1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE power steering

Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition switch, you can turn
the switch to five positions.
C
A E
ACCESSORY (A): In this position you can operate
your electrical power accessories. Press
in the ignition
switch as you turn the top of it toward you.
LOCK (B): The only position in which you can
remove the key.
This locks your steering wheel, ignition
and transaxle.
OFF' (C): Unlocks the steering wheel, ignition and
transaxle, 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 @): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in
RUN 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.
START (E): Starts the engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch will return to
RUN
for normal driving.
Note that even if
the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are on positions that allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
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NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using
a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch.
If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
Key Reminder Warning
If you leave your key in the ignition, in the OFF
position, you will hear a warning tone when you open
the driver’s door.
Retained Accessory Power (If Equipped)
If you have this option, after you turn the ignition off
and even remove the key, you will still have electrical
power
to such accessories as the radio and power
windows for up
to 10 minutes. Power is turned off if
you open a door.
Always leave your key in LOCK. If you leave your key
in any other position than LOCK, your battery will discharge prematurely.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a
safety feature.
To restart when you’re already moving,
use
NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your Pontiac is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to
PARK (P) only when your
vehicle
is stopped.
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Windows
Power Windows
Express-Down Window
When the driver’s window switch is held rearward for
more than
half a second, the window will lower
completely. The window can be opened
in smaller
amounts by pressing the switch rearward and releasing
it immediately.
To stop the window while it is lowering, press the
switch again, then release.
To raise the window, hold the
switch forward.
Horn
Nearly the entire surface of the center pad of the
steering wheel is
an active horn switch. Press anywhere
on the pad to sound the horn.
Switches on the driver’s door panel control each of the
windows
when the ignition is on or when retained
accessory power is active.
In addition, each passenger
door has
a control switch for its own window.
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v
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered w\
ith your vehicle. Be
sure to read about the particular systems supplied
with your vehicle.
3-2
3-5
3-6 3-6 3-8
3-8
3-9
3-9
3-9
3-
10
3-11
3-15
Comfort Controls Air Conditioning
Heating Ventilation System Defogging and Defrosting
Rear Window Defogger
Audio Systems Setting
the Clock for AM-FM Stereo
Setting the Clock for All Systems Except
AM-FM Stereo
AM-FM Stereo
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player
(If Equipped)
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and
Equalizer (If Equipped) 3-
18
3-21
3-24
3-26
3-27
3-27
3-28
3-29 3-29
3-30
3-30
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player
(If Equipped)
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and
Equalizer (If Equipped)
Theft-Deterrent Feature
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)
Understanding Radio Reception
Tips About Your Audio System
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
Care
of Your Compact Discs
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
Fixed Mast Antenna
Power Antenna Mast Care
3-1

To turn the system off, press
the
TRACTION
CONTROL button located
on the console next to the
gear
shift selector.
The traction control system warning light will come on
and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button, the warning light will come on --
but the system won’t turn off right away. It will wait
until there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.
You can
turn the system back on at any time by pressing
the button again. The traction control system warning
light should go
off.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you
can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Magnasteer TM
Your vehicle is equipped with GM Magnasteer m, a
steering system that continuously adjusts
the effort you
feel when steering at
all vehicle speeds. It provides ease
when parking, yet a
firm, solid feel at highway speeds.
Your steering can be adjusted for an easier or more firm
setting. See your dealer for information.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle.\
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.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-6
6-9
6-9
6-13
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6-40
Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your
Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine
Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Engine Coolant
Radiator Pressure Cap
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6-4 1
6-49
6-49
6-5
1
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6-54
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6-56
6-57
6-58
6-64
6-65
6-65 6-66
6-66
6-66
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Care
of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
(If Equipped)
Sheet Metal Damage
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Engine Specifications
Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts
Vehicle Dimensions
6-1

Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a
hot engine.
Radiator Pressure Cap
ICE:
~~~
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 Wa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located on the rear
passenger side
of the engine compartment.
6-26

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and
the top
of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up
to the mark.
What to Use
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Open the cap labeled WASHER
FLUID ONLY. Add
washer fluid
until the tank is full.
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