1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM wiper blades

Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk
with the wiper symbol on it up or down.
For a single wiper cycle, push the stalk down to
MIST, then release it. For more cycles, hold the stalk
down longer.
For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the
(1) position. For high-speed wiping, move the stalk up
further, to
(2). To stop the wipers, move the stalk
to OFF. Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely.
To avoid
damage, be sure to clear
ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your
blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow
or ice can overload your wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Controlled Cycle Wipers (If Equipped)
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain
or snow.
Move the stalk to DELAY, then rotate the inner band
and choose the delay you want. Rotate the inner band
up for shorter delay times between wiper cycles. Rotate
the band down for a longer delay time between
wiper cycles.
With controlled cycle wipers, you can also use
MIST for
a single wiper cycle.
2-37

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your
tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it
is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge
of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer
fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
4- 18

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:
0
0
0
0
0
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?
4-23

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver and pull the
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm.
blade assembly
off the wiper
arm.
For the proper type and size, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index.
Tires
Your new Pontiac comes with high-quality tires made
by a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have
questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details.
6b, CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result
of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
6-41

Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM
Part
No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on
interior glass.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals
on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later.
If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or
if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with
GM Windshield
Cleaner, Bon-Ami@ Powder (non-scratching glass
cleaning powder), GM Part
No. 1050011. The windshield
is clean if beads do not
form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
6-53

Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used.
If
you’re not sure, ask your Pontiac dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.4L .............
3100 .. I..
Engine Oil Filter
2.4L ...............
3100 ...........
Spark Plugs
2.4L .........
3100
I..
.......
. AC Type A-1233C
. AC Type A-1233C
. . AC Type PF-44
. . AC Type PF-47
....... AC Type 041-910
........... ACType.41-940
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52
mm)
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades (Pin Type)
Length ..................... 19 inches (48 cm)
Dimensions
.......
..I
Length
Coupe
... . . 186.9 inches (474.7 cm)
Sedan
.... . . 186.9 inches (474.7 cm)
Coupe
................. 74.1 inches (188.2 cm)
Sedan
.................. 74.1 inches (188.2 cm)
Coupe
..... . 53.3 inches (136.0 cm)
Sedan
...... . 53.3 inches (136.0 cm)
Coupe
... . 103.4 inches (262.7 cm)
Sedan
. ............... 103.4 inches (262.7 cm)
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Front Tread
Coupe
..... ........ 55.8 inches (141.7 cm)
Sedan
.... .......... 55.8 inches (141.7 cm)
Coupe
................ .55.3 inches (140.4 cm)
Sedan
. , . . __ ....... . 55. 3 inches (140.4 cm)
Rear Tread

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
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. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
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.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Manual Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.
See “Manual Transaxle” in the Index. Check for leaks.
A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.
See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair
if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in
Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, trunk lid,
glove box door and console door. Part
D tells you what
to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
7-42

Vinyl ....................................... 6-52
Wheels
...................................... 6-55
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-53
Climate Control System
........................... 3-2
Clock, Setting the
................................ 3-8
Clutch Fluid, Hydraulic
.......................... 6-23
Clutch, Hydraulic
............................... 6-23
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc Adapter Kit
................... 3-13, 3-16
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-26
Compact Disc Player
............................ 3 - 17
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-33
Control of a Vehicle
.............................. 4-6
Convenience Net
............................... 2-5 1
Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-48
Coolant
....................................... 6-24
Adding
................................ 5-18, 6-27
Checking
................................... 6-26
SurgeTank
.................................. 5-16
Climate Control System
with Air Conditioning
......... 3-3
Heater, Engine
........... ............... 2-19
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
....................... 6-28
Cooling System
................................ 5-16
Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-8
Cruise Control
................................. 2-39
Cupholder
..................................... 2- 50
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users
......... 8-5
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8-3
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-3
Damage, Finish
............................... 6-56
Damage, Sheet Metal
............................ 6-55
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-44 Dead Battery
................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
........................ 8-10
Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-6
Defrosting
..................................... 3-6
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-65
Dolby@ B Noise Reduction
.................. 3- 12. 3- 16
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement
.................... 6-40
DoorLocks
..................................... 2-4
Driver Position
................................. 1-13
Driving Backing Up When Towing
a Trailer .............. 4-39
City
........................................ 4-21
Defogging ..................................... 3-6
Defensive
.................................... 4-2 .
Drunken ..................................... 4-3
Following Distance when Towing a Trailer
......... 4-39
Freeway
.................................... 4-22
InaBlizzard
................................. 4-28
In Foreign Countries
............... ........ 6-4
IntheRain
.................................. 4-18
Making Turns When Towing a Trailer
............. 4-40
Night
...................................... 4-16
OnCurves
.................................. 4-11
On Grades While Towing a Trailer ............... 4-40
On Hill and Mountain Roads
.................... 4-24
On Snow and Ice
............................. 4-27
Passing When Towing a Trailer
.................. 4-39
Throughwater
............................... 4-20
WetRoads
.................................. 4-17
Winter
...................................... 4-26
With a Trailer
................................ 4-39
Drunken Driving
............................ 4-3
9-3