
Starter  Switch  Check 
A CAUTION: 
When  you  are  doing  this  check,  the  vehicle  could move  suddenly. 
If it  does,  you or others  could  be 
injured.  Follow  the  steps  below.  Brake-Transaxle  Shift  Interlock 
(BTSI) Check 
1. Before  you  start,  be  sure  you  have  enough  room 
2. Firmly  apply  both 
the parking  brake  (see  “Parking 
around  the  vehicle. 
Brake”  in  the  Index  if  necessary)  and  the 
regular brake. 
NOTE:  Do not  use  the  accelerator  pedal,  and  be 
ready  to  turn 
off the  engine  immediately  if  it  starts. 
should  work  only  in 
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If 
the starter  works  in  any  other  position,  your  vehicle 
needs  service. 
3. Try to  start  the engine  in  each  gear.  The starter 
I A CAUTION: 
When  you  are  doing  this  check,  the  vehicle  could 
move  suddenly.  If  it  does,  you 
or others  could  be 
injured.  Follow  the  steps  below. 
1. Before  you  start,  be  sure  you  have  enough  room  around  the  vehicle.  It should  be  parked  on 
a 
level  surface. 
2. Firmly apply  the  parking  brake (see “Parking  Brake” 
in  the  Index  if  necessary). 
NOTE: Be  ready  to  apply  the  regular  brake 
immediately  if the  vehicle  begins  to move. 
3. With  the  engine off, turn  the  key  to  the RUN 
position,  but  don’t  start  the engine.  Without  applying 
the  regular  brake, 
try to  move  the  shift  lever  out  of 
PARK 
(P) with  normal  effort.  If  the  shift  lever 
moves  out 
of PARK  (P),  your  vehicle’s  BTSI 
needs  service. 
7-33  

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. 
0 The key should  turn  to  LOCK  only  when  the shift 
lever  is in PARK (P). 
0 The  key  should  come  out only in LOCK. 
Parking Brake  and Automatic  Transaxle PARK (P) 
Mechanism  Check 
1 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 
l 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. 
0 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. 
7-34  

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 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  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 intw 
the  vehicle. See “Engine  Exhaust”  in  the  Index. 
Engine  Cooling  System  Inspection 
Inspect  the  hoses  and  have  them  replaced if they are 
cracked,  swollen  or  deteriorated.  Inspect all pipes, fittings 
and  clamps;  replace as needed. Clean  the  outside  of  the 
radiator  and 
air conditioning  condenser. To help  ensure 
proper  operation,  a  pressure  test  of  the  cooling  system  and 
pressure cap is recommended at least  once  a year. 
Throttle  System  Inspection 
Inspect  the  throttle  system  for interference  or  binding, 
and  for  damaged  or  missing 
parts. Replace  parts  as 
needed.  Replace  any  components  that  have  high  effort 
or  excessive  wear. 
Do not  lubricate  accelerator and 
cruise  control  cables. 
7-35  

Part D: Recommended  Fluids 
and  Lubricants 
NOTE: Fluids  and  lubricants  identified  below  by name, 
part number  or specification  may  be  obtained  from 
your  dealer. 
USAGE 
Engine  Oil 
Engine  Coolant 
FLUID/LUBRICANT 
Engine  Oil with  the  American 
1 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  Hwoline@  DEX-COOL@ 
Coolant.  See  “Engine  Coolant”  in 
1 the  Index. 
USAGE 
Hydraulic  Brake 
System 
Parking  Brake  Cable  Guides 
Power  Steering 
System 
Automatic 
Transaxle 
~  ~  ~~ 
Key  Lock 
Cylinders 
Supercharger 
FLUIDLUBRICANT 
Delco  Supreme 11 @ Brake Fluid 
(GM Part No. 12377967 or 
equivalent 
DOT-3 Brake  Fluid). 
Chassis  Lubricant  (GM 
Part 
No. 12377985 or  equivalent)  or 
lubricant  meeting  requirements  of 
NLGI 
# 2, Category  LB or 
GC-LB. 
GM  Power  Steering  Fluid  (GM 
Part No. 1052884 - 1 pint, 
1050017 - 1 quart,  or equivalent). 
DEXRON@-III Automatic 
Transmission  Fluid. 
Multi-Pu  ose  Lubricant, 
Superlube 
% (GM  Part 
No.  12346241 or equivalent). 
Supercharger  Oil  (GM  Part 
No. 12345982). See  “Supercharger 
Oil”  in  the Index. 
7-37  

