is located
on the instrument panel to the right of the steering
wheel. Be sure to follow the proper installation
instructions that are included with any electrical
equipment you install. The accessory power outlet is
protected by a fuse and has a maximum current level.
Litter Bag Hook
There is a litter bag hook located on the front passenger
side
of the center console storage area.
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The Instrument Panel -- Your Information Svstem
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Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast
you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.
The main components
of your instrument panel are:
A. Fuse Panel
B. Vent
C. Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
D. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
E. Hazard Warning Flashers Switch
E Instrument Cluster
G. Windshield WipersNasher Stalk
H. Audio System
I. Side Window Defogger Vent
J. Glove Box
K. Climate Control System L. Gear Shift Lever
M. Cupholder/Ashtray
(If Equipped)
N. Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Switch
0. Accessory Power Outleaighter (If Equipped)
(If Equipped)
P. Ignition Switch
Q. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever (If Equipped)
R. Fog Lamp Switch
S. Instrument Panel Intensity Controlhterior
Lamps Switch
T. Hood Release Handle
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Instrument Panel Cluster
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