1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM oil level

Check Oil Light (If Equipped)
CHECK
OIL
If your vehicle is equipped
with the
3 100 engine, this
light should come on briefly
while you are starting your engine.
If the light does not
come on, have it repaired. If
the light comes on and stays on after starting your
vehicle, the oil level should
be checked.
Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has been shut off for several minutes and is on a level
surface. Check the oil level on the dipstick and bring it
to the proper level. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
NOTE: A false
CHECK OIL light may be generated
when parking on steep grades.
The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between key on and engine start.
It does not monitor engine oil level when the engine is
running. Additionally,
an oil level check is only
performed if the engine has been turned
off for a
considerable period
of time allowing the oil normally in
circulation
to drain back into the oil pan.
Passlock Warning Light
THEFT
SYS
This light will come on
briefly when you turn the
key toward the START
position. The light will stay
on until the engine starts.
If the light flashes, the Passlock system has entered a
tamper mode. If the vehicle fails to start, see “Passlock”
in the Index.
If the light comes on continuously while driving and
stays
on, there may be a problem with the Passlock
system. Your vehicle will not be protected by Passlock,
and
you should see your dealer.
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When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.

The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have
it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it. Here
are some things you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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/II CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.
The coolant level should be at or above
FULL COLD.
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in
the cooling system.
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your Pontiac. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
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6-34 Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Manual Transaxle Fluid
Hydraulic Clutch
Engine Coolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Thermostat
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
Battery Bulb
Replacement
Halogen Bulbs
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Pontiac
Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac
Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Cleaning Tires
Sheet Metal Damage
Finish Damage
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Dimensions
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6-50
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8
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Engine Oil
CHECK
OIL
If your Pontiac is equipped
with the
3100 engine, there is
a CHECK
OIL light in your .
instrument panel cluster.
If the
CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information, see “Check Oil
Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm
and the vehicle must be on level ground.
2.4L Engine
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1 Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
3100 Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on
the
2.4L engine is located at the rear of the engine. The
dipstick on the
3100 engine is located on the front of the
engine, behind the fan.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
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When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least
1 quart of oil. But you must use the right
kind.
This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged. 2.4L Engine
The 2.4L engine oil fill cap is located on the passenger’s
side of the engine compartment on the engine block.
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What Kind of Oil to Use
3100 Engine
The 3100 engine oil fill cap is on the front of the engine,
behind the radiator.
Just
fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through. Oils recommended
for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
pasoline engines.
I L,
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
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