1998 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION 
The  following  publications  covering  the  operation  and  servicing  \
of  your  vehicle  can  be  purchased  by  filling  out the  Service  Publication  Order  Form  in  this  book  and  mailing 
it in  with  your  check,  money  order, 
or  credit  card  information  to  Helm,  Incorporated  (address  below.) \
CURRENT  PUBLICATIONS  FOR 1998 PONTIAC 
SERVICE  MANUALS 
Service  Manuals  have the diagnosis  and  repair  information 
on  engines,  transmission,  axle,  suspension,  brakes, 
electrical,  steering,  body,  etc. 
RETAIL  SELL  PRICE: 
$90.00 
TRANSMISSION,  TRANSAXLE,  TRANSFER  CASE  UNIT  REPAIR  MANUAL 
This  manual  provides  information  on  unit  repair  service 
procedures,  adjustments  and specifications  for  the 
1998 GM transmissions,  transaxles  and  transfer  cases. 
RETAIL  SELL  PRICE: 
$40.00 
SERVICE  BULLETINS 
Service  Bulletins  give technical service  information  needed 
to  knowledgeably  service  General Motors cars and  trucks. 
Each  bulletin  contains  instructions to assist  in the 
diagnosis  and  service  of your  vehicle. 
PLEASE COMPLETE  THE  ORDER FORM SHOWN ON 
THE FOLLOWING  PAGE  AND  MAIL TO: 
Helm, Incorporated EO. Box 07130 0 Detroii, MI 48207 
OWNER’S  INFORMATION 
Owner  publications  are written  directly  for  Owners  and 
intended  to  provide  basic  operational information about  the 
vehicle.  The  owner’s  manual  will include  the Maintenance 
Schedule  for  all models. 
In-Portfolio:  Includes 
a Portfolio,  Owner’s Manual and 
Warranty  Booklet. 
RETAIL  SELL 
PRICE: $15.00 
Without Portfolio: Owner’s  Manual only. 
RETAIL  SELL  PRICE: 
$10.00 
CURRENT 4% PAST  MODEL  ORDER  FORMS 
Service  Publications  are available for  current  and  past 
model  GM vehicles. 
To request  an order  form,  please 
specify  year  and  model  name  of the  vehicle. 
OR  ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-78214356 
Monday-Friday 800 AM - 6:OO PM Eastern lime 
For Credit Cad Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)  

