1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM Owners Manual

Trunk Security Override
The remote trunk release is
equipped with
an override
feature
to help prevent
unauthorized
entry into the
trunk when leaving the
vehicle unattended. The
switch
is located on the
inside
of the trunk lid,
mounted to the
trunk
lid latch.
To turn the override feature on, slide the switch all the
way to the right.
To turn the override feature off, slide
the switch all the way to the left.
When the override is on, the mechanical remote
trunk
release will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk
lid can still be opened with the key.
This
lockout feature is only available on vehicles that do
not have the keyless entry system.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although
your vehicle 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 vehicle 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.
Parking at Night
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.
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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 key?
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If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.
Close all windows.
Slide the remote trunk release lockout switch all the
way to the right.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
Passlock@
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 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-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743.
(In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800).
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New Vehicle “Break-In”
NOTICE:
Your vehicle 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 nailer’’ in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
C
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.
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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 @): 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.
START (E): This position starts your 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.
On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the key to
LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in
a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision.
If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
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.
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Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)
The key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the
key release button is used.
To remove the key, turn the key to the OFF position.
While pressing the
key release button, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Pull the key straight out.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
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.
I 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.
Manual Transaxle
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N). Hold the
clutch pedal to
the floor and start the engine. Your
vehicle won’t
start if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down
-- that’s a safety feature.
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Starting Your 2.4 Liter Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key
to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine warms up.
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NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If the engine doesn’t start right away, and if the
weather is
very cold (below -20” F or -29” C),
push the accelerator pedal about one-quarter of the
way down while you
turn the key to START. Do this
until the engine starts. As soon as it does, let go of
the key.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops),
it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
a
maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline
from the engine. If the engine still won’t start
or starts briefly but then stops again, repeat step 1 or 2,
depending on temperature. When the engine starts,
release the key and the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle.
If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer.
If you don’t,
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
~ your engine might not perform properly.
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Starting Your 3100 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but then stops), it
could be
flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and
holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to 15 seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline
from the engine.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics
in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts
or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with
your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine
might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
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Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2.4L Engine
3100 Engine
In very cold weather, 0" F (- 18 O C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better
fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should
be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior
to starting your vehicle.
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