1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM light

Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For example,
these symbols are used on
an
original battery:
POSSIBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
ACID COULD BATTERY
CAUSE
BURNS
SPARK
OR ,\I/,
COULD FLAME
EXPLODE BA'ITERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN SEAT
BELTS
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
SIGNALS e
TURN
FOG LAMPS
$0
These symbols
are on some
of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER
These symbols
are used
on
warning and
indicator lights:
COOLANT -
TEMP -
CHARGING I-1
BA'ITERY
SYSTEM
BRAKE
(a)
COOLANT a
ENGINE OIL w,
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
(@)
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE -%-
t
LIGHTER n
HORN )tr
SPEAKER
b
FUEL m
V

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these areas are more likely
to be
seriously injured or killed.
Do not allow people to
ride in any area of your vehicle that
is not
equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
Your vehicle has a light
that comes on as a reminder
to buckle up. (See “Safety
Belt Reminder Light” in
the Index.)
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to
wear safety belts. Here’s why:
They work.
You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a
crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive.
But
most crashes are in between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive
and sometimes walk away.
Without belts they could have
been badly hurt or killed.
After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles,
the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does
matter
... a lot!
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CAUTION:
Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the
blink of an eye.
If you’re too close to an inflating
air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts
help keep you in position before and during
a
crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with air
bags. The driver should sit as
far back as possible
while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
‘ A, CAUTION:
An inflating air bag can seriously injure small
children. Always secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual
called “Children” and the caution label on the
right front passenger’s safety belt.
AIR
BAG
There is an air bag
readiness light on the
instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.
The system checks the air bag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells
you if there is an electrical
problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index
for more information.
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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 neces
san 1-
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,

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.
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Keys
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
Trunk
Theft
Passlock
TM
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Manual Transaxle Operation
Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle
Models Only) Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic
Transaxle Models Only) 2-3
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2-33
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2-35
2-35 2-43
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2-50
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Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle Only)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
Windows
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
Turn SignaUMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
Accessory Power Outlet
Garment Hook
Sunroof (If Equipped)
The Instrument Panel
--
Your Information System
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Theft Parking at Night
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Pontiac has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don’t do it.
When you park your Pontiac and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your
ignition.
If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your
key out also locks your transaxle. And remember to lock the doors. Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
e Then take the door key with you.
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Passlock TM
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system is
armed once the key is removed from the ignition. Passlock
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key.
If a correct key is not used, fuel is disabled,
During normal operation, the THEFT SYS light will go
off after the engine is started. If the engine stalls and the
THEFT SYS light flashes, wait until the light stops
flashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to
release the key from the START position as soon as the
engine starts. If you are driving and the THEFT
SYS
light comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if
you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock system
is not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this
time.
You may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses
and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). See your Pontiac
dealer for service.
If the THEFT SYS light comes on while the engine is
running,
a problem has been detected and the system
may need service. See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance
Center at 1-800-ROADSIB or 1-800-762-3743.
New Vehicle “Break-InSS
NOTICE:
Your modern Pontiac doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in,” But it will perform better in the long
run
if you follow these guidelines:
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Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts,
Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so, During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings,
Don’t tow
a trailer during break-in,
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
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Ignition Positions
A-
C
i
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the
switch to five positions.
ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is
off. To use
ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it
toward you. Your steering wheel will stay locked.
LOCK (B): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is
in LOCK. It’s also the only position
in which you can remove the key. This locks your steering
wheel, ignition and transaxle (on automatic models).
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel and
ignition, but does not send electrical power to any
accessories. Use this position if your vehicle must be
pushed or towed, but never try to push-start your
vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if you open the
driver’s door when the ignition is off and the key is in
the ignition.
RUN (D): This position is where the key returns after
you start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in the
RUN position when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can use
RUN to operate your electrical power accessories, and
to display some instrument panel warning lights.
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