Section 9 Index 
Accessory Inflator ............................. 2-54 
Accessory  Power  Outlet 
.......................... 2-55 
Adjustable  Support  Seat 
........................... 1-3 
AirBag 
....................................... 1-18 
How  Does  it Restrain 
... .................. 1-22 
How 
it Works ................................ 1-20 
Location 
.................................... 1-20 
Readiness  Light 
......................... 1.20.  2.63 
Servicing 
................................... 1-24 
What  Makes  it Inflate 
.......................... 1-22 
What  Will 
You See  After  it  Inflates ............... 1-22 
When  Should  it Inflate 
......................... 1-22 
Air Cleaner .................................... 6- 17 
Airconditioning 
................................ 3-5 
Air Conditioning  Refrigerants ..................... 6-65 
Air  Control.  Climate  Control  System 
............. 3-2. 3-3 
Air  Inflator  System 
.............................. 2-54  Appearance  Care 
............................... 6-49 
Appearance  Care  Materials 
....................... 6-56 
Arbitration  Program 
.............................. 8-9 
Armrest.  Storage 
............................... 2-52 
Ashtrays 
...................................... 2-53 
Audio  Equipment.  Adding 
........................ 3-28 
Audio  Systems 
.................................. 3-9 
Automatic  Door  Locks 
............................ 2-5 
Automatic  Transaxle 
............................ 2-24 
Check 
.. : ................................... 7-32 
Fluid 
....................................... 6-20 
Operation 
................................... 2-24 
Overdrive 
................................... 2-26 
Park  Mechanism  Check ........................ 7-34 
Audio  Controls.  Steering  Wheel  Touch  Control 
....... 3-26 
Starting  Your Engine 
.......... ......... 2-21 
Alarm. Univ6rsal  Theft-Deterrent .................. 2- 16 
Alignment  and  Balance.  Tire 
...................... 6-47  Back-up  amp 2-79 
Aluminum  Wheels.  Cleaning 
...................... 6-54  Back-up  Lamp  Bulb  Replacement  6-37 
Antenna.  Fixed 
................................. 3-30  Battery  6-32 
Antenna.  Power 
................................ 3-30  Jumpstarting  5-3 
Antifreeze 
..................................... 6-23  Replacement.  Remote  Keyless  Entry  2-13 
Anti-Lock  Saver  2-48 
Brakes ...................................... 4-7  Warnings 5-3 
Anti-Lockout  Feature ............................ 2-9  BBB  Auto  Line  8-9 
............................... 
................. 
....................................... 
................................. 
.............. 
...................................... 
............................... Brake  System  Warning  Light .......... . . 2-66.  4-7  WarningLight  2-64 .................................... 
................................. 
9-1  

Belt.  Engine  Accessory .......................... 6-67 
Better  Business  Bureau  Mediation 
................... 8-9 
Blizzard.  Driving  In 
............................. 4-27 
Boost  Gage 
.................................... 2-74 
Adjustment 
.................................. 6-3  1 
Master  Cylinder 
.............................. 6-28 
Parking ..................................... 2-28 
Pedal  Travel 
................................. 6-3  1 
Replacing  System  Parts 
........................ 6-31 
System  Warning  Light 
......................... 2-65 
Trailer 
...................................... 4-35 
Transaxle 
Shift Interlock  Check ............. 2-32.  7-33 
Wear 
....................................... 6-30 
Brakes.Anti  -Lock ............................... 4-7 
Braking 
........................................ 4-6 
Braking  in  Emergencies 
.......................... 4-  10 
Break-In. 
New Vehicle .......................... 2-  19 
Brightness  Control 
.............................. 2-46 
BTSI  Check 
.............................. 2-32,  7-33 
Bulb  Replacement 
.............................. 6-32 
Brake 
Fluid 
....................................... 6-28 
Canadian  Roadside  Assistance 
.................... 8-7 
Capacities  and  Specifications 
...................... 6-65 
Carbon  Monoxide 
.......... 2.15.2.33.2.34.4.28.  4.34 
Cardholder 
.................................... 2-51 
Cassette  Deck  Service ........................... 7-31 
Cassette  Tape  Player 
....................... 3-13.  3-16 
Care 
....................................... 3-28 
Errors 
................................. 3-13,  3-16 
CD Player  Theft-Deterrent  Feature ................. 3-24  Center  Passenger  Position 
. . , ........ ..... 1-24 
CertificationLabel .............................. 4-30 
CertificationEire  Label 
.......................... 4-30 
Chains,  Safety 
................................. 4-35 
Chains,  Tire 
................................... 648 
Changing a Flat  Tire .............................. 5-25 
Check  Engine  Light 
............................. 2-68 
Check  Gages  Light 
.............................. 2-72 
Check  Gages  Messages 
.......................... 2-78 
Check  Oil  Level  Message 
........................ 2-78 
Check 
Oil Level  Warning  Light .................... 2-72 
Check  Washer  Fluid  Message 
..................... 2-78 
Checking 
Your Restraint  Systems .................. 1-49 
Chemical  Paint  Spotting 
.......................... 6-55 
Securing 
in the  Center  Rear  Seat  Position .......... 1-42 
ChildRestraints ................................ l-34 
Securing in a  Rear  Outside  Seat  Position ........... 1-40 
Securing 
in the  Right  Front  Seat  Position .......... 1-44 
TopStrap ................................... 1-39 
WheretoPut 
................................ l-38 
Chrome  Wheels,  Cleaning ........................ 6-54 
Cigarette  Lighter 
............................... 2-53 
Circuit  Breakers  and  Fuses 
....................... 6-59 
Cleaner, 
Air ................................... 6-17 
Cleaning  Aluminum  or  Chrome  Wheels 
................... 6-54 
Exterior  Lamps/Lenses 
........................ 6-53 
Fabric 
...................................... 6-50 
Glass 
....................................... 6-51 
Inside 
of Your Vehicle ......................... 6-49 
Instrument  Panel ............................. 6-51 
Interior  Plastic  Components 
..................... 6-51 
Leather 
..................................... 6-51 
9-2  

