1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM engine

Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance
of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added
to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
pegom these underhood
checks at each fielfill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL@
coolant
mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid
if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See
“Tires” in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
7-30

Starter Switch Check
A CAUTION:
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check (Automatic Transaxle)
!
- m
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
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Fdy apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
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.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service,
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and
try to start the engine. The starter should work only
when
the clutch is pushed down all the way to the
floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
I /i 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.

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.
With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to LOCK
only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to LOCK only when you press the key button.
On
all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
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
sure there is morn 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.
0 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.
7-33

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
an.d 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 into 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.
7-34

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
FLUIDLUBRICANT I
Engine Oil with the American
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 Havoline@
DEX-COOL’
Coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
USAGE
Delco Supreme 1 l@ Brake Fluid Hydraulic Brake
FLUIDLUBRICANT
equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
(GM
Part No. 12377967 or
System
Hydraulic Clutch
No. 12345347 or equivalent
System Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM
Part
DOT-3
Brake Fluid).
Power Steering
Superlube (GM
Part Cylinders Multi-Pygse
Lubricant,
Key
Lock Transmission Fluid.
Transaxle
DEXRON@-111 Automatic
Automatic
or equivalent).
(GM
Part No. 12345349
Transaxle Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
Manual
105001 7 - 1 quart, or equivalent).
Part NO. 1052884 - 1 pint,
System
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
7-36

USAGE FLUIDLUBRICANT
Manual lubricant meeting requirements
of Linkage
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or Transaxle Shift
Chassis Lubricant (GM Part
NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
Clutch Linkage
Pivot Points Engine Oil.
or equivalent.
(GM Part
No. 105 15 15) Washer Solvent
GM
Optikleen@ Washer Solvent Windshield
USAGE
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release Pawl
Hood and Door Hinges
Weatherstrip Conditioning
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Lubriplate@ Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part
No. 12346293 or
equivalent)
or lubricant meeting
requirements
of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Multi-Purgse Lubricant,
Superlube (GM
Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
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 DeW, 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:
$1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
CURRENT & 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: 1-800-782-4358
Wlonday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credii Card Orders Only (VlSA-MasterCarccr>ir)

Section 9 Index
Accessory Power outlet ......................... 2-50
Adapter Kit. CD ........................... 3.12. 3.15
Adding Equipment to Your Vehicle .................. 6-3
Adjuster. Seat ..................... ..... 1.2. 1.52
AirBag ....................................... 1-21
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-25
How it Works ................................ 1-23
Location .................................... 1-23
Readiness Light ......................... 1.23. 2.57
What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-25
What Will You See After it Inflates ............... 1-26
When Should
it Inflate ......................... 1-25
Aircleaner .................................... 6-19
Airconditioning ................................ 3-2
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-65
Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-48
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-55
Antenna. Fixed ................................. 3-25
Antifreeze ..................................... 6-25
Anti-Lock Servicing
................................... 1-27
Brake System Warning Light ................ 2.59. 4.7
Brakes ...................................... 4-7
Anti.Theft.
Radio .............................. 3-20
Appearancecare ............................... 6-50
Appearance Care Materials ....................... 6-57
ArbitrationPro gram .............................. 8-9
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-49
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel Touch Control ....... 3-22
Audio Equipment. Adding ......... 2.17.2.18.3.24. 6.59
Audio Systems ............ .................. 3-7
Auto-Down Window ............................ 2-33
Automatic Transaxle Check ....................... 7-31
Automatic Transaxle Park Mechanism Check ......... 7-33
Automatic Door Locks ............................ 2-5
Automatic Light Control ......................... 2-43
Automatic Overdrive ............................ 2-23
Automatic Transaxle ............................ 2-16
Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-16
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
........................ 6-20
Automatic Transaxle Operation .................... 2-21
Shifting ..................................... 2-21
Backing up When Towing a Trailer ............. 4-39
Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement ................. 6-40
Battery ....................................... 6-36
Charging System Indicator Light ................. 2-58
Jumpstarting ................................. 5-3
Replacement. Keyless Entry ..................... 2-9
Saver ...................................... 2-46
Warnings .................................... 5-3
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9
Before Leaving on a Long Trip .................... 4-23
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-9
9-1