1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM Owners Manual

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK
(P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in
REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Ck :k
A CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there
is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once
should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL
(N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris
can collect.
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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 be
found in a GM service manual. See “Service and
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front 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.
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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. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The parking brake is self-adjusting and
no manual
adjustment is required.
You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection
If you operate your vehicle in a highly corrosive
environment, as indicated by the shaded areas on the
map following this text, your vehicle may require
additional brake service. Refer to the appropriate
GM
Service Bulletin for the proper caliper inspection
procedure. As necessary, caliper pins and knuckle brake
pad abutments should be lubricated at every other tire
rotation. Also, see your
GM dealer’s service department
or qualified service center for additional information.
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Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Coolant Supplement
Sealer
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol of the proper viscosity.
To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and use only
GM Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@
or Havoline@ DEX-COOL@
coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
GM Part No. 3634621 or
equivalent with a complete
flush and refill.
USAGE
Hydraulic Brake
System
Hydraulic Clutch System
Power Steering
System
Manual
Transaxle
Automatic
Transaxle Key Lock
Cylinders
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Delco Supreme 11 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
(GM Part
No. 12345347 or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. 12345349
or
equivalent).
DEXR0N’-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-Pu ose lubricant,
Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
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I USAGE
Manual Transaxle Shift
Linkage
I
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points
Windshield
Washer Solvent
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB or
GC-LB.
Engine oil.
GM Optikleen’ Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515) or
equivalent.
USAGE
Hood Latch
Assembly, Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release Pawl
Hood and Door
Hinges, Rear
Folding Seat
Weatherstrip Conditioning
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Lubriplate lubricant aerosol (GM
Part No. 12346293 or equivalent)
or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI
# 2, Category LB or
GC-LB.
Multi-pu ose lubricant,
Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
See “Replacement Parts” in the Index for recommended
replacement filters and spark plugs.
7-48

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the
date, odometer reading and who performed the service
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any
additional information from “Owner Checks and
Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on
the following record pages. Also, you should retain all
maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio
is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
I DATE I READING I SERVICED BY I MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
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Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
DATE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
SERVICED
BY READING
7-50

7 Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
Here you will find out how to contact Pontiac if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service
publications
and how to report any safety defects.
8-2
8-3 8-5
8-6
8-9
8- 10 Pontiac Cares
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Customer Assistance
for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute
Resolution Program Warranty Information 8-10
8-11
8-11
8-11 Reporting Safety Defects
to the
United States Government
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
Ordering Service and Owner Publications
in Canada
8-1