Outside of Your Vehicle ................ ... 6-52 
Special  Problems 
............................. 6-50 
Stains ...................................... 6-50 
Tires 
....................................... 6-54 
Vinyl 
....................................... 6-50 
Wheels 
..................................... 6-54 
Windshield  and  Wiper  Blades 
................... 6-52 
Climate  Control.  Standard 
......................... 3-2 
Climate  Control  System 
........................... 3-2 
Clock.  Setting  the 
................................ 3-9 
Comfortcontrols 
................................ 3-1 
Compact  Disc  Care 
............................. 3-29 
Compact  Disc  Player 
....................... 3-20,  3-22 
Care 
....................................... 3-29 
Errors 
................................. 3-20.  3-23 
Compact  Spare  Tire 
............................. 5-37 
Compass.  Electronic 
............................ 2-79 
Computer  Command  Ride 
........................ 2-28 
Console  Storage 
................................ 2-5 1 
Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 
Convenience  Net ............................... 2-52 
Convex  Outside  Mirror 
.......................... 2-50 
Coolant 
....................................... 6-23 
Heater.  Engine 
............................... 2-23 
RecoveryTank 
............................... 5- 19 
Coolant  Temperature  Gage 
....................... 2-68 
CoolingSystem 
................................ 5-17 
Courtesy  Transportation 
........................... 8-8 
CruiseControl ................................. 2-40 
Cupholder  Center  Console 
............................... 2-51 
Customer  Assistance  for  Text  Telephone  Users 
......... 8-5 
Door ....................................... 2-51  Customer  Assistance  Information 
................... 8-1 
Customer  Satisfaction  Procedure 
.................. 8-3 
Damage.  Finish 
............................... 6-55 
Damage.  Sheet  Metal 
............................ 6-54 
Daytime  Running  Lamps 
......................... 2-43 
Dead  Battery 
................................... 5-3 
Defects.  Reporting  Safety 
........................ 8-10 
Defensive  Driving ............................... 4-2 
Defogger.  Rear  Window 
.......................... 3-8 
Defogging 
..................................... 3-8 
Defrosting 
..................................... 3-8 
Delayed  Illumination ............................ 2-46 
Delayed  Locking 
................................ 2-7 
DIC 
.......................................... 2-77 
Dimensions.  Vehicle 
............................ 6-66 
Dolby 
B Noise  Reduction ................... 3-13.  3-17 
Door 
Ajar Message ................................ 2-78 
Locks ....................................... 2-4 
Drive  Position.  Automatic  Transaxle 
................ 2-26 
Driver  Information  Center 
........................ 2-77 
DriverPosition 
................................. 1-10 
Driving 
City 
........................................ 4-20 
Defensive 
.................................... 4-2 
Drunken 
..................................... 4-3 
Freeway 
.................................... 4-21 
InaBlizzard 
................................. 4-27 
In  Foreign  Countries 
........................... 6-5 
IntheRain 
.................................. 4-17 
OnCurves 
.................................. 4-10 
Night 
...................................... 4-15 
9-3